The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a warning to the public about an alleged plan by an undisclosed group to incite a protest against the Commission. In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC revealed that the group has been actively campaigning on social media, targeting and recruiting young Nigerians, including students, to protest against the Commission’s activities.
According to the EFCC, the campaign is being promoted as a form of resistance to the Commission’s enforcement actions, particularly those related to cybercrimes. The EFCC expressed concern that corrupt individuals under investigation or prosecution are behind this campaign, aiming to exploit the protest to create a national uprising that could jeopardize the peace and security of Nigeria.
“The Commission, while not averse to protests by citizens, is alarmed by emerging evidence that suggests a grand design by corrupt elements under investigation or prosecution by the Commission to exploit the so-called protest to orchestrate a national uprising that may threaten the peace and security of our dear nation,” the statement read.
As a responsible law enforcement agency, the EFCC emphasized that it will not tolerate any disruption of law and order, particularly around its offices nationwide. The Commission is collaborating with other security agencies to address any potential threats to national peace and security.
The EFCC also appealed to parents, guardians, and heads of tertiary institutions to prevent their wards from being manipulated into participating in what it described as a proxy war against the Commission by vested corrupt interests.
“The war being waged by the Commission against corruption and cybercrime is to protect the future of the youth of this country. That future is imperilled if Nigeria degenerates further in global reckoning as a den of fraudsters,” the statement added.
