Officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) engaged in a faceoff on Friday at the Kaduna Zonal Command of the anti-graft agency. The incident occurred when NAF personnel attempted to release their colleagues who had been arrested by EFCC operatives for allegedly attempting to forcibly release fraud suspects from custody.
The EFCC had earlier apprehended five suspects involved in internet-related fraud activities at an eatery in Kaduna based on credible intelligence. The arrested individuals were identified as Favour Itung, Rachael Ande, Zuleiman Haruna, Abubakar Ismaila, and Solomon Olobatoke.
Following the operation, six military personnel, including four Air Force personnel, Lawal Abdullahi, Chukwuma Christian, Alfa Suleiman, and Emmanuel Ekwozor, along with two students from the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Technology, Chidera Anuba and Joseph Tokula, stormed the Kaduna Command of the EFCC. They intended to forcibly release the arrested fraud suspects but were swiftly subdued and detained due to security breaches.
Subsequently, the EFCC and the Nigerian Air Force engaged in communication and dialogue to resolve the situation. However, tensions escalated on November 17, 2023, when unruly NAF officers launched a commando-style operation, forcefully attempting to release their detained colleagues from the Kaduna Command.
Despite the provocation, the EFCC exhibited restraint and continued its engagement with the Nigerian Air Force. Eventually, after due profiling, the detained officers were released to the custody of the NAF Provost.
In an official statement, the EFCC reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to carrying out its statutory mandate of tackling economic and financial crimes without hindrance. Upholding the rule of law remains paramount for the agency and it intends to ensure that all individuals involved in fraudulent activities face the consequences of their actions.
The incident highlights the complexities involved in combating economic and financial crimes, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency cooperation, effective communication, and adherence to due process. The EFCC’s firm stance in the face of these challenges showcases its dedication to upholding justice and ensuring accountability.
