In response to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) planned arrest of former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello over alleged 80.2 billion naira fraud, youths from Kogi State took to the streets in protest.
Under the banners of the Coalition of Civil Society for Democracy and Africa Youths Coalition for Justice, they gathered in large numbers, causing gridlock on the Lokoja-Abuja Road.
Carrying placards with messages such as “President Tinubu, call EFCC to order” and “EFCC stop witch hunting,” the protesters voiced their support for Bello, emphasizing his standing as a responsible citizen.
Speaking to reporters in Lokoja, Richard Otitoleke, the Convener of the coalition, stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law in Bello’s trial.
He highlighted a court order that restrained the EFCC from inviting, arresting, or prosecuting the former governor pending the resolution of his human rights issues.
Otitoleke called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to scrutinize the EFCC’s activities and ensure their adherence to professionalism and the country’s laws. Oluwa-Kayode Emmanuel, another member of the protesting groups, accused the EFCC of conducting a media trial against Bello.
