A Go to to EFCC Headquarters: A Corper’s Expertise, by Haroon Aremu

A Go to to EFCC Headquarters: A Corper’s Expertise, by Haroon Aremu

It was one night when my boss merely instructed me, “I’ve an invite from the EFCC. You and Zekeri ought to be part of me tomorrow!”

Since I used to be posted to this PR agency as a member of the Nationwide Youth Service Corps (NYSC), my duties included writing information, opinion articles, and monitoring media protection associated to our purchasers and stakeholders. Regardless of being busy with my cell phone, I by no means entertained or engaged in suspicious actions that would result in fraudulent corrupt intents, whether or not on-line or offline.

“The invitation signifies 10 am, however we must always depart the workplace at 9 am to reach there on time. Have a pleasant day!” the boss interjected my ideas earlier than I may even reply.

I instantly picked up my cellphone and Googled phrases like “EFCC,” “invitation,” “visitor,” and “youth.” The search outcomes left me apprehensive—college students, prime politicians, and public figures had all been visitors (which means detained) after an invite (which means investigation) by the EFCC operatives, primarily associated to on-line fraud and different corrupt practices.

Regardless of the EFCC’s efforts to fight corruption throughout all sectors, questions persist concerning the perceived preferential therapy given to political officers and authorities figures in comparison with peculiar residents or younger web fraudsters. Residents argue that the precept of equality earlier than the regulation should be upheld, urging for a extra equitable strategy to justice by regulation enforcement companies.

Some contend that the EFCC tarnishes individuals’s picture and repute. I usually wonder if suspects in EFCC custody are really harmless of the accusations or allegations, given the damning experiences and tales—resembling the continued case involving former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State.

Nevertheless, accountability should be a two-way avenue. Whereas the EFCC bears the duty of upholding the regulation, the accused should additionally uphold transparency and sincerity to keep away from tarnishing their picture.

The mandates of the EFCC will be extremely demanding, contemplating the destiny of previous chairmen who confronted challenges and controversies each throughout and after their tenures. The unsteady nature of main the company underscores the gravity of the duty at hand and the fixed risk of backlash from political intrigue.

Not too long ago, the arrest and prosecution of cross-dresser Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, alias Bobrisky, and celeb barman Pascal Okechukwu, popularly often known as Cubana Chief Priest, on allegations of misusing the nationwide forex caught public consideration. Each have been accused of abusing Naira notes by spraying and tampering with them throughout social occasions, contravening the Central Financial institution Act of 2007.

Whereas the instances of those two influencers could impression nightlife fanatics, musicians, and public gatherings, additionally they function a deterrent towards extravagant spending and flaunting wealth irresponsibly. Such measures, whereas initially restrictive, contribute to a extra accountable and accountable society.

I’ve been carefully following an ongoing investigation right into a monetary scandal involving the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Catastrophe Administration, and Social Growth. It turns into much more attention-grabbing when the EFCC confirmed the restoration of $445,000 and N3 billion, along with the sooner retrieval of N30 billion. The probe, initiated after the suspension of Minister Dr. Beta Edu, has now prolonged to her predecessor, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, and Halima Shehu, the Coordinator of the Nationwide Social Insurance coverage Programmes Company.

There have been additionally probes into fraudulent actions associated to COVID-19 funds, World Financial institution loans, and the Abacha loot, amongst others.

Nevertheless, past its function in tackling monetary crimes, EFCC additionally engages in advocacy campaigns towards the scourge of corrupt practices.

Many questions consumed my ideas on the EFCC till I fell asleep within the Corper’s Lodge near the workplace. I wakened even sooner than normal, anxiously pacing round my room, hoping my boss wouldn’t ask me to accompany him once more.

Nevertheless, my hopes have been dashed when my cellphone rang, and my colleague knowledgeable me that our boss was already outdoors ready for me within the automotive.

Fearfully, as I emerged from my room, I seen that our boss’s driver was not out there to drive us. It was very uncommon. My senior colleague, Mr. Zekeri, instructed me to sit down within the again seat whereas he sat within the passenger seat because the boss drove us.

As we zoomed off, I couldn’t shake the sensation that this was a really unusual affair, particularly because it was uncommon for my boss to drive himself.

We arrived on the EFCC gate exactly at 9:40 A.M. The safety personnel have been on excessive alert, sporting stern expressions. My boss launched himself, explaining that we had an appointment at 10 A.M. The safety guard insisted we wait till the precise time earlier than coming into, so we bided our time close by. Minutes after 10 A.M., we have been granted entry.

As we proceeded to the workplace, I seen different workers members, together with cleaners and gardeners, sporting pleasant smiles and providing heat greetings. Actually, after I nearly slipped, one senior officer shortly helped me regain my stability. This expertise led me to understand that the EFCC has a various workers, with some showing stern however others displaying kindness and politeness.

As soon as inside, our telephones have been instantly confiscated, and we have been escorted to a safe space with closely armed safety personnel. We proceeded to the registration room to offer our particulars, then we have been led upstairs to an workplace the place we underwent thorough safety checks earlier than being seated. I positioned myself beside my boss, hoping his presence would supply some aid.

A feminine EFCC workers inquired if we would have liked something, however we politely declined. She was even jovial with us. Ultimately, we have been knowledgeable that it was time to proceed.

We have been then escorted to a bigger room, extra like a convention corridor, the place we encountered a large crowd.

As we entered the room, my boss was warmly acquired by senior officers from the Public Affairs Division of the anti-corruption company.

It then dawned on me that the ‘invitation’ prolonged to my boss was not for a suspect however as a Visitor Speaker to debate “Efficient Public Relations Methods for Legislation Enforcement Businesses” on the quarterly lecture organized by the Public Affairs Division of the Company.

The lecture aligns with the desires of the Government Chairman of the Financial and Monetary Crimes Fee, Ola Olukoyede, who goals to continually hone the general public relations abilities of workers.

This go to corrected the misguided impression that guests to the EFCC workplace are all monetary crime suspects. It additionally dispels the notion that the Company is merely a den of lions ready to pounce on unsuspecting guests.

Haroon Aremu is a corps member with PRNigeria middle, Abuja, and wrote in by way of [email protected].