The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has rejected allegations that it is being used to persecute opposition politicians, insisting that its operations are strictly guided by law and focused solely on combating economic and financial crimes.
The Commission made this clarification amid what it described as a wave of accusations by some political actors across the country, alleging the “weaponisation” and “politicisation” of the EFCC, as well as an erosion of its independence. According to the EFCC, such claims amount to a deliberate misrepresentation of its statutory responsibilities.
In a statement issued by its Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Dele Oyewale, the Commission said its only “weapon” is the EFCC Establishment Act, which mandates it to investigate and prosecute all cases of economic and financial crimes. The EFCC noted that the only individuals exempted from prosecution are political office holders enjoying constitutional immunity while in office.
The Commission stressed that suspects from the ruling party, opposition parties and non-partisan backgrounds are treated equally under the law, adding that political affiliation does not confer immunity from investigation or prosecution.
According to the EFCC, a review of arrests and prosecutions carried out in the last two years under the current leadership shows that individuals from across the political spectrum, including prominent members of the ruling party such as former governors and ministers, have been investigated alongside opposition figures and other suspects.
“The truth is that the EFCC is faithful only to its mandate,” the Commission said, describing claims of a targeted persecution of opposition politicians as untenable. It questioned the basis of such allegations, arguing that asking suspects to account for alleged financial crimes cannot be described as persecution.
The Commission further stated that crimes such as theft, embezzlement of public funds, contract fraud and money laundering are not excusable based on political affiliation. It maintained that corruption has no political, ethnic, religious, or social identity, and warned that what it termed “selective outrage” cannot serve as a shield against lawful investigation.
The EFCC also cautioned that attempts to intimidate or blackmail the Commission into abandoning investigations under the guise of protecting democracy pose a greater threat to democratic governance than the enforcement of anti-corruption laws.
It accused some political actors of seeking to undermine the Commission to secure de facto immunity from prosecution for politicians who move into the opposition, describing such efforts as inconsistent with the Nigerian Constitution and the EFCC’s enabling law.
The Commission reaffirmed that it would not succumb to pressure or compromise investigations to appear politically neutral, adding that any call to amend its enabling Act to suit the interests of a section of the political class should be approached with caution and in the national interest.
The EFCC concluded by calling on well-meaning and reform-minded Nigerians to support its mandate of fighting corruption and restoring public integrity.
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