The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Nigeria has been requested by state attorney-generals to provide special recognition to suspects who willingly adhere to the commission’s invites.
In addition to this, they encouraged the anti-corruption agency to always make sure that the invitation letters they send out describe the charges that suspects have committed.
The Chairman of the State Attorney-Generals, Dr. Ben Odoh, made a statement on Thursday during a courtesy call on the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, according to a statement released by the Head of Media and Publicity for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Dele Oyewale.
Odoh made the following statement: “Odoh lauded Olukoyede’s innovative initiatives that are geared towards furthering the fight against corruption and pointed out that Olukoyede’s appointment came with vast experience as a notable anti-graft fighter.”
Oboh brought up a few issues that are related to the necessity of bolstering the anti-graft war. These issues include, among other things, the clarification of offences in letters of invitation to suspects, the consolidation of investigations to prevent the duplication of works, and the provision of special recognition to suspects who honour invitations voluntarily.
It was said by him that the body of the law officers of the states would always offer helpful advise that would facilitate and complement the works of the Commission to attack economic and financial crimes in a frontal manner. He gave the boss of the EFCC the assurance that the Attorneys-General would cooperate and collaborate with the Commission.
In response, Olukoyede stated that the EFCC operated in accordance with the law when he was in charge.
The review of bail and arrest guidelines that are already in place across all of the Zonal Commands of the Commission, including the corporate headquarters, was brought up by him as a means of conveying the significance of this issue.
In his statement, he added that letters of invitation to suspects are always made in accordance with worldwide best practices based on the path that can be taken by investigators.
It was also guaranteed by the head of the EFCC that cases are being aggregated across all of the Commands in order to prevent any instances of duplication.
In addition to expressing gratitude to the law enforcement personnel for their visit, he advised them to constantly provide their governors and other state leaders with accurate advice regarding matters that are related to accountable behaviour.
At some point in the future, those who hold public office will be required to provide an account for the stewardship they have exercised. According to a quotation attributed to him, he would add, “Let us advise our governors and state officials on proper things to do all the time”.
