Oba of Benin, Ewuare II has alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is aiding crimes in the country.
The monarch made the allegations when he received the new
Benin Zonal Director of EFCC, Effa Okim in his Palace in Benin on Monday.
He cited a case involving unnamed former palace officials
who were left off the hook after they were arrested for fraud and handed over
to EFCC in Benin for investigation and prosecution.
The Oba alleged that some EFCC operatives allegedly handled the case with kid gloves, which led to the release of the culprits a few years ago.
The monarch, who did not name the palace officials,
expressed shock that the EFCC investigators allegedly swept glaring evidence of
fraud against them (the palace officials) under the carpet.
While tasking the commission to fight crime without fear or
favour, the Oba added,” We want to draw your attention to one or two grey areas
in your operations”.
“No matter how much you try to support the EFFC from the
palace, It is very difficult because they seem to listen to other parties. What
I have been told is that they take instructions from the highest bidder.
“You know that I have been known for speaking the truth. I
was not happy about certain things that happened with your predecessor.
“We get news from
everywhere. We try to assist the EFCC. I even wrote a letter to the
then-chairman who was removed from office.
“I even sent an emissary to talk to him regarding certain
elements in Edo State, particularly the palace.
“How can EFCC operatives, especially, the lady who handled
the case I cited earlier behave like that? If I was asked to comment on her
performance, I would score her zero. I do not know if she was doing an EFCC job
or just dancing to the tunes of people who were giving her money.
“At the time we were trying to assist EFCC, the report we
kept getting was negative and I was not happy about it,” Oba Ewuare II added.
The monarch, however, said the newly appointed Chairman of
EFCC, Olanipekun Olukayode is on the path to greatness if he continues to
demonstrate fidelity in his duties.
He also pledged the palace’s support to the state government
in addressing social inequality and reducing social vices.
Earlier in his address, Okim appealed to the Oba to support
advocacy against financial crimes with Edo State ranking second behind Lagos
State in the financial crime index in the country.
Recalling the historical ties between his state of origin,
Cross River and Edo State, he solicited prayers and royal blessings to enable
him to discharge his duties diligently.
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