Former ECOWAS Court Vice President Criticizes EFCC Chairman for Press Briefing on Yahaya Bello

Professor Nwoke Friday Chijioke, the former Vice President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, expressed his disapproval of the recent press conference held by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), particularly regarding the discussion about Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State.

During an appearance on Politics Today, a show on Channels Television, Prof. Chijioke criticized the EFCC’s methods, condemning them as an unjust trial and branding them as a type of media trial.

He highlighted the significance of discretion in such situations, stressing that justice institutions like the EFCC should carry out investigations discreetly without involving the media.

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He emphasized that the recent press conference by the EFCC chairman was unnecessary and unfair, stating that investigations should be conducted without granting privileges to suspects and without the need for publicizing the case.

Prof. Chijioke also pointed out that in corruption cases, arrests are not always necessary, as evidence can often be determined through documentary proof.

He suggested that if a prima facie case is established, it should be filed in court and served to the accused, rather than being publicized prematurely, as this could lead to an unfair hearing.