Akpabio: EFCC embarrassed me — they treat ex-governors like Pablo Escobar

Senate President Godswill Akpabio says he has had his “fair share” of embarrassment from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Akpabio spoke on Wednesday when Ola Olukoyede, chair of the EFCC, appeared before the senate for screening.

The senate president said EFCC treats high profile suspects as though they are swooping on Pablo Escobar.

Escobar was a notorious drug lord of Colombian heritage, who was killed in the 1990s after a global manhunt spanning several years.

The senate president said in the buildup to the 2023 elections, the anti-graft agency summoned him over a “frivolous” petition.

“I think the EFCC has engaged more in sensationalism than on real investigation,” Akpabio said.

“For me I have had my own fair share [of embarrassment] where even a letter informing EFCC that I won’t be able to come over a frivolous petition, was released by the office of the chairman of EFCC.

“You could see the chairman’s stamp on it. He released the letter just to embarrass me before the 2023 elections but by the glory of God I surmounted it.

“I don’t see how the EFCC will arrest a former governor and come through the rooftop as if they are taking Pablo Escobar. It happened to Rochas Okorocha.

“They broke through the POP and the whole world watched and for you that is investigation.”

He said there is a need for the anti-graft agency to conduct proper investigations before effecting arrests.