The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has warned Nigerians against obstructing its operatives during the course of their duties.
The warning came after security aides attached to embattled former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello on Wednesday, obstructed operatives from arresting him at his Abuja home.
In a Wednesday statement signed by the spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, the commission said, “The EFCC 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,”
While quoting the provisions of the law, Oyewale noted that culprits are liable to a jail term of not less than five years.
He added that on several occasions, operatives of the EFCC have had to exercise restraint in the face of such provocation to avoid a breakdown of law and order.
He further noted that, regrettably, such disposition is being construed as a sign of weakness.
Oyewale noted, “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.”
Earlier, the incumbent governor of the state, Usman Ododo, helped his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, escape arrest.
Our correspondent, who was at the ex-governor’s residence, observed Ododo’s arrival with heavy security at about 2:30 pm. on Wednesday.
About two hours later, at exactly 4:20 pm, Ododo’s entourage drove out with Yahaya Bello in the governor’s car.
About 10 minutes after the governor and former governor left, EFCC operatives laying siege to Bello’s home retreated from Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.
About 20 minutes after the EFCC operatives retreated, the policemen, operatives of the Department of State Services, Counter Terrorism Unit operatives, and other security agents guarding Bello’s house also drove off.
