…Tasks EFCC on thorough investigation
By Olanrewaju Adesanya
The Centre for Human and Socio-economic Rights (CHSR) has berated what it described as a clear attempt by Mr. Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye alias Bobrisky and Former Kogi State Governor Mr. Yahaya Bello, to desecrate the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) an anti-graft agency currently investigating the duo.
CHSR President Comrade Alex Omotehinse while addressing newsmen at a state-of-the-nation conference on Friday in Lagos, said that such attempts to douse the functional vigor of the anti-graft agency should not be tolerated as this will whittle the strength to address many prevailing anomalies in the country.
Comrade Omotehinse however, commended the prompt reaction of the EFCC Executive Chairman Mr. Olanipeku Olukoyede, he urged EFCC to ensure a thorough investigation of the alleged complicit involvement of its officers and if found culpable they should face the full wrath of the law in order to uphold the dignity of the anti-graft agency.
“While we appreciate and give kudos to the prompt reaction of EFCC chairman in constituting an investigation team to look into the merits and demerits of the whistle blower verydarkman of #15Million bribery allegations against men and officers of the EFCC.
“EFCC, should determine whether or not there was any financial inducement by Bobrisky or anyone on his behalf in exchange for the dropping of money laundering charges against him. Any person found complicit must face the full weight of the law.
“We urged the EFCC leadership for an open, sincere and thorough investigation, the case must not be swept under the carpet so that Nigerians can see and know that the agency is not and will not condone corruption within the ranks of its working staff. Any culpable officers must be brought to justice to serve as deterrent to others.
The group also took a swipe on the Kogi State Assembly for twisting around the narrative regarding the EFCC’s siege on the Kogi State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, stating unequivocally the Assembly acted in an unpatriotic manner.
“CHSR as a social crusader frowned at the position of the Kogi State Assembly, during Monday’s 23rd September 2024 plenary session, condemning EFCC’s siege to the Kogi State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, in an attempt to arrest Yahaya Bello last Wednesday.
“The lawmakers accused the anti graft agency of attempting to assassinate both former and incumbent Governor Usman Ododo by allegedly firing gunshots during the attempt to arrest Bello in Abuja.
“We strongly condemned such an unpatriotic move by the State Assembly which supposed to be the voice of both the rich and poor people of Kogi State. Infact, Kogi State government ought to have constituted panel of enquiry to look into Yahaya Bello government regime.
“The EFCC as a creation of the National Assembly is saddled with the responsibility to Investigate and enforce all economic and financial crimes laws in Nigeria. This is exactly what they have done by filing case against the former governor before a court of competent jurisdiction, so why hula baloo?
“The Court of Appeal, sitting in Abuja on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 ordered former governor Yahaya Adoza Bello to present himself before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, for arraignment before any further action could be undertaken in his case.
“The ruling was part of a unanimous judgment of the Appeal Court Justices, delivered by Hon Justice I.K. Amadi in the appeal filed by J.S.Okutepa, SAN on behalf of the Economic and “Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, against the judgment of Justice Isah Abdullahi Jamil of the Kogi State High Court in the fundamental right case filed by Bello in February 2024 in relation to his prosecution by the Commission.
“The Appeal Court Justices further held that the freeing of Yahaya Bello from EFCC’s prosecution by Justice Jamil of the Kogi State High Court “under the guise of enforcing his fundamental rights was “scandalous,” noting that “It is very clear that the purpose of the case instituted at the trial court was to shield the respondent Yahaya Bello from his criminal trial.
“CHSR believed and is convinced beyond any doubt that the continued defiance of court orders not only undermines the integrity of the judiciary but also erodes public trust in our law enforcement agencies.”
The group called on the Inspector General of Police to intervene and stop the deliberate war against justice in former Governor Yahaya Bello’s case.
“The Security Men (Nigeria Police Force and DSS) attached to the incumbent Governor of Kogi State Usman Ododo are on daily basis being used to prevent arrest of Yahaya Bello so as to avert justice.
“The Inspector General of Police and Director of State Security Services should intervene to fulfill their constitutional duties and ensure that justice prevails.”
Comrade Omotehinse also lampooned the officials of the Nigeria Correctional Centres for what he described as endemic corrupt tendency, for which they are known even done with brazen assurance in public glare and within the precinct of the courts.
“The level of corruption in the Nigeria Correctional Centres by the officials are on the high side and this did not just start today, it is a known fact to many Nigerians that once you have a loaded financial purse you will be giving a preferential treatment at the prison yard.
“The patronage do start from the court premises immediately a suspect is being asked to be taken to custody pending the perfection of the person’s bail, the correctional centre officers start billing the suspect and they charge money as if it a legitimate fees one need to pay and if you did not meet their demand, they will tell the suspect point blank that he is going there to suffer as he will end up at the general cell.
“Therefore, we implore the anti graft agencies to beam their search light more on them so as curb future embarrassment to Security network.
“We then used this medium to commend the Ministry of Interior for prompt action taken on the sacking of the four officers involved in the imbroglio.”