A press statement issued by the Centre for Human and Socio-economic Rights (CHSR) on Friday, signed by its President, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, frowned on the position of the Kogi State Assembly, during its plenary on Monday, September 23, 2024, condemning EFCC’s siege on the Kogi State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, in an attempt to arrest Bello last Wednesday.
The Centre for Human and Socio-economic Rights (CHSR) has berated the Kogi State Assembly for opposing attempts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest the state's former governor, Yahaya Bello, for alleged corruption.
A press statement issued by the Centre for Human and Socio-economic Rights (CHSR) on Friday, signed by its President, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, frowned on the position of the Kogi State Assembly, during its plenary on Monday, September 23, 2024, condemning EFCC’s siege on the Kogi State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, in an attempt to arrest Bello last Wednesday.
It said, “The lawmakers accused the anti-graft agency of attempting to assassinate both former and incumbent Governor Usman Ododo by allegedly firing gunshots during the attempt to arrest Bello in Abuja.
“We strongly condemn such an unpatriotic move by the State Assembly which is supposed to be the voice of both the rich and poor people of Kogi State. In fact, Kogi State government ought to have constituted panel of enquiry to look into Yahaya Bello government’s regime.
“The EFCC as a creation of the National Assembly is saddled with the responsibility to investigate and enforce all economic and financial crimes laws in Nigeria. This is exactly what they have done by filing case against the former governor before a court of competent jurisdiction, so why the hullabaloo?
“The Court of Appeal, sitting in Abuja on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 ordered former governor Yahaya Adoza Bello to present himself before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, for arraignment before any further action could be undertaken in his case.
“The ruling was part of a unanimous judgment of the Appeal Court Justices, delivered by Hon Justice I.K. Amadi in the appeal filed by J. S. Okutepa, SAN on behalf of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, against the judgment of Justice Isah Abdullahi Jamil of the Kogi State High Court in the fundamental right case filed by Bello in February 2024 in relation to his prosecution by the Commission.
“The Appeal Court Justices further held that the freeing of Yahaya Bello from EFCC’s prosecution by Justice Jamil of the Kogi State High Court ‘under the guise of enforcing his fundamental rights was scandalous,’ noting that ‘it is very clear that the purpose of the case instituted at the trial court was to shield the respondent Yahaya Bello from his criminal trial’.
“CHSR believed and convinced beyond any doubt that the continued defiance of court orders not only undermines the integrity of the judiciary but also erodes public trust in our law enforcement agencies.
“The security men (Nigeria Police Force and DSS) attached to the incumbent Governor of Kogi State Usman Ododo are on daily basis being used to prevent arrest of Yahaya Bello so as to avert justice. The Inspector General of Police and Director of State Security Services should intervene to fulfill their constitutional duties and ensure that justice prevails.”
It also urged the EFCC to investigate allegations of bribery and corruption involving Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky and Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) officials.
A viral audio recording posted by popular influencer Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, which allegedly features Bobrisky confessing to bribing EFCC officials with N15 million to evade incarceration has recently generated controversy.
Reacting, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had ordered a thorough investigation into the matter.
The organisation called on the EFCC to conduct a sincere investigation into the issue and ensure all officers involved ultimately face the wrath of the law.
The group wrote: “Of particular note, our attention has been drawn to the duo of Mr Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye alias Bobrisky and former Governor Mr Yahaya Bello case. While we appreciate and give kudos to the prompt reaction of EFCC chairman in constituting an investigation team to look into the merits and demerits of the whistleblower VeryDarkMan of N15 million bribery allegations against men and officers of the EFCC.
“The investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, should determine whether or not there was any financial inducement by Bobrisky or anyone on his behalf in exchange for the dropping of money laundering charges against him. Any person found complicit must face the full weight of the law.
“As an organization, we urge the EFCC leadership for an open, sincere and thorough investigation. The case must not be swept under the carpet so that Nigerians can see and know that the agency is not and will not condone corruption within the ranks of its working staff. Any culpable officers must be brought to justice to serve as deterrent to others.”