The Child’s Rights Advocacy Network (CRANE) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to stop targeting the children of the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello to gain leverage.
The group added that targeting the children to gain leverage over their father was not only unethical but also illegal.
The Coordinator of the group stated this while addressing a press conference on Friday in Abuja, Frankline Edede.
Against this background, the group called for strict adherence to due process and the presumption of innocence in all investigations.
The group, therefore, demanded immediate cease of all actions and public statements that directly or indirectly target Bello’s children.
Edede stressed that without prejudice to the duties of the EFCC to investigate and prosecute any person for any offense within her terms of reference, the group denounced the repeated mention of Bello’s children in press conferences and statements by EFCC officials, particularly its Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede and Spokesperson Dele Oyewale.
He noted that EFCC’s actions raised serious concerns about the violation of due process, the presumption of innocence, and the potential for lasting psychological and emotional damage to the children involved.
Edede said the group firmly believed that the fight against corruption must not come at the expense of children’s well-being or the principles of justice.
He maintained that the actions of all parties involved in this case have inadvertently exposed these children to undue public scrutiny and potential harm, contravening both Nigerian law and international conventions on children’s rights.
Edede stated: “We also strongly condemn the public statement by their school, the American International School, Abuja, regarding her remittance of the school fees paid for the children by their family to the EFCC.
“While acknowledging and respecting the EFCC’s mandate to investigate financial crimes, CRANE emphasises that the rights and well-being of children must be protected throughout any legal process.”