The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called on former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to focus on defending himself against allegations of financial misconduct rather than portraying himself as a victim of political persecution.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, the EFCC insisted that Bello should prioritize clearing his name in court, where he faces an 18-count charge of money laundering.
The Commission expressed frustration over the former governor’s continuous attempts to disrupt the legal process, accusing him of employing diversionary tactics to avoid standing trial.
According to the EFCC, Bello’s claim that he was targeted for assassination following efforts to arrest him at the Kogi State Governor’s Lodge is both “preposterous” and “unfounded.”
“It is outrageous for Yahaya Bello to insinuate that he was a target of a phantom assassination attempt because the EFCC sought to apprehend him,” the statement read.
“Such baseless accusations are nothing more than a cheap attempt at sensationalism, designed to distract from the real issue – the charges he must answer in court.”
The Commission maintained that Bello’s failure to present himself before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, where the charges against him have been filed, is unacceptable.
They warned that despite his legal team’s undertakings to produce him in court, Bello continues to evade justice.
The EFCC highlighted that Bello’s actions, including a well-publicized appearance at the Commission’s headquarters on September 18, were mere stunts intended to manipulate public perception.
Despite his media spectacle, Bello has yet to formally take a plea in the alleged N80.2 billion money laundering case filed against him.
The EFCC noted that, while his September 18th appearance garnered significant media attention, Bello’s decision to arrive with a large entourage, including security personnel, was a calculated move to intimidate rather than cooperate with the law.
“His grandstanding, media blitz, and unwarranted display of power were orchestrated to create confusion and delay the legal process,” the EFCC noted.
“We are eager to engage the former governor in court, where the evidence we have painstakingly gathered will be presented, and justice will be served.”
As a responsible anti-graft agency, the EFCC is sensitive to public opinions, especially if they are in tandem with its operational codes and Standard Operating Procedures.
“However, no hysteria, blackmail, sentiment or coordinated attacks in some section of the media would make the Commission compromise its integrity. Yahaya Bello’s matter cannot define the success or failure of the works of the EFCC, as the scorecard of the Commission is remarkable and undeniably impressive.
“The EFCC is not unaware of the fact that corruption fights back. Bello must have his day in court, no matter the recourse to blackmail, appeal to emotive public sympathy or acts of brigandage.
“Within the year, the Commission had arraigned three former ministers, two ex-governors, several top government officials, captains of industries, internet fraudsters and many more would be arraigned in due course. Every former governor, minister, head of ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs being investigated by the Commission would soon be charged to court.
“The EFCC is not running a circus show. Corruption issues should not be turned into a theatre of the absurd. Those who harbor a criminal suspect should know that the act is also a criminal offence which is also punishable in law.
“While the EFCC is assuring the public of its unfaltering focus and commitment to continue to tackle every issue of economic and financial crime without fear or favour, there is need to remind Nigerians that corruption does fight back and caution and restraint should always be exercised in responding to the operational mechanics and dynamics of the Commission. The EFCC would continue with its no sacred cow policy, no matter whose ox is gored.”
