The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has refuted claims that it is persecuting Friday Audu, who is currently detained at the Correctional Centre in Ikoyi on charges of cybercrime and money laundering.
   
This follows recent accusations by Audu’s family members and the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) regarding the tactics employed by the anti-graft agency in this case.
   
The EFCC, in its defence, dismissed these allegations, stating that Audu’s detention was ordered by a competent court of law. Moreover, the anti-graft agency clarified that they have indeed brought charges against the alleged Chinese mastermind of the syndicate to court, contrary to claims that the main culprits were allowed to walk free.
   
According to the EFCC, Audu is being actively prosecuted for his involvement. However, Audu’s family disputed the EFCC’s claims, arguing that the individual charged by the agency as the Chinese kingpin is not the same person known to Audu. The family insisted that Haoyu Huang is the only Chinese person Audu is familiar with and that the EFCC’s allegations do not align with the reality of Audu’s connections.
   
They challenged the EFCC to provide evidence of Audu’s association with the 792-gang syndicate or prove that he had any involvement with them.

The EFCC responded to these concerns by explaining that the charges brought against the defendants in both Federal and Lagos State High Courts were based on distinct legal provisions related to the alleged offences.
   
Audu vehemently denied the accusations, while the EFCC maintained that it had followed legal procedures. In a recent court appearance, a Chinese national named Li Kuang Kuang was arraigned before Justice Daniel Osiagor on charges of cybercrime linked to the syndicate operation. Li Kuang Kuang pleaded not guilty to the charges and was remanded in the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending further legal proceedings.
   
The EFCC officer involved in the case highlighted Audu’s alleged role in the illicit activities, emphasising his connection with Genting International Co. Limited and the receipt of substantial funds. HURIWA reiterated that all accused individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty, as outlined in Section 36(5) of the Constitution.