The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, announced on Monday that court orders have hindered the commission from investigating corruption cases in ten states.
In light of this, Olukoyede emphasized the need for collaboration between the commission and the judiciary in the fight against corruption. He made this appeal in Abuja during the 6th EFCC/National Judicial Institute capacity-building workshop for judges and justices, themed “Integrating Stakeholders in Curbing Economic and Financial Crimes.”
Olukoyede also expressed concern about the frequent adjournments of high-profile cases and the conflicting court orders obtained by suspects that impede the commission’s efforts to prosecute corruption cases.
He stated, “Despite the dedication and commitment of our judges in addressing corruption cases nationwide, and initiatives such as practice directions and the designation of courts and judges to handle these matters, several urgent issues remain unaddressed.”
He highlighted the challenges posed by frequent adjournments due to frivolous applications, conflicting orders from courts of equal jurisdiction, inappropriate contempt orders directed at the commission’s leadership, and an over-reliance on technicalities in deciding serious corruption cases. Olukoyede noted the alarming trend of suspects seeking injunctions to prevent the commission from conducting investigations, which includes interference from certain state governments.
He mentioned that the commission currently cannot carry out investigations in at least ten states, despite clear appellate court rulings stating that law enforcement agencies cannot be restrained from performing their statutory duties.
Olukoyede urged judicial officers to collaborate with the commission and engage in open discussions on expediting the resolution of corruption cases. He emphasized that without a committed, patriotic, and courageous judiciary, the EFCC and other agencies would struggle to make significant progress in combating corruption.
