Stop Witch-hunting Yahaya Bello, Groups Tell EFCC

The Northern Emancipation Network (NEN) has condemned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for what it calls a witch hunt against the former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.

In a statement yesterday, the NEN chairman, Suleiman Abbah, expressed concern over the ongoing intimidation and harassment of the former governor.

The group pointed out that the original charge against Yahaya Bello alleges his involvement in a conspiracy to convert funds belonging to the Kogi State Government.

However, the NEN highlights that this offense is said to have occurred in September 2015, before Bello even assumed office as governor.

The NEN group argues that accusing him of a crime that occurred before he held the position is illogical and baseless emphasising that Governor Bello had no financial dealings with the Kogi State Government prior to his appointment, raising doubts about the validity of these allegations.

Similarly, the Yoruba Youth Council advised the EFCC to leave Bello alone in peace in view of what it described as his outstanding performance in office.

In a statement by its national president, Comrade Eric Oluwole, the council said in view of the state government’s declarations, the anti-graft body should beam its searchlight elsewhere and leave Bello alone.

The group further alleged a desperation to nail the ex-governor. Oluwole recalled the strings of outstanding achievements recorded by Bello, especially the newly established University in Okun Kingdom, the Yoruba-speaking part of Kogi State, the first of its type in the state.