society
Justice or Political Optics? EFCC, Yahaya Bello, and the Dangerous Illusion of Innocence
Justice or Political Optics? EFCC, Yahaya Bello, and the Dangerous Illusion of Innocence.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by saharaweeklyng.com
“How the Rule of Law Is Being Tested by Power, Party Loyalty, and Public Distrust.”
The declaration by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, remains “innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction” has reignited a fierce national debate and one that goes far beyond legal technicalities and strikes at the heart of Nigeria’s credibility in the fight against corruption.
On paper, the EFCC’s position is constitutionally sound. Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) clearly states that every person charged with a criminal offence shall be presumed innocent until proven guilty. No democrat, no matter how critical of government, can legitimately dispute this principle.
Yet, in practice, Nigeria’s problem has never been the absence of laws, but it has always been the selective application of those laws.
The Charges and the Legal Process.
Yahaya Bello, who served as governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, is standing trial over serious allegations of financial impropriety, including money laundering and misappropriation of public funds running into tens of billions of naira. The EFCC alleges that state funds were siphoned through proxies and shell arrangements, with properties acquired in high-value locations within and outside Nigeria.
The Commission maintains that it has followed due process, filing charges before a competent court and presenting witnesses and documentary evidence. The defence, on the other hand, argues that Bello’s name does not appear directly as a beneficiary in some transactions and that withdrawals cited were part of routine government operations.
This legal contestation is now before the judiciary, where evidence, cross-examination and judicial reasoning (not media narratives) will determine the final outcome.
EFCC spokespersons have reiterated that the agency does not convict; courts do. As one official succinctly put it, “It is not the EFCC that will declare anyone guilty. That responsibility lies squarely with the court.”
Presumption of Innocence vs. Public Reality.
While the law insists on presumption of innocence, public opinion tells a very different story.
Across Nigeria, from civil society spaces to academic circles and online platforms, a dominant perception has crystallized: many Nigerians believe Yahaya Bello is guilty, and that the system is merely buying time, managing outrage, and shielding power.
This belief is not born of sentiment alone. It is shaped by patterns Nigerians have observed repeatedly, where politically exposed persons aligned with the ruling party enjoy prolonged legal sympathy, procedural caution and rhetorical softness that rarely extend to opposition figures or politically expendable actors.
Political economist Dr. Pat Utomi once observed that “corruption in Nigeria thrives not because it is hidden, but because it is protected.” To many Nigerians, the Bello case fits squarely into this troubling pattern.
The APC Factor and Allegations of Selective Justice.
A central question continues to haunt public discourse:
Would this case be unfolding the same way if Yahaya Bello were not associated with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)?
This is where the EFCC’s moral burden becomes heavier. Critics argue that party affiliation has become an unofficial shield, blurring the line between legal prudence and political protection.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has warned that “when justice appears partisan, it ceases to be justice and becomes performance.” That warning resonates powerfully here. Nigerians are not necessarily rejecting the rule of law; they are questioning why the rule of law seems elastic for the powerful and unforgiving for the powerless.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo captured this national frustration bluntly when he stated:
“Nigeria does not lack laws; it lacks political will.”
For many observers, the Bello prosecution exposes precisely this deficit of will.
EFCC, Credibility, and the Burden of Trust.
The EFCC occupies a delicate space in Nigeria’s democracy. It is both a symbol of hope and a subject of suspicion. Its success depends not only on convictions, but on public trust.
When the Commission vigorously pursues certain individuals while appearing cautious or conciliatory toward others of equal or greater alleged culpability, it fuels the narrative of double standards. This perception (whether the EFCC accepts it or not) undermines its institutional authority.
Legal scholar Professor Adegoke Adelabu notes that:
“Anti-corruption agencies lose legitimacy not when cases fail, but when citizens believe outcomes are predetermined by politics rather than evidence.”
In the Bello case, even as the EFCC insists on legal propriety, the optics suggest hesitation, and that an impression that the agency is walking on eggshells because of political power dynamics.
Judiciary as the Final Arbiter.
Ultimately, the courts remain the last line of defense against injustice, both against wrongful conviction and against elite impunity. Nigerian judges are constitutionally empowered to weigh evidence, dismiss weak cases and convict where guilt is proven beyond reasonable doubt.
However, the judiciary does not operate in a vacuum. Delays, adjournments, and procedural battles, though sometimes legally justified, often reinforce public cynicism, especially in high-profile corruption cases involving political heavyweights.
As respected jurist Justice Chukwudifu Oputa once warned:
“Justice delayed may be justice denied—not only to the accused, but to society.”
A Nation Tired of Legal Semantics.
For millions of Nigerians battling poverty, insecurity, and collapsing public services, this case is no longer just about Yahaya Bello. It is about whether accountability in Nigeria is real or selective.
To them, repeated reminders of “innocent until proven guilty” sound hollow when everyday Nigerians are punished swiftly and harshly for far lesser offences. The anger is not against the Constitution; it is against a system that appears to weaponize legality to protect the elite.
In the court of public opinion, many Nigerians have already reached their conclusion, not because they hate due process, but because experience has taught them how power behaves in Nigeria.
Final Reflection: Law, Power, and the Future of Accountability.
The EFCC is correct in law: only a court can pronounce guilt. But the Nigerian people are also correct in sentiment: justice must be seen to be fair, fearless, and consistent.
If Yahaya Bello is eventually acquitted based on evidence, the nation must accept it. But if the process collapses under political pressure, procedural manipulation, or endless delay, it will confirm the darkest fears of a people who already believe that APC membership comes with legal insurance.
As the late legal icon Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN) once declared:
“A society that abandons equal justice invites chaos disguised as order.”
Nigeria stands at that crossroads today. The Bello case is not just a trial, it is a test of conscience, for the EFCC, the judiciary, and the political class. History will remember not the press statements, but whether justice was truly done.
society
HOPE BEYOND THE WALLS 2026: ASSOCIATION OF MODELS SUCCESSFULLY SECURES RELEASE OF AN INMATE, CALLS FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT
HOPE BEYOND THE WALLS 2026: ASSOCIATION OF MODELS SUCCESSFULLY SECURES RELEASE OF AN INMATE, CALLS FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT
The Association of Models (AOMNGO) proudly announces the successful completion of the first edition of Hope Beyond the Walls 2026, a humanitarian initiative dedicated to restoring hope and freedom to deserving inmates.
Despite enormous challenges, financial pressure, emotional strain, and operational stress, the organization remained committed to its mission. Through perseverance, faith, and collective support, one inmate has successfully regained freedom a powerful reminder that hope is stronger than circumstance.
This milestone did not come easily.
Behind the scenes were weeks of coordination, advocacy, fundraising, documentation, and intense engagement. There were moments of uncertainty, but the determination to give someone a second chance kept the vision alive.
Today, the Association of Models gives heartfelt appreciation to all partners and sponsors, both locally and internationally, who stood with us mentally, financially, morally, and physically.
Special Recognition and Appreciation To:
Correctional Service Zonal Headquarters Zone A Ikoyi
Esan Dele
Ololade Bakare
Ify
Kweme
Taiwo & Kehinde Solagbade
Segun
Mr David Olayiwola
Mr David Alabi
PPF Zion International
OlasGlam International
Razor
Mr Obinna
Mr Dele Bakare (VOB International)
Tawio Bakare
Kehinde Bakare
Hannah Bakare
Mrs Doyin Adeyemi
Shade Daniel
Mr Seyi United States
Toxan Global Enterprises Prison
Adeleke Otejo
Favour
Yetty Mama
Loko Tobi Jeannette
MOSES OLUWATOSIN OKIKIADE
Moses Okikiade
(Provenience Enterprise)
We also acknowledge the numerous businesses and private supporters whose names may not be individually mentioned but whose contributions were instrumental in achieving this success.
Your generosity made freedom possible.
A CALL TO ACTION
Hope Beyond the Walls is not a one-time event. It is a movement.
There are still many deserving inmates waiting for a second chance individuals who simply need financial assistance, legal support, and advocacy to reunite with their families and rebuild their lives.
The Association of Models is therefore calling on:
Corporate organizations
Local and international sponsors
Philanthropists
Faith-based organizations
Community leaders
Individuals with a heart for impact
to partner with us.
Our vision is clear:
To secure the release of inmates regularly monthly, quarterly, or during special intervention periods through structured support and transparent collaboration.
HOW TO SUPPORT
Interested partners and supporters can reach out via
Social Media: Official Handles Hope In Motion
Donations and sponsorship inquiries are welcome.
Together, we can turn difficult stories into testimonies of restoration.
ABOUT AOMNGO
The Association of Models (AOMNGO) is a humanitarian driven organization committed to advocacy, empowerment, and social impact. Through projects like Hope Beyond the Walls, the organization works tirelessly to restore dignity and create opportunities for individuals seeking a second chance.
“When we come together, walls fall and hope rises.”
For media interviews, partnerships, and sponsorship discussions, please contact the Association of Models directly.
SENATOR ADEOLA YAYI REGISTERS 4000 JAMB CANDIDATES
In continuation of his educational support initiatives and following established tradition, Senator Solomon Adeola (APC,Ogun West) has successfully paid for and enrolled 4000 indigent students for the 2026 Joint Admission Matriculation Board(JAMB) examination.
According to a release e-signed and made available to members of the League of Yewa-Awori Media Practitioners (LOYAMP) by High Chief Kayode Odunaro, Media Adviser to Senator Adeola and shared with (your mediu), the programme financed by the senator under the “SEN YAYI FREE JAMB 2026” ended on Saturday , February 21, 2026, with a total of 4000 candidates successfully enrolled with their PINs provided.
Commenting on the success of the programme, Senator Adeola said the programme is another leg of his personal educational empowerment for indigent but brilliant citizens preparatory to his scholarship and bursary facilitation for tertiary education institutions’ students.
“As far as I can help it, none of our children will miss educational opportunities arising out of adverse economic predicament of their parents or guardians”, he stated.
Successful candidates cut across all the three senatorial districts of Ogun State with 2183 coming from Ogun West, 1358 coming from Ogun Central and 418 from Ogun East.
Some of the candidates that applied and are yet to get their PINs due wrong information supplied in their profiles and being underage as discovered by JAMB and other reasons are being further assisted to see the possibility of getting their PINs.
The Free JAMB programme of the Senator that has been running for years is well received by appreciative beneficiaries and their parents.
Alhaji Suara Adeyemi from Ipokia Local Government whose daughter successfully got her PIN in the programme said the Senator’s gesture was a welcome financial relief for his family at this period after payment of numerous school fees of other siblings of the beneficiary seeking admission to higher institution.
Also posting on the social media handle of the Senator, a beneficiary Mr. Henry Olaitan, from Odeda LGA said that he would have missed doing the entry examination as his guardian cannot afford the fees for himself and two of his children.
House Committee Seeks Stronger Financial Backing for Federal Character Commission
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has reassured the commitment of her new leadership to reposition the Commission and strengthen enforcement of the federal character principle, despite prevailing funding challenges.
Hon. Omidiran made this known during the Commission’s budget defence before the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Character at the National Assembly on Friday, February 19, 2026.
The Executive Chairman opened up on inadequate funding has continued to constrain the Commission’s statutory activities, including nationwide monitoring, compliance audits and enforcement measures across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
“We are focused and determined to do the work that the Constitution and the President have entrusted us with,” Omidiran stated.
The FCC Boss, however, assured lawmakers that the Commission remains resolute in ensuring equity, fairness and balanced representation in line with its constitutional mandate.
“As a Commission, it is our responsibility to engage with relevant government parastatals and ministries to secure the necessary funding we require. We believe that with consultation and collaboration, it will be a successful venture for the Commission.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Character, RT. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, expressed deep concern over what he described as near-zero budgetary allocation to the Commission, stressing that such financial inadequacies severely undermine its operational effectiveness.
The Plateau State lawmaker assured the Commission of the Committee’s firm legislative backing in advocating for improved funding and strengthening the Commission’s capacity to fully exercise its constitutional mandate.
“We cannot reasonably expect the Federal Character Commission to enforce compliance across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies while grappling with insufficient funding,” Hon. Wase remarked.
“If we are genuinely committed to fairness, equity, and national cohesion, then we must be deliberate in adequately funding the institution established to safeguard these principles.
“As a Committee, we shall work closely with the leadership of the Commission to ensure that its budgetary provisions reflect the magnitude of its mandate. The era of skeletal or token funding must give way to realistic and sustainable financial support,” he concluded.
The budget defence session concluded on a note of renewed collaboration between the House of Representatives and the Commission, reflecting a shared determination to strengthen institutional capacity, enhance accountability, and promote equitable representation within Nigeria’s public service.
SIGNED:
Ademola Lawrence
Spokesperson,
Federal Character Commission
February 20, 2026
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