Delays in Politicians’ Cases Caused by Judiciary, Not EFCC – Spokesman
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has dismissed claims that it prioritises the prosecution of internet fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo boys, over politically exposed persons.
OTN News further reports that the EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, made the clarification during an interview on Hard Facts with Nigeria Info FM, where he explained that delays in high-profile corruption cases are largely due to judicial procedures rather than the agency’s handling of investigations.
OTN News observes that Nigerians have long criticised the Commission for what they perceive as unequal treatment, often pointing out that Yahoo boys are swiftly prosecuted while cases involving politicians and former public officials drag on for years.
Responding to these concerns, Oyewale stressed that the EFCC maintains equal commitment to all financial crimes, whether cyber fraud, contract scams, or money laundering.
According to him “As far as the criminal issues are concerned, and adjudication of cases in court and the operation of economic and financial crime, there are no low-hanging fruits; every crime is a crime."
He noted that while cybercrime cases may appear straightforward, prosecuting politically exposed persons involves extensive investigation and preparation before charges can be filed.
“Last year alone, five former governors were charged to court, five former ministers were charged to court. If you know what goes into the arraignment of one single politically exposed person, you’ll know that a lot of work has gone on," he said.
He further emphasised that it is ultimately the responsibility of the courts to determine the pace and outcome of trials, saying delays should not be blamed on the EFCC.
“It’s the business of the court to determine the resolution of these cases, and if there’s a delay in the resolution, it should not be blamed on EFCC,” he explained.
Despite his assurances, Oyewale’s remarks have generated mixed reactions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing continued frustration over what they see as faster judicial processes for Yahoo boys compared to high-profile corruption cases.
What's Your Reaction?
