The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused colleagues and other officials of shielding former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, who is implicated in an N80.2 billion fraud case.
During a familiarisation visit to the Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Asaba, EFCC Acting Zonal Director, Benin Zonal Command, Mr. Effa Okim, criticized the justice system for allowing Bello to evade trial.
Okim expressed frustration over the ex-governor’s failure to appear in court despite being declared wanted and placed on a watchlist by the Nigerian Immigration Service.
“This is the last question I expected because the shame is on all of us. Is that a question I should answer alone? It’s not me, it is the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Okim said. He lamented the inability to apprehend Bello, attributing it to systemic protection. “Can’t we catch him? We can, but do we go all out to catch him? Do we need to do that when he has his masters? Can’t they call him and tell him, ‘You are disgracing Nigeria’? What are you telling the world? Tell him to go and explain himself like others have done.”
Okim also emphasized the moral implications of the situation. “Where has morality gone before legality that we can’t summon that man and tell him to go and report himself to the EFCC? Some persons are writing, supporting him, while some are criticizing the commission. The problem is our own problem that borders on Nigeria’s image. Our children are watching their parents behave like children.”
The EFCC director called on the media to unite in pressuring Bello to present himself for trial. “The media should come out for the first time to harmonise, criticise that action and forget about prosecution but tell him to make himself available; thereafter we know what to do.”
NUJ Delta State Council Chairman, Churchill Oyowe, assured the EFCC of the journalists’ support in their efforts to bring Bello to justice.
