By Williams Orji
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has warned members of the public to desist from obstructing operatives of the commission from carrying out its official suites , adding that it’s a criminal offence to do so.
A press statement from Dele Oyewale, Head, Media and Publicity of the commission, said the warning became necessary following 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.””
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.
The statement explained that 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, warned 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.””
