Professor Nwoke Friday Chijioke, former Vice President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, has criticized the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for holding a press conference regarding Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State. In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today program, Professor Chijioke condemned the EFCC’s approach, deeming it an unfair trial and a form of media trial.
He stressed the importance of discretion in such matters, asserting that justice institutions like the EFCC should conduct investigations discreetly without involving the media. According to Professor Chijioke, the EFCC chairman’s press conference was unnecessary and unfair, amounting to an unfair trial and challenges arising from what he termed a “media trial.”
Professor Chijioke emphasized that justice institutions should be able to carry out investigations discreetly, especially when they are the investigators, without the need to involve the media. He questioned the necessity of granting privileges to Yahaya Bello, stating that the law does not require according privileges to individuals suspected of committing an offense.
Additionally, Professor Chijioke suggested that in corruption cases, arrests and custodies are not always necessary. Instead, if a prima facie case can be established with evidence, it would be more appropriate to file a case in court and serve the accused person, rather than publicizing the matter, which could constitute unfair hearing.
