By Abiola Olawale
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised concern over alleged plans by some unnamed individuals in the country to promote a nationwide protest against the commission.
The anti-graft agency, in a press release issued on Wednesday by its Head of Media & Publicity, Mr Dele Oyewale, said that the individuals have been allegedly running campaigns against the anti-graft agency on social media.
Oyewale said the EFCC has received intelligence reports that the said individuals have been encouraging youths to take up arms against the anti-graft agency.
Oyewale further stated that the EFCC, working in concert with sister security agencies, is therefore taking necessary measures to deal with possible threats to the peace and security of Nigeria.
The statement reads in part: “This insidious campaign is being promoted as resistance to the operational activities of the Commission, especially in respect of the enforcement of the laws dealing with cybercrimes.
“The Commission, while not averse to protests by citizens, is alarmed by emerging evidence that suggests a grand design by corrupt elements under investigation or prosecution by the Commission to exploit the so-called protest to orchestrate a national uprising that may threaten the peace and security of our dear nation.
“As a responsible law enforcement organisation, the Commission will not tolerate any breakdown of law and order anywhere in the country, especially around its office locations across Nigeria.
“The Commission, however, appeals to parents, guardians, and heads of tertiary institutions to take responsibility in ensuring that their wards are not recruited to be used as cannon fodder in a proxy war against the Commission by vested corrupt interests.”
The New Diplomat reports that the EFCC had come under public scrutiny following reports that some of its operatives were allegedly breaking into citizens’ homes in the middle of the night.
Recently, the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, ordered the arrest of the officers who invaded and broke into rooms of the Regional Hotel located in the Ojo area, Lagos State.
In a video trending online, the suspected officials who were dressed in mufti were seen badging into one of the rooms of the hotel.
Recall also that the EFCC boss also ordered an immediate investigation of the manhandling of a female staff of the Regional Hotel.
