The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) has released a statement disapproving the unauthorised use of its operational gear (uniform) in comedy skits.
EFCC's reaction is coming due to the resurgence of an old video titled “EFCC and Army Wahala” across social media platforms in the country.
The anti-graft agency in a statement on Monday, 23 September 2024 on social media X (Twitter) voiced its worry over the misrepresentation of its operatives in such productions.
“This, once again, compels the EFCC to reiterate its warning to skit makers and other social workers to desist from using the operational accoutrements of the commission illegally and irresponsibly,” the statement read.
The commission which was more concerned with the way a particular video portrayed the agent described it as a “caricature of the operational etiquette of the EFCC.”
According to the commission, the video presents a dishonorable portrayal of putative commission officers, and that unbridling terror on "suspects" is not only humiliating, but also indicative of a well-calculated attempt to throw doubt on the EFCC's image.
The EFCC said, “Operatives of the EFCC are not bullies. They are trained as refined modern law enforcement officers rich in decency, civility, and respect for members of the public, including suspects of economic and financial crimes.”
“Skit makers are warned again to desist from unauthorised use of the accoutrements of the Commission.”
In a similar development, The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, on Friday handed over €5,100 earnings of crime to the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, Juan Ignacio Sell.
It was learnt that the stated amount was recovered from a Nigerian romance fraudster for a Spanish victim, Heinz Uchtmann, by the EFCC in collaboration with the Spanish Police.
According to EFCC in a statement made available by the commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the resources controlled by criminals worldwide surpassed the wealth of the technology industry.
He further said the borderless nature of internet crimes has made collaboration and partnership among countries and law enforcement agencies essential. He also reaffirmed the Economic and Financial’s Crime Commission’s commitment to making Nigeria an unfriendly environment for corrupt and fraudulent individuals.
