The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stated that former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello remains innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
The Commission emphasized that Bello’s trial is ongoing and that the responsibility for determining his guilt or innocence lies solely with the judiciary, not the EFCC.
Speaking Monday during an appearance on Arise Television’s *Morning Show*, the EFCC Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, explained that criminal prosecution in Nigeria is a rigorous process involving the formal presentation of evidence and witnesses.
Uwujaren noted that the EFCC is currently presenting its case and remains committed to the legal process. He reminded the public that under the Nigerian Constitution, any individual standing trial is presumed innocent until a final verdict is reached.
He further clarified that Bello’s standing within his political party has no bearing on the criminal charges filed against him.
“One thing we need to understand is how criminal prosecution works in Nigeria,” Uwujaren said. “It takes time to prove these charges in court. As I speak to you, the trial is ongoing. We are presenting witnesses and evidence. It is not the Commission that will decide the matter; it is the court.”
He continued: “The Constitution presumes that anyone under trial is innocent until the case is proven. Whatever is happening to him within his party is a party affair; it has nothing to do with the EFCC or the charges we have filed. Our responsibility to Nigeria is to be faithful to the prosecution, and we are handling those charges religiously.”
Addressing concerns regarding political interference, Uwujaren reaffirmed that the Commission remains neutral.
“EFCC is not a political party. We are not interested in politics,” he said. “We are a law enforcement organization, and we are focused on enforcing the law. Our goal is to ensure that, at the end of the day, both the prosecution and the defense receive justice.”
