The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed claims that former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello’s renewed political activities could influence the outcome or pace of his ongoing criminal trials.
Speaking on Monday during the Arise News breakfast programme, the EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, said Bello’s involvement in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his declared senatorial ambition are irrelevant to the cases currently before the courts.
Uwujaren stated that Bello is facing charges bordering on fraud and money laundering and that the prosecution is proceeding strictly in line with judicial processes, without political interference.
According to him, the EFCC’s role is limited to presenting evidence and witnesses before the court, stressing that it is the judiciary not the commission that determines guilt or innocence.
“The trial is still ongoing. We are presenting witnesses and evidence. It is not the commission that will decide the matter; it is the court,” Uwujaren said.
He emphasized that the constitution guarantees the presumption of innocence to every defendant, noting that Bello is entitled to that right until a court delivers a verdict.
Uwujaren also rejected suggestions that the EFCC could be distracted or influenced by Bello’s political moves, insisting that the anti-graft agency does not operate in the political space.
“Whatever is happening to him with his party is party business. It has nothing to do with EFCC or the charges we have filed,” he said.
“Our responsibility to Nigerians is to diligently prosecute the charges before the court. We are not interested in politics.”
Bello is currently being prosecuted at both the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court and the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged fraud and money laundering. He is presently on bail.
In December 2025, the former governor announced his intention to contest for a senatorial seat.
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