Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of facilitating criminal activities in the country.
The monarch made these allegations on Monday while hosting the new Benin Zonal Director of the EFCC, Effa Okim, at his palace in Benin.
He referenced a case involving former palace officials who were arrested for fraud and handed over to the EFCC in Benin for investigation and prosecution.
According to the Oba, some EFCC operatives allegedly treated the case leniently, resulting in the release of the suspects a few years ago. ‘
The monarch, who did not identify the palace officials, expressed shock that EFCC investigators allegedly ignored clear evidence of fraud against them.
While tasking the commission to fight crime without fear or favour, the Oba added,” We want to draw your attention to one or two grey areas in your operations”.
“No matter how much you try to support the EFFC from the palace, It is very difficult because they seem to listen to other parties. What I have been told is that they take instructions from the highest bidder.
“You know that I have been known for speaking the truth. I was not happy about certain things that happened with your predecessor.
“We get news from everywhere. We try to assist the EFCC. I even wrote a letter to the then-chairman, who was removed from office.
“I even sent an emissary to talk to him regarding certain elements in Edo State, particularly the palace.
“How can EFCC operatives, especially, the lady who handled the case I cited earlier, behave like that? If I was asked to comment on her performance, I would score her zero. I do not know if she was doing an EFCC job or just dancing to the tunes of people who were giving her money.
“At the time we were trying to assist EFCC, the report we kept getting was negative, and I was not happy about it,” Oba Ewuare II added.
The monarch remarked that the newly appointed Chairman of the EFCC, Olanipekun Olukayode, is on a path to greatness if he continues to demonstrate integrity in his duties.
He also pledged the palace’s support to the state government in addressing social inequality and reducing social vices. Earlier in his address, Okim appealed to the Oba to support advocacy against financial crimes, noting that Edo State ranks second behind Lagos State in the financial crime index in the country.
Recalling the historical ties between his home state of Cross River and Edo State, he solicited prayers and royal blessings to enable him to discharge his duties diligently.
(PUNCH)
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