EFCC Performance Poor – Oba Ewuare II
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukayode (file photo)
The Benin Monarch, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has accused some operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of compromising the integrity of the anti-graft fight.
The monarch expressed himself when the new Benin Zonal Director of EFCC, Effa Okim, visited his Palace yesterday May 20, 2024.
Oba Ewuare II made specific reference to a case the palace reported against some former palace officials, but later were left off the hook after they were arrested for fraud without investigation and possible prosecution. He expressed shock that the EFCC investigators allegedly compromised the evidence of fraud that was made against the palace officials.
The Oba charged EFCC to fight corruption without fear or favour.
“We want to draw your attention to one or two grey areas in your operations.
“No matter how much you try to support the EFFC from the palace, It is very difficult because they seem to listen to other parties. What I have been told is that they take instructions from the highest bidder.
“You know that I have been known for speaking the truth. I was not happy about certain things that happened with your predecessor.
“We get news from everywhere. We try to assist the EFCC. I even wrote a letter to the then-chairman who was removed from office.
“I even sent an emissary to talk to him regarding certain elements in Edo State, particularly the palace.
“How can EFCC operatives, especially, the lady who handled the case I cited earlier behave like that? If I was asked to comment on her performance, I would score her zero. I do not know if she was doing an EFCC job or just dancing to the tunes of people who were giving her money.
“At the time we were trying to assist EFCC, the report we kept getting was negative and I was not happy about it,” the monarch told Okim.
