The North-Central Youth Coalition has publicly condemned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for what it describes as unprofessional conduct and a targeted political witch-hunt against former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello. During a press conference, the coalition expressed deep dissatisfaction with the agency’s recent actions, which they believe violate Bello’s fundamental rights.
The group highlighted the EFCC’s treatment of Yahaya Bello as an “affront” and an unjust attempt to victimize the former governor in what they described as a selective fight against financial crimes. They argued that Bello, a citizen who has never been convicted of any crime by a competent court, has been subjected to unlawful treatment by the EFCC, which disregarded a court order protecting him from undue arrest or harassment.
The group’s spokesperson, Rt. Comrade Daniel Atayi, stated that Yahaya Bello voluntarily appeared before the EFCC at its Abuja office to answer allegations leveled against him. However, shortly after his appearance, EFCC operatives reportedly stormed his Abuja residence and Kogi State FCT Liaison House with gunfire, despite his compliance with their summons earlier that day.
The coalition decried this action as an unethical display of power, branding it as an attempt to harass and intimidate an innocent man. They referred to the EFCC’s conduct as “lawlessness” and “character assassination,” claiming it was part of a broader political scheme to tarnish Yahaya Bello’s image.
The North-Central Youth Coalition called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure that the EFCC respects the rule of law and Yahaya Bello’s rights. They further appealed to the Northern Elders Forum to step in and prevent the situation from escalating into a full-blown crisis, accusing the EFCC of selective justice and political persecution.
The group reiterated its stance as law-abiding citizens but warned that they would resist any further harassment of Yahaya Bello, whom they described as one of their own. They emphasized that they would not tolerate the misuse of the EFCC as a political tool against individuals without strong political connections or perceived political adversaries.
In their closing remarks, the coalition called for an end to what they termed the “EFCC drama” and the commission’s “negative obsession” with Yahaya Bello. They urged the EFCC to halt its harassment of the former governor and allow him to live freely as a law-abiding citizen. The youth group warned that the commission’s actions could incite anarchy if allowed to continue unchecked.
