The candidate of the People’s Democratic Party in the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State, Hon. Agboola Ajayi has frowned at the gestapo-style employed by the EFCC officials to arrest a group of youths in a night raid on two night clubs in Akure the state capital.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Ayo Fadaka, the former deputy governor emphasized that it
Is “important to ensure that these operations are carried out in a manner does not hinge on the abuse of the fundamental human rights of any Nigerian.”
“On Saturday June 8 2024, We woke up to the news of operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) raiding several lounges, event centres and hotels in Akure the Ondo State capital an incident in which no less than 127 youths including a groom-to-be who was having his bachelor’s eve party were intimidated, assaulted, brutalized, traumatized by the firing of guns and tear gas, before they were whisked away to Ibadan, Oyo State.”
“While it is important for the EFCC as an institution to carry out its duties, which involves investigation of all financial crimes including advance fee fraud, money laundering, counterfeiting, illegal fund transfers, contract scam and collaborating with government bodies to ensure the eradication of economic and financial crimes amongst many other responsibilities, it is also very important to ensure that these operations are carried out in a manner does not hinge on the abuse of the fundamental human rights of any Nigerian.”
“As a law abiding citizen and an indigene of my dear Ondo State, we must state clearly and firmly that we yearn for a better country and align wholly with the vision of eradication of Economic and Financial Crimes in Nigeria and all persons found guilty as pronounced by a competent court of law must be made to face the law.”
“We are very deeply worried and concerned about the Gestapo-style abductions, intimidation, assault, use of tear-gas and the destruction properties of business owners and other innocent Nigerians by the EFCC in carrying out operations which depicts total abuse of office and power, and we condemn in entirety the violation of the fundamental human rights of our people by these EFCC operatives as reported and seen in viral videos on the Internet.”
“We therefore, call for an end to harrassment, assault or detention of any innocent person by the EFCC while suspects following proper investigation, must be charged to court.
The protection of the fundamental human rights of all citizens, including the right to fair trial, dignity, and freedom from any form of torture should be kept sacrosanct.”
“We charge the EFCC on the need for transparency and accountability in its operations. As an institution it must ensure that due process is followed in all investigations and prosecutions.”
“Finally, we call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian Government to investigate these violations and hold perpetrators accountable and also help reform the EFCC to ensure it operates within the bounds of the law, respecting human rights and the rule of law and also ensure justice and compensation for victims of EFCC’s abuses.”
