The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has stressed that former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, remains innocent until a competent court delivers a verdict on the charges against him.
The anti-graft agency said Bello’s trial is still ongoing, insisting that it is not within the EFCC’s powers to determine guilt or innocence, but solely the responsibility of the court.
Speaking on Monday during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show, the EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr Wilson Uwuajeren, explained that criminal prosecution in Nigeria is often a lengthy process that requires the presentation of witnesses and documentary evidence before the court.
Uwuajeren said the commission is currently prosecuting the case by leading witnesses and tendering evidence, adding that the final outcome would be determined by the judiciary.
According to him, the Nigerian Constitution clearly provides that any person standing trial is presumed innocent until proven guilty, noting that Bello’s standing or challenges within his political party have no bearing on the charges filed against him.
“The trial is still ongoing before the court. We are presenting witnesses and evidence. It is not the EFCC that will decide the matter; it is the court that will do so,” he said.
He further clarified that the EFCC has no interest in party politics and is strictly focused on enforcing the law and diligently prosecuting cases before the courts.
“Whatever is happening to him within his party is purely a party affair. It has nothing to do with the EFCC or the charges filed before the court,” Uwuajeren stated.
The EFCC spokesman reiterated the commission’s commitment to ensuring that justice is served to both the prosecution and the defence, stressing that the agency remains faithful to the charges it has filed.
“We are committed to prosecuting the charges religiously. Nothing has gone amiss. Our responsibility to Nigerians is to follow the due process of law and ensure that justice is done,” he added.
Bello, a former governor of Kogi State, is currently facing trial over allegations bordering on financial crimes, which he has denied.
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