While still unable to arrest fugitive former kogi state Gov Yahaya Bello, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has switched attention, issuing a strong warning to alleged promoters of a planned protest against the commission.
A statement by the commission through its Head, Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, alerted members of the public about plans by some people to stage a protest against the commission.
The statement reads, “EFCC wishes to alert the general public on the plan by a shadowy group to instigate a “protest” against the Commission.
“In the last couple of days, the group has been actively campaigning in the social media, recruiting impressionable young Nigerians, including students, to take up “arms” against the EFCC.
“This insidious campaign is being promoted as resistance to the operational activities of the Commission, especially in respect of the enforcement of the laws dealing with cybercrimes.
The EFCC identified those behind the planned protest.
“The Commission, while not averse to protests by citizens, is alarmed by emerging evidence that suggest a grand design by corrupt elements under investigation or prosecution by the Commission to exploit the so-called protest to orchestrate a national uprising that may threaten the peace and security of our dear nation.
“As a responsible law enforcement organisation, the Commission will not tolerate any breakdown of law and order anywhere in the country, especially around its office locations across Nigeria.
“EFCC, working in concert with sister security agencies, is therefore taking necessary measures to deal with possible threats to the peace and security of Nigeria.
The Commission, however, appeals to parents, guardians and heads of tertiary institutions to take responsibility in ensuring that their wards are not recruited to be used as cannon fodder in a proxy war against the Commission by vested corrupt interests.
“The war being waged by the Commission against corruption and cybercrime is to protect the future of the youth of this country. That future is imperilled if Nigeria degenerates further in global reckoning as a den of fraudsters,” the statement concluded.
