TheCable

A civil society, Transparency Advocacy for Development Initiative, has asked the federal government to carry out a forensic audit of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In an open letter, the group asked President Muhammadu Buhari to mandate Abubakar Malami, attorney-general of the federation, to pursue the amendment of the provisions of “the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2003.”

Yomi David, executive director of the group, called on him to “demilitarise the EFCC from the grip of the police officers”.

He asked Buhari to appoint professionals who have the 21st century skills in intelligence gathering.

“Our demands are; one, that Mr. President should mandate the AGF to immediately pursue the amendment of the repressive provisions of the EFCC (Establishment) Act 2003, particularly those that mandatorily place the headship of the EFCC in the hands of serving and retired security officers who are very corrupt,” the letter read.

“Two, the President should demilitarise the EFCC from the grip of the police officers and corrupt politicians and bring on board trained professionals with 21st century skills in asset intelligence gathering, asset tracing, forfeiture and criminal investigation and prosecution.

“Three, the government must carry out a multi-level forensic audit of the EFCC from inception till date to ascertain the extent of the rot in the EFCC and act accordingly.

“It is hoped that the President will consider and implement the highlighted recommendations to demonstrate his preparedness and commitment to reposition the EFCC for the challenges ahead.”