The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has reacted to public debate surrounding the ongoing ₦80.2 billion case involving former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
According to the anti-graft agency, Yahaya Bello remains innocent in the eyes of the law until a court delivers a final verdict.
It stressed that the matter is still before the Federal High Court and has not been concluded.
The EFCC made this clarification following growing criticism over Bello’s reported plan to contest the Kogi Central senatorial seat in 2027. The development had triggered fresh public attention on his trial.
Bello is currently facing prosecution over allegations linked to the diversion and mismanagement of Kogi State funds while he served as governor.
The charge is before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja.
Speaking during a television interview on Monday, the EFCC Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwuajeren, said the Commission does not determine guilt. He explained that criminal trials take time and follow due process.
According to him, the EFCC is only responsible for presenting evidence and witnesses before the court. He added that judgment rests solely with the judiciary.
Uwuajeren stated that the Commission is actively prosecuting the case and following all legal procedures. He noted that nothing unusual has occurred in the handling of the trial so far.
He also pointed to constitutional provisions that protect individuals standing trial. He said Bello’s political ambitions or standing within his party have no bearing on the case before the court.
According to Uwuajeren, “The EFCC has no interest in party politics and is only focused on faithfully prosecuting the charges before the court.”
He further said the agency remains committed to fairness for both sides in the case. He insisted that the prosecution is being carried out diligently and without interference.
He said:
“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.
“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.
“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.”
The EFCC’s statement appears aimed at calming public tension and separating legal proceedings from political activities.
Recall, Politics Nigeria had earlier reported the arraignment of Yahaya Bello over the alleged ₦80.2 billion fraud shortly after the end of his tenure as governor.
The case has since continued with multiple court appearances as the trial progresses.