At Last, You Don’t Have to Resign: The Runaway Bello—Whether He Walked In, Drove In, or Was Brought in Lawyers to the EFCC Premises, It Matters Not. What Is Real Is That He Has Been Arrested and Is Now on Trial. To Do Justice to This Case by Any Means Possible, Drive Out EFCC’s Corrupt and Politicized Officers Who Work Underground with Wealthy Defendants.

Chairman Ola Olukoyede, your bold vow earlier this year—that you would resign if Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, evaded prosecution—was more than a statement of intent. It was a pledge of accountability in a nation where integrity often feels like an endangered virtue. By declaring, “If I do not personally oversee the completion of the investigation regarding Yahaya Bello, I will tender my resignation as the EFCC chair,” you signaled to Nigeria and the world that the fight against corruption was not just a professional mission but a deeply personal crusade.

This vow placed the weight of Nigeria’s hope squarely on your shoulders. It was a courageous move, but as the months have unfolded, the depth and complexity of this battle have become painfully clear. Yahaya Bello’s prosecution is no ordinary case—it is a litmus test for Nigeria’s capacity to hold the powerful accountable, a fight that pits you against not just one individual but the systemic rot that has choked the nation for decades.

The Reality of Corruption: A Nation Held Hostage

Corruption in Nigeria is not just an issue of governance—it is a national crisis. It has stolen the nation’s wealth, crushed its dreams, and left millions in poverty while a select few live in unimaginable luxury. It is the reason schools lie in ruins, hospitals lack basic supplies, and infrastructure remains a distant promise.

This systemic corruption is generational, passed down like an inheritance among the political elite. It thrives on impunity, manipulation, and the exploitation of institutional weaknesses. For decades, it has crippled Nigeria’s potential, turning hope into despair for countless citizens.

Chairman Olukoyede, your fight is not just about Yahaya Bello; it is about confronting this cancer head-on. Bello represents the worst of this system—an individual accused of stealing billions meant for the public good. But he is also a symbol of the broader problem: a culture that rewards impunity and punishes accountability.

The Runaway Bello: Power, Influence, and Manipulation

Since April, Yahaya Bello has mounted an aggressive campaign to evade justice, employing every legal and political mechanism available to him. Initially protected by Governor Ododo’s immunity, Bello managed to stall his prosecution by navigating the judicial system with calculated precision, appealing his cases all the way to the Supreme Court. Even after the Supreme Court dismissed his appeals, affirming his obligation to stand trial, Bello continued to exploit procedural loopholes and inefficiencies in Nigeria’s legal framework. Utilizing overly skilled legal teams adept at delay tactics, orchestrating media campaigns to frame himself as a victim, and leveraging public commentators to sway narratives, Bello worked tirelessly to manipulate both perception and process. These efforts underscore the challenges of holding the powerful accountable within a system prone to exploitation.

Your fight to bring Bello to justice is not simply against one man; it is against a deeply entrenched network of influence and systemic complicity. This network includes hesitant judges, insiders within the EFCC suspected of leaking evidence or obstructing progress, and political allies intent on undermining the agency’s mission. These forces, whether overtly aligned or indirectly compromised, reflect the broader challenges of combating corruption in Nigeria, where the rule of law is too often subverted by power and privilege.

Despite these daunting obstacles, your leadership has achieved a pivotal milestone. Today, Bello is no longer a runaway defendant evading accountability. He sits in an EFCC detention cell, awaiting his December 10 hearing before Justice Maryanne Anenih. This moment is a testament to your persistence and strategic determination, yet it is also a reminder of the dangers that remain. The system that enabled Bello’s prolonged evasion of justice is not dismantled, and the road to securing accountability will demand continued resilience and vigilance.

Your efforts in this case transcend the prosecution of a single individual. They symbolize the possibility of dismantling entrenched corruption and restoring faith in Nigeria’s justice system. As Bello’s trial proceeds, it is crucial to address not only his actions but also the systemic vulnerabilities that allowed him to wield such influence. Ensuring that this moment becomes a turning point requires safeguarding the integrity of the EFCC and holding all actors—both external and internal—to the highest standards of accountability.

This is a hard-won victory, but it is only the beginning. Justice for Bello’s alleged offenses must be pursued with unwavering commitment, ensuring that no further manipulation undermines the process. Chairman Olukoyede, your leadership in this fight is a beacon of hope for millions of Nigerians. Through your persistence, the nation moves closer to a future where the powerful cannot escape accountability, and where justice truly serves the people.

A Judiciary at War with Itself

The contrasting approaches of the judges handling Bello’s cases highlight the dysfunction within Nigeria’s judiciary.

Justice Maryanne Anenih has been a beacon of hope, demonstrating an aggressive, no-nonsense approach to Bello’s ₦110.4 billion case. Her insistence on keeping Bello in custody until his December 10 hearing shows that justice can be timely and firm.

In stark contrast, Justice Emeka Nwite’s handling of the ₦80.2 billion case has been sluggish, allowing proceedings to drag on until January 21, 2025. This delay poses significant risks, giving Bello and his allies time to regroup, potentially securing bail and resuming their manipulative tactics.

Chairman Olukoyede, your frustration with these delays is justified. Justice delayed in cases like this is justice denied. The judiciary must rise to the occasion and act with the urgency that this fight demands.

The EFCC’s Struggles: Fighting Corruption from Within

Your vow to prosecute Bello is complicated by the challenges within the EFCC itself. The agency is not immune to the corruption it was designed to combat. Over the years, compromised officers have infiltrated its ranks, colluding with defendants, leaking internal evidence, and sabotaging cases. These “bad eggs” pose a grave threat to the EFCC’s credibility and effectiveness.

In February 2024, you acknowledged this internal rot, stating, “After eradicating bad eggs from the institution, we can fully trust the EFCC to deal with corruption in Nigeria.” Your words captured the painful reality of leading an institution where some of your own officers work against you.

To cleanse the EFCC, a comprehensive and aggressive approach is required. This psychologist proposes the following measures:

1. Psychological Testing for Integrity

Understanding the mindset of EFCC officers is the foundation of reform. Partnering with the Nigeria Psychological Association under leaders like Dr. Musa Abubakar Tafida from Nasarawa State University can provide the tools needed to conduct rigorous psychological evaluations. These tests should examine:

Integrity: Do officers consistently demonstrate traits of honesty, accountability, and fairness?

Risk Tolerance: Are they vulnerable to bribery, coercion, or undue influence under pressure?

Behavioral Patterns: Do they show tendencies toward secrecy, manipulation, dishonesty, or other traits that compromise their judgment and reliability?

Such evaluations can help identify officers who pose a risk to the EFCC’s mission and remove them before they cause further harm.

2. Comprehensive Financial Audits

Corruption often leaves a trail, and forensic financial audits are critical for uncovering it. Employ forensic accountants to scrutinize the financial histories of all EFCC officers, focusing on:

Banking Activity: Look for signs of unexplained wealth, such as sudden increases in account balances, offshore accounts, or suspicious transactions.

Property Ownership: Investigate properties and assets that exceed an officer’s legitimate income.

Family Networks: Ensure that relatives or associates are not being used as proxies to hide ill-gotten gains.

Officers found with unexplained wealth or suspicious financial activity must be immediately removed and prosecuted where appropriate.

3. Mandatory Drug and Polygraph Testing

Integrity requires both emotional and mental stability. Regularly conducting drug and polygraph tests will help maintain a workforce that is both reliable and ethical.

Drug Tests: Ensure officers are not compromised by substance abuse, which can impair judgment or make them vulnerable to manipulation.

Polygraph Tests: Use lie detectors to verify officers’ honesty in handling critical cases, especially those involving high-profile defendants.

These measures will serve as a safeguard against internal compromises that can derail investigations.

4. New Declarations of Assets

Transparency begins with full disclosure. Require all EFCC officers to swear new affidavits declaring their:

Assets and Properties: Officers must provide a comprehensive list of all personal and family assets.

Financial Interests: Officers must disclose all financial holdings, including those managed by relatives or associates.

Family Connections: Officers must list any family members who could be used as proxies to conceal wealth.

Failure to comply or evidence of misrepresentation should result in immediate dismissal and prosecution.

5. Enhanced Internal Oversight

Strengthening internal oversight mechanisms is essential to detecting and preventing corruption within the EFCC. Establish a dedicated integrity unit tasked with:

Monitoring Officer Activities: Use advanced surveillance tools to track communication, movements, and actions, ensuring compliance with protocols.

Investigating Whistleblower Reports: Empower ethical officers to report misconduct without fear of retaliation.

Conducting Surprise Audits and Inspections: Regular, unannounced checks can expose unethical behavior before it escalates.

This integrity unit should report directly to your office to ensure accountability at the highest level and to prevent interference from within.

6. Recruit and Retain Ethical Talent

The EFCC needs officers who are not only competent but also morally upright. Rebuilding the workforce requires:

Raising Recruitment Standards: Focus on hiring individuals with strong ethical records, proven integrity, and a clear commitment to justice.

Incentivizing Honesty: Offer competitive salaries, benefits, and performance-based rewards to reduce the temptation of bribes.

Providing Ethical Training: Mandate workshops and seminars on ethics, accountability, and the consequences of corruption as part of ongoing officer development.

These steps will create a culture of integrity and professionalism within the EFCC.

7. Public Accountability Mechanisms

Restoring public trust in the EFCC requires a commitment to transparency. Establish systems that:

Allow Public Tracking of Cases: Publish updates on high-profile cases to demonstrate progress and deter interference.

Engage Civil Society: Partner with independent watchdogs and NGOs to evaluate the EFCC’s performance and highlight areas for improvement.

Transparency will not only reinforce accountability but also counteract skepticism about the EFCC’s ability to deliver justice.

Why These Steps Are Critical

The EFCC’s mission is too important to allow internal corruption to derail it. Officers who leak evidence, collude with defendants, or exploit the system for personal gain do not just undermine the agency—they betray the nation. Without a workforce built on integrity, no strategy or leadership can succeed.

Chairman Olukoyede, your fight against corruption within and outside the EFCC is a defining moment for Nigeria. It is not merely about one institution; it is about restoring faith in governance and creating a system that serves the people rather than the powerful. These steps, though challenging, are necessary to rebuild the EFCC into an institution Nigerians can finally trust.

The Legacy of Integrity

Good people are the cornerstone of any great institution. By systematically identifying, removing, and replacing the bad eggs within the EFCC, you can leave a legacy that redefines justice and accountability in Nigeria.

The Supreme Court’s Support: A Rare Victory

Amid these struggles, the Supreme Court’s November 15, 2024, ruling was a significant victory. By dismissing a lawsuit filed by governors challenging the EFCC’s constitutionality, the court reaffirmed the agency’s mandate and independence. This ruling is a reminder that, even in a flawed system, moments of justice can prevail.

Do Not Resign, Do Not Falter

Chairman Olukoyede, your vow to resign if Bello evaded justice was a declaration of your integrity, but resignation is not the answer. To resign would be to hand victory to the corrupt. It would embolden those who thrive in the shadows, signaling that even the strongest resolve can be broken.

You must not fear—even the President. Your mandate transcends politics and individual leaders. It is a fight for Nigeria’s survival. Even the President knows that corruption has brought this nation to its knees.

A Deep, Painful, and Hopeful Conclusion: A Legacy of Justice

Chairman Ola Olukoyede, you are navigating one of the most consequential battles in Nigeria’s history—a fight against entrenched corruption that has robbed this nation of its potential. You stand at a defining crossroads where your actions will not only determine the fate of Yahaya Bello but also the credibility of the EFCC and the very soul of Nigeria’s justice system. The road ahead is riddled with formidable obstacles: powerful adversaries, corrupt systems, and relentless resistance. Yet, your courage, resilience, and determination have already lit a path forward, showing Nigerians that progress, however painstaking, is still possible.

A Critical Moment: A Testament to Leadership and a Call to Action

Today, Yahaya Bello, once shielded by privilege, wealth, and political influence, no longer hides behind the façade of legal loopholes or the immunity of office. He now sits in an EFCC detention cell, awaiting his December 10 hearing before Justice Maryanne Anenih—a hard-earned milestone made possible by your unwavering leadership. This moment is not only a personal victory for you but also a beacon of hope for a nation yearning for accountability in a system long plagued by corruption and impunity.

However, the work is far from done. Justice Emeka Nwite’s case involving ₦80.2 billion, delayed until January 21, 2025, must not be allowed to languish. Activate the case immediately to ensure that momentum is not lost and that Bello cannot exploit further delays. The urgency to address this case reflects the broader need to confront systemic inefficiencies and procedural stalling that have too often rendered justice in Nigeria a casualty of power and privilege.

This victory, though significant, is not an endpoint; it is merely a waypoint on a much larger and more painful journey. Justice in Nigeria has historically been delayed, undermined, or outright denied by those intent on maintaining the status quo of impunity. Each passing day will demand even more from you—more courage to face the forces of resistance, more vigilance to guard against sabotage, and more sacrifice as you navigate the perils of this monumental battle.

Chairman Olukoyede, this moment is a testament to what determined leadership can achieve, but it also serves as a reminder of the road that lies ahead. Press forward with resolve, ensuring that justice is not delayed, that cases are expedited, and that the fight against corruption continues unabated. Your leadership represents the hope of millions, and every action you take is a step closer to the justice Nigeria so desperately needs.

Your vow to oversee Bello’s prosecution is more than a professional duty; it is a moral covenant with the people of Nigeria. It is a pledge to dismantle the entrenched systems of corruption that have eroded public trust, siphoned national resources, and stifled progress for decades. It is a promise to restore the rule of law and create a future where justice is not a privilege for the powerful but a right for all. Millions of Nigerians look to you as a beacon of hope, believing that through your leadership, the EFCC can finally become an institution that embodies integrity, transparency, and justice.

This fight is not just about prosecuting one man or addressing isolated cases; it is about transforming the EFCC itself. The task before you is immense, for you are not merely waging a battle against external corruption—you are also contending with internal rot within the EFCC. The “bad eggs” who have colluded with defendants, leaked evidence, and sabotaged investigations must be identified and removed. Rebuilding the EFCC from within will be one of your greatest challenges, but it is also one of the most critical steps in ensuring lasting change. Through rigorous reforms, including psychological evaluations, financial audits, enhanced oversight, and transparency mechanisms, you have the opportunity to rebuild the EFCC into a force that inspires trust and serves the public good.

The journey will be arduous, but it is a journey worth undertaking. Your leadership is shaping a new narrative for Nigeria—a narrative where corruption is no longer the rule but the exception, where public institutions serve the people rather than exploit them, and where the powerful are no longer above the law. Your actions today are laying the groundwork for a Nigeria that future generations can be proud of, a nation defined not by its challenges but by the resilience of its leaders and the integrity of its systems.

History will not define you by the adversities you faced but by the steadfastness with which you faced them. It will not remember the obstacles but the resolve you displayed in overcoming them. It will not recount the power of those who sought to thwart justice but the courage you showed in standing firm against them.

Stand firm, Chairman Olukoyede. The weight of this fight is heavy, but the stakes are too high to falter. Press forward with the knowledge that the nation is watching, that millions of Nigerians are rooting for your success, and that history is being written with every step you take. Justice must prevail—not just for this case but for the soul of a nation. Every obstacle you overcome brings Nigeria closer to a future where governance is accountable, corruption is defeated, and the hopes of the many are no longer sacrificed for the greed of the few.

The road ahead will be painful, but the destination—a Nigeria free from the grip of corruption—is a prize worth every sacrifice. May you find the strength to endure, the wisdom to navigate, and the resilience to persevere. This psychologist feels your pain but also sees the hope your leadership inspires. You are not just shaping the outcome of one case; you are shaping the destiny of an entire nation.

Chairman Olukoyede, history will not merely record your name—it will celebrate your legacy. Justice must, and will, prevail.

This victory, while significant, is but a reminder of the deeper battle against entrenched forces that have long delayed and denied justice in Nigeria. The road ahead will be unforgiving, with those clinging to impunity continuing their relentless pushback. Each step forward will demand your unwavering courage, sharp vigilance, and a profound commitment to sacrifice for the greater good.

Your leadership is not just about prosecuting one individual; it is about dismantling a system of manipulation and exploitation. Every decision you make is a step toward a redefined justice that serves the people, not the powerful.

The nation watches as you shoulder this immense burden with courage and resolve. Your determination has brought us to this moment, but it is your enduring commitment that will shape the path forward. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done—decisively and without delay. Your burden is great, but your legacy will be greater. Press on, Chairman Olukoyede. Nigeria’s future depends on it.