The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to clarify the status of matters involving former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, urging timely action where sufficient evidence supports prosecution.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the association called for transparent investigations and accountability, while stressing that allegations must not be treated as proof of guilt.
HURIWA said the public deserved clear information about the progress of the cases and the steps being taken by the anti-graft commission.
“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,” the association said.
Association Seeks Clarity on Okowa Investigation
HURIWA recalled reports that Okowa was arrested and detained in November 2024 over allegations concerning the management of funds received during his eight years as governor.
It cited a statement attributed to the EFCC at the time, which said the former governor had attended the commission’s Port Harcourt office following an invitation before his arrest.
According to the association, reports on the investigation raised questions about the management of ₦1.3 trillion in 13 per cent derivation funds received from the Federation Account between 2015 and 2023.
Other reported allegations concerned funds allegedly used to acquire shares in a floating liquefied natural gas project and other investments.
HURIWA acknowledged that Okowa had denied wrongdoing and that his aide had maintained that the EFCC had not established a case against him.
The association urged the commission to explain the current position and ensure that any prosecution supported by evidence proceeds through the appropriate legal process.
HURIWA Calls for Transparent Handling of Bello Case
The rights group also raised concerns about allegations involving Bello and the alleged diversion of public funds during his tenure as Kogi governor.
It urged the EFCC to pursue the matter transparently through the courts, maintaining that political affiliation or electoral ambition should not shield anyone from lawful scrutiny.
Bello’s political ambitions have also attracted attention following the court challenge concerning his Kogi Central senatorial ticket.
HURIWA emphasised that an accusation, investigation or prosecution does not amount to a conviction. Its call for transparency comes amid other developments in financial crime proceedings, including the withdrawal of a judge from the separate ₦10 billion trial involving Ali Bello.
Political Parties Urged to Explain Candidate Choices
The association asked the All Progressives Congress to explain the rationale behind its reported senatorial choice in Delta North and urged political parties to adopt transparent standards for selecting candidates.
The appeal comes as parties prepare for the next election cycle, with APC senatorial nominations for 2027 drawing public scrutiny.
HURIWA also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to apply electoral laws impartially. It said eligibility questions should be determined by constitutional and statutory provisions rather than public allegations alone.
Candidate selection disputes have already featured in preparations for the elections, including the controversy surrounding the Kogi West senatorial ticket and the APC’s choice for Kogi East.
‘Accountability and Presumption of Innocence Must Coexist’
HURIWA maintained that respect for individual rights and demands for public accountability should be upheld together.
“Nigerians should not have to choose between respect for the presumption of innocence and the demand for accountability from public officials,” it said.
The association called for an update on the Okowa investigation and transparent handling of the matter involving Bello, stressing that nobody should be declared guilty without due process or protected from investigation because of political connections.
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