The Save Nigeria Initiative has raised concerns over what it describes as a politically motivated media trial and persecution of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). In a press statement issued by Dr. Abayomi Arabambi, Convener of the group, the organization accused the EFCC of subjecting Bello to unnecessary humiliation and called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene.
Speaking to the press, Dr. Arabambi highlighted what he termed a “melodrama” unfolding between the anti-corruption agency and the former governor. According to the group, despite being declared wanted by the EFCC, Governor Bello voluntarily appeared at the commission’s office, only to be dismissed without interrogation.
The group questioned the EFCC’s decision not to take Bello into custody for questioning, especially after he showed up at their office. “If someone you declare wanted presents themselves to your headquarters, is it not expected that they should be interrogated?” Arabambi asked.
The group also criticized the EFCC for citing Bello’s “fanfare” arrival as a reason for not arresting him. “This excuse is absolutely unacceptable and nonsensical,” the statement read. They drew parallels to former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose’s 2018 appearance at the EFCC in a similarly public manner, without any such issues arising.
The Save Nigeria Initiative further alleged that the EFCC’s actions were part of a larger conspiracy by political foes of Bello. The group also took issue with remarks from EFCC spokespersons about the presence of the current Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, at the commission’s office, stating that Ododo, as the custodian of state funds, had every right to be there.
“Nigerians have lost confidence in the EFCC, as it appears they are executing a script written by Yahaya Bello’s political enemies,” Arabambi said, adding that the anti-corruption body’s inconsistent behavior welcoming Bello to their office only to launch a nighttime raid at the governor’s lodge amounted to a political witch hunt.
The group also expressed concern over reports of EFCC operatives firing shots in an attempt to apprehend Bello later that night. “This can only be interpreted as an attempt to assassinate the former governor under the guise of fighting corruption,” the statement claimed.
The Save Nigeria Initiative called the entire scenario a hatched plot and a continuation of selective justice, accusing the EFCC of disregarding due process by attempting to try Bello outside the jurisdiction of Kogi State, as mandated by a Supreme Court ruling.
“Governor Yahaya Bello has never been a fugitive from justice,” Arabambi said, noting that Bello had made multiple appearances in court through his lawyers. The group also dismissed allegations that Bello was running from the law, citing his ongoing legal engagements.
In a final note, the Save Nigeria Initiative questioned the credibility of the EFCC, accusing the agency of internal corruption and lack of proper oversight. “The EFCC under its current leadership must clean house, or it risks becoming a disgrace to the anti-corruption fight,” Arabambi warned.
The group concluded by calling on President Tinubu to take urgent action and rein in the EFCC before it “completely loses the confidence of the Nigerian public.”
Dr. Abayomi Arabambi
Convener, Save Nigeria Initiative
Abuja
