Fresh Fraud Charges: “EFCC Desperate to Execute Hatchet Job for Unknown Interests” – Yahaya Bello

Former Kogi State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, through his media office, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of pursuing a political vendetta driven by undisclosed interests. The accusation, made in a statement signed by his media director, Ohiare Michael, suggested that the EFCC is conducting a “hatchet job” aimed at tarnishing the former governor’s reputation under the guise of fighting corruption.

The statement, issued late Wednesday, criticized the EFCC’s handling of the ongoing money laundering case against Bello. According to the media office, the EFCC has committed “operational and procedural blunders,” demonstrating its alleged intent to humiliate the ex-governor rather than adhering to due process. The former governor’s camp accused the commission of harboring ulterior motives, particularly in its focus on Kogi State and Bello.

Highlighting a series of events, the statement referenced Bello’s voluntary appearance at the EFCC office last week. The media team noted that despite spending four hours there, he was neither interrogated nor detained. Hours later, EFCC operatives reportedly stormed the Kogi State Government Lodge in an attempt to arrest him.

“If the EFCC was truly interested in prosecuting the former governor and not fulfilling a political agenda, why didn’t they arrest him on the day he willingly presented himself?” Ohiare asked in the statement.

The media office further questioned the anti-graft agency’s motives, emphasizing that Bello is ready to face justice but only through the proper legal process. “His Excellency will have his day in court, but it must be under the rule of law, not under the EFCC’s terms,” it said.

The statement also condemned what it described as “rogue-style” press releases by the EFCC, alleging that the commission was trying to save face after missteps in its handling of the case. Additionally, the media office accused EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, of either fighting a personal battle or acting on behalf of political adversaries of the former governor.

Calling for President Bola Tinubu’s intervention, Bello’s team urged a thorough investigation into the EFCC’s actions against the former governor, hinting at a selective and politically motivated application of the agency’s powers.

The Kogi State House of Assembly, along with several Nigerians, was commended for speaking out on the issue, with Bello’s media team reiterating that the former governor remains innocent until proven guilty.