The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has disclosed that some corrupt elements being investigated have lined up a massive protest against the commission.
In a statement on Wednesday by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the commission stated that many young Nigerians including students have been recruited in the last few days to demonstrate against the commission.
The anti-graft agency also stated that the campaign against the commission was being portrayed as opposition to the commission’s efforts, particularly regarding the enforcement of cybercrime laws.
The statement reads: “EFCC wishes to alert the general public on the plan by a shadowy group to instigate a “protest” against the Commission. In the last couple of days, the group has been actively campaigning on social media, recruiting impressionable young Nigerians, including students to take up “arms” against the EFCC.
“This insidious campaign is being promoted as resistance to the operational activities of the Commission especially in respect of the enforcement of the laws dealing with cybercrimes.
“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.”
Warning that the breakdown of law and order around the EFCC’s offices would not be condoned, Oyewale said, “As a responsible law enforcement organisation, the commission will not tolerate any breakdown of law and order anywhere in the country, especially around its office locations across Nigeria.
“EFCC, working in concert with sister security agencies, is therefore taking necessary measures to deal with possible threats to the peace and security of Nigeria.
“The commission, however, appeals to parents, guardians and heads of tertiary institutions to take responsibility for ensuring that their wards are not recruited to be used as cannon fodder in 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 imperiled if Nigeria degenerates further in the global reckoning as a den of fraudsters.”
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