EFCC Dismisses Claims of Politicisation, Says Allegations Aimed at Shielding Suspects

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has dismissed claims that it is being politicised or weaponised against opposition figures, describing such allegations as a deliberate attempt by some political actors to shield themselves from corruption investigations.

The anti-graft agency made this known in a statement issued by its spokesman, Dele Oyewale, in which it rejected accusations ranging from the “weaponisation of the EFCC” to the “erosion of its independence” and the alleged persecution of opposition politicians.

According to Oyewale, the claims amount to a misrepresentation of the commission’s statutory responsibilities and a distraction from its core mandate of investigating and prosecuting economic and financial crimes.

He stressed that the EFCC remains strictly guided by the provisions of its Establishment Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The commission’s mandate is clear and non-negotiable: to investigate and prosecute economic and financial crimes without regard to political affiliation, ethnicity, religion or status, except where constitutional immunity applies to serving political office holders,” the statement read.

Oyewale noted that the EFCC’s operations are driven solely by law, insisting that its only “weapon” is its Establishment Act, which provides the legal framework for its activities.

“The commission’s weapon is its Establishment Act, which provides the ground norm of its activities,” he said.

The EFCC further stated that its investigations cut across party lines, adding that prominent members of the ruling party, including former governors and ministers, are also being investigated and prosecuted alongside opposition politicians and other suspects.

“Strong members of the ruling party such as former governors, ministers and others not publicly known are sharing tables with a motley number of opposition politicians and other suspects,” the commission said.

The EFCC reiterated its commitment to professionalism, impartiality and the rule of law in the discharge of its mandate.