A group of civil society organizations have criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for what they consider anti-democratic tactics in their approach to law enforcement against former Kogi governor, Yahaya Bello. These groups also denounced the Federal Government’s unjust application of state power.This criticism comes after the EFCC issued a notice declaring Bello wanted for alleged involvement in money laundering amounting to N80.2 billion. Subsequently, Bello was added to the Nigerian Immigration Service’s watch list, and all police officers assigned to him were withdrawn by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Over 120 civil society organizations, with their supporters, held a demonstration in Lagos to challenge the Federal Government’s handling of the EFCC’s confrontation with the former governor. Leading the press conference were key figures like Debo Adeniran of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, Sina Loremikan (Campaign Against Impunity), Declan Ihekhaire (Activists for Good Governance), Gbenga Soloki (CADOV), Ochiaga Ohaneze (Ohaneze Youth Council), and Funmi Jolade (Women Democratic Vanguard).Others present included Kola Abe (Centre for Socioeconomic Rights), Ologun Ayodeji (Transparency and Accountability Group), Femi Lawson (Centre for Public Accountability), and Gbenga Ganzallo (Media Rights Campaign), among others.Adeniran, during his address, criticized the EFCC for not formally inviting Bello, suggesting that the claim of his evading arrest was unfounded. He pointed out that Bello had a court order protecting him from arrest and harassment until the court case’s resolution, and thus couldn’t be accused of avoiding arrest. He argued that this misinformation could turn public opinion against the former governor.Adeniran further stated that if the Federal Government continues to undermine the judicial system, they would rally more people to support their pro-democracy cause, stressing that such behavior affects all Nigerians. He urged the government to respect court orders and, if necessary, seek legal means to overturn them. He cautioned that mismanagement of this situation could harm the entire nation, emphasizing that if the government continued to flout the rule of law, it might jeopardize its own authority and endanger the lives of its citizens.Gbenga Soloki, one of the leading activists, expressed concern over potential military involvement in a civil matter. He asserted that if the Federal Government calls in the military to resolve a civilian dispute, it would indicate a return to military rule, negating democratic progress.NB: The reproduction or utilization of this material and other digital content on this website, whether in full or in part, without explicit written permission from E-Lawyer Nigeria, is strictly forbidden.Stay updated to Legal News by joining our WhatsApp Channel via the link below:https://chat.whatsapp.com/LNpsDvKGE8FGcUSjlendBx
