The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned members of the public that it is a criminal offence to obstruct its officers from carrying out their lawful duties.
The warning comes after Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi,
“rescued” Yahaya Bello, his predecessor, from the commission’s siege in Abuja
on Wednesday.
The EFCC operatives had earlier restricted movement in and
around Bello’s house situated on Benghazi street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.
But after a few hours, Ododo arrived at Bello’s residence
and was later seen leaving with his predecessor.
The anti-graft agency had named Bello in an amended money
laundering charge filed against Alli Bello, chief of staff to the incumbent
governor of Kogi.
In a statement on Wednesday, Dele Oyewale, spokesperson of
the agency, said the warning became necessary due to the “increasing tendency
of persons and groups under investigation by the commission” to “take the laws
into their hands by recruiting thugs to obstruct lawful operations of the
EFCC”.
”Section 38(2)(a(b) of the EFCC Establishment Act makes it
an offence to prevent officers of the Commission from carrying out their lawful
duties. Culprits risk a jail term of not less than five years,“ the statement
reads.
“On several
occasions, operatives of the Commission have had to exercise utmost restraint
in the face of such provocation to avoid a breakdown of law and order.
Regrettably, such disposition is being construed as a sign of weakness.
“The Commission, therefore, warns that it will henceforth
not tolerate any attempt by any person or organisation to obstruct its
operation as such will be met with appropriate punitive actions.”
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