Daniel Bwala, a lawyer and public affairs analyst, has expressed criticism of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding its allegations against former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello.

Bwala, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party’s Presidential Campaign Committee in the 2023 general elections, condemned the agency’s “trial by media” approach. He argued that the EFCC chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, conducted a public discussion resembling a courtroom trial, with the media acting as judge and jury.

During an appearance on Arise TV’s morning show, Bwala stated, “What happened yesterday was like a prosecutor in court delivering his opening address before the trial. And who acted as the judge yesterday? It was the press. Yahaya Bello, on the other hand, did not have the same privilege to present his case. We can call it a complete trial by the media.”

He further raised questions about the EFCC’s intentions, suggesting that the commission might be indirectly providing an opportunity for the accused to escape. Bwala pointed out that this approach has caused high-profile cases to spiral out of control in the past.

Bwala highlighted inconsistencies in the EFCC chairman’s statements, accusing him of breaching the protocols of the anti-graft commission. He argued that the chairman was constructing a narrative against ex-governor Bello through the media rather than the law courts.

Calling for reform in the EFCC, Bwala emphasized the need for the commission to focus on actual prosecution rather than relying on media sensationalism. He urged the EFCC to obey the court order prohibiting the arrest and prosecution of Yahaya Bello until the matter is resolved.