NANC South West Leadership Condemns EFCC Raid in Akure, Demands Justice

By Oyeniyi Esan

The National Association of Nigerian Comrades (NANC), South West Leadership, under the leadership of Comrade Adedoyin Olakunle Stephen, condemns the unlawful, unprofessional, and barbaric invasion by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at Signature Elixir and Alba Royal Club in Alagbaka GRA, Akure, Ondo State, on Saturday, 8th June 2024 respectively.

This was disclosed in a press statement made available to the general public on Monday that in the early hours of the morning, approximately 3 am, officers from the EFCC Zonal Office in Ibadan stormed these business premises in a crude and uncivilized manner.

“The raid resulted in indiscriminate beatings, destruction of properties, physical injuries, and the removal of personal belongings such as jewelry and wristwatches from patrons. This egregious conduct was not only highly indecent and primitive but also a blatant violation of the fundamental rights of innocent citizens present at the lounges.

“As a professional body committed to upholding the rule of law and defending the fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens, we are, officers. The flagrant violation of the fundamental rights of individuals, the owners of the business premises, and those present during the raid must be addressed and rectified by the EFCC.

“While we staunchly oppose cybercrimes and financial crimes, and have consistently collaborated with the EFCC to advocate for a crime-free society, the manner in which this raid was conducted is unacceptable. The destruction observed during a personal visit to the scene shortly after the incident is both devastating and alarming.

Nigeria is a society governed by law, where the dignity of human persons and the right to own property are protected by the Constitution. The commando-style invasion, destruction of properties, and humiliation of people are uncivilized and unacceptable in a lawful society.

The statement equally read in part, “NANC South West Leadership demands that immediate investigation and dismissal of all officers involved in this raid if found culpable. We equally send strong warning to the EFCC officers in the entire South West to desist from such unprofessional conduct, and we want thorough investigation into the theft of mobile handsets, necklaces, wristwatches, and the use of sticks to beat individuals who did not resist arrest. We equally demand an official apology to the owners of the business premises for the unwarranted destruction of their properties. It is important to note that . Proper compensation should be given to the owners of the business premises and all individuals whose properties were destroyed or stolen during the raid.

“We urge the EFCC to act swiftly and appropriately. Failure to address these grievances will compel us to pursue all legitimate means available under the law to seek justice for the affected persons”.