The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has justified its operational approach, stating that the agency is legally empowered to forcefully enter premises when necessary to arrest individuals suspected of financial crimes.
Speaking during an exclusive interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede insisted that breaking into premises to effect arrests is consistent with global law enforcement practices.
“Look, if I had to break down a door for me to effect an arrest, I would do that. And you see the FBI do that, you see NCA do that,” Olukoyede said. “So why is our law different?”
The EFCC has recently faced strong public criticism over its methods, particularly in operations involving suspected cybercriminals. Critics have accused the commission of acting unprofessionally, arguing that similar anti-crime agencies in other countries employ more restrained and polished tactics when carrying out arrests.
However, Olukoyede rejected these claims, maintaining that the commission’s actions align with international standards. He stressed that the EFCC operates within the confines of the law and urged Nigerians to support domestic institutions rather than undermine them.
“It’s important for us to appreciate the institutions we have in Nigeria and make them work. Foreigners will not do it for us,” the EFCC chairman said.
He added that the agency regularly collaborates with foreign counterparts and has earned international recognition for its work.
“We have had calls to carry out operations with our counterparts abroad—the FBI, the NCA—and the records are there. Professionally, we have been given laws in respect to professionalism. I, as a person, have been to so many countries.
“I have had cause to receive the Director of the FBI in my office to acknowledge what we do here—again, from America—to acknowledge our work.
“So if foreigners acknowledge what we do, what about Nigerians? Why can’t we allow these institutions to survive? If we have been complaining that corruption is our problem, look, nobody is perfect.”
Olukoyede acknowledged that no institution anywhere in the world operates without flaws but argued that the EFCC’s achievements should attract public support.
“You are not going to get a perfect institution anywhere in the world. We have our shortcomings, but with our modest achievements, Nigerians should support us because what we do is for Nigeria. It is for the progress of this country.”
He further clarified that the EFCC Act grants officers the authority to arrest suspects without first obtaining a warrant under certain conditions.
“The law empowers the agency to ‘effect arrest without a warrant. The law—the badge I carry—is my warrant to arrest anytime, any day, under the conditions of the law,” Olukoyede explained.
What you should know
The EFCC is Nigeria’s main anti-graft agency, tasked with investigating and prosecuting financial crimes such as corruption, money laundering, and cyber fraud.
Its arrest methods have often sparked public debate, especially during raids targeting suspected internet fraudsters. Nigerian law permits law enforcement agencies, including the EFCC, to make arrests without warrants under specific circumstances.
Olukoyede’s remarks reflect ongoing tension between civil liberties concerns and aggressive enforcement strategies aimed at tackling corruption, which remains a major national challenge.
