Reacting to the recent declaration of Yahaya Bello as wanted by the EFCC in separate releases the AYCF President General Yerima Shettima and the Chairman of the NEN Suleiman Abba noted that the fact that the EFCC has already charged Bello to court warrants that they show restraint and allow the law to take its due course as it presumes the conclusion of investigations.
According to Shettima, with this development, Bello no longer has anything to do with the EFCC and he only needs to appear in court on the next adjourned date or when he is served with the court processes.
“If EFCC believes in justice, and the judiciary and the court system, this is not the way to handle the matter. Besides, the charge sheet was from 2015 and was amended to 2016. Three weeks when Bello came into the office, you can see that something is fishing, which no one can say exactly what is happening,” Shettima said.
The AYCF said it is indeed curious that the EFCC is presenting Yahaya Bello as someone who is running from investigation and prosecution, especially considering the lack of concrete evidence to support such claims.
For Suleiman,” it is in the courtroom where his fate will be decided, and where his innocence or guilt will be determined based on the evidence presented and the arguments made by both sides therefore called on the EFCC to respect the rule of law and await the judgment from the Court of Appeal before taking any further action against Yahaya Bello.
“We urge the EFCC to exercise restraint and adhere to the legal process in dealing with the case of Yahaya Bello. We must uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their status or position. Let us work together to ensure that justice is served and that our democracy remains strong and resilient.
“Recall that Bello’s residence was invaded and thereafter declared wanted, and he has been placed on a watchlist, all without any indication as to whether or not he was ever invited by the EFCC for questioning.
AYCF averred that “In the interest of transparency and fairness, the EFCC must provide the public with the necessary information regarding Bello’s alleged evasion of investigation. This includes releasing the invitation letter sent to Bello, detailing the date it was received and who received it. By doing so, the EFCC can ensure that all parties involved are aware of the facts and can make informed judgments based on concrete evidence.
“It is crucial for law enforcement agencies to operate with the utmost integrity and accountability. This includes providing accurate and timely information to the public, especially in high-profile cases such as this. By releasing the invitation letter to Yahaya Bello, the EFCC can demonstrate its commitment to upholding the rule of law and promoting transparency in its investigations,” Shettima said.
The AYCF is calling on the EFCC to respect the principles of justice, fairness, and due process. Targeting individuals for political reasons or personal vendettas undermines the credibility of the anti-corruption fight in Nigeria. Shettima stressed that if the EFCC truly believes in the judiciary and the court system, it must allow the legal process to unfold without unnecessary interference or intimidation.
The AYCF is urging the EFCC to reconsider their approach in handling the case of Yahaya Bello. The continued harassment and persecution of individuals, especially those in positions of authority, erode public trust in the fight against corruption.
“It is essential that the EFCC operates within the confines of the law and respects the rights of all individuals, including those under investigation. Let us uphold the rule of law and ensure that justice is served without bias or prejudice”, the AYCF said.
