EFCC warns against obstruction of operation as effort to arrest Kogi ex-governor Bello in Abuja failed

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Wednesday threatened to initiate criminal prosecution of whoever obstructed their operations in sympathy to their target, noting that their operation was very clear in the relevant provisions of the act to set up the anti-graft agency.

This was contained in a statement issued by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, after the Commission’s bid to arrest Yahaya Bello from his Wuse Zone 4 residence was sabotaged by some elements in solidarity.

The statement read: “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.”