EFCC Reaffirms Yahaya Bello Innocent Until Proven Guilty, Court To Decide Outcome
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stressed that former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello remains innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
The commission’s statement comes amid public debate over Bello’s announcement to contest the Kogi Central senatorial seat in 2027. He is currently standing trial before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, over allegations of misappropriating ₦80.2 billion of Kogi State funds during his tenure as governor.
Speaking on Monday during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show, EFCC Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwuajeren, explained that criminal prosecutions in Nigeria require time, involving the presentation of evidence and witnesses before the court. He emphasized that the outcome of Bello’s trial is entirely for the judiciary to determine.
“The trial is ongoing. We are presenting witnesses and evidence, but it is not the commission that will decide the matter — the court will,” Uwuajeren said. “Our responsibility is to prosecute the charges faithfully and ensure that both the prosecution and the defense receive justice.”
He further noted that the Nigerian Constitution presumes anyone standing trial to be innocent until proven guilty, adding that Bello’s standing within his political party is separate from the charges before the court.
“Whatever is happening within his party is the party’s business. EFCC is not a political party; we are focused solely on enforcing the law. Nothing has gone wrong in the handling of this case, and we remain committed to ensuring justice,” Uwuajeren said.
The EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to prosecuting the case diligently while reiterating that Bello’s legal innocence remains intact until the court delivers a verdict.
