THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reaffirmed that former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, remains innocent of all fraud allegations until proven guilty by a competent court of law, stressing that his trial is still ongoing.
The anti-graft agency made this clarification amid public debate and political reactions surrounding Bello’s prosecution, insisting that it is the exclusive responsibility of the judiciary not the EFCC to determine guilt or innocence.
Speaking on Monday during an appearance on ARISE News’ “The Morning Show” monitored by News Point Nigeria, the EFCC Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwuajeren, explained that criminal prosecution in Nigeria is a meticulous process that requires time, evidence, and the testimony of witnesses before a court can reach a verdict.
According to Uwuajeren, the commission is currently actively prosecuting the case, presenting witnesses and documentary evidence as required by law, while the final outcome remains in the hands of the court.
“One thing we need to understand is how criminal prosecution works in Nigeria. It takes some time before you prove some of these issues in court. As I speak to you, the trial is still ongoing before the courts,” he said.
Uwuajeren emphasized that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees the presumption of innocence for any individual standing trial, including Bello, until a court rules otherwise.
He added that any internal actions or decisions taken against Bello by his political party have no connection whatsoever with the EFCC or the charges filed against him.
“Yahaya Bello, as we speak, is under trial, but the Constitution presumes that anyone under trial is innocent until proven guilty. So whatever is happening to him within his party is purely party affairs. It has nothing to do with the EFCC or the charges we have filed before the court,” Uwuajeren stated.
The EFCC spokesperson further stressed that the commission has no interest in party politics, noting that its mandate is strictly limited to law enforcement and the diligent prosecution of corruption-related cases.
“Whatever the party does to Yahaya Bello is the party’s business. EFCC is not a political party. We are not interested in politics. We are a law enforcement agency, and we are enforcing the law,” he said.
Uwuajeren reassured Nigerians that the EFCC remains committed to ensuring fairness, transparency, and justice for both the prosecution and the defence throughout the trial process.
“We are presenting witnesses, we have presented evidence. It is not the commission that is going to decide the matter; it is the court that will decide the matter,” he explained.
“All we need to do is to follow the prosecution as it is going on in court and ensure that, at the end of the day, both the prosecution and the defence get justice.”
He concluded by insisting that nothing has gone amiss in the handling of the case and that the EFCC will continue to prosecute the charges responsibly and in line with the rule of law.