The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been urged to conclude its investigations involving former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, with calls for prosecution if sufficient evidence exists against either of them.
Politics Nigeria reports that the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) made the demand in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, on Friday.
The group asked the anti-graft agency to provide a clear update on the status of both cases and explain whether its investigations had established grounds for further legal action.
HURIWA said Nigerians deserved clarity on corruption investigations involving former public office holders, particularly where allegations had remained in the public domain for an extended period.
It maintained that the EFCC should either proceed with prosecution where the evidence supports it or explain the position where the available evidence is insufficient.
The association stressed that investigations should not remain indefinitely unresolved, adding that public accountability and the constitutional right to be presumed innocent must be respected throughout the process.
The demand comes amid longstanding allegations against the two former governors, whose separate cases have attracted public attention over claims concerning the management of public funds during their respective administrations.
Okowa’s Investigation and Allegations Over Derivation Funds
Okowa, who governed Delta State from 2015 to 2023, was arrested and detained by the EFCC in November 2024 over allegations relating to the management of funds received during his eight-year tenure.
According to information cited by HURIWA, the former governor had reported to the commission’s Port Harcourt office following an invitation from investigators before he was arrested.
A statement attributed to the EFCC at the time said, “Okowa was at our Port Harcourt office following an invitation from the investigators probing the allegations against him. He was then arrested.”
The investigation reportedly examined the handling of about N1.3 trillion in 13 per cent derivation funds from the Federation Account between 2015 and 2023.
The funds are associated with payments to oil-producing states under Nigeria’s derivation revenue-sharing arrangement.
Other allegations reported during the investigation concerned investments and the alleged use of funds to acquire shares in a floating liquefied natural gas project.
These claims formed part of the questions raised about the former governor’s financial dealings while in office.
However, the allegations do not in themselves establish criminal liability.
Okowa has denied wrongdoing, while his aide had maintained that the EFCC had not established a case against him.
HURIWA said the commission should clarify the outcome of its investigation rather than allow uncertainty to persist over the matter.
“Where investigators have sufficient evidence to prosecute, the EFCC should proceed without undue delay. Where the evidence is insufficient, the commission should equally clarify the position rather than leave the matter indefinitely unresolved,” the association said.
The group argued that a clear explanation from the commission would help Nigerians understand whether the case remained under investigation or had reached a stage where a decision on prosecution could be made.
HURIWA Seeks Clarity on Yahaya Bello’s Case
HURIWA also called on the EFCC to provide an update on the allegations involving Bello, who governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024.
The former governor has faced separate criminal proceedings over allegations concerning the handling of public funds during his administration.
The EFCC has brought charges against him in court, including allegations of money laundering and criminal breach of trust involving large sums of money.
In one of the cases, the commission filed a 19-count charge against Bello over alleged money laundering involving approximately N80.2 billion.
Another case involved allegations of criminal breach of trust involving N110.4 billion. The charges also named other individuals.
Bello has denied the allegations against him. The allegations remain subject to judicial determination, and the charges should not be treated as proof of guilt.
HURIWA said the commission should pursue the case through the appropriate legal channels and communicate its position clearly to the public.
It maintained that the handling of the former Kogi governor’s case should follow the same standards of transparency and accountability expected in other corruption investigations.
The association argued that the status of high-profile investigations should not be left to speculation, especially when public funds are involved.
It said the EFCC should allow the courts to determine the merits of any charges brought against the former governors.
The group also warned against using political connections or ambitions to influence the course of investigations.
According to HURIWA, holding public office in the past should not exempt anyone from lawful scrutiny, just as being accused of an offence should not automatically amount to a conviction.
Political Parties’ Candidate Selection
Moreover, HURIWA raised concerns about the reported selection of political candidates facing unresolved corruption allegations.
The association specifically called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) to explain the rationale behind its reported senatorial choice in Delta North.
It urged political parties to adopt clear and transparent criteria when selecting candidates for elective positions.
HURIWA argued that political parties have a responsibility to consider public accountability when making decisions about who represents them in elections.
It said unresolved allegations against aspirants should be addressed through lawful processes rather than ignored or treated as proof of guilt.
The group also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to apply electoral laws impartially.
It stressed that questions surrounding a candidate’s eligibility must be determined by the relevant constitutional and statutory provisions.
According to the association, public allegations alone cannot automatically disqualify a person from contesting an election.
However, it maintained that political parties should be prepared to explain their decisions when questions arise about candidates seeking public office.
HURIWA urged the EFCC to issue an update on the investigation involving Okowa and to take further action where the available evidence warrants prosecution.
It made the same demand concerning Bello’s case, insisting that both matters should be handled without political interference.
“Nigerians should not have to choose between respect for the presumption of innocence and the demand for accountability from public officials,” HURIWA said.
