Several civil society organizations (CSOs) have criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its alleged anti-democratic methods in dealing with former Kogi governor, Yahaya Bello. The groups also decried what they termed the unfair use of state power by the Federal Government.
This criticism follows an EFCC notice declaring Bello wanted in connection with an alleged money laundering case amounting to N80.2bn. The former governor has been placed on the Nigerian Immigration Service’s watch list, and all police personnel previously assigned to him have been withdrawn by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Over 120 CSOs, along with their members and supporters, took to the streets of Lagos on Saturday to voice their concerns over the ongoing dispute between the EFCC and Bello. The press conference was led by various activists including Debo Adeniran of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, Sina Loremikan from Campaign Against Impunity, Declan Ihekhaire of Activists for Good Governance, and others.
Adeniran emphasized that the EFCC had not issued an invitation letter to Bello. He stated, “Someone who was never invited and has a valid court order preventing his arrest and harassment cannot be said to be evading arrest. Labeling him as such is a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and turn them against the governor.”
Adeniran further warned the Federal Government against undermining the rule of law. “If the FG persists in disregarding our judicial system, we will mobilize a larger segment of Nigerians for this pro-democracy campaign. This affects every Nigerian because anyone could be the next victim,” he added.
The activist urged the government to respect all court orders before taking legal actions and to vacate them through the proper legal channels. He cautioned, “Endangering anyone’s life unnecessarily, as we believe Bello’s situation to be, may lead to serious consequences for all Nigerians.”
Gbenga Soloki, another lead activist, criticized the government’s decision to involve the military in a civil case. “If the FG insists on military involvement in a citizen’s case, they should formally return power to the military, signaling a return to military rule,” Soloki remarked.
