Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has explained why he ceased defending the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), representing the agency in court, and attending its events.
In a statement shared on his verified social media account, Inibehe disclosed that he was once a staunch supporter of the EFCC, frequently defending the agency and participating in their initiatives, including their annual anti-corruption event.
He noted that he actively opposed numerous unlawful court injunctions against the EFCC and filed several lawsuits on behalf of the HEDA Resource Centre at the Federal High Court in Abuja. These actions included efforts to challenge attempts to oust former EFCC Chairman Ibrahim Magu during a period when Magu faced intense scrutiny.
Inibehe noted that he never sought any kind of favours from the EFCC for all he did but that while he is still supportive of any attempt by the EFCC to fight corruption, he is no longer an outspoken ‘ally’ of the Commission because he cannot pretend that the Commission is still on track.
He stressed that in recent years, he has noticed that the EFCC has problems of corruption, partisanship, nepotism, and professionalism.
Inibehe said, “I used to defend the EFCC vigorously, and was invited in the past to some of their events in Lagos, including their yearly anti-corruption march.
“When a judge of the Akwa Ibom State High Court gave a terrible injunction barring the EFCC, ICPC and others from investigating government officials, past and present, I went all out to ensure that the illegal injunction was vacated.
“When Ibrahim Magu was being haunted, I filed a lawsuit on behalf of the HEDA Resource Centre at the Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge the attempts to remove him.
“No one can say that I ever sought any kind of favours from the EFCC. Though I am still supportive of any attempt by the EFCC to fight corruption, I’m no longer an outspoken ‘ally’ of the Commission.
“My impression of the Commission has changed in recent years. I will not attack their legitimate efforts, but at the same time I’m not going to pretend that they are on track.
“The Commission has a corruption problem, a partisanship problem, a nepotism problem, and a professionalism problem.
“Their modus operandi has not inspired public confidence. The way they pamper politicians is at variance with the way they handle other cases.
“The EFCC cannot be raiding the homes of innocent people at odd hours, break doors, harass and brutalize the occupants, and still expect public support. They do not offer apology or compensation when they act unprofessionally.
“Also, the war against corruption has taken the backseat. They need to change their modus operandi if they want public support.”
Inibehe’s statement comes amid the ongoing reactions and controversy surrounding the killing of Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE II Aminu Sahabi Salisu, in Awka, Anambra State, on Friday.
Salisu was shot dead by a suspected internet fraudster, Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu, during a sting operation.
SaharaReporters had reported that the EFCC expressed deep concern over the “irresponsible, callous, inhuman, and outrageous narratives” circulating on social media regarding the fatal incident.
The Commission condemned reducing the death of a courageous officer, who was performing his official duties, to social media sensationalism.
The EFCC also expressed concern over “faceless commentators” allegedly supporting the suspect, who had “unleashed terror” on its officers in the line of duty.
The Commission, in a statement by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, on Sunday, stated that there is no justification for “rationalising a murderous act.”
However, Inibehe criticised the EFCC’s statement, calling it lacking in substance and full of trivialities. He argued that the EFCC failed to clearly explain the suspect’s actions or the rationale behind the raid.
Inibehe questioned why the raid took place at such an hour and whether there was clear evidence linking the suspect to internet fraud. He pointed out that the EFCC’s insinuation that the suspect’s business in coding and medical supplies suggested involvement in fraud made the agency’s stance seem ridiculous.
He further suggested that the EFCC may not have initially targeted the suspect, but rather raided a two-storey building where the doctor happened to reside.
Inibehe claimed the EFCC’s statement did a disservice to the deceased officer, and challenged the Commission to provide concrete evidence for the public’s scrutiny.
He also questioned whether the officers involved in the operation wore uniforms, and noted the delayed release of the statement, implying it cast doubt on its credibility.
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