Child’s Rights Advocacy Network (CRANE) has faulted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly involving the children of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in its ongoing investigation of the ex-governor for alleged money laundering to the tune of N80 billion.

The chairperson of EFCC, Olanipekun Olukoyede, had accused Bello of paying $720,000 from the state treasury for his children’s tuition fees while his administration was coming to an end.

It was also reported how the American International School Abuja offered to refund $720,000 paid by the former governor for his children’s tuition fees.

Details of the tuition payments to the American International School Abuja have also emerged on social media.

The coalition however expressed concerns over the public exposure and potential harm the development has caused to the children of the former governor, “particularly the repeated mention of their names in press conferences and statements by EFCC officials.”

Addressing a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, Frankline Edede, who spoke on behalf of the coalition stated that “children must not become collateral damage for any reason in any situation.”

While also condemning the public statement by the institution regarding its remittance of the school fees paid to the EFCC, Edede argued that the school should have been guided by the higher interests of her pupils’ welfare.

The coalition said: “While acknowledging and respecting the EFCC’s mandate to investigate financial crimes, CRANE emphasizes that the rights and well-being of children must be protected throughout any legal process.

“The actions of all parties involved in this case have inadvertently exposed these children to undue public scrutiny and potential harm, contravening both Nigerian law and international conventions on children’s rights.

“The EFCC’s actions raise serious concerns about the violation of due process, the presumption of innocence, and the potential for lasting psychological and emotional damage to the children involved. Targeting children to gain leverage over their father is not only unethical but also potentially illegal.

“Nigeria is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and has enacted the Child’s Rights Act (2003), both of which guarantee children protection from violence, abuse, and exploitation.

“The EFCC’s actions arguably constitute psychological abuse and violate these essential safeguards.

The group urged the anti-graft agency to cease all actions and public statements that directly or indirectly targeted Bello’s children, stressing the need for the commission t adhere to due process and the presumption of innocence in all investigations.

It added: “CRANE firmly believes that the fight against corruption must not come at the expense of children’s well-being or the principles of justice.

“We urge the EFCC and all law enforcement agencies to uphold the highest ethical standards, ensuring that the rights of all individuals, especially vulnerable children, are protected throughout any legal process.

“It is imperative that we recognize the urgency of this situation and take decisive action to protect, not just the Bello children, but all our children. This requires legal reforms, policy interventions, and social initiatives. We must invest in education, healthcare, and social welfare programs that cater to the specific needs of children.”