The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has issued a strong rebuke against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its handling of the high-profile case involving former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello.
HURIWA expressed deep dissatisfaction with the confusion and mixed signals surrounding Bello’s visit to the EFCC headquarters, condemning the agency’s lack of clarity, coordination, and seriousness in addressing the matter.
In a media statement, HURIWA observed that Yahaya Bello, who has been declared wanted by the EFCC for alleged involvement in an N80.2 billion money laundering case, reportedly paid a visit to the agency’s office in Abuja.
However, conflicting reports from the EFCC and the former governor’s media team have muddled the situation, raising questions about the agency’s competence and the integrity of its anti-corruption efforts.
According to the Yahaya Bello Media Office, the former governor’s visit was voluntary and a result of consultation with his legal and political associates. Ohiare Michael, the Director of the Media Office, described the visit as an act of respect for the rule of law, stating that Bello had not been interrogated by EFCC officials and had been informed that he was free to leave shortly after his arrival.
Michael emphasized that Bello’s decision to visit the EFCC was a personal move aimed at clearing his name, noting that the former governor had always respected the jurisdiction of the courts and had legal representation in all related proceedings.
However, this narrative was sharply contested by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale. Oyewale categorically denied that Bello was ever in the agency’s custody, insisting that the former governor remains wanted.
He pointed out that there is still a subsisting warrant for Bello’s arrest and questioned the former governor’s claims of responding to an invitation from the EFCC.
Oyewale further emphasized that there was no official record of Bello being detained or questioned by the EFCC during the reported visit.
In light of these contradictory reports, HURIWA has launched a scathing critique of the EFCC’s handling of the situation, describing it as a “charade” and calling for immediate reforms within the agency.
The human rights group argued that the confusion surrounding Yahaya Bello’s case exemplifies the broader dysfunction within Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions, which it believes have become increasingly entangled in political theatrics rather than focusing on the actual business of combating graft.
“This hide-and-seek game with Yahaya Bello is nothing short of a coordinated farce and an unpardonable gimmick,” HURIWA said in a statement. “It is absolutely unacceptable.
The EFCC must stop this charade and get serious with the enforcement of Nigeria’s anti-graft laws, or else the entire management must be uprooted if the country is to have any hope of waging a decisive war on corruption.”
HURIWA further expressed outrage over the fact that while individuals accused of internet fraud are publicly paraded as if they’ve already been convicted, someone accused of embezzling public funds on such an enormous scale is treated with far more leniency.
“How is it that those accused of internet fraud are paraded in front of the media as if they’ve already been found guilty, while someone facing accusations involving billions of Kogi State’s resources can move around freely, resembling a superstar like Beyoncé preparing for a concert? This glaring double standard must be addressed,” HURIWA remarked.
The human rights organization warned that allowing such leniency could have far-reaching consequences, eroding public trust in Nigeria’s ability to fight corruption effectively.
HURIWA questioned the seriousness of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in tackling corruption, especially when the EFCC, under his leadership, continues to mishandle cases involving high-profile individuals such as Yahaya Bello.
“This issue is not just about Yahaya Bello—it speaks to the very heart of Nigeria’s commitment to fighting corruption under President Tinubu’s leadership. If high-profile figures like Yahaya Bello can evade accountability while flaunting their wealth and status, it sends a dangerous signal to the rest of the country that corruption is acceptable, particularly for the political elite,” HURIWA added.
The rights group went on to call for immediate and decisive action from President Tinubu and the leadership of the EFCC to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts. HURIWA urged the President to ensure that his administration’s anti-corruption campaign is not reduced to mere rhetoric, but backed by meaningful actions that can demonstrate a genuine commitment to enforcing the law.
“The spectacle currently playing out cannot be allowed to continue if Nigeria is serious about fighting corruption. The EFCC must act swiftly and decisively, or else its credibility will be irreparably damaged. President Tinubu’s commitment to fighting corruption must be seen in action, not just words,” HURIWA concluded.
Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko
National Coordinator,
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA)
September 19, 2024
