The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to conclude its investigations involving former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
In a statement on Friday signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the association also called for prosecution where sufficient evidence exists.
It urged the EFCC to clarify the status of its investigation into Okowa and Bello.
The former governor was arrested and detained in November 2024 over allegations relating to the management of funds received during his eight-year tenure, HURIWA said, citing reports of the commission’s investigation.
According to a statement attributed to the EFCC at the time, “Okowa was at our Port Harcourt office following an invitation from the investigators probing the allegations against him. He was then arrested.”
HURIWA also cited reports that the investigation concerned the N1.3tn 13 per cent derivation fund from the Federation Account between 2015 and 2023.
Other allegations reported at the time included questions about funds allegedly used to acquire shares in a floating liquefied natural gas project and other investments.
The association stressed that the allegations remained distinct from proof of guilt, noting that Okowa had denied wrongdoing and that his aide had maintained that the EFCC had not established a case against him.
“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,” HURIWA said.
The association also expressed similar concerns about allegations against Bello concerning the alleged diversion of public funds during his tenure as governor.
HURIWA called on the EFCC to pursue the matter transparently and through the courts, stressing that neither an accusation nor an investigation should be treated as a conviction.
However, it maintained that political office should not shield anyone from lawful investigation or prosecution.
It urged the APC to explain the rationale behind its reported senatorial choice in Delta North and called on political parties to adopt transparent standards for selecting candidates.
HURIWA also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to apply electoral laws impartially, noting that questions of eligibility should be determined by relevant constitutional and statutory provisions rather than public allegations alone.
The association called on the EFCC to provide an update on the Okowa investigation and ensure that any prosecution justified by the evidence proceeds in accordance with the law.
It also urged the commission to ensure that the case involving Bello is handled in the same manner.
“Nigerians should not have to choose between respect for the presumption of innocence and the demand for accountability from public officials,” HURIWA said.
It maintained that both principles must be upheld, adding that no individual should be declared guilty without due process or insulated from investigation because of political affiliation or electoral ambition.
Credit: punchng.com
