Yahaya Bello vs EFCC: Northern groups seek Tinubu’s intervention

Northern youth groups have continued their tour across the region to voice concerns over what they perceive as the unjust treatment of former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The groups, notably the Northern Youth Movement for Good Governance and Democratic Values and the North Central Progressive Voice, joined forces in what they termed the “Northern Nigeria Solidarity Walk and World Press Conference,” as they converged in Yola as well as Maiduguri on Thursday and Friday respectively.

The groups which earlier held a press conference in Yola, visited the Lamido of Adamawa HRH Alhaji Mohammed Barkindo Aliyu Mustapha at his Palace, where they submitted a copy of their open letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu, urging the royal father to convey their message to Mr President.

The letter outlines the organization’s dedication to upholding the independence of the judiciary and civil society.

It recounts the events of April 17th, 2024, when the EFCC carried out a raid on Yahaya Bello’s home in connection with alleged money laundering charges.

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The group expressed worry over the EFCC’s actions and potential violations of constitutional principles and the rule of law.

Drawing attention to a court order issued by the Lokoja High Court on February 9th, 2024, which prohibited the EFCC from arresting or prosecuting Yahaya Bello, the letter highlighted the EFCC’s subsequent appeal and the pending motion for a stay of execution.

The group criticized the EFCC’s decision to secure a warrant for Bello’s arrest from another court while the appeal was still pending, emphasizing the importance of due process and respect for judicial authority.

Earlier in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, the group addressed the press and observed a solidarity walk to the State Government House to submit their open letter to the governor, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum.

The group submitted the letter to the governor for onward delivery to President Tinubu.

Its primary objective was “to seek urgent intervention from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the ongoing face-off between Alhaji Yahaya Bello and the EFCC.”