Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Friday night reportedly raided some clubs and lounges in Akure, the Ondo State Capital.
It was gathered that the EFCC operatives arrived at a popular club in Alagbaka axis of the state capital few minutes after 1am and shot sporadically into the air and allegedly ransacked phones of clubbers while also beating up resistant ones.
Sources at the affected clubs and lounges told osrc.ng that the EFCC operatives arrested some people at the club that they suspected to be Internet fraudsters popularly known as yahoo boys.
It was also gathered that the operatives also impounded cars from the clubs and lounges. Sources at the Alagbaka club hinted that a military officer was also affected when the EFCC agents released teargas into the air in order to effect arrest. “This kind of gestapo style of invading clubs in the dead of the night is embarrassing and it is coming at a time when the EFCC Chairman assured that overnight raid will stop.” The source said.
Another person at a lounge also affected by the raid (names withheld) said” This is barbaric and shameful. Entering a nightclub,tear-gassing clubbers, beating them up and arbitrarily arresting them is not only illegal but a complete violation of their rights. Heads should roll for this.”
Findings showed that over 300 mobile phones were carted away during the raid.
A member of the House of Representatives, Abiola Makinde while reacting to a distress call by one of the clubbers affected called for calm, urging the EFCC to always respect the rights of Nigerians while carrying out their duties.
Said he, “The news about the EFCC raid at Signatures is quite disturbing. I actually spoke to the Head of the team. He informed me they have their orders and intelligence report. I’ll admonish our people to remain calm while this matter is investigated and resolved.
Absolutely, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), as Nigeria’s premier anti-graft agency, has a critical role in combating financial crimes. However, it is imperative that in the pursuit of justice, the EFCC adheres strictly to the principles of human rights. Reports of raids leading to violations of personal dignity and privacy, such as the incident involving a former Big Brother Naija housemate, highlight the need for the EFCC to conduct operations with respect for the law and human decency. Please note that the agency’s mandate to investigate financial crimes does not exempt it from the obligation to respect human rights, which includes ensuring that raids are conducted legally, with proper warrants, and without undue harm to individuals. The concerns raised by various incidents underscore the importance of accountability and the adherence to human rights standards to maintain public trust in law enforcement agencies.
I’ll activate the State Director of National Human Rights Commission – NHRC, Mr Sunday Oyewole to look into the matter first thing in the morning. Any violations will be addressed between the two federal agencies.”