In a strongly worded statement released on April 17, 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared that it will no longer tolerate any forms of obstruction to its operations.
The warning follows an incident where Former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, allegedly aided by the current Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo, utilized thugs to resist arrest in connection with a fraud case involving N84 billion.
Dele Oyewale, the Head of Media & Publicity for the EFCC, emphasized that obstructing the activities of the commission’s officers is a criminal offense under Section 38(2)(a)(b) of the EFCC Establishment Act, punishable by a minimum of five years in prison.
The commission has noted an increasing trend where individuals and groups under investigation have attempted to disrupt lawful proceedings by engaging unlawful means.
According to the EFCC, such actions had previously been met with restraint by its operatives to avoid escalating tensions.
However, this restraint has often been misinterpreted as weakness.
The EFCC’s latest announcement marks a significant shift in its approach, signaling that future obstructions will meet with stringent punitive measures.
This move is part of the commission’s broader effort to uphold the rule of law and carry out its duties without interference.
