Kogi youths gathered at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday to protest what they perceived as political persecution against the former Governor of the state, Yahaya Bello. However, they were reportedly met with force by EFCC operatives.

Two separate protests took place at the EFCC headquarters on Monday. While one, organized by opposition party members in the state in support of the EFCC, proceeded peacefully, the other, demanding respect for the rule of law, was allegedly attacked, according to the Pro-Yahaya Bello group.

Videos circulated on social media showing protesters struggling to voice their concerns amid harassment, with journalists also reportedly facing danger during the incident.

Protesters expressed suspicion that a rally in support of the EFCC, organized by a group called Kogi Conscience Movement, was backed by the Commission. The pro-Bello protest was organized by the Kogi Youth Coalition.

During the altercation, 10 individuals were reportedly arrested from the pro-Yahaya Bello group, and several others were injured. Reporters also had to flee for safety as they were allegedly subjected to rough treatment.

Otitoleke Richard, the Head of the Kogi Youth Coalition, stated during the attack that they were at the EFCC headquarters to address national issues concerning the rule of law and the defense of democratic governance in Nigeria.

“We have been intimidated, we have been harassed. The EFCC is saying we do not have the right to express our opinion on national issues. We have been shot at; they have used their stick to beat ordinary Nigerians that are harmless.

“We shall continue to air our opinion for democracy to thrive in Nigeria. Nigeria is not a Banana Republic. We’re saying the rule of law must be applied in all corruption files. You cannot fight corruption with lawlessness.”

A protester, who simply identified himself as Malik, said it was unfortunate that peaceful protests that were a right of every Nigerian had now been made selective by the Commission.

“Why didn’t they attempt to disperse those Igala boys that protested against the former Governor. Can you imagine? EFCC sponsoring Muri Ajaka’s boys to come and support them and call Yahaya Bello out?

“Nigerians should not be fooled to think anybody is fighting any corruption. They just want him out. Period. But we are saying they can’t disgrace him. He has done more than any Governor for us in Kogi State and all these people know. This will not make us afraid of asking for our rights. We will continue,” he said.

Recounting what transpired, another protester, Abdulmajid Wahab, said security operatives also destroyed one bus and impounded two others.

“They said the leader of the protest should come and bail the two vehicles.
And that they want to charge the 10 people to court,” he said.

Hundreds of Youths, mainly from Kogi State, stormed the EFCC headquarters, on Monday, to protest alleged unending persecution and media trial of ex-Gov Bello.

The indigenes, who accused the anti-graft agency of conniving with enemies of the state from a particular ethnic group to fight political war, said the former Governor was backed by the law in all his actions and that he was not the first person to obtain a restraining order in Nigeria against undue harassment and persecution.

They said they staged the protest to counter what they said was an EFCC-sponsored protest in their support, vowed to resist the glaring intimidation, and called on President Bola Tinubu to call EFCC to order.