Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja, Nigeria — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reiterated that former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello remains innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, emphasising that his ongoing legal battle over allegations of corruption should not be conflated with public opinion or his current political activities. The clarification coincides with Bello’s declared intention to contest the Kogi Central senatorial seat in the 2027 elections, a move that has intensified public discourse around his prosecution.
EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwuajeren, made the position clear during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show, stressing that the commission’s role is to prosecute based on evidence — not to declare guilt — and that only a competent court has the authority to make that determination. “The trial is still ongoing before the court… it is not the Commission that will decide the matter; it is the court,” he said, underscoring the constitutional principle of presumption of innocence.
Bello is currently being prosecuted before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on charges alleging diversion and misappropriation of ₦80.2 billion in public funds during his tenure as governor. The EFCC’s clarification comes amid public reactions to the former governor’s political ambitions, with some critics arguing his political engagement should affect perceptions of his culpability. The anti‑graft agency dismissed those suggestions, reaffirming that political involvement is irrelevant to the legal process and that its mandate is to present witnesses and evidence in court.
Under Nigerian law, defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court ruling. Uwuajeren emphasised this point in explaining that the prosecution and defence must both be afforded justice through due process. “The Constitution presumes that anyone who is under trial is presumed innocent until that case is proven,” he stated, reminding the public that the judiciary alone decides guilt or innocence.
Observers note that the EFCC’s remarks follow a wave of commentary on Bello’s political profile, particularly his intention to compete for elective office despite facing charges. The agency clarified that neither his status in the All Progressives Congress (APC) nor his political moves will influence the legal process, which will remain squarely within the judicial domain.
Legal experts have highlighted that reaffirming the presumption of innocence is critical in high‑profile cases, especially where political undertones and public opinion risk shaping narratives before a court concludes its work. The EFCC’s statement aimed to reinforce this legal safeguard, encouraging respect for the rule of law and urging accurate reporting on the matter.
As proceedings continue, the Federal High Court is expected to hear further testimony and review evidence presented by the EFCC, with the outcome only to be determined through judicial adjudication. The case remains a focal point in conversations about anti‑corruption enforcement, political rights, and the intersection of governance and accountability in Nigeria.
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