Former Vice President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Professor Nwoke Friday Chijioke, has expressed discontent with the recent press conference held by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), specifically regarding his comments on Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State.
During an appearance on the program Politics Today on Channels Television, Prof. Chijioke condemned the EFCC’s handling of the matter, characterizing it as an unjust trial and branding it as a form of trial by media.
He underscored the significance of discretion in such cases, highlighting that judicial institutions like the EFCC should conduct their investigations in a discreet manner without involving the media.
In his remarks, Prof. Chijioke stated, “The recent press briefing by the EFCC chairman was highly unwarranted. It amounts to an unjust trial. These challenges stem from what I would describe as a trial by media.”
“A justice institution should have the capability, especially when acting as an investigator, to conduct investigations discreetly. There is no need to engage the media,” he added.
Regarding the handling of corruption cases, he commented, “In instances of corruption, arrests are not always necessary. Often, these cases are proven through documentary evidence. If a prima facie case is established with evidence, it should be taken to court and the accused served properly. Publicizing such matters prematurely amounts to an unfair hearing.”