The Benin monarch, Omo N’ Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, yesterday, accused some unscrupulous officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of allegedly aiding crimes.
The Benin monarch, who made the allegations when he received the newly deployed Benin Zonal Director of EFCC, Effa Okim, in his Palace, in Benin City, Edo State, tasked the Commission to fight crime without fear or favour.
The Oba of Benin cited a particular criminal investigation involving unnamed former Palace officials, who were arrested for fraud and handed over to EFCC for investigation and prosecution.
The monarch noted that some EFCC operatives allegedly handled his petition with kid gloves, and the alleged culprits were set free after giving them slaps on their wrists a few years ago.
Oba Ewuare II, who did not give further details about the unnamed former Palace officials, wondered why EFCC investigators allegedly swept glaring evidence of fraud against them under the carpet.
The traditional ruler said: “We want to draw your attention to one or two grey areas in your operations.
“No matter how much you try to support them from the Palace, it was a young lady that headed that team from the Palace. It was very difficult.
“They (EFCC) always come and speak gloriously. When the time comes to assist them, they seem to listen to other parties. What has been told is that they take instructions from the highest bidder.”
“You know that I have been known for speaking the truth. But as it is, I was not happy about certain things that happened with your predecessor. We get news from everywhere. I even wrote a letter to the then-chairman of the agency.
“I even sent an emissary to talk to him regarding certain elements in Edo State, particularly the Palace.”
The Oba of Benin wondered how EFCC operatives could behave unprofessionally.
He added: “At the time, we were trying to assist EFCC, but the report we kept getting was negative, and I was not happy about it.”
