Several civil society organizations have urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to apprehend all individuals involved in naira abuse without favoring selective arrests or prosecutions.
This plea comes in response to the recent prosecution of some naira abusers within the country.
The circulation of viral videos depicting prominent Nigerians participating in naira mutilation has further fueled calls for their legal action.
Addressing NewsNow, Enefaa Georgewill, Chairman of the Rivers State Coalition of Civil Society Organizations, emphasized the importance of the anti-corruption agency approaching the issue with empathy and fairness.
Georgewill expressed concerns, stating, “The EFCC should take action against those involved in naira mutilation. It is crucial for the EFCC to handle this matter fairly without favoritism. There have been videos circulating showing prominent figures, top politicians, and business leaders engaging in this act, yet the EFCC has not taken substantial action.
“They seem to be focusing on individuals from lower or middle classes. This reflects a typical Nigerian justice system where the elites often go unpunished. All those whose incriminating videos have gone viral should face prosecution.
“While we strongly condemn the act of naira mutilation, there are more severe crimes being committed by politicians. The disparity in the prosecution of these offenses highlights the urgency for the EFCC to address financial crimes with equal fervor.”
Similarly, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the National Coordinator of the Human Rights Writers Association, asserted that the EFCC should expand its focus beyond chasing naira abusers.
Onwubiko emphasized, “The EFCC has a broader responsibility in combating the prevalent corruption among public officials. While naira abuse is indeed illegal, it should not consume resources that could be better utilized in prosecuting more significant offenders.”