EFCC warns youths against planned protest

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, cautioned Nigerians to avoid cooperating with a “shadowy group” to instigate a protest against the Commission.

This was contained in a statement signed by the commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale.

Oyewale said a group has been actively campaigning on social media and recruiting impressionable young Nigerians to take up arms against the EFCC.

He said the movement is being promoted by the people against the Commission’s effort to fight cybercrime, advising youths to disassociate themselves from the protest, stating that the EFCC will not tolerate any breakdown of law and order in the country.

He said “The Commission, while not averse to protests by citizens, is alarmed by emerging evidence that suggests a grand design by corrupt elements under investigation or prosecution by the Commission to exploit the so-called protest to orchestrate a national uprising that may threaten the peace and security of our dear nation.

“As a responsible law enforcement organisation, the Commission will not tolerate any breakdown of law and order anywhere in the country, especially around its office locations across Nigeria.

“EFCC, working in concert with sister security agencies, is therefore taking necessary measures to deal with possible threats to the peace and security of Nigeria.

“The Commission, however, appeals to parents, guardians and heads of tertiary institutions to take responsibility in ensuring that their wards are not recruited to be used as cannon fodder in a proxy war against the Commission by vested corrupt interests.

“The war being waged by the Commission against corruption and cybercrime is to protect the future of the youth of this country.