TheCable

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned members of the public that it is a criminal offence to obstruct its officers from carrying out their lawful duties.

The warning comes after Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi, “rescued” Yahaya Bello, his predecessor, from the commission’s siege in Abuja on Wednesday.

The EFCC operatives had earlier restricted movement in and around Bello’s house situated on Benghazi street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.

But after a few hours, Ododo arrived at Bello’s residence and was later seen leaving with his predecessor.

The anti-graft agency had named Bello in an amended money laundering charge filed against Alli Bello, chief of staff to the incumbent governor of Kogi.

In a statement on Wednesday, Dele Oyewale, spokesperson of the agency, said the warning became necessary due to the “increasing tendency of persons and groups under investigation by the commission” to “take the laws into their hands by recruiting thugs to obstruct lawful operations of the EFCC”.

”Section 38(2)(a(b) of the EFCC Establishment Act makes it an offence to prevent officers of the Commission from carrying out their lawful duties. Culprits risk a jail term of not less than five years,“ the statement reads.

“On several occasions, operatives of the Commission have had to exercise utmost restraint in the face of such provocation to avoid a breakdown of law and order. Regrettably, such disposition is being construed as a sign of weakness.

“The Commission, therefore, warns that it will henceforth not tolerate any attempt by any person or organisation to obstruct its operation as such will be met with appropriate punitive actions.”