“Yahaya Bello Remains Innocent Until Proven Guilty” — EFCC Tells Nigerians

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reiterated that Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi State, remains innocent of fraud allegations until a court of law decides otherwise.

The Commission said the case against Bello is still before the court and that only the judiciary has the authority to determine guilt or innocence.

Speaking on Monday during an appearance on The Morning Show on Arise News, EFCC Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwuajeren, explained that criminal trials in Nigeria require time due to the need for witness testimony and presentation of evidence.

Uwuajeren said the EFCC is actively prosecuting the case by calling witnesses and tendering evidence, stressing that the final judgment rests entirely with the court.

He added that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the presumption of innocence for anyone on trial, noting that Bello’s position or treatment within his political party has no connection to the charges filed against him.

According to Uwuajeren, the EFCC is not involved in party politics and remains focused solely on carrying out its legal responsibilities.

He further stated that the Commission is committed to ensuring fairness to both the prosecution and the defence and that the case has been handled in line with due process.

“As we speak, the trial is ongoing. We are presenting witnesses and evidence. It is not the EFCC that will decide the outcome; that responsibility lies with the court,” Uwuajeren said.

He emphasized that developments within Bello’s political party are internal matters that do not affect the EFCC’s work.

“Our duty to Nigerians is to prosecute the charges we have filed diligently. Nothing has gone wrong in this process, and we remain committed to justice,” he said.

Uwuajeren concluded by restating that the EFCC is a law enforcement agency, not a political body, and that its role is strictly to enforce the law.