Oba of Benin drops bombshell, says EFCC is aiding crimes
Oba Ewuare ll
Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga
By Jethro Ibileke
The Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), of allegedly aiding crimes.
The monarch made the allegation on Monday when he received the newly deployed Benin Zonal Director of EFCC, Effa Okim, in his Palace in Benin City.
The monarch in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, cited a particular criminal case involving unnamed former palace officials who were arrested for alleged fraud and handed over to EFCC in Benin for investigation and prosecution.
He said some EFCC operatives, allegedly handled his petition with kid-gloves and that the suspects “were set free after giving them slaps on their wrists few years ago.”
The Oba accused an unnamed female EFCC investigators of allegedly sweeping glaring evidence of fraud against the suspects under the carpet.
The statement said: “We want to draw your attention to one or two grey areas in your operations.
“You know that I have been known for speaking the truth. But like it is, I was not happy about certain things that happened with your predecessor.
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“We get news from everywhere. We tried to assist the EFCC. I even wrote a letter to the then Chairman that was removed from office. I sent an emissary to talk to him regarding certain elements in Edo State, particularly the palace.
“How can EFCC boys, especially that girl, be behaving like this? If I was asked to comment on her performance index, I will score her zero. I do not know if she was doing EFCC job or just dancing to the tunes of people that were giving her money.
“At the time we were trying to assist EFCC, the report we keep getting was negative and I was not happy about it.”
The Monarch who tasked the Commission to fight crime without fear or Favour, pledged support to the state government in addressing social inequality and reduce social vices.
He, however, noted that the newly appointed Chairman of EFCC, Olanipekun Olukoyede, would be on the path to greatness if he continues to demonstrate fidelity in his duties.
Earlier, the newly deployed Benin Zonal Director of EFCC, Effa Okim, disclosed that Edo ranks second behind Lagos State in financial crime index of Nigeria.
He appealed to Oba Ewuare II to support the Commission with advocacy against financial crimes.
