Former Nigerian Ambassador to Botswana, Isaac Onuh, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to cease what he describes as a “macabre dance” against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday in Lokoja, Onuh criticized the EFCC’s handling of alleged money laundering charges against Bello, labelling it a “witch-hunt taken too far.”
Onuh, a key figure in the All Progressives Congress, questioned the EFCC’s lack of substantial evidence against Bello, stating, “His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, deserves respect and decorum from government agencies, including the EFCC, having served the state diligently and honourably for eight years.”
He noted that Kogi’s anti-corruption commission, established by the State Assembly, had consistently cleared Bello’s administration of financial misconduct.
Highlighting Nigeria’s federal structure, Onuh emphasized the autonomy of state entities, protected by the 1999 Constitution, and urged federal agencies like the EFCC to respect this autonomy.
He further argued that the EFCC overstepped its mandate by publicly declaring Bello wanted, adding that its recent “commando-style” operations aimed at Kogi officials appeared intended to embarrass the former governor.
The legal standoff escalated as the EFCC requested a Federal High Court in Abuja to allow Bello’s trial in absentia; however, the court deferred a ruling on the matter until January 21, 2025.
This development follows Bello’s counsel, Michael Adoyi, asserting that the former governor’s arraignment is currently under appeal at the Supreme Court, suggesting the trial should wait until a decision is reached.
Onuh appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that the EFCC, led by Chairman Ola Olukoyede, respects the rule of law, underscoring Nigeria’s international reputation.
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