Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, a well-known human rights attorney and past NBA president, has harshly criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), branding it a “terrorist organization.”
In an interview with Arise TV’s morning show, he made these remarks and charged that EFCC agents were abusing their power to threaten and harass Nigerians.
“They are terrorizing us… they are terrorists.” threatening Nigerians with their authority,” Agbakoba declared vehemently, expressing his intense annoyance with the EFCC’s actions. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
Agbakoba has a history of contesting the EFCC’s authority and methods of operation, so his criticisms are not brand-new. He recently brought his concerns to the attention of the legislative branches, challenging the constitutionality of the Federal Government’s creation of the EFCC in letters to the Senate and the House of Representatives.
He argues that the agency functions outside the parameters set down by the Nigerian Constitution, which raises concerns about possible abuse of power and overreach.
“The House of Assembly should clarify what the EFCC should be doing in order to be able to resolve the issue surrounding the legitimacy of the EFCC,” stated Agbakoba. Why are the Special Fraud Unit, ICPC, and EFCC all acting in the same way, but they are not catching anybody.
“The EFCC has accomplished a great deal of negative things in addition to some positive ones. Was Tarfa, even the outlaw that he was, being hauled along? Do you come in and drag out a former Inspector General of Police in a rational society? That is incorrect. I won’t award them a pass mark since these people are terrorists, even if you bring up the constitution and suggest that we might.
From my perspective, they frighten us. They terrify us with their might and their red jackets so that you get scared when you hear the name EFCC. A law enforcement organization should be better than that; that is not what it should be.
“The deficiencies in the system are no reason for anyone to get away, because that would defeat the whole purpose.”
His remarks come at a time when public scrutiny of anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria is intensifying. Many citizens are questioning whether these institutions are effectively adhering to their mandates or if they are exercising unchecked power.
Agbakoba’s vocal criticism has amplified calls for urgent reforms and increased oversight of the EFCC, highlighting the need for accountability within the agency.
