Kogi Group Allege EFCC Persecution of Former Governor Yahaya Bello »

Vows to Leverage State’s Strategic Importance to Amplify Response

The Forum of Amalgamated Unions of Concerned Kogi Citizens has voiced strong opposition to what they allege is the persecution of former Governor Yahaya Bello by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The forum, a coalition of civil society organizations, associations, and youth groups, has accused the anti-graft agency of engaging in politically motivated actions against Bello, citing his rise to political prominence as the reason for the scrutiny.

Speaking at a World Press Conference held in Lokoja on Monday, the forum’s spokesperson who is also the Chairman, Nigerian Middle-Belt Forum, Mr. Mike Ehimoni, said the recent incident that occurred on September 18, 2024, when EFCC deployed armed personnel to the Kogi governor’s lodge in Asokoro and engaging in what they called a “night siege”, in a bid to arrest Bello despite Bello having earlier honored an invitation to the EFCC office was embarrassing.

The forum expressed deep concerns over the alleged witch-hunt, stating that Bello’s rise to power without a political godfather and his subsequent tenure as governor may have upset certain interests. According to them, the EFCC’s actions are part of a larger scheme aimed at undermining the former governor’s legacy and his role in Kogi State’s political landscape.

The forum vowed to utilize the state’s strategic importance within Nigeria to amplify their response to the perceived injustices. “Kogi State is central in Nigeria’s geopolitical framework, and we will leverage this strategic position to ensure that our voices are heard, and that no political vendetta will go unchallenged,” the group emphasized.

Detailing the istory of allegations and EFCC’s Errors, the group narrated a series of incidents involving the EFCC, starting with the 2021 claim that N20 billion meant for Kogi workers had been diverted. They noted that both Sterling Bank and the Kogi State Government refuted these allegations, and the case was eventually withdrawn. They also stressed what they called the EFCC’s “blunder” in accusing Bello of misappropriating N80 billion in September 2015, a time before he assumed office as governor. “The charge was later amended, but the forum believes the EFCC’s actions were driven by ulterior motives”, he added.

The forum further accused the EFCC of practicing selective justice, comparing Bello’s case to those of other former governors, including Nyesome Wike and Bello Matawalle, who were not pursued as aggressively despite facing similar allegations. They emphasized that Kogi Governor, Usman Ododo has never accused Bello of diverting state funds, yet the EFCC continues to target him.

The group also raised concerns over the EFCC’s disregard for a court ruling that restrained it from arresting Bello earlier this year, alleging that the agency obtained a counter injunction to continue its pursuit.

The forum appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene, asserting that Bello played a significant role in securing the APC’s presidential primary election, which they claim was crucial to Tinubu’s victory. They called for a fair and professional approach to Bello’s prosecution and warned that the people of Kogi might be forced to “make a statement” if the persecution continues.

The forum made a strong demand for the EFCC to stop what they described as harassment and intimidation of Yahaya Bello and the people of Kogi State. The forum urged that the former governor be treated with the same dignity afforded to other Nigerian leaders.