Lawyers forum wants EFCC chair investigated over selective treatment of suspects

From: Femi  Oyelola, Kaduna

Arewa Lawyers Progressives Forum has averred that it is no longer news in Nigeria that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), an agency established by law to investigate and prosecute economic and financial crimes, has in recent times derided into political persecution, media trial and selective treatment of cases.

A statement signed by Abubakar Kurawa Esq on behalf of the Lawyers observed that time without number, the agency tend to pursue cases not with the aim of nipping corruption in the bud, but with the clear intent of scoring cheap political points, to the exclusion of serious cases which if diligently investigated would have unraveled huge cases of financial crimes against the state.

It further opined that so many cases of alleged economic sabotage and embezzlement, which under normal circumstances deserves the strong search light of the commission are being ignored only to pursue trivial matters targeted at some individuals.

The lawyers sited an example of such cases which, if investigated properly may open up one of the biggest heist in history as the case of NIMASA where an allegation is made against the DG for diverting humongous amounts of money.

“The DG himself in a letter even, asked the commission to investigate the allegations thoroughly, and to be prosecuted if found wanting, yet the commission swept the matter under the carpet without doing the needful.

Suddenly, some documents became viral in which the same NIMASA is seen to be sponsoring three siblings of the EFCC Chairman for a graduate program abroad.

“So many are of the opinion that, probably that may be the reason why EFCC turned a blind eye on a case of that magnitude. This is just an example of one of so many cases. As young Nigerians we are bothered because we see the appointment of BAWA as a milestone. In matters of governance, we rejoice because our pair is heading an important agency like EFCC, but the scorecard of the Chairman is fast eroding our jubilation.

“We are no longer certain whether in future, such great opportunities will come to young people. There is no doubt that the main reason why EFCC are mostly losing their case in court is due to their penchant for selective treatment, lawlessness and more often, a total disregard to the established principles of the Law.”