Nigerians have been cautioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission against obstructing its operatives in the course of their duties.
The caution followed an incident where security aides linked to the embattled former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, obstructed operatives attempting to arrest him at his residence in Abuja.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, it was emphasized that “The EFCC wishes to warn members of the public that it is a criminal offense to obstruct officers of the commission from carrying out their lawful duties.”
Citing relevant laws, Oyewale highlighted that individuals found guilty could face a minimum of five years in jail.
He also mentioned instances where EFCC operatives had shown restraint in the face of provocations to prevent chaos.
Furthermore, it was noted, with regret, that such actions were wrongly perceived as a weakness by some.
Oyewale reiterated, “Section 38(2)(a(b) of the EFCC Establishment Act deems it an offense to impede officers of the commission from carrying out their lawful duties. Offenders are liable to a prison term of not less than five years.
“This warning is crucial given the growing trend of individuals and groups under EFCC investigation resorting to unlawful tactics, such as hiring thugs to disrupt the commission’s operations.
“On numerous occasions, EFCC operatives have had to exhibit great restraint in the face of such provocations to prevent a breakdown of law and order. Unfortunately, such restraint is sometimes misinterpreted as weakness.
“The commission, therefore, declares that it will no longer tolerate any attempts to obstruct its operations, and those who do so will face appropriate consequences.”
Prior to this, the current governor of the state, Usman Ododo, intervened to help his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, evade arrest.
An observer at the former governor’s residence witnessed Ododo’s arrival with a heavy security detail around 2:30 pm on Wednesday.
Approximately two hours later, at precisely 4:20 pm, Ododo’s convoy departed with Yahaya Bello in the governor’s vehicle.
About 10 minutes post their departure, EFCC operatives, who had surrounded Bello’s residence on Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, withdrew.
Following the retreat of EFCC operatives, the police, Department of State Services personnel, Counter Terrorism Unit operatives, and other security officials guarding Bello’s home also departed about 20 minutes later.