‘Yahaya Bello Remains Innocent Until Proven Guilty’, EFCC Declares

• The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has reaffirmed that former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello remains innocent until proven guilty.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stated that former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is presumed innocent until a court of law proves otherwise, amid public reactions to his declaration to contest the Kogi Central senatorial seat in 2027.

The Commission clarified that Bello’s trial is still ongoing and that it is not the responsibility of the EFCC to pronounce guilt or innocence, but that of the court.

Bello is currently facing prosecution before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, over alleged diversion and misappropriation of Kogi State funds amounting to ₦80.2 billion during his tenure as governor.

Speaking on Monday during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show, the EFCC Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwuajeren, explained that criminal prosecution in Nigeria is a gradual process that requires the presentation of witnesses and evidence before the court.

According to Uwuajeren, the EFCC is actively prosecuting the case and has been presenting evidence and witnesses, but the final decision rests solely with the judiciary.

He emphasised that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the presumption of innocence for anyone standing trial, noting that Bello’s political ambitions or standing within his party have no bearing on the charges against him.

“The EFCC has no interest in party politics and is only focused on faithfully prosecuting the charges before the court,” Uwuajeren said.

He added that the Commission remains committed to ensuring justice for both the prosecution and the defence, stressing that nothing has gone amiss in the handling of the case.

“One thing we need to understand is how criminal prosecution works in Nigeria. It takes time. As I speak to you, the trial is still ongoing before the court,” he said.

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Uwuajeren reiterated that it is not the EFCC’s role to determine the outcome of the case. “We are presenting witnesses and evidence. It is the court that will decide the matter,” he stated.

He further clarified that any developments within Bello’s political party are purely internal affairs and unrelated to the EFCC’s prosecution.

“EFCC is not a political party. We are a law enforcement agency, and our responsibility is to faithfully prosecute the charges we have filed before the court,” he said.