EFCC Vows To Crack Down On Interference Following Ododo’s Involvement In Yahaya Bello Case

EFCC Vows To Crack Down On Interference Following Ododo’s Involvement In Yahaya Bello Case

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a stern warning, declaring the obstruction of its officers in the performance of their lawful duties as a criminal offense.

This caution follows an incident where Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, intervened as EFCC operatives surrounded the residence of his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, on Wednesday, April 17.

Prior to Ododo’s intervention, EFCC operatives had cordoned off movement in and around Bello’s residence located on Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.

However, Ododo arrived at the scene and escorted Bello away from the premises.

The anti-graft agency had implicated Bello in an amended money laundering charge filed against Alli Bello, the chief of staff to the current governor of Kogi.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Dele Oyewale, spokesperson for the agency, emphasized the necessity of the warning due to the “increasing tendency of persons and groups under investigation by the commission” to obstruct lawful operations by resorting to thuggery.

Oyewale cited Section 38(2)(a)(b) of the EFCC Establishment Act, which stipulates that preventing EFCC officers from carrying out their duties constitutes an offense punishable by imprisonment for not less than five years.

He further noted instances where EFCC operatives showed restraint in the face of provocation to prevent a breakdown of law and order. However, this restraint has been misinterpreted as weakness.

The Commission unequivocally stated that it will not tolerate any attempts by individuals or organizations to obstruct its operations and will mete out appropriate punitive measures in response.

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