The Oba of Benin, Omo N’ Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, has leveled serious accusations against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), claiming the agency is complicit in aiding crimes.
During a meeting at his palace with the newly deployed Benin Zonal Director of the EFCC, Effa Okim, on Monday, Oba Ewuare II expressed his dissatisfaction with the EFCC’s handling of a fraud investigation involving former palace officials. According to the monarch, despite clear evidence of fraud, the implicated individuals were given lenient treatment.
The Oba criticized the EFCC investigators for allegedly ignoring significant evidence against these former officials. He refrained from providing specific details about the officials involved but questioned the integrity of the investigation conducted by the EFCC.
“We want to draw your attention to one or two grey areas in your operations,” the Oba stated. “I have always been known for speaking the truth, but I was not happy about certain things that happened with your predecessor.”
He mentioned that he had previously tried to assist the EFCC by writing a letter to the former Chairman and sending an emissary to discuss the issues concerning the Palace. However, the response he received was disappointing.
“How can EFCC boys, especially that girl, be behaving like this? If I were asked to comment on her performance index, I would score her zero. I do not know if she was doing EFCC’s job or just dancing to the tunes of people that were giving her money,” he remarked.
Despite his criticisms, Oba Ewuare II expressed optimism about the future of the EFCC under its new Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, stating that Olukoyede is on the path to greatness if he maintains fidelity in his duties.
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