30th June, 2024
The Coalition of Anti-Corruption Organisations has expressed a grave concern over the recent midnight raids conducted by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Akure, Ondo State and Isashi area of Lagos State recently.
In a press release signed by the duo of CACSOG’s Co-Convener, Debo Adeniran, who also doubles as the Executive Chairman of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, CACOL and the group’s secretary, Olufemi Lawson, the group stated:
“These raids have resulted in the brutal molestation, harassment, and abuse of innocent citizens, in direct contradiction to the supposed ban on such operations announced by Mr. Ola Olukoyede upon assuming office as EFCC Executive Chairman.
“Despite assurances of reform and adherence to due process, the EFCC continues to exhibit alarming overzealousness and disregard for fundamental human rights. The incidents in Akure and Isashi underscore a systemic failure within the EFCC, where citizens are subjected to unlawful treatment under the guise of combating corruption.
“Our Coalition reiterates our longstanding position that the EFCC, in its current state, operates beyond the bounds of rule of law, and decency. These midnight raids not only violate the rights of individuals but also undermine the credibility of the EFCC in its anti-corruption mandate. Such actions jeopardize the prospects of effective anticorruption war as they divert attention and resources towards arbitrary harassment.
“It is evident that EFCC’s current leadership has failed to institute meaningful reforms and continues to condone excessive use of force and abuse of power. The recent incidents highlight a disturbing trend that must be addressed with urgency. We, hereby, demand immediate action to rein in the unchecked powers of EFCC operatives and ensure strict adherence to the rule of law.
“Furthermore, the Coalition calls upon all relevant stakeholders, including President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, civil society, and international partners, to join in condemning these flagrant abuses and to support efforts aimed at restoring the Commission’s integrity and effectiveness in combating corruption.
“Finally, we urge the public to remain vigilant and vocal against any form of abuse or overreach by law enforcement agencies, emphasizing that the fight against corruption must be conducted within the framework of respect for human rights and due processes of law which we have been harping on for so long at the risk of being misunderstood”.
