Court Orders Bar Us From Investigating 10 States Over Corruption, EFCC Cries Out
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Olanipekun Olukoyede has disclosed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is unable to carry out investigations in 10 states as a consequence of court orders.
Olukoyede revealed this on Monday at the 6th EFCC-NJI Capacity Building Workshop For Justices and Judges, which is taking place in Abuja.
The EFCC Chair described the workshop theme ‘Integrating Stakeholders in Curbing Economic and Financial Crimes’ as apt.
Olukoyede expressed regret that court orders prohibiting the EFCC from conducting its probe have continued to obstruct the agency’s efforts.
He maintained that the frequent delay of high-profile cases by judges, contempt orders, and excessive dependence on technical reasons are just a few of the numerous problems affecting the EFCC.
He went on to say that courts ought to prevent suspects from rushing to the judicial system to get restraining orders that prevent the EFCC from arresting and investigating them.
Olukoyede acknowledged the EFCC’s infallibility but pointed out that the body has made changes to its investigative procedures to better align them with legal requirements.
However, the chairman did not reveal the states the commission has been barred from conducting their investigation.
Recall that on August 17, a Kano State High Court presided over by Justice Aisha Yau restrained the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from arresting and detaining Kano State Chief of Staff, Shehu Wada Sagagi following an allegation of diversion of the Federal Government’s palliatives.
In June, a Kano High Court sitting at Audu Bako Secretariat granted an order stopping the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from arresting, detaining, harassing, intimidating, or inviting the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 general elections, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and seven others.
Court Orders Bar Us From Investigating 10 States Over Corruption, EFCC Cries Out is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
