EFCC Overhauls Arrest and Bail Process, Bans Overnight Raids

Infostride News – The chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has issued an order to cease all nighttime sting operations conducted across all EFCC commands. This directive aligns with the revised procedures governing the arrest and bail of suspects. The announcement came in response to the recent arrest of 69 suspected internet fraudsters by EFCC operatives from the Ibadan Zonal Commission in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Mr. Olukoyede emphasized the commission’s commitment to upholding the rule of law in the execution of its responsibilities, underscoring the importance of this commitment to the public. He directed the discontinuation of nighttime sting operations, citing the newly-reviewed procedures, and stated, “The Commission wishes to assure the public that it will not relent in its adherence to the rule of law in the exercise of its mandate.”

Furthermore, the EFCC clarified its position on the detention of suspects, stating that individuals cannot be held beyond the constitutionally allowed period without a remand warrant. The agency also urged its agents to prioritize the protection of suspects’ rights, particularly in matters related to arrest, detention, and bail. Notably, the practice of requesting the submission of international passports as part of the arrest procedure will now be exercised with discretion based on the nature of the case, the individual’s personality, and their country of residence.

The statement from the EFCC reads, “Detention of suspects without a Remand Warrant for an unreasonable length of time beyond the constitutionally allowed period must henceforth stop forthwith. Officers of the Commission are also warned against unwarranted violation of rights of suspects. He called for professionalism in all operational activities, stressing that ‘it is time to have a paradigm shift and change the narrative. Henceforth, professionalism shall be the watchword. Let’s follow the best international standards worth our identity as a flagship law enforcement agency.'”

This directive followed a public outcry stemming from the arrest of 69 students from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) by the EFCC. The anti-graft agency had reportedly conducted a raid on off-campus hostels in Oduduwa Estate, Ile-Ife, specifically the Fine Touch and Superb hostels, resulting in the arrest of these students on charges related to fraud.

Governor Ademola Adeleke of the state reacted to the operation by instructing the state’s Attorney General to collaborate with the school administration and the leadership of the Student Union, as well as the EFCC, to protect the rights of the students and ensure the meticulous adherence to due process. He stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law throughout the process.

Subsequently, the EFCC confirmed that many of the suspects who had been duly profiled by the Command were released, while the profiling of remaining suspects would be completed without further delay. This move underscores the EFCC’s commitment to ensuring that the rights of individuals are respected, even in the course of its anti-corruption operations.

In response to these developments, Infostride News continues to closely monitor the situation and will provide updates as the story unfolds. The EFCC’s commitment to adhering to the rule of law and protecting the rights of suspects is a significant step in enhancing the transparency and professionalism of law enforcement in Nigeria.