Mr. Douglas Ogbankwa, a former Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association, (NBA), has called upon Mr. Ola Olukoyede, the newly appointed Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to prioritize the safeguarding of human rights and the strict adherence to the rule of law. Ogbankwa issued this counsel in a statement provided to the press on a Sunday in Lagos.
While acknowledging the well-deserved nature of Olukoyede’s appointment as the EFCC Chairman, Ogbankwa emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law during his tenure. Ogbankwa expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for selecting a legal practitioner to lead the anti-graft agency and urged Olukoyede to address previous shortcomings.
Ogbankwa noted, “The appointment of the new Chairman of EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, is a positive development, as he represents a unique perspective as an ‘outside-insider’ who has served as a lawyer, Chief of Staff to the former chairman, and later Secretary to the commission. The agency has, in the past, exhibited a regrettable history of disregarding human rights, at times with the acquiescence of certain courts.”
He continued, “The EFCC should refrain from investigating contract matters, as its role is not that of a debt collector, a stance upheld in numerous cases by higher courts. It is essential for the commission, under new leadership, to ensure strict adherence to due process, given its establishment in accordance with the law.”
Ogbankwa also advocated for the cessation of the practice of seizing citizens’ vehicles without a court order and of marking citizens’ properties with red paint labeled “EFCC, Keep off” unless a court order has been obtained.
Furthermore, Ogbankwa stressed the need for the agency to implement an electronic tracking system for monitoring all seized items and conducting public auctions in a transparent manner.
He stated the importance of cooperation between EFCC and lawyers, acknowledging the interdependence of their functions. Ogbankwa pointed out that lawyers play a crucial role in the prosecution of cases for the EFCC, highlighting the need for synergy between the two entities to reduce unnecessary legal disputes and ensure smooth operations for the anti-graft agency.