The Coalition of Anti-Corruption Organizations (CACSOG) has condemned in strong terms the recent midnight raids conducted by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Akure, the Ondo State capital and Isashi area of Lagos State, saying that the raids not only violated the rights of individuals but also undermine the credibility of the commission in its anti-corruption mandate.
Co-Convener of CACSOG, Dr Debo Adeniran, who also doubles as the Executive Chairman of the Center for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) and the group’s secretary, Comrade Olufemi Lawson, expressed this concern in a press statement, copy of which was made available to newsmen on Sunday, noting sadly that the midnight raids had resulted in the brutal molestation, harassment, and abuse of innocent citizens, in direct contradiction to the supposed ban on such operations announced by EFCC boss, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, upon assuming office.
The coalition, while condemning the two separate raids, lamented that the EFCC continued to exhibit what it termed alarming overzealousness and disregard for fundamental human rights despite assurances of reform and adherence to due process.
According to CACSOG, the incidents in Akure and Isashi underscore a systemic failure within the EFCC, where citizens are subjected to unlawful treatment under the guise of combating corruption, reiterating that the Anti-graft Agency, in its current state, operates beyond the bounds of rule of law, and decency.
“These raids have resulted in the brutal molestation, harassment, and abuse of innocent citizens, in direct contradiction to the supposed ban on such operations announced by Mr. Ola Olukoyede upon assuming office as EFCC Executive Chairman.
“Despite assurances of reform and adherence to due process, the EFCC continues to exhibit alarming overzealousness and disregard for fundamental human rights. The incidents in Akure and Isashi underscore a systemic failure within the EFCC, where citizens are subjected to unlawful treatment under the guise of combating corruption.
“Our Coalition reiterates our longstanding position that the EFCC, in its current state, operates beyond the bounds of rule of law, and decency.
“These midnight raids not only violate the rights of individuals but also undermine the credibility of the EFCC in its anti-corruption mandate. Such actions jeopardize the prospects of effective anticorruption war as they divert attention and resources towards arbitrary harassment,” the statement said.
“It is evident that EFCC’s current leadership has failed to institute meaningful reforms and continues to condone excessive use of force and abuse of power,” it added.
CACSOG, while noting that the recent incidents highlighted a disturbing trend that must be addressed with urgency to rein in the unchecked powers of EFCC operatives and ensure strict adherence to the rule of law, therefore, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly “to join in condemning these flagrant abuses and to support efforts aimed at restoring the Commission’s integrity and effectiveness in combating corruption.”
The coalition equally called on civil society and international partners to do same, even as it urged members of the public to remain vigilant and vocal against any form of abuse or overreach by law enforcement agencies.
It emphasized that the fight against corruption must be conducted within the framework of respect for human rights and due processes of law, saying that such had been what the coalition had been “harping on for so long at the risk of being misunderstood.”
“The recent incidents highlight a disturbing trend that must be addressed with urgency. We, hereby, demand immediate action to rein in the unchecked powers of EFCC operatives and ensure strict adherence to the rule of law.
“Furthermore, the Coalition calls upon all relevant stakeholders, including President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, civil society, and international partners, to join in condemning these flagrant abuses and to support efforts aimed at restoring the Commission’s integrity and effectiveness in combating corruption.
“Finally, we urge the public to remain vigilant and vocal against any form of abuse or overreach by law enforcement agencies, emphasizing that the fight against corruption must be conducted within the framework of respect for human rights and due processes of law which we have been harping on for so long at the risk of being misunderstood.
“Aluta continua….,” the statement said.
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