EFCC Is Supporting Crimes, Oba Ewuare II Alleges

By Simeon OSAJIE

The Benin Monarch, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin Kingdom has indicted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), of allegedly supporting crimes.

The monarch made the allegation today, Monday 20^th May, 2024 when he received the newly deployed Benin Zonal Director of EFCC, Mr. Effa Okim, in his Palace in Benin City, Edo State capital.

In a statement signed by Osaigbovo Iguobnaro, Chief Press Secretary to the Oba and made available to newsmen, the monarch cited a particular criminal case involving unnamed former palace officials who were arrested for alleged fraud and handed over to EFCC in Benin City for investigation and prosecution.

According to the Oba, some EFCC operatives, allegedly handled his petition with kid-gloves and that the suspects “were set free after giving them slaps on their wrists few years ago.”

The Oba accused an unnamed female EFCC investigators of allegedly sweeping glaring evidence of fraud against the suspects under the carpet.

The statement noted: “We want to draw your attention to one or two grey areas in your operations.

“You know that I have been known for speaking the truth. But like it is, I was not happy about certain things that happened with your predecessor.

“We get news from everywhere. We tried to assist the EFCC. I even wrote a letter to the then Chairman that was removed from office. I sent an emissary to talk to him regarding certain elements in Edo State, particularly the palace.

“How can EFCC boys, especially that girl, be behaving like this? If I was asked to comment on her performance index, I will score her zero. I do not know if she was doing EFCC job or just dancing to the tunes of people that were giving her money.

“At the time we were trying to assist EFCC, the report we keep getting was negative and I was not happy about it.”

Oba Ewuare II who tasked the Commission to fight crime without fear or Favour, vowed to support the state government in addressing social inequality and reduce social vices.

The monarch, however, noted that the newly appointed Chairman of EFCC, Olanipekun Olukoyede, would be on the path to greatness if he continues to demonstrate commitment in his duties.

Earlier, the newly deployed Benin Zonal Director of EFCC, Mr. Effa Okim, revealed that Edo ranks second behind Lagos State in financial crime index of Nigeria.

He appealed to the monarch to support the Commission with advocacy against financial crimes.