Ondo: EFCC storms nightclubs, bachelor’s eve party, arrests suspects

Tamarauemi Ebimini

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stormed and raided two popular nightclubs and lounges in Akure, Ondo State, on Saturday.

Following the operation, the anti-graft agency reportedly arrested 50 suspected internet fraudsters, including a groom-to-be who was celebrating his bachelor’s eve at one of the clubs with his friends.

The personnel, who stormed the highbrow Alagbaka axis of the Akure metropolis in different cars around 1:00 a.m., shot sporadically into the air. Vehicles, laptops, sophisticated phones and other items were confiscated. CCTV at the scenes was allegedly removed by the operatives during the operations.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights and Member representing Ondo East/West Federal Constituency, Abiola Makinde, has condemned the development.

Makinde, in a statement signed by his media aide, Moshood Alli, described the raid as an invasion of the privacy of innocent citizens of Nigeria.

He said, “The news about the EFCC raid at Signatures Club is quite disturbing. I actually spoke with the head of the team. He informed me that they have their orders and intelligence reports. I’ll admonish our people to remain calm while this matter is investigated and resolved.

“Absolutely, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), as Nigeria’s premier anti-graft agency, has a critical role in combating financial crimes. However, it is imperative that, in the pursuit of justice, the EFCC adheres strictly to the principles of human rights.

“Reports of raids leading to violations of personal dignity and privacy, such as the incident involving a former Big Brother Naija housemate, highlight the need for the EFCC to conduct operations with respect for the law and human decency.

“Please note that the agency’s mandate to investigate financial crimes does not exempt it from the obligation to respect human rights, which includes ensuring that raids are conducted legally, with proper warrants, and without undue harm to individuals.

“The concerns raised by various incidents underscore the importance of accountability and adherence to human rights standards to maintain public trust in law enforcement agencies.

“I’ll activate the State Director of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mr. Sunday Oyewole, to look into the matter. Any violations will be addressed between the two federal agencies.”