EFCC says Nigerians should not blame it for slow resolution of high‑profile cases

EFCC urges Nigerians not to blame agency for slow case resolution

At a joint press briefing in Abuja on 6 November 2026, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) spokesman Dele Oyewale addressed journalists and representatives from other security agencies. The commission said it is being harassed by the public because some high‑profile cases it has brought to court are still pending. The most cited example was the alleged corruption case against former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello.

Oyewale explained that the EFCC’s mandate is to investigate, prosecute and prevent corruption, but it does not have the power to adjudicate. He said the commission can only bring cases to court and that the judiciary decides when a case is resolved. He urged Nigerians to understand that delays are a feature of the legal process, not a failure of the EFCC.

The briefing was organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and attended by public‑relations officers from the Police, ICPC, Defence Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, NAPTIP, NDLEA, DSS, Fire Service and other security bodies.

Background

The EFCC has been pursuing several high‑profile corruption investigations. The case against Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, has attracted significant public attention and criticism of the commission’s handling. Earlier statements from the EFCC highlighted a 98 % success rate in prosecutions, suggesting that the agency believes it is diligent and effective.

In previous briefings, the EFCC has emphasised that it cannot act as both accuser and judge. The agency’s spokesperson has repeatedly said that it can only present evidence to the court; the court is responsible for determining the outcome. This stance was reiterated at the 6 November briefing, where Oyewale noted that some cases, such as that of Saleh Mamman who received a 75‑year sentence, were resolved quickly due to court processes, not EFCC intervention.

Why it matters

The EFCC’s comments come amid growing public frustration over the pace of corruption trials. The commission’s insistence that delays are not its fault may influence public perception of the justice system. If the EFCC is seen as a bottleneck, it could undermine confidence in anti‑corruption efforts. Conversely, clarifying its role may reduce unfounded accusations and allow the agency to focus on investigations.

The case against Yahaya Bello remains a focal point for critics. The commission’s statement that it is being harassed over this case suggests that the public is holding the EFCC accountable for outcomes that are ultimately decided by the courts. The agency’s explanation that it cannot dictate trial timelines may affect how stakeholders view the efficiency of Nigeria’s judicial process.

What happens next

The briefing did not outline specific next steps for the EFCC or the pending cases. No new dates or procedural changes were announced. The agency continues to pursue its investigations and will continue to bring cases to court as per its mandate.

The EFCC’s stance on its role in the judicial process was the main point of the briefing. No further actions or policy changes were announced at this time.