Abuja, January 6, 2026 — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reaffirmed that former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello remains presumed innocent under Nigerian law until proven guilty by a court, as his trial on allegations of money laundering involving over ₦80 billion continues.
Speaking on Arise Television's Morning Show on January 5, 2026, EFCC Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwuajaren, emphasized the constitutional principle of presumption of innocence and clarified that the commission's role is limited to prosecution, not determining guilt.
"One thing we need to understand is how criminal prosecution works in Nigeria. It takes some time before you prove some of these issues in court. As I speak to you, the trial is still ongoing before the courts. We are presenting witnesses, we have presented evidence. It is not the commission that is going to decide the matter; it is the court that will decide the matter," Uwuajaren stated. He added that the EFCC is committed to ensuring justice for both prosecution and defense, noting, "Nothing has happened, nothing has gone amiss, and we remain committed to doing that."
Uwuajaren further stressed that Bello's political activities, including reported ambitions for the 2027 Kogi Central senatorial seat or developments within his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), have no bearing on the case. "Yahaya Bello, as we speak, is under trial, but the Constitution presumes that anyone under trial is innocent until proven guilty. So whatever is happening to him within his party is purely party affairs. It has nothing to do with the EFCC or the charges we have filed before the court," he said. He reiterated the EFCC's apolitical stance: "Whatever the party does to Yahaya Bello is the party’s business. EFCC is not a political party. We are not interested in politics. We are a law enforcement agency, and we are enforcing the law."
The comments appear to address public speculation linking Bello's ongoing trial to his recent political engagements, amid reports of his renewed activity within the APC despite the pending charges.
Bello is facing a 19-count charge before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, alleging money laundering and misappropriation of ₦80,246,470,089.88 during his tenure as governor from 2016 to 2024. The charges stem from allegations that Bello and associates converted state funds for personal use. A separate case involving alleged ₦110.4 billion fraud is also before the FCT High Court.
The case has a protracted history. The EFCC declared Bello wanted on April 18, 2024, after he failed to appear for arraignment, citing the alleged offenses amounting to ₦80.2 billion. He eventually submitted to custody later in 2024, was granted bail, and the trial has proceeded with witness testimonies, including evidence related to advance payment of his children's school fees in foreign currency.
As of early 2026, the trial remains active, with the EFCC presenting evidence and witnesses. Recent court sessions have included testimony from an auditor at the American International School Abuja regarding prepaid tuition fees linked to Bello.
Legal experts note that Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) enshrines the presumption of innocence, stating that every person charged with a criminal offense shall be presumed innocent until proven guilty. This principle aligns with Uwuajaren's remarks and underscores that ongoing trials do not equate to conviction.
The EFCC's statement underscores its focus on due process amid public interest in high-profile corruption cases. Observers say the case highlights challenges in prosecuting former public officials, including delays due to legal maneuvers and political intersections.
Bello's defense has consistently maintained his innocence, arguing that the charges are politically motivated. The outcome will ultimately rest with the judiciary, as emphasized by the EFCC.
This development comes as Nigeria continues efforts to combat financial crimes, with the EFCC prosecuting several former governors and officials in recent years.
