Some EFCC Operatives Are Corrupt, Take Instructions From Highest Bidder – Oba Of Benin
The Oba Of Benin, Eheneden Erediauwa Ewuare II has accused some officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of aiding crimes in the country.
The monarch made the allegations on Monday when he received the new Benin Zonal Director of EFCC, Effa Okim, in his palace.
Citing a case involving an unnamed former palace officials, the monarch said the ex-palace officials were left off the hook after they were arrested for fraud and handed over to the EFCC in Benin for investigation and prosecution.
He alleged that some EFCC operatives allegedly handled the case with kid gloves, which led to the release of the culprits whom he did not name a few years ago.
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The monarch, however, expressed shock that the EFCC investigators allegedly swept glaring evidence of fraud against them (the palace officials) under the carpet.
While tasking the commission to fight crime without fear or favour, Oba Ewuare II added, “We want to draw your attention to one or two grey areas in your operations.
“No matter how much you try to support the EFFC from the palace, it is very difficult because they seem to listen to other parties. What I have been told is that they take instructions from the highest bidder.
“You know that I have been known for speaking the truth. I was not happy about certain things that happened with your predecessor.
“We get news from everywhere. We try to assist the EFCC. I even wrote a letter to the then-chairman who was removed from office.
“I even sent an emissary to talk to him regarding certain elements in Edo State, particularly the palace.
“How can EFCC operatives, especially, the lady that handled the case I cited earlier, behave like that? If I was asked to comment on her performance, I would score her zero. I do not know if she was doing an EFCC job or just dancing to the tunes of people who were giving her money.”
The monarch added, “At the time we were trying to assist EFCC, the report we kept getting was negative and I was not happy about it.”
He, however, said the newly-appointed chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukayode, was on the path to greatness if he continued to demonstrate fidelity in his duties.
He also pledged the palace’s support to the state government in addressing social inequality and reducing social vices.
