Nwoke Friday Chijioke, former vice-president of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, has criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its handling of the Yahaya Bello case, labelling it a “media trial.”
Nwoke, who spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today, denounced the EFCC’s approach as an unfair trial, News About Nigeria reports.
He stated that institutions of justice should conduct investigations discreetly, without involving the media.
Chijioke specifically criticised the EFCC chairman’s recent press conference, calling it “uncalled for” and “unfair”.
He argued that the law does not require privileging suspects or making arrests in corruption cases, which are often determined by documentary evidence.
He said, “An institution of justice should be in a position, especially when you are the investigator, to carry out a discreet investigation. You do not need to involve the media.
“For example, the EFCC’s chairman interview yesterday was really, really uncalled for. It was uncalled for in the sense that you do not need to accord any privilege to Yahaya Bello.”
Instead, Chijioke advocated for filing cases in court and serving the accused person, rather than publicising the investigation through the media.
He emphasised that this approach would ensure a fair hearing rather than perpetuating an unfair trial through media sensationalism.
He said, “The law does not require the giving of privileges to persons who are suspected of having committed an offence. That is one.
“Secondly, the law necessarily does not need, especially in situations of this nature. In corruption cases, you don’t necessarily need to make an arrest. You don’t need to bring into custody. Because more often than not, in corruption cases, they are determined by documentary evidence.
“If you make out a prima facie case and you have evidence to make out a prima facie case, why don’t you file a case in court and serve the accused person? Why would you, in the first instance, perhaps advertise or publicise? Because that is, in the first instance, an unfair hearing.”
The EFCC is pursuing 19 charges against Bello, including money laundering and misappropriation of funds totaling N80.2 billion.
Recall that Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja recently issued a bench warrant against Bello due to his repeated failure to appear in court.
However, when the operatives of the commission went to secure his arrest at his 9, Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja residence, Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, foiled the attempt and made away with the immediate-past governor.
The EFCC, thereafter, declared Bello wanted for evading trial.
Speaking to reporters at the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede promised to step down if Bello is not brought to trial.
Olukoyede vowed to ensure the prosecution of Yahaya Bello reached its conclusion.
