Why Tinubu didn’t stop EFCC from prosecuting Bello- Presidency

Ahead of Supreme Court ruling on Kogi State former governor Yahaya Bello’s suit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the reason why President Bola Tinubu did not interfere to stop the anti-graft commission from going after Bello has emerged.

Bello is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and former member of the defunct Tinubu/Shettima campaign organization that worked for the election of President Tinubu in 2023.

Despite allegations from some quarters that Bello was being witch-hunted by the anti-graft agency, the President has continued to insist that the EFCC carry out its duties as mandated by the law, just as he rallied Nigerians to support the agency in its drive to curb corruption in public office.

Shedding light on why Tinubu chose not to interfere in the case, a member of President Tinubu’s kitchen cabinet explained that the President’s action was informed by the need to send a strong signal out that his administration will not condone graft in public offices and is not ready to spare individuals linked to corruption, irrespective of their ethnic or political affiliations.

The Ola Olukoyede-led EFCC had accused the former governor of N110 billion fraud after the anti-graft agency initially filed 19 charges against him, along with his nephew Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, for alleged money laundering offences amounting to N80,246,470,088.88.

However, in the fresh 16 charges dated September 25, the total sum of the money allegedly laundered rose to N110,446,470,89.00. Bello, alongside other defendants, was alleged to have bought a total of 12 houses in various locations in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja with the money.

The trio were also alleged to have committed a criminal breach of trust in respect of the total sum of N110, 446, 470, 089.00 entrusted to them.

The EFCC had declared Bello wanted while the Nigerian Immigration Service also placed the governor on a watchlist after a failed attempt to arrest him and his repeated absence from court for arraignment.

In September 2024, the EFCC operatives allegedly moved to arrest the ex-governor, according to Bello’s Media Office.
In a statement, the Director of Media of the former governor, Ohiare Michael, alleged that the operatives were around the Kogi Government Lodge, Asokoro in an attempt to forcefully arrest former Governor Bello.

The attempted arrest followed Bello’s visit to the EFCC headquarters.
But speaking on why the President didn’t interfere in the matter involving the anti-graft commission and Bello, presidency sources said Tinubu’s stance was to send clear signals to looters that the era of corruption had ended.

According to the sources, Tinubu intends to ensure a break away from the trend where political allies are protected from investigation and prosecution even after they had been found to have diverted public funds just because they belong to the same party with the President.

“Tinubu’s decision to let the EFCC proceed with Bello’s prosecution demonstrates a shift towards a more unbiased approach to tackling corruption,” the source who doesn’t want his name in print said.
He added that the President won’t “allow selective prosecution of individuals based on political loyalties.

“Tinubu did not intervene to stop the anti-graft agency from carrying out its duties, especially considering that Bello is a key member of the ruling All Progressives Congress because upon assuming office, he emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.

“By allowing the EFCC to operate without interference, the President is sending a clear message that his government will not condone corrupt practices, irrespective of political affiliations or status,” the source added.

Also, another presidency, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said Tinubu didn’t interfere in the EFCC’s operations against Bello because of his administration’s firm commitment to fighting corruption across all levels of government.

He said, “Tinubu’s desire to uphold the independence and integrity of critical institutions like the EFCC was why he didn’t interfere. Don’t forget that the EFCC chairman had also confirmed in one of his public engagements that the President had never interfered in their operations.”

“This autonomy is crucial in strengthening public trust in the nation’s institutions. As an anti-corruption body, Tinubu recognises that the EFCC must be empowered to act independently. So, stopping or interfering in the arrest of Bello could cast doubts on the administration’s anti-corruption fight,” the source said.

He described Tinubu’s non-interference in Bello and EFCC saga as a “strategic move”.
According to him, it showcases that Tinubu is willing to prioritize Nigeria’s long-term interests over personal or party considerations.

“By allowing the EFCC to pursue its mandate, the President is reinforcing his commitment to ensuring that his longstanding belief in democratic principles is upheld, even when dealing with close political allies.

“By not intervening in Bello’s arrest, Tinubu reinforces the idea that political office should not be a shield from legal scrutiny. The EFCC’s action against Bello can be seen as part of Tinubu’s broader effort to demonstrate that elected officials and public officeholders must be held accountable for their actions,” the source added.

Recall that in June 2024, Olukoyede during a courtesy visit to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, confirmed that Tinubu gave him full authority to deal with criminals and those who had dipped their hands inside the public treasury.