Why EFCC lacks powers to prosecute naira abuse - Odinkalu

By Taiwo Okanlawon

Former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, has said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) lacks the powers to prosecute naira abuse.

Odinkalu had lambasted the commission for arresting crossdresser Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju popularly known as Bobrisky, who was convicted and jailed for six months for the offence.

According to the professor of law, spraying of the naira does not fall within the anti-graft agancy’s prosecutorial purview.

In his words, “The law that establishes the EFCC defines ‘economic and financial crimes’ to mean ‘non-violent criminal and illicit activity committed with the objectives of earning wealth illegally either individually or in a group or organised manner thereby violating existing legislation governing the economic activities of government and its administration.’”

“Having calculated that the cost of running a Laundromat for the Naira is too much for it, the @officialEFCC has decided to become an environmental organization committed to keeping the Maria clean. Describing them as idle is an abuse to idleness. The money launderers roam free,” he said.

This is coming after popular socialite and celebrity barman Pascal Chibuike Okechukwu, also known as Cubana Chief Priest was arraigned on Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Lagos for the same offence.

Cubana Chief Priest who is set to challenge the charge filed against him by the EFCC, having pleaded not guilty was granted N10million bail.