Godsent Ogbebor
EFCC says Yahaya Bello remains innocent as N80.2bn trial continues
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has said former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, remains innocent in the eyes of the law despite his ongoing trial over alleged fraud amounting to N80.2 billion.
The commission said the case against the former governor is still before the Federal High Court in Abuja and that only the court has the power to determine guilt or innocence at the end of the trial.
The EFCC was reacting to public debates following Bello’s recent expression of interest in contesting the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in 2027, while facing prosecution over alleged diversion and misappropriation of state funds during his time as governor.
Speaking on Monday during an appearance on a television programme, the EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwuajeren, explained that criminal trials in Nigeria are often lengthy and require the careful presentation of witnesses and documentary evidence before a judge.
Read also: Ex-Governor Yahaya Bello Remanded in Kuje Prison Over N110bn Money Laundering Case
He said the commission is currently presenting its case before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, stressing that the trial process is ongoing and has not been concluded.
Uwuajeren noted that under the Nigerian Constitution, any individual standing trial is presumed innocent until a court delivers a final judgment, adding that Bello’s political plans or party affiliation do not affect the charges brought against him.
He maintained that the EFCC is not concerned with party politics and is focused solely on prosecuting the case in line with the law, while ensuring fairness to both the prosecution and the defence.
According to him, the commission’s responsibility is to present evidence before the court, not to pronounce guilt, insisting that nothing improper has occurred in the handling of the matter.
Bello is standing trial over allegations that he diverted and misappropriated Kogi State funds while serving as governor, an accusation he has denied.
