Renowned human rights advocate Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, has vehemently denied a report alleging that he questioned why the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had not apprehended two former Governors of Zamfara State, Alhaji Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari and Bello Mattawale. Ozekhome, SAN, refuted the claims in an article attributed to him by an online media outlet, where he purportedly questioned the EFCC’s focus on the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.
According to the article, Ozekhome, SAN, expressed puzzlement over why Yahaya Bello’s case was being treated differently, especially since he had obtained a court order preventing his arrest and prosecution, similar to his counterparts in Zamfara State. Ozekhome, SAN, emphasized the importance of adhering to court orders and cautioned against disregarding legal injunctions merely for enforcement purposes.
He highlighted Bello’s legal recourse, noting that Bello had secured a restraining order from a high court in Kogi State in February 2024, which was still in effect. Ozekhome, SAN, criticized the EFCC’s actions in attempting to apprehend Bello before the court’s judgment on the appeal against the restraining order.
The article also referenced other prominent figures, including Abdulaziz Yari, Peter Odili, and the current Minister of Defense, Bello Mattawale, who had previously obtained court orders preventing the EFCC from prosecuting them. Ozekhome, SAN, questioned the inconsistency in handling Bello’s case compared to these individuals.
However, Ozekhome, SAN, swiftly distanced himself from the report, denouncing it as “a lie from the pit of hell.” In a statement released to the press in Abuja, he vehemently refuted the allegations, stating that he had never entertained such thoughts or made such statements.
He expressed disbelief at being associated with remarks contradicting his long-standing advocacy for human rights, due process, democracy, and good governance. Ozekhome, SAN, urged the public to disregard the article, labeling it as baseless and untrue.
Furthermore, he dismissed the notion of being the article’s author, pointing out inconsistencies in the quoted statements attributed to him. Ozekhome, SAN, emphasized that the article’s content did not align with his principles or beliefs and urged individuals to discard it as mere internet gossip.
In conclusion, Ozekhome, SAN, called for the article to be relegated to the annals of history, emphasizing its lack of credibility and factual basis. He reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the rule of law and defending human rights while condemning any attempt to misrepresent his views or statements.
