In the midst of legal proceedings surrounding the warrant of arrest issued against former Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello, and the subsequent restraining order from the Kogi State High Court, a coalition comprising anti-corruption groups, spearheaded by the Anti-Corruption and Research-Based Data Initiative (ARDI), has called upon the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to adhere strictly to due process in its prosecution of the former governor.
Yahaya Bello is currently under investigation for the alleged embezzlement of N80.2 billion.
On Tuesday, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court mandated the EFCC to serve money laundering charges against the former governor through his legal representative, Abdulwahab Mohammed. Justice Nwite, citing section 382(4) and (5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), further directed Mr. Mohammed, who had declared an unconditional appearance for Bello, to accept service on behalf of the defendant.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Mr. Nwabueze Anyanwu, the Publicity Director of ARDI, representing the coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), emphasized their close monitoring of the ongoing dispute between the EFCC and Bello, particularly highlighted by the recent raid on his private residence in Abuja.
The coalition’s primary concern revolves around ensuring that both parties operate within the bounds of the Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to avoid tarnishing the integrity of the anti-corruption efforts and exacerbating political tensions.
Highlighting a perceived disparity in treatment, the coalition noted the absence of customary investigative procedures extended to Bello by the EFCC. They underscored the necessity for the EFCC to extend invitations for cooperation before resorting to drastic actions, such as the aforementioned raid.
Moreover, the coalition criticized the EFCC’s actions as a disregard for a standing court order prohibiting the arrest of Bello, pending the resolution of an ongoing appeal. They argued that such actions contravene the principles of respect for court orders and the rule of law.
Additionally, the coalition raised doubts regarding the consistency and substantiation of allegations against Bello, particularly concerning the purported embezzlement of N80.2 billion. They questioned the timeline of events, highlighting discrepancies in the EFCC’s allegations and the lack of concrete evidence presented.
Ultimately, the coalition called for transparency and adherence to due process in the EFCC’s prosecution of Yahaya Bello, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law and safeguarding fundamental rights throughout legal proceedings.
