Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, has leveled accusations against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), suggesting that the agency is contributing to the perpetration of crime within Nigeria.
The royal statement was made during the reception of the EFCC’s new Zonal Director for Benin, Effa Okim, at the royal palace located in Benin City on a recent Monday.
The Oba recounted an incident concerning former palace aides who had been detained on charges of fraudulent activities and transferred to the Commission for judicial proceedings.
His disappointment was evident as he recounted the agency’s decision to release the suspects despite what he considered compelling evidence of their wrongdoing, leading to no prosecutorial action being taken.
The Oba entreated the EFCC to fulfill its duty earnestly, expressing frustration with the agency’s operations by stating, “Irrespective of the palace’s efforts to aid the EFCC, the task is challenging as the agency appears to be influenced by other, more dominant voices. It’s been brought to my attention that they act on the behest of those who offer the highest incentive.
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“Being an advocate of honesty, the occurrences with your predecessor left me quite dissatisfied. Our palace is well-informed. Our cooperation with the EFCC has been forthright, to the extent of communicating directly with the previous chairman, who has since been dismissed from his position.”
“Despite our efforts to support the EFCC, the feedback we’ve received has been disheartening, and this has been a source of unhappiness,” added Oba Ewuare II.
Nevertheless, Oba Ewuare II assured that the palace’s backing for the Commission and the initiatives to combat societal disparities and curb malicious activities in the state remains steadfast.
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