Alex Omenye
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has accused operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of disrupting legitimate business activities in Akure, the state’s capital.
His statement on Sunday night followed the arrest of 127 individuals during a party on Saturday by the EFCC’s Ibadan Zonal Directorate.
The EFCC had issued a statement on Saturday alleging that the detainees were “internet fraudsters” arrested through credible intelligence in an early morning sting operation at a “Yahoo Party” held simultaneously at Signature and Abah Clubs in Akure.
However, the arrests have sparked controversy. Many Nigerians took to social media to accuse the EFCC of invading businesses and injuring people while profiling them as fraudsters.
In a statement posted on his X page at 11:40 pm on Saturday, Governor Aiyedatiwa warned the EFCC and other federal agencies against disrupting business activities in Ondo State.
“In line with our mandate to promote entrepreneurship, I met with club owners at the Government House, Alagbaka Akure, to address the unfortunate disruption of legitimate business activities by the EFCC,” he said. “It leaves a sour taste, but we cannot halt credible intelligence efforts to rid our society of scams.”
He emphasized the need to support legitimate business owners, expressing sympathy for those who suffered losses due to the EFCC’s actions. “The Government of Ondo State will ensure that no legitimate business is stranded or oppressed by any government institution,” he tweeted.
Aiyedatiwa clarified that while his administration will not tolerate activities detrimental to the state’s growth, he urged those involved in fraudulent activities to confess, and for the innocent to be released immediately. “We will not condone actions posing a security threat to the state or nation,” he added.
In response to the backlash, Dele Oyewale, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, maintained that the operation was conducted professionally based on credible intelligence, leading to the arrest of suspected fraudsters. He dismissed viral social media posts showing alleged brutality by EFCC operatives as “stage-managed” to discredit the agency.
Oyewale announced that the video would undergo forensic analysis to expose its alleged falsehood and prepare a case against those behind the “distasteful stunt.” “The Commission wants the public to disregard this video, as it may have been staged for unclear motives,” he stated.
He reaffirmed that no suspects were assaulted or subjected to inhumane treatment during the operation. “The EFCC operates within the confines of the law and relies on litigation for the final determination of allegations against the accused,” Oyewale concluded.
The EFCC’s actions in Akure have ignited significant debate over the balance between law enforcement and the protection of legitimate business activities. As both sides present their narratives, the public awaits the legal outcomes and further developments.
