EFCC Reaffirms Yahaya Bello’s Presumption of Innocence, Emphasizes Ongoing Court Trial and Impartial Prosecution

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has clarified that former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, remains innocent until proven guilty, stressing that the determination of his guilt or innocence rests solely with the court.

The Commission made this position clear amid ongoing speculation about Bello’s trial, noting that the prosecution process in Nigeria is deliberate and methodical, involving the presentation of evidence and witnesses before the judiciary.

Speaking on Monday during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show, EFCC Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwuajeren, explained that the commission is actively prosecuting the case, and the court will ultimately decide the outcome.

“One thing we need to understand how criminal prosecution works in Nigeria. It takes some time before you prove some of these challenges in court.

“Like, as I speak to you, the trial is still ongoing before the courts. We are presenting witnesses, we have presented evidence. It is not the commission that is going to decide the matter. It’s the court that will decide the matter.

“All we need to do is to follow the prosecution how is going on in the court, and ensure at the end of the day, both the prosecution and the defense get justice,” Uwuajeren said.

He further emphasized that under the Nigerian Constitution, anyone standing trial is presumed innocent until proven otherwise, noting that Bello’s position or treatment within his political party has no bearing on the charges before the court.

“But having said that, Yaya Bello, as we speak, is under trial, but the Constitution presumes that anyone who is under trial to be innocent until that case is proven.

“So whatever is happening to him within his party, that is the party affairs. It has nothing to do with the EFCC. It has nothing to do with the charge that we are filed before the court,” he stated.

Uwuajeren stressed that the EFCC remains committed to faithful and impartial prosecution, underscoring that the commission is not influenced by political considerations.

“So the responsibility that we owe Nigeria is to be faithful to the charges that we have filed against him in the court, and we are prosecuting those charges religiously.

“Nothing has happened, nothing has gone amiss in terms of that and we are committed to doing that. In terms of Yaya Bello, whatever the party does to him, that is the party’s business.

“EFCC is not a political party. We are not interested in politics. EFCC is a law enforcement organization, and we are enforcing the law, so to speak,” he added.

The EFCC’s statement comes as the trial of Yahaya Bello continues, highlighting the commission’s focus on upholding due process, ensuring justice for both the prosecution and the defence, and maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s legal system.