A fabricated social media post has caused confusion regarding Nigerian lawyer Mike Ozekhome’s stance on the ongoing corruption case against Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. Ozekhome, a prominent human rights advocate, has vehemently denied authoring the statement, which criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for targeting Bello while neglecting to pursue similar charges against former governors of Zamfara State.
Fabricated Statement Sparks Controversy
The fake statement, circulated widely online, claimed Ozekhome argued for preferential treatment for Governor Bello. It alleged Ozekhome questioned the EFCC’s motives, suggesting the agency was unfairly targeting Bello while overlooking corruption cases involving former governors Abdulaziz Yari and Bello Matawale of Zamfara State. The fabricated quote further suggested Ozekhome believed Bello’s situation was distinct due to a restraining order he received from a Kogi State high court earlier this year.
Ozekhome Denounces “Utter Trash”
Ozekhome swiftly denounced the fabricated statement, calling it “a lie from the pit of hell.” He emphasized his unwavering commitment to human rights and the principles of due process. “My entire career has been dedicated to upholding the law and advocating for fair trials,” Ozekhome declared. “The idea that I would endorse special treatment for any individual, let alone challenge legitimate anti-corruption efforts, is utterly absurd.”
The fabricated statement also included a boastful quote attributed to Ozekhome, claiming he had defeated the EFCC in court eleven times. Ozekhome pointed out this further exposed the post’s dishonesty, as he wouldn’t quote himself within a statement he supposedly wrote.
Ozekhome attributed the fabrication to “faceless internet crawlers” seeking to sow discord. He urged the public to disregard the information entirely, comparing the perpetrators to “millipedes of the internet” – a term used by Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka to describe malicious online actors who spread misinformation.
EFCC Case Against Bello Looms
The EFCC is reportedly pursuing corruption charges against Governor Bello. However, Bello obtained a restraining order from a Kogi State high court in February 2024, temporarily halting his arrest. The EFCC has since appealed this decision, and a judgement is expected on April 22, 2024.
The fabricated social media post has injected unnecessary confusion into the ongoing legal case. While Ozekhome has distanced himself from the statement, it remains unclear whether the court will uphold the restraining order, allowing Bello to avoid arrest. The EFCC’s appeal is a crucial step, and its outcome will determine the next phase in the corruption case against the Kogi State governor.
Source: Vanguard
