The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned members of the public that it is a criminal offense to obstruct its officers from carrying out their lawful duties.
The warning comes after Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi State, “rescued” Yahaya Bello, his predecessor, from the siege of the commission in Abuja on Wednesday.
Chronicle NG reports that operatives of the EFCC had earlier restricted movement in and around Bello’s house situated on Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.
However, after a few hours, Ododo arrived at Bello’s residence and was later seen leaving with his predecessor.
Following the development, Dele Oyewale, Head Media & Publicity, of the Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, mentioned that the commission “will no longer tolerate obstruction of” their operations.
He added that culprits would henceforth be prosecuted, and they stand a possible jail term of “not less than five years” when found guilty.
The statement reads, “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission wishes to warn members of the public that it is a criminal offense 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 offense 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 own 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 a 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 organization to obstruct its operation, as such will be met with appropriate punitive actions.”
