The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised the alarm over what it described as planned campaigns of calumny targeted at the leadership and operations of the anti-graft agency, warning that such actions would not distract it from its statutory mandate.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the Commission alleged that some politicians and interest groups with vested interests in suspects under investigation or prosecution had mobilised individuals to sponsor media attacks against the EFCC and its Chairman, Mr Ola Olukoyede.
According to the Commission, those allegedly recruited for the campaign include “a motley crowd of paid jobbers” made up of politicians, academics, self-styled civil society activists and some Nigerian fugitives based in the diaspora.
The EFCC said the coordinated attacks were being driven by what it called phantom allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The Commission explained that the objective of the alleged smear campaigns was to undermine its work through scaremongering and intimidation, with the aim of forcing it into a timid posture where it would be reluctant to investigate opposition politicians for fear of being branded partisan.
It further warned that the campaign was expected to intensify as the country approaches the 2027 general elections, when political activities are likely to heighten.
The EFCC stressed that it was closely monitoring the activities of those involved and would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from what it described as the patriotic responsibility of strengthening public accountability in Nigeria.
Reaffirming its non-political stance, the Commission said its records clearly showed that no political actor, whether from the ruling party or the opposition, was immune from investigation or prosecution if found wanting.
It added that several influential figures across the political divide were currently facing trial or investigation.
The Commission also clarified that public commentaries on the presumption of innocence of defendants were in line with constitutional provisions and should not be misconstrued as a defence of any individual or group.
It emphasised that it had no alliance or working relationship with any political party.
The EFCC concluded by stating that it would not succumb to pressure or blackmail to disclose details of politically exposed persons under investigation, reiterating its commitment to justice without fear or favour.
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