EFCC’s Tactics Under Fire: Arewa Young Lawyers Forum Defends Yahaya Bello

Sandra Ukeredi

The Arewa Young Lawyers Forum (AYLF) has strongly condemned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) handling of the corruption allegations against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

According to Abubakar Kurawa, Esq., President of AYLF, the EFCC’s actions constitute a deliberate attempt to create unnecessary controversy and harm the commission’s reputation. The EFCC’s establishment statute empowers it to investigate financial crimes, not convict suspects.

The AYLF noted that the EFCC has overstepped its bounds by convicting Yahaya Bello in the public eye, rather than following the law and allowing the courts to adjudicate. This is a clear violation of the principle of presumption of innocence.

On September 19, Yahaya Bello voluntarily presented himself for questioning at the EFCC headquarters. However, the commission surprisingly claimed to have no questions for him. This sudden change raises questions about the EFCC’s true intentions.

Later that evening, EFCC operatives arrived at the Kogi State Governor’s residence, shooting sporadically and claiming they were there to arrest Bello. This dramatic turn of events has sparked widespread concern.

The AYLF emphasized that every citizen has the right to a fair hearing and that innocence must be presumed until proven otherwise in a competent court of law. The forum urged the EFCC to respect this fundamental right.

With the matter pending before the court, the AYLF stressed that the EFCC should allow the court to give its judgment, rather than engaging in headline-grabbing tactics. This is essential to upholding the rule of law and protecting Nigeria’s democracy.

The AYLF’s stance is clear: the EFCC must operate within the bounds of the law and respect the rights of all citizens. The forum called on the commission to focus on meaningful investigations rather than media trials.

Ultimately, the AYLF’s intervention highlights the need for accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts. By upholding the rule of law and protecting individual rights, the country can ensure a fair and just society for all.