The Attorney-General of The Federation (AGF), Mr. Lateef Fagbemi SAN has urged the former governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello to submit himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and stop obstructing their investigations.
The former governor and his successor, Usman Ododo caused a stir in Abuja on Wednesday when Ododo used the full security compliments of his office to thwart the arrest of Bello by operatives of the EFCC.
Fagbemi in a statement on Thursday frowned at the action of Nigerians who try to obstruct properly constituted authorities from carrying out their lawful duties.
The AGF noted that the action of those obstructing the EFFC from carrying out their lawful duties was “insufferably disquieting.”
Fagbemi further stated as the AGF, “I stand for the rule of law and will promptly call EFCC, and indeed any other agency to order when there is an indication of any transgressions of the fundamental rights of any Nigerian by any of the agencies.”
The full statement reads:
“This is a matter of very grave concern, it is now beyond doubt that the EFCC is given power by the law to invite any person of interest to interact with them in the course of their investigations into any matter, regardless of status.
“Therefore, the least that we can all do when invited, is not to put any obstruction in the way of EFCC, but to honourably answer their invitation. A situation where public officials who are themselves subject of protection by law enforcement agents will set up a stratagem of obstruction to the civil and commendable efforts of the EFCC to perform its duty is to say the least, insufferably disquieting.’’
“Nigeria has a vibrant judicial system that is capable of protecting everyone who follows the rule of law in seeking protection. I therefore encourage anyone who has been invited by the EFCC or any other agency to immediately toe the path of decency and civility by honouring such invitation instead of embarking on a temporising self-help and escapism. This can only put our country in bad light before the rest of the world.’’
“I stand for the rule of law and will promptly call EFCC, and indeed any other agency to order when there is an indication of any transgressions of the fundamental rights of any Nigerian by any of the agencies.’’
Earlier, the EFCC had reminded Nigerians that it is a criminal offence to obstruct officers of the commission from carrying out their lawful duties.
The commissions reminded the public that Section 38(2)(a(b) of the EFCC Establishment Act makes it an offence to prevent officers of the Commission from carrying out their lawful duties. Culprits risk a jail term of not less than five years.