₦110bn Fraud: EFCC Says Yahaya Bello Remains Innocent Until Proven Guilty

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reiterated that former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is presumed innocent of the alleged ₦110 billion fraud until a court of law delivers a verdict.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Bello is currently standing trial alongside two Kogi State officials, Abdulsalami Hudu and Umar Oricha, over a 16-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust involving ₦110.4 billion.

Speaking on The Morning Show on Arise News, the EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwuajeren, explained that the case is still before the court and that it is not within the Commission’s powers to determine guilt or innocence.

Uwuajeren noted that criminal trials in Nigeria require time, as prosecutors must present witnesses and documentary evidence in line with due process.

He also distanced the anti-graft agency from political considerations, stressing that Bello’s position or treatment within his political party has no relevance to the EFCC’s mandate.

According to him, the Commission remains apolitical and is solely focused on prosecuting the case in accordance with the law.

Uwuajeren stressed that the EFCC is committed to ensuring fairness for both the prosecution and the defence.

He said that while Bello is facing trial, the Constitution guarantees the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. Consequently, any actions taken by Bello’s political party are purely internal matters and do not concern the EFCC.

He added that the Commission’s duty to Nigerians is to pursue the charges diligently and transparently, insisting that nothing has derailed the prosecution process.

“The EFCC is not a political party and has no interest in politics. We are a law enforcement agency, and our responsibility is to enforce the law,” Uwuajeren concluded.