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
Stakeholders Seek Urgent Reforms to Tackle Youth Unemployment at disrupTED EduKate Africa Summit
Stakeholders Seek Urgent Reforms to Tackle Youth Unemployment at disrupTED EduKate Africa Summit
By Ifeoma Ikem
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector have called for urgent and scalable solutions to address the rising rate of youth unemployment, stressing the need for strengthened technical education and increased collaboration with the private sector to bridge existing skills gaps.
The call was made at the disrupTED EduKate Africa Summit 2026, a one-day leadership forum held at the University of Lagos, where participants examined the growing disconnect between education outcomes and labour market demands.
The summit brought together education leaders, private sector operators and development advocates to promote adaptive learning, practical skills acquisition and innovative financing models for Africa’s education sector.
Experts at the summit strongly advocated increased investment in technical and vocational education, noting that training programmes must reflect current industry realities and evolving labour market needs.
Speakers emphasised that Nigeria’s education system, particularly at the tertiary level, must urgently shift from certificate-driven learning to skills-based and experiential education aligned with global best practices.
Among the speakers were Deby Okoh, Regional Manager at Brunel University of London; Ashley Immanuel, Chief Operating Officer of Semicolon; Olapeju Ibekwe, Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation; and education advocate, Adetomi Soyinka.
The speakers highlighted the importance of continuous learning, teacher retraining and comprehensive curriculum reform to meet the demands of an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
They stressed that apprenticeship programmes, internships and hands-on training should be fully integrated into academic curricula, noting that over-reliance on theoretical qualifications has widened the employability gap among graduates.
In his remarks, Mr Tosin Adebisi, Director of EduKate Africa and convener of the summit, said the event was designed to challenge what he described as the education sector’s rigid attachment to outdated methods.
Adebisi said innovation must remain central to education reform, adding that stakeholders must rethink teaching methods, learning processes and approaches to solving challenges such as access to education, financing and employability.
He expressed confidence that sustainable solutions could be achieved through strong collaboration across education, private sector and development institutions.
Adebisi, alongside co-Director Mr Francis Omorojie, said the summit aimed at connecting stakeholders working across sectors to close existing skills and opportunity gaps for young people.
The summit also urged parents and educators to promote lifelong learning, critical thinking and adaptability among young people, stressing that education systems must evolve in line with global economic trends.
No fewer than 200 students from the University of Lagos, Lagos State University, Ojo, and other institutions participated in the summit, which was initially expected to host the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa.
In a welcome address, Prof. Olufemi Oloyede of the University of Lagos emphasised the need to shape young minds through innovation and positive thinking, noting that Africa’s development depends on the strategic use of its human and natural resources, as well as a shift towards creativity and innovation among youths.
Turning Point: Dr. Chris Okafor Resumes with Fresh Fire of the Spirit
-Steps onto the Grace Nation Pulpit After a Month-Long Honeymoon Retreat with Renewed Supernatural Power
By Sunday Adeyemi
The much-anticipated February 1, 2026 “Turning Point” service of Grace Nation has come and gone, but its impact remains deeply etched in the hearts of Grace Nation citizens across the world. The significance of the day was unmistakable—it marked the official return of the Generational Prophet of God and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Global, Dr. Chris Okafor, to active ministerial duty as the Set Man of the commission.
The date was particularly symbolic, as Dr. Okafor had taken close to one month away from the pulpit following his wedding late last year. The period served not only as a honeymoon but also as a season of rest, reflection, and intimate fellowship with God in preparation for a greater spiritual assignment ahead.
The atmosphere at Grace Nation was electric as the Generational Prophet and his wife were received with a heroic welcome, accompanied by prophetic praise, joyful dancing, and fervent prayers. It was a celebration of return, renewal, and readiness.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Chris Okafor declared that he had returned to fully pursue the mandate God entrusted to him—winning souls for the Kingdom of God. He issued a strong warning to the kingdom of darkness, stating that light and darkness cannot coexist. According to him, the season ahead would witness intensified spiritual engagement, as the Kingdom of God advances and the forces of darkness lose ground.
“This time,” the Generational Prophet affirmed, “it will be total displacement of darkness, as the light of God shines brighter than ever.”
The Message: Turning Point
Delivering a powerful sermon titled “Turning Point,” Dr. Okafor explained that a turning point is defined as a moment when a decisive and beneficial change occurs in a situation. He emphasized that such moments are often preceded by battles.
According to him, battles do not necessarily arise because one is doing wrong, but because God desires to reveal His power and teach vital lessons through them. Every genuine battle, he noted, carries divine involvement and purpose.
Addressing the question “Why must I fight a battle?” Dr. Okafor explained that individuals who carry extraordinary grace often encounter greater challenges. “When you carry what others do not carry,” he said, “the battles that come your way are usually bigger.”
Characteristics of a Turning Point
The Generational Prophet highlighted that when a person is firmly rooted in God, no storm can uproot them. A strong spiritual foundation ensures that no battle can shake one’s destiny. He explained that prayer does not eliminate battles, but preparation through prayer guarantees victory on the evil day.
“Battles push you into your turning point when you are rooted in the Spirit,” he stated, adding that a prayerful life is essential for sustained victory and elevation.
A Supernatural Service
The Turning Point service witnessed an extraordinary move of the Holy Spirit in a fresh dimension. Deliverance, healings, miracles, restoration, and diverse testimonies filled the atmosphere as worshippers encountered the power of God during the Sunday service.
In a related development, Dr. Chris Okafor officially commissioned the ultra-modern church restaurant, Fourthman Foodies, dedicating it to God for the benefit and use of Grace Nation citizens worldwide.
The February 1 service has since been described by many as a defining moment—one that signals a new spiritual season for Grace Nation Global. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1B2Eh6B6wo/
Sunday Adeyemi is a Lagos-based journalist and society writer. He writes from Lagos.
Adron Homes Hails Ondo State at 50, Celebrates Legacy of Excellence
The Chairman, Board of Directors, Management, and staff of Adron Group have congratulated the Government and people of Ondo State on the celebration of its 50th anniversary, describing the milestone as a significant chapter in Nigeria’s federal history and a testament to visionary leadership, resilience, and purposeful development.
In a goodwill message issued to commemorate the Golden Jubilee, Adron Group noted that since its creation in 1976, Ondo State has consistently distinguished itself as a centre of honour, intellect, and enterprise. Fondly referred to as The Sunshine State, the state has produced generations of outstanding professionals, administrators, and national leaders whose contributions continue to shape Nigeria’s socio-economic and political development.
According to the company, the strength of Ondo State lies not only in its rich cultural heritage and intellectual depth, but also in the values of integrity, diligence, and excellence that define its people. These qualities, Adron noted, have remained the bedrock of the state’s enduring relevance and national impact over the past five decades.
Adron Group further commended the state’s renewed drive in recent years towards infrastructure development, economic diversification, industrial growth, and youth empowerment, describing these initiatives as indicators of a forward-looking, inclusive development agenda anchored in sustainability and long-term prosperity.
“As a corporate organisation committed to nation-building and sustainable development, Adron Group recognises Ondo State as a strategic partner in progress,” the statement read. “We commend His Excellency, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Executive Governor of Ondo State, and the leadership of the state at all levels for their dedication to public service and their commitment to the advancement of the people.”
As Ondo State marks its Golden Jubilee, Adron Group joined millions of well-wishers in celebrating a legacy of excellence, strength of character, and promise, while expressing optimism that the next fifty years will usher in greater milestones in economic vitality, social advancement, innovation, and enduring peace.
The company concluded by wishing the Government and people of Ondo State continued progress and prosperity, adding that the Sunshine State remains well-positioned to shine even brighter in the years ahead.
-
celebrity radar - gossips6 months agoWhy Babangida’s Hilltop Home Became Nigeria’s Political “Mecca”
-
society6 months agoPower is a Loan, Not a Possession: The Sacred Duty of Planting People
-
Business6 months agoBatsumi Travel CEO Lisa Sebogodi Wins Prestigious Africa Travel 100 Women Award
-
news6 months agoTHE APPOINTMENT OF WASIU AYINDE BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AS AN AMBASSADOR SOUNDS EMBARRASSING