Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has said that renewed political activities by Yahaya Bello, a former governor of Kogi state, will not influence the outcome of his ongoing fraud and money laundering trials.
The commission dismissed suggestions that Mr Bello’s involvement in internal party affairs of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including his declared ambition to contest a senatorial seat, could affect court proceedings.
Recall that in December 2025, Mr Bello announced his intention to contest for a seat in Nigeria’s Senate, a move that has drawn public attention.
Speaking on Arise News on Monday, the EFCC’s director of public affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, said the cases against the former governor were progressing strictly in line with judicial procedures and were independent of politics.
Mr Bello is currently facing charges at both the Federal Capital Territory High Court and the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of large-scale fraud and money laundering, he has pleaded not guilty and is standing trial while on bail.
“The trial is still ongoing,” Mr Uwujaren said. “We are presenting witnesses and evidence before the court. It is not the responsibility of the EFCC to decide guilt or innocence, that is for the judiciary.”
He added that the Nigerian constitution guarantees the presumption of innocence for all defendants until a court reaches a verdict, stressing that Mr Bello is entitled to the same legal protections as any other accused person.
Mr Uwujaren also rejected claims that the EFCC could be distracted or influenced by Mr Bello’s political ambitions, insisting that the commission does not operate within the political arena.
“Whatever happens to him within his party is party business,” he said. “It has nothing to do with the charges we have filed. Our duty is to Nigerians and to ensure that justice is done through the courts.”
The EFCC said it remained committed to pursuing the case until a final judgment is delivered, regardless of any political developments involving the former governor.