Lawyer and Chairman of the Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG), Onokpasa, has issued a statement defending former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, amid recent claims of him evading arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Responding to statements from presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Onokpasa emphasized that Bello is not “hiding” but is lawfully engaged in a court case to protect his fundamental rights.
Onokpasa criticized both Onanuga and interviewer Laolu Akande for suggesting that Bello is avoiding legal accountability by seeking refuge under his successor, Governor Usman Ododo.
He argued that as Bello is actively pursuing legal recourse, he is “under the protection of the law” and should not be accused of evading justice.
The lawyer questioned the EFCC’s actions, noting that Bello voluntarily appeared at their headquarters only to be dismissed, raising concerns about the motives behind the EFCC’s pursuit.
He alleged that the agency might be operating with political bias, acting as a “political thug for hire.”
Onokpasa further suggested that such accusations appear to target Bello unfairly, and argued that the courts, not public opinion or media speculations, should be allowed to decide the case.
He concluded that Nigeria remains “a country of laws,” emphasizing that Yahaya Bello is seeking justice within the legal framework.