Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation (AGF), has warned against obstructing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
This comes a day after Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi,
“rescued” Yahaya Bello, his predecessor, from the EFCC siege in Abuja.
The EFCC operatives had restricted movement in and around
Bello’s house situated on Benghazi street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.
Hours later, Ododo arrived at Bello’s residence and was
reportedly seen leaving with his predecessor.
In a statement on Thursday, Fagbemi said the “bizarre drama”
confronting the EFCC as it tries to perform its statutory duty has become a
“matter of very grave concern” for him.
He said the EFCC has the power to invite any person of
interest, regardless of status, in the course of its investigation into any
matter.
“A situation where public officials who are themselves
subject of protection by law enforcement agents will set up a stratagem of
obstruction to the civil and commendable efforts of the EFCC to perform its
duty is to say the least, insufferably disquieting,” Fagbemi said.
“A flight from the
law does not resolve issues at stake but only exacerbates it.
“I state unequivocally that I stand for the rule of law and
will promptly call EFCC and indeed any other agency to order when there is
indication of any transgression of the fundamental rights of any Nigerian by
any of the agencies but I also tenaciously hold the view that institutions of
State should be allowed to function effectively and efficiently.
“Nigeria has a vibrant judicial system that is capable of
protecting everyone who follows the rule of law in seeking protection.
“I therefore encourage anyone who has been invited by the
EFCC or any other agency to immediately toe the path of decency and civility by
honouring such invitation instead of embarking on a temporising self-help and
escapism that can only put our country in bad light before the rest of the
world.”
Nigeria is a lawless country. How can a Governor come to the rescue of a suspect in a money laundering case. This is unacceptable in a normal country and which’s supposed to be sitting on a democratic bench. This’s purely hooliganism for treating Nigeria justice in such a manner. This’s why the country isn’t advancing towards progress and prosperity. If Yahaya Belle was an ordinary person, no one would have been interested in humiliating EFCC crew members in this manner. And the Attorney General of the Federation is completely mute on this incident. He should rise up and question why should this happen and take necessary steps to bring the suspect back to the anti graft commission. It’s a big slap and disgrace to him, Nigeria and the entire world.
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