Some Kogi State youths have protested the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) plans to arrest former Governor Yahaya Bello.
The anti-graft commission is investigating the former Kogi governor for suspected 80.2 billion naira fraud.
The youths, led by the Coalition of Civil Society for Democracy and the Africa Youths Coalition for Justice, assembled in large numbers and barricaded the Lokoja-Abuja Road, causing gridlock on the federal highway.
They were seen carrying banners with various inscriptions, “President Tinubu, call EFCC to order”, “EFCC stop witch hunting”, “Yahaya Bello remains a responsible citizen”, among others.
Addressing newsmen in Lokoja, coalition Convener Richard Otitoleke stated that the groups were on the ground to defend the rule of law and democratic governance.
He urged caution and devotion to the rule of law during Bello’s trial.
The youth leader described the rule of law as one of the hallmarks of a democratic society, pointing out that there is a court order, an interim restraining order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction, that states unequivocally that the former governor should not be invited, arrested, or prosecuted pending the resolution of the issue at hand concerning his human rights.
He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to conduct an urgent review of the EFCC’s operations to ensure that they are professional and in conformity with existing Federal Republic of Nigeria law.
Oluwa-Kayode Emmanuel, a member of the protesting groups, accused the EFCC of conducting a media trial of the former governor.