Fagbemi Warns Against Obstructing EFCC From Performing Its Lawful Duty

Published

2 years ago

April 18, 2024

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Fagbemi Warns Against Obstructing EFCC From Performing Its Lawful Duty—-The Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN has warned against obstructing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from carrying out its lawful duty .

Fagbemi’s warning is contained in a statement in Abuja.

“This is a matter of very grave concern, it is now beyond doubt that the EFCC is given power by the law to invite any person of interest to interact with them in the course of their investigations into any matter, regardless of status.

“Therefore, the least that we can all do when invited, is not to put any obstruction in the way of EFCC, but to honourably answer their invitation.

“A situation where public officials who are themselves subject of protection by law enforcement agents will set up a stratagem of obstruction to the civil and commendable efforts of the EFCC to perform its duty is to say the least, insufferably disquieting’’.

He added that running away from the law will not resolve issues at stake but only exacerbate them.

“Nigeria has a vibrant judicial system that is capable of protecting everyone who follows the rule of law in seeking protection.

“I therefore encourage anyone who has been invited by the EFCC or any other agency to immediately toe the path of decency and civility by honouring such invitation instead of embarking on a temporising self-help and escapism.

“This can only put our country in bad light before the rest of the world’’.

He said institutions of state should be allowed to function effectively and efficiently.

“I stand for the rule of law and will promptly call EFCC, and indeed any other agency to order when there is an indication of any transgressions of the fundamental rights of any Nigerian by any of the agencies’’.

NAN reports that the EFCC had on Wednesday warned members of the public that it was a criminal offence to obstruct officers of the Commission from carrying out their lawful duties.

Section 38(2)(a(b) of the EFCC Establishment Act makes it an offence to prevent officers of the Commission from carrying out their lawful duties. Culprits risk a jail term of not less than five years.

The warning , the EFCC said, became necessary against the background of the increasing tendency by persons and groups under investigation by the Commission to take the laws into their hands by recruiting thugs to obstruct lawful operations of the EFCC.

On several occasions, the anti graft agency said, operatives of the Commission have had to exercise utmost restraint in the face of such provocation to avoid a breakdown of law and order.

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Custody Death Scandal: LawyerTemokun Drags NDLEA, Demands Immediate Probe

Published

3 weeks ago

April 1, 2026

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Custody Death Scandal: Lawyer Temokun Drags NDLEA, Demands Immediate Probe—-Calls for accountability grow after fresh death mirrors earlier prolonged detention case in Ondo.

Human rights lawyer Temokun has condemned the death of a detainee in the custody of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), demanding an immediate and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The lawyer described the development as alarming, linking it to a previous case in Ondo State involving prolonged detention without due process. In that earlier incident, Temokun had accused authorities of незакон detention and rights violations, insisting that suspects must be charged to court rather than held indefinitely.

He stressed that repeated allegations of unlawful detention and abuse within custody raise serious concerns about accountability and adherence to the rule of law.

Temokun called on relevant authorities to thoroughly probe the latest death, ensure justice for the victim, and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

The NDLEA has yet to issue an official response regarding the latest allegations, as pressure mounts from legal and civil society groups for greater oversight of detention practices.

The incident adds to growing scrutiny of law enforcement agencies over the treatment of detainees and respect for fundamental human rights in Nigeria.

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Bandit Attack Empties Omugo Village in Kwara State (VIDEO)

Published

4 weeks ago

March 29, 2026

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Bandit Attack Empties Omugo Village in Kwara State (VIDEO)—-Residents of Omugo community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have reportedly fled their homes following a fresh wave of bandit attacks, worsening security fears in the area.

The latest incident comes days after armed men stormed a church in the community, abducting several worshippers during a service and throwing residents into panic.

Sources say the repeated attacks have forced the villagers to abandon their homes over fears of further violence, leaving the community deserted.

Security operatives, alongside local vigilantes, have since launched rescue operations, successfully freeing some abducted victims, while efforts continue to secure the release of others.

The Kwara State Government condemned the attack, describing it as a cowardly act, and assured residents that security agencies are intensifying efforts to track down the perpetrators.

The development adds to growing concerns over rising insecurity in parts of Kwara, following earlier deadly attacks in nearby communities that left scores dead and displaced many residents.

With fear gripping Omugo, many residents remain displaced as authorities work to restore calm and prevent further attacks.

Watch Video of the Deserted Omugo Village Below: