The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has sought the intervention of the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede to establish which zonal command of the commission is authorised to operate in the state.
In a Tuesday statement signed by its Assistant Secretary General, Comrade Olatunji Adejuwon, NANS noted that the Lagos and Ibadan zonal offices have operated in Ogun in recent times.
This overlapping jurisdiction, the national student body said, has created confusion, weakened operational efficiency and raised risks of abuse of process.
The statement reads, “The recent activities of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Ogun State have raised serious concerns that demand the immediate attention of the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede.
“On different occasions, two separate EFCC Zonal Commands operated within Ogun State, the Lagos Zonal Command conducted a raid at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, while the Ibadan Zonal Command carried out an operation in Itori.
“This overlapping jurisdiction creates confusion, weakens operational efficiency, and raises the risk of abuse of process.
“It is imperative that the EFCC leadership publicly and unambiguously clarify whether Ogun State falls under the Lagos Zone or the Ibadan Zone.
“Only a clear and consistent operational structure will prevent further disputes and ensure accountability.”
NANS also drew the EFCC chairman’s attention to the persistent of night raids despite an order proscribing it.
It said, “It is equally important to address the contradiction between the EFCC Chairman’s directive and the reality on the ground.
“On November 2, 2023, Mr. Olukoyede publicly announced a ban on night sting operations.
“However, these operations have continued unabated. This not only undermines public confidence in the EFCC’s internal discipline but also raises questions about whether directives from the leadership are being respected by operatives in the field.
“Such inconsistency must be addressed decisively if the commission wishes to retain credibility in the eyes of Nigerians.”
NANS also asked the EFCC boss to match words with action in the prosecution of high-profile corruption cases.
It said, “The EFCC Chairman has also repeatedly spoken of the commission’s readiness to bring political bigwigs involved in corruption to justice.
“However, many of these high-profile individuals remain untouched, despite glaring evidence and public calls for prosecution.
“This selective approach to anti-corruption enforcement fuels the perception that the EFCC applies its powers unevenly, coming down heavily on the ordinary citizen while shielding the powerful.
“Nigerians demand a commission that is fearless and impartial in holding every individual accountable, regardless of political standing.”
Adejuwon called for an investigation into allegations of assault levelled against EFCC operatives during recent Ogun raids.
“The disturbing scenes captured in viral videos during the OOPL raid where EFCC operatives were seen shouting at and physically assaulting women are wholly unacceptable.
“Such conduct is in clear violation of international best practices for law enforcement and contradicts the EFCC’s stated commitment to professionalism.
“All operatives must be trained and compelled to carry out their duties with civility, respect for human rights, and strict adherence to the rule of law.
“The EFCC is a critical institution in the fight against corruption, but its credibility rests on transparency, professionalism, and respect for both the law and the citizens it serves.
“The chairman must take swift action to address these concerns, clarify jurisdictional boundaries, enforce compliance with official directives, and restore public confidence in the commission’s operations.
“Anything less will continue to erode the trust Nigerians place in the EFCC,” he stated.
