A loyalist of former Governor Yahaya Bello, Alhaji Moshood Omuya, has called on the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, (EFCC), to thread with caution in the manner they are going in their allegations of corruption against the former governor.
In a statement issued on Friday in Lokoja and made available to Journalists, Omuya stressed that the people are already viewing their actions as if it has some political interest.
He added that he personally viewed the demand for his Arrest and threat to the Life of Alhaji. Yahaya Adoza Bello as not only unlawful but a violation of his fundamental human right in view of a subsisting court order baring the agency from arresting him or prosecuting him until the determination of the substantive suit instituted by the former governor.
According to him, it becomes more curious that the agency will violate a valid Court order which the Commission even appealed, saying that the EFCC as a creation of law must act within the ambit of the law setting it up.
The statement in full;
“We write to bring to your attention a grave and disturbing development regarding the unlawful demand for the arrest and threat to the life of our political leader, Alh. Yahaya Adoza Bello, by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), demanding his arrest and appearance before the commission. The letter alleged that our leader was involved in certain financial crimes, which he vehemently denies.
“I strongly believe that this demand is unlawful, baseless, and a gross violation of our leader’s fundamental rights. The EFCC has not presented any credible evidence to support these allegations, and our leader has not been given a fair opportunity to respond to the allegations or defend himself. We are also aware that no formal letter of invitation has been extended to him till today, aside the media trial.
“Furthermore, I have reason to believe that this demand is a result of a political vendetta and witch-hunt against our leader, who has been a vocal critic in the country . The threat to his life is real and imminent, and we fear for his safety and well-being.
“I therefore demand that the EFCC:
Withdraw the unlawful demand for our leader’s arrest and appearance
Provide credible evidence to support the allegations against our leader and Give our leader a fair opportunity to respond to the allegations and defend himself via letter and Take immediate steps to ensure our leader’s safety and security
“I expect a prompt response and resolution to this matter, failing which we will be forced to seek legal action and seek redress from the courts.