The Save Nigeria Coalition, a renowned anti-corruption group, has criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over its handling of the prosecution of the former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello.
The group alleged that the EFCC’s actions were a “shameful outing” and a “media trial” that suggested a predetermined outcome.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Dr. Felicia Eneh Daniel, the group’s Country Director, said the EFCC’s failure to detain Bello after he voluntarily presented himself for questioning raises questions about the agency’s intentions.
The Save Nigeria Coalition questioned the EFCC’s perceived selective prosecution.
Daniel said: “There is nowhere in the civilized world where a law enforcement agency will allow a wanted man who voluntarily presented himself to its operational headquarters and spent Four gruelling hours with operatives of the agency to go without immediately detaining the person and asking critical questions that will enable swift and thorough prosecution of such suspects.
“The actions of the EFCC last week when Yahaya Bello, whom the agency had previously declared wanted and invited even the Interpol to assist in bringing to justice, voluntarily presented himself for questioning and prosecution, in line with the extant laws, suggests that what the agency wants is beyondnd legal prosecution of Yahaya Bello and that there is a hidden agenda that the EFCC and its handlers are yet to lead Nigerians into.
“It is appalling that the anti graft agency will now resort to writing barefaced lies and making up irreconcilable blunders in its desperate attempt to nail Yahaya Bello on the media and destroy a man who has not been convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction despite having legal representation, as allowed by the law, in all the hearings.
“It is also intriguing that the EFCC will attempt to play on the sensibilities of Nigerians that the agency has no sacred cows and will spare no one in it’s efforts to rid the country and its institutions of financial improprieties.”
The Save Nigeria Coalition, therefore, called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure the EFCC follows due process, warning that selective prosecution will undermine the country’s democratic credentials.
They urged Nigerians to stand up for the rule of law and demand accountability from the EFCC.
Daniel added: “We call on Mr. President to intervene and call the EFCC to order as this unacceptable act of singling out a perceived political enemy for persecution, if allowed, will become a big dent to his tall democratic credentials.
“While we do not hold briefs for anybody, our group takes seriously, cases of corruption and believes in imbibing international best practices in making leaders accountable for their actions. The current kill-him-at-all-cost strategy by the EFCC in this current case involving Yahaya Bello is crude and unknown to our laws.”
