EFCC fumes, vows zero tolerance to obstruction of operations

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has sent out a strong warning to the public, declaring that it is illegal to prevent the commission’s officers from performing their legitimate tasks.

It is made explicit that obstructing EFCC officers is punished by up to five years in prison under Section 38(2)(a)(b) of the EFCC Establishment Act, the anti-graft agency said.

The EFCC said this in reaction to an increasing pattern of people and organisations being investigated trying to obstruct the EFCC’s legal obligations.

It then warned that the body “will henceforth not tolerate any attempt by any person or organisation to obstruct its operation as such will be met with appropriate punitive actions.”

The statement reads, “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission wishes to warn members of the public that it is a criminal offence to obstruct officers of the Commission from carrying out their lawful duties.

“Section 38(2)(a(b) of the EFCC Establishment Act makes it an offence to prevent officers of the Commission from carrying out their lawful duties. Culprits risk a jail term of not less than five years.

“This warning becomes necessary against the background of the increasing tendency by persons and groups under investigation by the Commission to take the laws into their hands by recruiting thugs to obstruct lawful operations of the EFCC.

“On several occasions, operatives of the Commission have had to exercise utmost restraint in the face of such provocation to avoid a breakdown of law and order. Regrettably, such disposition is being construed as a sign of weakness.

“The Commission, therefore, warns that it will henceforth not tolerate any attempt by any person or organisation to obstruct its operation as such will be met with appropriate punitive actions.”