In a society where the fight against corruption is a priority, law enforcement agencies must operate transparently and effectively. However, there are voices questioning the methods and actions of the EFCC, one of the country’s leading anti-corruption institutions.
In a recent interview on Fatshimetrie TV, lawyer and activist Olisa Agbakoba expressed concerns about the conduct of the EFCC and called for a reassessment of its role in law enforcement. According to Agbakoba, the EFCC has overstepped its remit, creating confusion due to overlapping responsibilities with other anti-corruption bodies such as the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the Special Anti-Fraud Unit.
“Why do we have the EFCC, the Special Anti-Fraud Unit and the ICPC all doing the same thing but not arresting anyone?” he asked, questioning the effectiveness of the commission’s work.
While acknowledging some of the EFCC’s past successes, Agbakoba criticized its treatment of influential figures. He cited the case of former police officials being publicly humiliated, saying: “Even Tarfa, as dishonest as he was, being dragged – was that right? In a healthy society, do you take a former Inspector General of Police and drag him? That’s not right.”
His most scathing comments came when he compared the EFCC’s tactics to terrorism. “These guys are terrorists. In my opinion, they are terrorizing us. They are using their power, in their red coats, to terrorize us, so that when you hear EFCC, you become scared. That is not the way a law enforcement agency should act.”
It is clear that the question of the effectiveness and legitimacy of the EFCC’s actions raises legitimate concerns among the population. Reform and clarification of the roles of the various anti-corruption entities seem necessary to restore public confidence in these institutions that are crucial to the future of the country.