The Child’s Rights Advocacy Network (CRANE) has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to prioritize protecting former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello’s minor children amid the ongoing investigation into his financial dealings. This appeal was made on Friday during a press conference in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.
CRANE, a prominent advocacy group for children’s rights in Nigeria, expressed deep concern about the potential harm and public exposure of Bello’s children, citing Nigerian law and international conventions on children’s rights. The group criticized the EFCC’s actions, arguing they violate due process, the presumption of innocence, and children’s rights.
According to CRANE, the EFCC’s frequent mention of Bello’s children in press conferences and statements, along with the public statement by their school, the American International School, Abuja, about the remittance of their school fees to the EFCC, has inadvertently exposed the children to undue public scrutiny and potential harm.
Frankline Edede, speaking on behalf of the group, stated: “The Nigerian child, our hope for a meaningful tomorrow, is increasingly endangered. They face numerous threats, including poverty, malnutrition, lack of access to quality education and healthcare, abuse, exploitation, and neglect. These challenges deprive them of fundamental rights and stifle their growth, hindering their ability to contribute meaningfully to society.
“The Child’s Rights Advocacy Network (CRANE) is deeply concerned about recent incidents that highlight the plight of the Nigerian child. We refer specifically to the public exposure and potential harm inflicted upon the minor children of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello during his ongoing investigation by the EFCC and the resulting face-off.
“CRANE condemns the repeated mention of Bello’s children in press conferences and statements by EFCC officials, particularly Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede and spokesperson Dele Oyewale. We also strongly denounce the public statement by their school, the American International School, Abuja, regarding the remittance of the children’s school fees to the EFCC.
“Targeting children to gain leverage over their father is unethical and potentially illegal. Nigeria, a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, has enacted the Child’s Rights Act (2003), which guarantees children protection from violence, abuse, and exploitation.”
“CRANE calls on the EFCC to immediately cease