According to the report from the Vanguard, A group of attorneys operating under the organization Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law has called upon the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to uphold due process in its efforts to prosecute the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
Bello is currently facing a 19-count charge related to allegations of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds totaling approximately N80.2 billion.
The presiding judge, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, is set to render a decision on May 10 regarding a challenge filed by the former governor against an arrest warrant issued by the EFCC.
In a statement issued to the press on Friday, the legal professionals expressed concern over what they perceive as a "media trial" orchestrated by the anti-corruption agency against the defendant. They also criticized the premature ex-parte arrest order, citing a pre-existing court order from a similar jurisdiction.
According to the group's Director-General, Mr. Samson Osondu Abugu, every defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution of 1999.
Abugu condemned the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyade, for discussing the case in the media while legal proceedings are ongoing. He characterized Olukoyade's pledge to see the case through or resign as a possible act of persecution.
The group urged the President to intervene and restrain the EFCC Chairman to prevent damage to the public image of his administration. Additionally, they criticized the EFCC's decision to withdraw the appeal against the court order preventing them from arresting or harassing Yahaya Bello.
The lawyers expressed bewilderment over the EFCC's actions, questioning why raids were conducted at Bello's residence despite a court order prohibiting his arrest. They viewed the agency's tardy filing of an appeal as a blatant disregard for judicial authority.
In conclusion, the legal professionals raised suspicions that the EFCC might be manipulated by partisan interests to tarnish Governor Yahaya Bello's reputation.