The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused the Nigerian justice system of failing to arrest a wanted ex-governor, Yahaya Bello, who is accused of fraud. The EFCC has been trying to apprehend Bello for alleged N80.2 billion fraud, but he has repeatedly failed to show up for trial.
The EFCC’s Benin Zonal Director, Mr. Effa Okim, expressed frustration during a visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Asaba, Delta State capital. Okim lamented that the ex-governor’s actions have ridiculed the criminal justice system and questioned why the authorities have not taken stronger action to bring him to justice.
Okim also pointed out that the failure to arrest Bello is not just a legal issue but also a moral one. He emphasized that the EFCC has tried to follow due process, but it seems that some individuals are shielding the ex-governor.
The NUJ chairman, Churchill Oyowe, assured the EFCC of the support of journalists in the state.
The EFCC has previously declared Bello wanted after he failed to show up for trial, and the Nigerian Immigration Service has also placed him on a watchlist. Despite this, Okim claims that the ex-governor is still receiving protection from within the system.
The situation has sparked controversy, with many questioning why the authorities are not taking stronger action to bring Bello to justice. The EFCC’s actions have been criticized by some, who claim that the commission is not doing enough to apprehend the wanted ex-governor.
The incident has raised concerns about the state of the criminal justice system in Nigeria and whether it is able to effectively hold those accountable for their actions.
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