The Federal Government warned Nigerians against obstructing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from carrying out its lawful duty.
The government gave the warning via a statement issued by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on Thursday, April 18, 2024.
The warning came after the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, was whisked away from his Abuja residence by his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, following attempts by EFCC operatives to arrest and prosecute him for alleged N80.2 billion money laundering.
Fagbemi said: “This is a matter of very grave concern; it is now beyond doubt that the EFCC is given power by the law to invite any person of interest to interact with them in the course of their investigations into any matter, regardless of status.
“Therefore, the least that we can all do when invited, is not to put any obstruction in the way of EFCC, but to honourably answer their invitation.
EFCC to Nigerians: Obstruct our operations, risk 5 years in jail
“A situation where public officials who are themselves subject of protection by law enforcement agents will set up a stratagem of obstruction to the civil and commendable efforts of the EFCC to perform its duty is, to say the least, insufferably disquieting.”
The AGF noted that running away from the law will not resolve the issues at stake but exacerbate them.
He added: “Nigeria has a vibrant judicial system that is capable of protecting everyone who follows the rule of law in seeking protection.
“I, therefore, encourage anyone who has been invited by the EFCC or any other agency to immediately toe the path of decency and civility by honouring such invitation instead of embarking on temporising self-help and escapism.
“This can only put our country in a bad light before the rest of the world.
“I stand for the rule of law and will promptly call EFCC, and indeed any other agency to order when there is an indication of any transgressions of the fundamental rights of any Nigerian by any of the agencies.”
The EFCC had, on Wednesday, warned Nigerians that it was a criminal offence to obstruct its officers from carrying out their lawful duties.
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