According to the report from the Punch, Renowned chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dele Momodu, has raised concerns over the recent handling of the case involving the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
During an Instagram Live show, Momodu expressed his criticism of the EFCC's approach, suggesting that the commission had made missteps in its prosecution of Bello. Momodu advised the EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to carry out his duties meticulously and professionally to avoid such errors in the future.
Referring to the EFCC's allegations against Bello, Momodu pointed out discrepancies in the information provided by the commission, questioning the accuracy and thoroughness of their investigation. He highlighted instances where he believed due diligence was not properly conducted before making accusations against the former governor.
In response to the allegations of money laundering and unauthorized withdrawals made by the EFCC against Bello, Momodu emphasized the importance of verifying facts before taking legal action. He criticized the rush to judgment by the EFCC, pointing out inconsistencies in their claims, particularly regarding the payment of exorbitant sums of money for school fees.
Momodu also addressed the issue of bias in the judicial system, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law despite any personal or political affiliations. He underscored the need for transparency and accountability in legal proceedings, urging authorities to conduct thorough investigations before making accusations that could tarnish an individual's reputation.“When you said a man took out the money and paid for his children’s school fees, just as he was about to leave power, and you go and check the documents and you see that these things started happening from 2021, 2022 (laughs); I am not illiterate".
The controversy surrounding Yahaya Bello's case has sparked a debate on the effectiveness and integrity of the EFCC's investigative processes. With conflicting accounts and allegations, the case highlights the challenges of ensuring fair and just legal practices in Nigeria.