Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed claims that former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello’s recent political engagements within All Progressives Congress (APC) could influence the pace or result of his ongoing court cases.
Gatekeepers News reports that EFCC Director of Public Affairs Wilson Uwujaren spoke on Monday during an appearance on Arise News, stressing that Bello’s declared intention to run for a senatorial seat and other party activities are separate from the charges he is facing.
Bello is standing trial at Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court and Federal High Court in Abuja on allegations of fraud and money laundering, with the commission presenting witnesses and evidence as part of the prosecution’s case.
Uwujaren emphasised that the judicial system, not the EFCC, will decide Bello’s guilt or innocence, pointing out that the constitution guarantees that anyone on trial is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
He said, “It will take some time before you prove some of these charges in court. As I speak to you, the trial (referring to Bello’s) is still ongoing before the court.”
“We are presenting witnesses and evidence. It is not the commission that will decide the matter. It is the court. … The constitution presumes that anyone who is under trial is presumed innocent until that case is proven.”
Addressing perceptions that EFCC might be influenced by Bello’s political ambitions, he noted, “Whatever is happening to him (Bello) with his party, that is party affairs. It has nothing to do with EFCC.”
“It has nothing to do with the charge that we have filed. … EFCC is not a political party. We are not interested in politics. We have nothing to do with what happens in the political realm.”
Sources say the trial involves extensive evidence, with previous hearings featuring bank compliance officers testifying on alleged suspicious withdrawals linked to a separate N110.4 billion fraud case, underscoring the complexity and length of these proceedings.
Bello remains on bail as the courts continue to consider the charges, with some hearings previously adjourned for continuation into later sessions.
