EFCC Denies Assault Allegations in Ondo Club Raid, Labels Video ‘Stage-Managed
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied allegations of assault, brutality, or any dehumanizing acts against suspects arrested during a raid on two clubs in Akure, Ondo State, on Saturday, June 8.
A statement by the EFCC’s Head of Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale, titled “EFCC’s Akure Arrests: Setting the Records Straight,” urged the public to disregard a viral video showing ladies with bruised buttocks, allegedly inflicted by EFCC agents during the raid.
An activist had accused the agency on social media of brutalizing customers at the clubs during the raids.
The EFCC stated it will subject the video to forensic analysis to prove its falsehood and prepare a case against those spreading the “distasteful stunt.”
The statement also denied the use of tear gas or tampering with the CCTV facility at the scene of the arrest.
“It is also important to state that no damage was done to the CCTV facility at the scene of the arrest,” the EFCC said. “The device was removed by a staff member of the Club at the request of EFCC operatives to preserve footage for further analysis of each suspect’s role in the alleged crime.
Below is the full statement from the EFCC:
EFCC’s Akure Arrests: Setting the Records Straight
Due to misinformation and distortion of facts about the arrest of 127 suspected internet fraudsters by operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Saturday, June 8, 2024, it is necessary to clarify the true facts of the operation.
Operatives executed a classical sting operation at two Clubs simultaneously in Akure based on credible intelligence, leading to the arrest of the suspected fraudsters. The operation, in line with established norms, was devoid of incidents, as the operatives conducted themselves professionally.
It was shocking to see narratives on social media about brutalization, including a trending video of two ladies showing bodies allegedly lacerated by whips. The Commission urges the public to disregard this video, which may have been stage-managed for unclear motives. The Commission will conduct a forensic analysis to establish its falsehood and prepare a case against those behind this stunt.
The Commission asserts that no suspect was assaulted, brutalized, or subjected to any dehumanizing treatment during the operation. It is also false that tear gas was used at the crime scene. EFCC personnel do not use tear gas during sting operations, and the officers involved did not bring tear gas canisters or whips to inflict injuries on suspects.
Furthermore, no damage was done to the CCTV facility at the scene of the arrest. A staff member of the Club removed the device at the request of EFCC operatives to preserve footage for further investigation. The Club manager, who is among the arrested suspects, confessed to the crime and directed the removal of the CCTV device. He is assisting in the investigation and is in EFCC custody with the CCTV.
It is essential to reiterate that the EFCC’s Standard Operating Procedure prohibits the use of brute force or unprofessional conduct during operations. The EFCC is a civilized law enforcement agency that respects human dignity and the rule of law.
Profiling of suspects arrested at the scene is complete, and they will be prosecuted accordingly.