The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has publicly clarified its position on the ongoing trial of former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, stating he is considered innocent until a competent court finds him guilty.
EFCC Director Explains Legal Process
EFCC Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, made this assertion during an appearance on Arise TV on January 5, 2026. He emphasized that the commission's role is to diligently prosecute the case by presenting witnesses and evidence, while the final verdict rests solely with the judiciary.
Uwujaren explained that criminal prosecution in Nigeria is a detailed process that requires time. "One thing we need to understand is how criminal prosecution works in Nigeria. It takes some time before you prove some of these issues in court," he stated.
Constitutional Presumption of Innocence
The EFCC spokesman stressed that the Nigerian Constitution presumes any person standing trial innocent until proven guilty. He noted that this legal principle applies to Yahaya Bello, whose trial is still ongoing.
"Yahaya Bello, as we speak, is under trial, but the Constitution presumes that anyone under trial is innocent until proven guilty," Uwujaren reiterated.
EFCC Distances Itself from Party Politics
Uwujaren firmly stated that the commission has no interest in the internal affairs of any political party. He clarified that Bello's status or treatment within his political party has no bearing on the charges filed against him.
"Whatever the party does to Yahaya Bello is the party's business. EFCC is not a political party. We are not interested in politics. We are a law enforcement agency, and we are enforcing the law," he declared.
The Director reaffirmed the commission's commitment to ensuring justice for both the prosecution and the defence, adding that nothing has gone amiss in the handling of the matter.
Background of the Case
Recall that the EFCC had declared Yahaya Bello wanted on April 18, 2024, in connection with an alleged case of money laundering involving a sum of N80,246,470,089.88 (Eighty Billion, Two Hundred and Forty-Six Million, Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand, Eighty-Nine Naira, Eighty-Eight Kobo).
Despite being declared wanted, the former governor has been seen attending public functions. The EFCC maintains its focus is strictly on the legal process, not on political developments surrounding the accused.
Uwujaren concluded by stating the commission's responsibility is to be faithful to the charges filed and to prosecute them diligently, assuring Nigerians of their commitment to due process.
