The chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed that several court cases are obstructing the Commission from carrying out its mandate effectively across the country.
Olukoyede revealed that the anti-graft agency is currently unable to investigate cases of corruption in 10 different states due to court injunctions that prevent the EFCC from performing its statutory functions. He made this announcement in Abuja on Monday during the 6th EFCC/National Judicial Institute (NJI) capacity-building workshop for judges and justices.
The workshop, which brought together key judicial officers and stakeholders, had as its theme, “Integrating Stakeholders in Curbing Economic and Financial Crimes.”
Olukoyede expressed concern over the increasing number of legal challenges that hinder the EFCC's ability to investigate and prosecute corruption cases effectively. He did not specify the names of the 10 states where court orders are restraining the commission’s activities, but he emphasized that these legal obstacles are part of a broader issue that the EFCC faces.
During his remarks, he also stressed the need for greater collaboration between anti-corruption agencies and the judiciary, urging judicial officers to partner with the EFCC to ensure that corruption cases are resolved more swiftly.
He highlighted several challenges faced by the commission in prosecuting high-profile corruption cases, including frequent adjournments, conflicting court orders, and legal technicalities that delay the resolution of cases. According to him, frivolous applications and conflicting orders by courts of coordinate jurisdiction further complicate the prosecution of serious corruption matters.
Olukoyede also noted the growing trend of suspects rushing to court to obtain injunctions that prevent the EFCC from investigating, interrogating, or arresting them. This practice, he explained, has become increasingly prevalent, with some state governments also seeking injunctions to block investigations into alleged corruption within their jurisdictions.
He expressed frustration over the fact that, despite clear pronouncements from appellate courts stating that law enforcement agencies should not be restrained from performing their duties, the EFCC continues to face challenges in at least 10 states where it has been barred from conducting investigations.
Olukoyede called on the judiciary to take a closer look at these issues during the two-day workshop, urging judicial officers to engage in candid discussions with the commission on how corruption cases can be resolved more efficiently.