Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has revealed that court orders are preventing the agency from investigating corruption cases in 10 states.
Speaking at the 6th EFCC/National Judicial Institute capacity-building workshop in Abuja on Monday, Olukoyede emphasized the need for collaboration between anti-graft agencies and the judiciary in combating corruption.
“In spite of the energy and commitment of our judges…there are still some areas of concern that need to be addressed urgently,” Olukoyede stated.
He highlighted issues such as frequent adjournments, conflicting court orders, and undue reliance on technicalities in deciding corruption cases.
The EFCC chairman expressed concern about suspects rushing to court to obtain injunctions restraining the commission from investigating, interrogating, and arresting them. This trend, Olukoyede noted, has become “rampant and worrisome” and includes some state governments.
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Despite appellate courts’ clear pronouncements that law enforcement agencies cannot be restrained from carrying out their duties, the EFCC remains unable to investigate in at least 10 states.
Olukoyede urged judicial officers to engage with the commission and discuss ways to speedily determine corruption cases.
Challenges Facing the EFCC
– Frequent adjournments of high-profile corruption cases due to frivolous applications
– Conflicting court orders from courts of coordinate jurisdiction
– Undue reliance on technicality in deciding serious corruption cases
– Unwarranted orders of injunction restraining the EFCC from investigating graft cases
“The incidence of suspects facing criminal investigation rushing to court to obtain orders of injunction restraining the commission…has become rampant and worrisome,” Olukoyede said. He emphasized that a committed, patriotic, and courageous judiciary is crucial for the EFCC and other agencies to make headway in the fight against corruption.
The EFCC has made significant strides in combating corruption, securing 603 convictions since 2015 and prosecuting judges and top military officers. However, the agency faces ongoing challenges in its efforts to eradicate economic and financial crimes.
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