The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede, has reported that the Commission is currently hindered from conducting investigations in ten states across Nigeria due to court orders that restrict its activities.
Olukoyede made this announcement during the ongoing sixth EFCC-NJI capacity-building workshop for justices and judges, held at the Conference Hall of the National Judicial Institute in Abuja. He emphasized that the workshop’s theme, “Integrating Stakeholders in Curbing Economic and Financial Crimes,” is particularly relevant.
Although he did not specify which states are affected, Olukoyede expressed concern over how these court orders have obstructed the EFCC’s operations. He highlighted various challenges facing the Commission, including frequent adjournments of high-profile cases, contempt orders, and an over-reliance on technicalities.
He urged the judiciary to discourage situations in which suspects swiftly seek restraining orders to prevent the EFCC from making arrests. While acknowledging that the EFCC is not infallible, Olukoyede affirmed that the Commission is actively working to reform its investigative processes in alignment with legal standards.
