Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has warned that it would no longer tolerate the obstruction of its operations by suspects or their agents.
The anti-graft agency gave the stern warning Wednesday in a statement by its Head, Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale,
According to the statement, any further attempt by anybody under any guise to obstruct the operations of EFCC, will be met with punitive actions.
The statement posted on the X account of the anti-graft agency read: “Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, 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.”
