The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has condemned the remarks made by a former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu, on the arrest of Idris Okuneye, popularly called Bobrisky.
In a statement signed by Dele Oyewale, Head, Media & Publicity of the EFCC, the Commission described Odinkalu’s statement as “unbecoming of a former head of a major government agency.”
Odinkalu chastised the EFCC for what he saw as an abuse of authority, claiming that the agency’s arrest and prosecution powers should not be used to target people it hates.
Odinkalu’s comments, which were posted on his X account, demonstrated how many Nigerians are fixated on Bobrisky’s arrest while neglecting more urgent matters, such as the recent increase in electricity bills.
He suggested that the public and the EFCC should focus their attention on the country’s fundamental problems, such as corruption in government and the courts, as well as security.
According to Odinkalu, Bobrisky is not to blame for Nigeria’s poverty and other difficulties. Instead, he cited election fraud, treasury looting, and the rise of terrorist organisations like Boko Haram and bandits as the country’s fundamental challenges.
Reacting to Odinkalu’s statement, the Commission mentioned that “Odinkalu has a right to freedom of speech as a Nigerian, but such a right should be exercised with decorum and responsibility.”
The EFCC’s statement reads, “The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been drawn to some reckless commentaries made by a former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu, on the arrest of Idris Okuneye (a.k.a. Bobrisky) by the Commission, describing it as evidence of idleness or an abuse of power.
“The Commission views such commentaries from Odinkalu as unbecoming of a former head of a major government agency. Okuneye was arrested and arraigned by the Commission on the basis of clear cases of abuse of the naira to which he has pleaded guilty.
“Odinkalu has a right to free speech as a Nigerian, but such a right should be exercised with decorum and responsibility. The Commission would not hesitate to take appropriate legal action against such uncouth commentaries against its lawful mandate by anyone.
“Odinkalu is warned and advised to ventilate his rascally opinions more responsibly in future situations.”
