The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has strengthened security measures at its Lagos office ahead of a planned protest by a group calling itself Concerned Nigeria Youths.
The protest, scheduled to take place under the hashtag #ReformEFCC, is demanding reforms in the EFCC’s operations, including respect for fundamental human rights, an end to indiscriminate arrests and night raids, and a more professional approach.
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“We have received intelligence that some groups are planning a series of protests against the EFCC, and we have taken necessary measures to ensure the safety of our personnel and facilities,” said Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity. He added that intelligence suggests that a former governor and two former ministers are behind the protests.
The protesters’ demands, as outlined in a letter addressed to the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, include respect for fundamental human rights, an end to indiscriminate arrests and invasion of people’s homes and businesses in the middle of the night, an end to stereotyping and profiling of young innocent Nigerian youths, and more professionalism and civility in the EFCC’s operations.
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This planned protest is not an isolated incident, as the EFCC has faced criticism in the past for its methods, with some accusing it of human rights abuses and targeting certain groups unfairly. In 2022, the EFCC chair revealed that the agency lost $500m to internet fraud, highlighting the need for more effective and professional operations.
