Don’t Obstruct EFCC From Performing Its Duty, Justice Minister Warns Politicians

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has issued a stern admonition to public office holders, urging them to refrain from obstructing the activities of officials from the Economic

IN response to the recent events surrounding the attempted arrest of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has emphasized the importance of cooperation with the EFCC in its lawful duties.
In a statement titled ‘EFCC SHOULD NOT BE OBSTRUCTED FROM PERFORMING ITS LAWFUL DUTY’ issued on Thursday, Fagbemi underscored that the EFCC is empowered by law to invite and investigate any Nigerian suspected of corruption, and individuals involved should comply with such invitations.
The statement follows the dramatic events that unfolded at Bello’s residence in Wuse Zone, Abuja, on Wednesday, where EFCC operatives attempted to effect his arrest but were reportedly thwarted by his successor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, who intervened to whisk Bello away.
Expressing concern over the incident, Fagbemi stated, “The bizarre drama confronting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the course of its efforts to perform its statutory duty has come to my notice (Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice) as a matter of very grave concern.”
He continued, “It is now beyond doubt that the EFCC is given power by the law to invite any person of interest to interact with them in the course of their investigation into any matter regardless of status. Therefore, the least that we can all do when invited, is not to put any obstruction in the way of EFCC but to honourably answer their invitation.”
Fagbemi stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that state institutions are allowed to function effectively and efficiently. He asserted his commitment to addressing any instances of transgression of the fundamental rights of Nigerians by law enforcement agencies, while also emphasizing the need for cooperation with lawful investigative processes.