SaharaReporters learnt that the EFCC operatives during the raid arrested over 50 people whom they alleged to be internet fraudsters, popularly called ‘Yahoo Boys’.
Nigerians on X (formerly Twitter) have called out the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over a raid carried out by its personnel on Saturday morning in the Alagbaka area of Akure, the Ondo State capital.
This is uncalled for, there could have been a better way of enforcing this but not this crude tactics in this age and time. Shame on you at efcc
— James (@James110820011) June 9, 2024
SaharaReporters learnt that the EFCC operatives during the raid arrested over 50 people whom they alleged to be internet fraudsters, popularly called ‘Yahoo Boys’.
Among those taken away was a groom-to-be, alongside his friends. They were reportedly in a club for the bachelor party of the groom-to-be when it was raided by the EFCC.
The personnel reportedly stormed the areas in multiple vehicles around 1 am, shooting indiscriminately into the air.
They also confiscated scores of vehicles, laptops, mobile phones, and other items.
It was also reported on social media that the EFCC officials physically assaulted some ladies during the raid.
Reacting to this, a user who identified himself as David Adeniyi, said the EFCC had lost the respect of the Nigerian masses.
He wrote: “The EFCC under Nuhu Ribadu was a bit more professional than the current EFCC. The EFCC has lost the respect and confidence that the public once had in its operatives.
The EFCC under Nuhu Ribadu was a bit more professional than the current EFCC. The EFCC has lost the respect and confidence that the public once had in its operatives. The same EFCC that became a "toothless dog" unable to arrest Yaya Bello is now molesting innocent youth in Akure. https://t.co/1BOu0qnhfb
— David Adeniyi (@DOlaAdeniyi) June 9, 2024
“The same EFCC that became a "toothless dog" unable to arrest Yaya Bello is now molesting innocent youth in Akure.”
“They have taken so much from us, including good governance, free education, and even our freedom. The EFCC needs to do better...what happened in Akure is disheartening,” another X user, Olabamiji said.
to this generation. They have taken so much from us, including good governance, free education, and even our freedom. The EFCC needs to do better...what happened in Akure is disheartening.
— OLABAMIJI🇳🇬 (@Oluwasagzy1) June 9, 2024
According to one Oluwasegun, the recent mode of operation of the anti-graft agency does not make them different from the Nigeria Police Force.
He wrote: “EFCC and the police are giving our country a bad image. Yahaya Bello Wey allegedly stole billions sef didn’t get such treatment. Mk those boys sue the club owner!”
EFCC and the police are giving our country a bad image. Yahaya Bello Wey allegedly stole billions sef didn’t get such treatment. Mk those boys sue the club owner!
— Oluwasegun🇳🇬 (@bulalathegreat) June 9, 2024
“Which kind of jungle behaviour be this na ...... Sars no do reach this one before Nigerians vex face them ...Efcc needs to thread carefully , this is not making any sense at all,” one Rasheed warned.
Akinsinku wrote, “The EFCC needs to be corrected, and properly checkmated on so many unlawful actions they display these days. The commission has misplaced their priorities too much. They know those politicians that have gotten this country to where it is today. Go after those saboteurs, Damn!”
👏👏 The EFCC needs to be corrected, and properly checkmated on so many unlawful actions they display this days. The commission has misplaced their priorities to much. They know those politicians that has gotten this country to where it is today. Go after those saboteur, Damn!
— Great Hemperor (@AkinsikuOluwas6) June 9, 2024
Olukoyede disclosed that Bello sent his Government House cashier to withdraw money from the government account, took it directly to Bureau de Change and sent it to the American International School, Abuja for the payment of his children’s tuition in advance.
Bello has been evading arrest since he was declared wanted by the EFCC.
SaharaReporters had reported how Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State in April ‘smuggled’ his immediate predecessor and political godfather, Bello out of the latter’s Abuja residence.
EFCC operatives had laid siege to Bello’s house to arrest him.
It also reported that there were gunshots as the policemen with the Kogi governor prevented EFCC personnel from arresting Bello. Ododo subsequently whisked Bello out of the area in his official vehicle.
However, the Commission in a statement later said, “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission wishes to warn members of the public that it is a criminal offence to obstruct officers of the Commission from carrying out their lawful duties.
“Section 38(2)(a(b) of the EFCC Establishment Act makes it an offence to prevent officers of the Commission from carrying out their lawful duties. Culprits risk a jail term of not less than five years.
“This warning becomes necessary against the background of the increasing tendency by persons and groups under investigation by the Commission to take the laws into their hands by recruiting thugs to obstruct lawful operations of the EFCC.
"On several occasions, operatives of the Commission have had to exercise utmost restraint in the face of such provocation to avoid a breakdown of law and order. Regrettably, such disposition is being construed as a sign of weakness.
"The Commission, therefore, warns that it will henceforth not tolerate any attempt by any person or organisation to obstruct its operation as such will be met with appropriate punitive actions."
In another statement, the agency said, “The Commission’s attempt to execute the Warrant of Arrest lawfully obtained against Bello met stiff resistance on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.
“The security cordon around the former governor’s residence in Abuja was breached by the current Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo who ensured that the suspect was spirited away in his official vehicle.
“As a responsible law enforcement agency, the EFCC exercised restraint in the face of the provocation, waiting for his arraignment on Thursday, April 18, 2024.
“It is needful to state that Bello is not above the law and would be brought to justice as soon as possible.”