- By Halimah Olamide
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Wednesday said it would no longer tolerate further obstructions to its operations.
The Commission’s statement came amidst rumpus created today in Zone 4 area residence of former Governor Yahaya Bello whose residence was invaded by operatives of the commission.
In a statement released by Dele Oyewale
Head, Media & Publicity of the commission, he saidit 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,” the commission said
It said the 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,” it said
Warning, others the Commission, 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.
There was uproar at the residence of Bello whose residence was invaded with a plot to attest him.