The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned that obstructing its officers from carrying out their lawful duties is a criminal offence.
This comes after Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, interfered when EFCC operatives laid siege on his predecessor Yahaya Bello’s home on Wednesday, April 17.
The EFCC operatives had earlier restricted movement in and around Bello’s house on Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.
However, Ododo arrived at Bello’s residence and whisked him away.
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.”
Chelsea part ways with head coach Mauricio Pochettino after just 11 months in charge. The…
MTN Nigeria’s market value increased by N126 billion on May 20 as its market cap…
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has increased the benchmark interest…
NASRE Media Foundation, the humanitarian arm of the Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful…
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has…
TRAVESTY OF JUSTICE: Netanyahu responds to 'outrageous decision' by ICC prosecutor to seek arrest warrants…