Kogiflame
The Media Office of the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has leveled serious allegations against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), claiming the agency is “desperate to execute a hatchet job for unknown interests.”
In a statement released on Wednesday night, signed by its Director, Ohiare Michael, the Media Office accused the EFCC of attempting to tarnish Bello’s image for political reasons.
The allegations follow the initiation of a money laundering case against him, which his office claims has been marked by operational blunders and a lack of due process.
The statement described the EFCC’s communication from the same day, titled “Yahaya Bello Must Have His Day in Court,” as “a face-saving but badly scripted statement.”
According to Bello’s team, the agency’s fixation on Kogi State and the former governor raises questions about its motives.
The statement pointed out that while the former governor voluntarily submitted to questioning at EFCC headquarters, he was neither interrogated nor detained, which they see as evidence of the agency’s ulterior motives.
“If the EFCC was truly interested in prosecution and not a deal by some unknown persons to humiliate the former governor and probably harm him for political reasons, would the agency not have taken him in on that day with a view to arraigning him in court on the next adjourned date?” Ohiare questioned.
He added that the agency’s actions were turning a serious allegation into an embarrassment for the country.
The Media Office urged Nigerians to consider what the EFCC genuinely wants from Bello, emphasizing that he remains innocent until proven guilty in a competent court.
Ohiare criticized the EFCC for what he characterized as a deterioration in its credibility, noting that the agency is now producing press releases “in rogue styles to satisfy the hirers of the gun.”
He implored the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to reconsider the agency’s approach, suggesting that self-appraisal is necessary to repair its image rather than continue dragging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s name into disrepute.
The former governor’s office claimed that despite the EFCC being a statutory body, it has displayed a blatant disregard for the rule of law, often ignoring valid court orders in cases concerning its perceived adversaries while complying with those favoring their allies.
The statement also highlighted the irony that, despite declaring Bello wanted, the EFCC allowed him to leave after four hours of voluntary questioning.
Furthermore, the statement noted that former Governor Yahaya Bello has consistently acted within the framework of the law, employing legal representation to protect his rights.
