Thelma Julius
In the web of combating corruption in Nigeria, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stands as a formidable entity. Just the name puts a godly fear in the hearts of many. However, many Nigerians and non-Nigerians worry about its sincerity of purpose.
Beneath EFFC’s cloak of unwavering pursuit of justice could there be a troubling pattern of selective persecution and targeted witch hunts? rather than a meticulous investigation aimed at uprooting systemic corruption.
The EFCC, tasked with the solemn duty of fighting financial crimes, has often been accused of playing favourites and wielding its power for political agendas rather than impartially upholding the law. Instead of conducting thorough investigations, the commission has been criticized for hastily arresting and charging suspects to court, oftentimes without concrete evidence and alleged fabrication along the way.
One glaring example of this trend is the case of Godwin Emefiele, the embattled former Central Bank governor. Despite lacking substantial evidence, the EFCC swiftly moved to arrest and charge Emefiele, only to later retract its spurious allegations due to insufficient grounds. This incident sheds light on the commission’s propensity to engage in targeted persecution, rather than conducting exhaustive investigations to ensure the culpability of the accused before arresting such an individual.
The arrest of Emefiele epitomizes the EFCC’s tendency to pursue individuals without substantial evidence and then introduce fresh charges to prolong their detention. Despite retracting the initial allegations due to insufficient grounds, the commission proceeded to levy new accusations against Emefiele, prolonging his legal ordeal. This pattern of behaviour not only reflects a lack of due diligence in the commission’s investigations but also raises concerns about its willingness to manipulate the legal system to keep individuals detained without proper justification.
The legal showdown between Emefiele and the EFCC has escalated concerns over the agency’s transparency and impartiality in its investigation and subsequent prosecution. Emefiele’s legal team has vehemently accused the EFCC of persecuting his client rather than conducting a transparent and fair inquiry. They highlighted alarming tactics, including the EFCC’s withholding of crucial evidence and its sudden transfer of the case from federal to state court, raising serious questions about the agency’s commitment to justice.
The contentious decision to shift the case to a state court has further muddled the legal landscape, with concerns arising regarding the jurisdiction of the court to adjudicate such a high-profile federal matter. This manoeuvre has fueled suspicions of an orchestrated attempt to subvert justice while maintaining the facade of upholding the law by the EFCC. Amidst mounting scrutiny, there are growing calls for the EFCC to adhere to the principles of transparency and fairness, ensuring that all parties receive a fair trial. The episode underscores the imperative of upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s legal system, emphasizing the need for accountability and probity within law enforcement agencies like the EFCC.
Similarly, the saga involving Orji Uzor Kalu, a prominent politician and former governor, further underscores the EFCC’s inclination towards selective persecution. Kalu’s case was marred by irregularities and a lack of thorough investigation, raising doubts about the commission’s commitment to true justice and due process. Despite being convicted initially, his subsequent release on appeal raised questions about the validity of the EFCC’s prosecution methods.
In the case of Kalu, the EFCC’s prosecution stretched over an extended period, spanning years before securing a conviction. However, the appellate court’s decision to set aside the conviction further highlights the commission’s failure to ensure the integrity and validity of its prosecution efforts. This protracted legal battle, coupled with the subsequent overturning of the conviction, underscores the need for the EFCC to reassess its approach to prosecuting corruption cases and prioritize adherence to due process and the rule of law.
In recent months, the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, found himself entangled in the EFCC’s web of scrutiny. However, how his case is being handled is marked by inconsistencies, real interest in prosecution and lack of transparency, which only served to fuel suspicions of ulterior motives behind the commission’s actions when it regards others.
Despite mounting media pressure and public outcry, the EFCC’s reluctance to arrest Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, raises eyebrows and fuels suspicions of preferential treatment. Despite allegations of financial impropriety and corruption swirling around Bello, the commission’s failure to take decisive action against him undermines its credibility and reinforces perceptions of bias. This apparent hesitance to hold Bello accountable in EFCC’s usual manner of arrest first, further erodes public trust in the EFCC’s ability to uphold the principles of justice and equality before the law, irrespective of one’s political affiliation or status.
Beyond these high-profile cases, numerous individuals have fallen victim to the EFCC’s approach of targeted persecution. The commission’s reluctance to settle for certain criminal charges and its relentless pursuit of additional allegations reveal a systemic flaw within Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework. Instead of fostering a culture of accountability and transparency, the EFCC’s actions breed distrust and disillusionment among the populace.
To address these systemic issues, the EFCC must undergo substantial reforms aimed at fostering transparency, accountability, and adherence to due process. Investigations should be conducted meticulously, free from political interference or ulterior motives. Moreover, the commission must prioritize the pursuit of justice over the persecution of specific individuals or political opponents.
In conclusion, the EFCC’s duality in its approach to prosecuting corruption in Nigeria has undermined its credibility and effectiveness. Rather than serving as a beacon of justice, the commission’s actions have perpetuated a cycle of distrust and scepticism. The EFCC must undergo fundamental reforms to restore public faith in its mandate and uphold the principles of justice and accountability for all.
