HURIWA: EFCC Must Clarify Okowa, Yahaya Bello Investigation Status

• The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged the EFCC to conclude its investigations into former governors Ifeanyi Okowa and Yahaya Bello.
• HURIWA demands that the EFCC either prosecute with sufficient evidence or clarify the status of the probes if evidence is insufficient.
• Former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was reportedly arrested in November 2024 concerning allegations related to N1.3 trillion in derivation funds and other investments.
• Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello faces allegations of diverting public funds during his tenure.
• The association emphasizes the need to uphold both the presumption of innocence and the demand for accountability from public officials.

No individual should face a declaration of guilt without due process, nor should they be shielded from scrutiny due to political ties or electoral ambitions.

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has publicly called upon the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to bring to a definitive close its ongoing investigations concerning former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. In a statement issued on Friday by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the association pressed the anti-graft agency to clarify the current EFCC investigation Okowa Yahaya Bello status and to take decisive action. This includes initiating prosecution where compelling evidence has been gathered, or, conversely, providing a clear explanation if the evidence proves insufficient.

HURIWA stressed the importance of timely resolution, asserting that the commission should not allow these significant inquiries to remain in an indefinite state of limbo. The organization's appeal highlights a broader public expectation for transparency and efficiency in the handling of corruption allegations against high-ranking public officials. The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria EFCC intervention underscores the persistent pressure from civil society groups for the anti-graft body to demonstrate tangible progress in its mandate.

The Ifeanyi Okowa EFCC probe stems from serious allegations regarding the management of public funds during his eight-year tenure as Delta State Governor. Reports cited by HURIWA indicate that the former governor was arrested and detained in November 2024. An EFCC statement from that period confirmed his presence at their Port Harcourt office following an invitation related to the allegations, after which he was taken into custody. A significant aspect of the investigation reportedly revolves around the N1.3 trillion 13 percent derivation fund received by the state from the Federation Account between 2015 and 2023. Further accusations include questions surrounding funds purportedly used for acquiring shares in a floating liquefied natural gas project and other investment ventures.

Despite these grave accusations, Mr. Okowa has consistently denied any wrongdoing. His aide has also maintained that the EFCC has yet to establish a concrete case against him. Similarly, the Yahaya Bello EFCC allegations concern the alleged diversion of Nigeria public funds investigation during his time as governor of Kogi State. HURIWA has urged the EFCC to pursue these matters with utmost transparency and through the appropriate judicial channels, emphasizing that neither an accusation nor an ongoing investigation should be equated with a conviction.

Central to HURIWA's advocacy is the principle that while allegations are distinct from proof of guilt, political office should never serve as a shield against legitimate investigation or prosecution. The association firmly believes that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission updates on such cases must reflect a commitment to due process. It articulated that if investigators possess sufficient evidence to proceed with prosecution, the EFCC should act without undue delay. Conversely, if the evidence is found lacking, the commission has a responsibility to clarify its position rather than leaving the matter unresolved indefinitely.

The human rights body underscored that both the presumption of innocence and the imperative for public official accountability must be simultaneously upheld. It stressed that no individual should face a declaration of guilt without due process, nor should they be shielded from scrutiny due to political ties or electoral ambitions. This dual emphasis reflects a critical balance required in a democratic society, ensuring justice is served fairly while maintaining public trust in governance.

Beyond the specific EFCC investigations, HURIWA also extended its call for transparency to the broader political landscape. The association urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to provide a clear rationale for its reported senatorial candidate selection in Delta North, advocating for political parties to adopt transparent and equitable standards in their candidate selection processes. Furthermore, HURIWA called upon the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to apply electoral laws impartially.

The organization highlighted that questions of eligibility for public office should be determined strictly by relevant constitutional and statutory provisions, rather than being swayed by public allegations alone. This comprehensive appeal from HURIWA underscores a systemic demand for integrity across all facets of Nigeria's public and political life, reinforcing the need for robust compliance frameworks and ethical conduct from all public officials and institutions.

Lawyers advising public officials or entities involved in public fund management should note the continued pressure from civil society for the EFCC to conclude high-profile investigations transparently and adhere to due process, highlighting ongoing regulatory risk and the importance of robust compliance frameworks.

Source: Original reporting via Punch Newspapers