A protest organized by youths from Kogi State at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja on Monday was disrupted by EFCC officers who dispersed the demonstrators.
The youths had gathered at the EFCC office in Jabi, Abuja, to protest what they alleged as persecution of former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, who is currently wanted by the anti-graft agency for allegedly laundering N80.2 billion while in office.
Video footage of the incident showed the protesters, led by the Kogi Youth Coalition, addressing the media before being chased away by EFCC operatives from the headquarters.
Otitoleke Richard, the head of the Kogi Youth Coalition, condemned the EFCC’s response, asserting the right to express opinions in a democratic society.
“We are here this morning at the headquarters of the EFCC in Abuja, addressing a topical national issue that has to do with the rule of law, the defense of democratic governance in Nigeria. We have been intimidated, we have been harassed,” Richard stated.
He emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law in addressing corruption issues and called for the EFCC to adhere to court orders.
In another video clip, significant damage to a large bus was observed, highlighting the intensity of the disruption. The incident occurred amidst ongoing legal proceedings, with the Kogi State High Court summoning the EFCC chairperson, Ola Olukoyede, to appear on May 13 to address allegations of disobeying its order. This action was prompted by a contempt charge initiated by Bello against Olukoyede for allegedly violating a court order barring the EFCC from arresting him.
