“Oba of Benin Accuses EFCC of Facilitating Crime, Claims Bribery in Petition Against Fraudulent Palace Personnel”
Oba Ewuare II of Benin has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of allegedly facilitating crime, particularly in relation to a specific criminal case involving former palace officials accused of fraud. The monarch made these claims during a meeting with the new Benin Zonal Director of EFCC, Effa Okim, at his palace in Benin on Monday, May 20.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Ighobaro, the Oba of Benin highlighted the case involving former palace officials who were detained for alleged fraud and subsequently handed over to the EFCC in Benin for investigation and prosecution.
The accusation suggests that the EFCC, instead of prosecuting the alleged criminals, may have engaged in activities that obstructed justice, potentially by accepting bribes or engaging in other forms of corruption. This serious allegation from such a prominent figure as the Oba of Benin underscores the gravity of the situation and raises questions about the integrity and effectiveness of law enforcement agencies in combating corruption and ensuring accountability.
The Oba’s remarks serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining transparency, accountability, and integrity within government institutions, particularly those tasked with combating corruption. It remains to be seen how the EFCC will respond to these accusations and what actions will be taken to address the concerns raised by the Oba of Benin.