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Yahaya Bello: EFCC Urges Public Compliance, Threatens Action Against Obstruction

Published

8 months ago

Apr 18, 2024.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday issued a stern warning to members of the public, stating that it is a criminal offence to obstruct the commission’s officers from carrying out their lawful duties.

The EFCC Establishment Act, Section 38(2)(a)(b), makes it clear that obstructing EFCC officers is punishable by up to five years in prison.

The warning comes in response to a growing trend of individuals and groups under investigation attempting to hinder EFCC operations by hiring thugs to disrupt legal procedures.

File Image of EFCC Chairman Olukoyede

Several times, EFCC operatives have had to restrain themselves from reacting to such provocations to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

However, such restraint is now being interpreted as a sign of weakness.

The EFCC’s statement warns that it will not tolerate any attempts by individuals or organisations to obstruct its operations and that any such obstruction will be met with severe punitive measures.

“It is vital that the public complies with the law and allows the EFCC to carry out its duties without hindrance to ensure that justice is served,” the agency said.

File Image of Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello

This public warning is coming barely 24 hours after the agency’s operatives were prevented from arresting a former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.

The EFCC operatives had laid siege at the Abuja residence of the former Governor for several hours.

However, they were presented with stiff resistance from the police escort of Governor Usman Ododo who eventually whisked his predecessor away.

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