The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has issued a directive banning all night sting operations across all the commands of the commission. This announcement is part of the EFCC’s newly revised procedures regarding the arrest and bail of suspects.
The directive comes in response to the recent arrest of 69 suspected internet fraudsters by EFCC operatives from the Ibadan Zonal Commission in Ile-Ife, Osun State. The EFCC reaffirms its commitment to upholding the rule of law in the execution of its responsibilities and has communicated this stance to the public.
In an official statement, the EFCC outlined the new procedures, stating, “In line with the newly-reviewed procedures on arrest and bail of suspects by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has directed that sting operations at nighttime be stopped in all the Commands of the EFCC. The Commission wishes to assure the public that it will not relent in its adherence to the rule of law in the exercise of its mandate.”
Additionally, the anti-graft agency clarified that suspects cannot be detained beyond the period allowed by the constitution without a remand warrant. Agents have been instructed to prioritize the protection of suspects’ rights during arrest, detention, and bail proceedings. The requirement for suspects to submit their international passports as part of the arrest procedure will now be exercised with discretion, taking into account the nature of the case, the suspect’s personality, and their country of residence.
The directive from the EFCC is a response to public backlash following the arrest of 69 students from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). The anti-graft agency was reported to have conducted a raid on off-campus hostels in Ile-Ife, where these students were picked up on fraud-related charges.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State reacted to the operation by stating, “I have instructed the state’s Attorney General to work with the school administration, leadership of the Student Union, and the @officialEFCC to safeguard the rights of the students and ensure that due process is meticulously adhered to. I will continue to keep a close watch,” emphasizing the importance of following the rule of law.
The EFCC confirmed that many of the suspects have been released after proper profiling, and the remaining profiles will be completed without further delay.
