Former Nigerian Ambassador to Botswana, Isaac Onuh, has criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its approach in the alleged money laundering case involving Yahaya Bello, the ex-Governor of Kogi State.
Speaking at a news briefing on Friday in Lokoja, Onuh labeled the EFCC's handling of the case as a “regrettable witch-hunt.”
Onuh, a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress, appealed to the EFCC to put an end to what he termed a “macabre dance” against the former governor under the guise of anti-corruption efforts.
“The EFCC has yet to present substantial evidence to back its claims of financial misconduct against him,” Onuh asserted, adding, “His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, who served Kogi State with dedication for eight years, deserves respect from federal institutions like the EFCC.”
He pointed out that the Kogi State House of Assembly had established a state-level anti-corruption agency, which repeatedly cleared Bello's administration of any wrongdoing during his tenure.
Onuh continued, “The EFCC’s actions, especially through media portrayals, reveal a misuse of its powers, contributing to public embarrassment for the former governor, whose tenure was acknowledged by international financial bodies for prudently managing state resources.”
He further stressed that Nigeria’s federal structure provides for autonomy of state governments, a principle enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, and called on federal agencies, including the EFCC, to respect the self-governing powers of states like Kogi.
Additionally, he highlighted that Kogi’s anti-corruption commission had continually validated Bello’s record, noting, “The State Anti-Corruption Commission, established by Kogi’s House of Assembly, repeatedly awarded Bello’s administration a clean slate over his eight years in office.”
Onuh also rebuked the EFCC’s decision to declare Bello wanted, describing it as exceeding their lawful jurisdiction.
He recalled an incident where, rather than meeting with Governor Bello and the current Kogi State Governor, Ododo, at the EFCC headquarters, EFCC officials opted for a “commando-style operation” at Kogi State’s liaison office in Abuja, which Onuh suggested was intended to embarrass the former governor.
Expressing concern that the alleged harassment had gone on for too long, Onuh urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to guide the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, toward actions that align with Nigeria’s laws and preserve the country's international image.
This development comes as the EFCC recently petitioned a Federal High Court in Abuja to proceed with Bello’s trial in his absence.
However, the court postponed its decision on the request until January 21, 2025. During a previous session on September 25, Bello’s counsel, Michael Adoyi, argued that the trial should await the outcome of a pending appeal before the Supreme Court, with Appeal Numbers “SC/CR/847/2024” and “SC/CR/848/2024.”
He advised against further steps until the Supreme Court's ruling to prevent undermining its authority.
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