TheCable

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Acting President Yemi Osinbajo to direct the inspector general of police and the attorney general of the federation to beef up security for the officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a statement issued on Friday, Timothy Adewale, SERAP deputy director, said the absence of enhanced protection for the officials could “ruin  the government’s anti-corruption efforts and weaken citizens’ trust and confidence in its ability to effectively and successfully prosecute grand corruption cases.”

The group made the request in reaction to the Wednesday attack on the head office of the anti-graft agency in Abuja.

The suspects were said to have left a death note addressed to Ishaku Sharu, a senior investigator with the commission

“SERAP urges Professor Osinbajo to instruct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami SAN and the Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Kpotun Idris to immediately improve the system of protection for the officials of EFCC and other anti-corruption agencies,” the statement read.

“The protection, safety and security of anti-corruption agencies and their officials is absolutely critical to fighting grand corruption and holding those in power to account.

“We stand with the EFCC as it works to carry out its mandates to prevent and combat grand corruption.

“We condemn any attacks against the agency and its officials which are clearly aimed at harassing, intimidating and stopping them from prosecuting grand corruption cases. We urge the EFCC to remain steadfast to its mandates and not be intimidated by these attacks and threats.”

“Promoting and ensuring the safety and security of those in the frontline of the fight against corruption is the surest way to demonstrate the government’s commitment to combat the problem and end impunity of perpetrators.”