The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reiterated that former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, remains innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
The clarification follows public debate over reports that Bello is considering contesting the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in 2027, despite currently facing corruption charges.
Bello is standing trial before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, over alleged diversion and misappropriation of ₦80.2 billion in Kogi State funds during his tenure as governor.
Speaking on Monday on ARISE Television’s Morning Show, the EFCC Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwuajeren, said the ongoing trial does not amount to a conviction.
He explained that criminal prosecution in Nigeria is a gradual legal process that requires the presentation of witnesses and evidence, with the court alone empowered to determine guilt or innocence.
“The trial is still ongoing before the court. We are presenting witnesses and evidence. It is not the EFCC that will decide the matter; it is the court,” Uwuajeren said.
He stressed that the 1999 Constitution guarantees the presumption of innocence for anyone standing trial, regardless of public opinion or political developments.
“As we speak, Yahaya Bello is under trial, but the Constitution presumes anyone under trial to be innocent until proven guilty,” he stated.
Uwuajeren added that Bello’s political ambitions or position within his party have no connection to the charges brought against him by the Commission.
“Whatever happens to him within his party is strictly party business and has nothing to do with the EFCC,” he said.
He further emphasised that the anti-graft agency has no interest in partisan politics and remains focused solely on law enforcement.
“The EFCC is not a political party. We are not interested in politics. We are a law enforcement agency, and our responsibility is to faithfully prosecute the charges before the court,” he said.
Based on a review of court proceedings, charge sheets and publicly available filings — using media archives and legal tracking tools commonly employed by court reporters — the case remains at the evidentiary stage.
Uwuajeren reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to due process, insisting that both the prosecution and the defence are being afforded fair hearing.
“Nothing has gone amiss in the prosecution of this matter. We are committed to ensuring that justice is served in accordance with the law,” he added.
