The Coalition of Anti-Corruption Organisation salutes former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello for voluntarily honouring the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) invitation and submitting himself to the anti-graft agency.
The Coalition views this as a positive step towards resolving the stalemate in the case.
In a statement on Wednesday, Comrade Debo Adeniran, the Executive Chairman of the Center for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL), and Comrade Olufemi Lawson, Spokesperson for the Coalition of Anti-Corruption Organizations, emphasized the importance of professionalism, fairness, and respect for the rights of the defendant in the EFCC’s handling of the case.
While expressing full support for the EFCC’s mandate to investigate and prosecute corruption, the Coalition urged the Commission to conduct the case without bias or political persecution.
It highlighted the need for the EFCC to avoid actions that could be perceived as attempts to humiliate or harass Mr. Bello, such as public parading or the release of mug shots.
The coalition stressed the principle of innocence until proven guilty and called for a speedy, transparent, and fair trial for the former governor.
They emphasized the importance of following due process and ensuring that the legal proceedings are conducted in accordance with the rule of law.
According to the Coalition, its support for Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies remained unshaken.
It urged the EFCC operatives to continue their work with a focus on justice and fairness.
They called for the EFCC to proceed with the trial without unnecessary delays, upholding the principles of justice and integrity throughout the process.
