Members of the public are sternly warned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that obstructing the commission’s officers from performing their lawful duties is considered a criminal offense.
According to the EFCC Establishment Act, Section 38(2)(a)(b), obstructing EFCC officers can result in a punishment of up to five years in prison.
This warning is issued in response to the emerging trend of individuals and groups under investigation trying to impede EFCC operations by hiring individuals to disrupt legal procedures.
There have been instances where EFCC operatives have refrained from reacting to such provocations to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
Despite this, such restraint is now being perceived as a display of weakness.
The EFCC has declared that it will not tolerate any efforts by individuals or organizations to hinder its operations and that any such obstruction will face severe punitive actions.
The agency has stated, “It is crucial that the public adheres to the law and allows the EFCC to conduct its duties without interference to ensure that justice prevails.”