File photo of an EFCC operative
BY Ayodele Oluwafemi
The Ondo state chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe its operatives who conducted raids in clubs in Akure, the capital city.
On Saturday, EFCC operatives raided two clubs simultaneously in Akure and arrested 127 suspected internet fraudsters.
Since the raid by the operatives of the agency, there have been reports on social media alleging assault and theft by the EFCC officials during the exercise.
There were also allegations that the operatives destroyed the CCTV devices in the clubs.
Reacting to the allegations, the anti-graft agency said the operation was devoid of any incident as the EFCC operatives “conducted themselves professionally”.
On Monday, some youths took to the streets in some parts of Akure to protest against the alleged assault by EFCC operatives.
The protesters demanded the unconditional release of those arrested at the clubs.
‘UNPROFESSIONAL, UNLAWFUL CONDUCT’
In a statement on Monday, Olabanjo Ayenakin, the chairman of NBA in Akure, said the mode of operation of the EFCC operatives was “highly indecent, primitive, rude, and embarrassing”.
Ayenakin said the EFCC operatives “intimidated, harassed, and violated” the fundamental human rights of the citizens who were at the lounges during the raid.
“There are international best practices that are acceptable in enforcing arrest and visiting premises that allegedly harbour suspects,” the statement reads.
“The commando and guerilla manner in which the officers invaded the premises and destroyed properties, as well as humiliating people as if there were a war, was uncivil and highly unacceptable.
“Consequently, we humbly request as follows: All the officers who were involved in this carnage should be investigated, and if found culpable, they should be dismissed.
“A strong warning should be sent to officers of your commission in Ibadan to desist from such an unprofessional act. The issue of the theft of several mobile handsets, necklaces, and wristwatches and the use of sticks to beat people who didn’t resist arrest should be investigated.
“A letter of apology should be sent to the owners of the business premises for the wanton destruction of their properties since they were not alleged or complicit in any crime.”
The NBA said it would not hesitate to “ventilate the grievances” of affected persons through legal means.
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