EFCC vs Police: Tension Erupts Over Suspect In Microfinance Scandal

A new conflict appears to be developing between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Police Force over custody rights and the treatment of two individuals linked to a reported glitch involving a microfinance bank.

The suspects, Illesanmi Olaniyi and Ishola Maruf, were initially apprehended by officers from the Force Intelligence Department (FID) in Abuja on March 17, 2024. After their arrest, they were granted administrative bail—a condition their legal representatives insist is still in effect.

Their lawyer, Khadijah Bayern, claims that despite the bail, two vehicles—a Toyota Hilux and a Toyota RAV4—along with various documents, goods, and personal belongings, remain confiscated by the police. She noted that a case regarding the forfeiture of these items is currently pending in court.

In a petition addressed to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Bayern accused the EFCC of re-arresting the same suspects for charges already under police investigation and court proceedings.

Titled “Double Jeopardy and Intimidation,” the petition alleges that the suspects have been detained by the EFCC for over 12 days without access to bail or adequate medical care.

Bayern warned that repeated arrests by different law enforcement agencies for the same issue could jeopardize due process and called on the AGF to intervene to uphold justice.

Additionally, a separate letter dated July 29, 2025, from another legal representative of the suspects, was sent to the Director of EFCC’s Special Duty Section 2 (SDC2), requesting more lenient bail terms. The letter asked that civil servants on Grade Level 14 or 15 be accepted as sureties instead of the senior officials previously required. It also drew attention to the suspects’ cardiovascular conditions, emphasizing their need for regular medical attention.

The defense team reiterated their readiness to cooperate fully with the EFCC, appealing for compassion based on humanitarian grounds.

Responding to the allegations, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, rejected claims of harassment, asserting that the Commission acts only on credible intelligence.

“There is no reason the EFCC would reopen a case already with the police unless new evidence emerges,” Oyewale stated.

He further explained that the Commission is legally permitted to detain suspects beyond the initial 48 hours, provided a remand warrant is obtained from a magistrate.

“The EFCC neither intimidates nor harasses anyone. We adhere strictly to the law,” he concluded.