The tranquillity of the quiet Akure, the capital of Ondo State, was apparently truncated when the Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) intentionally invaded two Lounges on Saturday to apprehend, pounce, beat black and blue, some unsuspecting clubbers.
Some of the clubbers who are females had their derrières injured, while the facility built was knocked down. Thereafter, the anti-graft agency tagged the clubbers alleged internet fraudsters, saying that they were “arrested in an early morning sting operation at a “Yahoo Party” held simultaneously at Signature and Abah Clubs on Saturday, June 8, 2024 in Akure, Ondo State.
The EFCC continued, “Credible intelligence showed that the alleged party was initially scheduled for Wednesday, June 5, 2024 but was later moved to Saturday to beat the security and intelligence networks of the EFCC.
“The suspects have given useful information to Investigators of the Directorate.
“Items recovered from them include ten exotic cars, phones, laptops, motor-cycle, wristwatches and many incriminating documents
“They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
It is disturbing that the agency had flouted its order. Starnews NG recalls that on November 1, 2023, the EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede announced a ban on nighttime sting operations and initiated a review of the agency’s arrest and bail procedures.
The move aims to ensure adherence to the rule of law and international best practices in handling suspects.
The directive, as stated by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, came in response to a recent raid by EFCC operatives on off-campus hostels at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile Ife. During the raid, armed officers used hammers to break into the hostels and arrested 69 individuals for alleged internet fraud-related offences.
If the anti-graft agency expected to adhere to laws and regulations are forcibly doing the contrary, then President Bola Tinubu should intervene by calling the agency and its somewhat incompetent Chairman to order.
Starnews NG understands that in saner climes, freedom is not limited to social life, but the EFCC is taking it too far by excessively infringing on the inalienable rights of Nigerians.
The magnitude of destruction at the Lounges become worrisome, as this could slightly hit hard the already dwindling economy of the state.
Definitely, the different accusations against the EFCC are not far from the truth. An agency that could not fight corruption within its purview can’t exterminate corruption overtly.
We, therefore, urge President Bola Tinubu to summon the EFCC Chairman in a bid to nip future reoccurrence in the bud.
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