The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has defended its operational tactics, insisting that the law empowers the agency to forcefully enter premises when necessary to arrest individuals suspected of committing financial crimes.
The Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, made the clarification during an exclusive interview on Sunday Politics, aired by Channels Television, amid growing public criticism of the agency’s arrest methods, particularly in cases involving alleged cybercrime.
According to Olukoyede, breaking into premises to effect arrests is not unique to the EFCC, noting that similar practices are adopted by leading law enforcement agencies across the world.
“If I have to break down a door for me to effect an arrest, I would do that. You see the FBI do that, you see the NCA do that. So why is our law different?” he said.
The EFCC has recently come under intense scrutiny, with critics accusing the agency of unprofessional conduct and excessive force during operations. Some commentators argue that law enforcement agencies in more advanced jurisdictions adopt less aggressive approaches.
However, Olukoyede rejected these claims, stressing that the commission operates in line with established laws and international standards. He urged Nigerians to support local institutions rather than undermine them.
“It’s important for us to appreciate the institutions we have in Nigeria and make them work. Foreigners will not do it for us,” he said.
The EFCC chairman further disclosed that the commission has collaborated extensively with international counterparts, including the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA).
“We have had calls to carry out operations with our counterparts abroad — the FBI, the NCA — and the records are there. Professionally, we have been given laws in respect to professionalism,” he stated.
Olukoyede added that senior officials of foreign agencies had acknowledged the EFCC’s work, including the Director of the FBI, who he said had personally commended the commission’s efforts.
“If foreigners acknowledge what we do, what about Nigerians? Why can’t we allow these institutions to survive?” he asked, noting that while no institution is perfect, the EFCC’s work remains critical to Nigeria’s development.
Addressing the legal basis for EFCC operations, Olukoyede said the law grants the commission powers to make arrests without a warrant under specific conditions.
“The law empowers us to effect arrest without a warrant. The law — the badge I carry — is my warrant to arrest anytime, any day, under the conditions of the law,” he explained.
He concluded by appealing for public understanding and cooperation, stressing that the commission’s actions are ultimately aimed at combating corruption and promoting national progress.
