The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has alerted the public about a plan by a “shadowy group” to instigate a protest against the commission.
In a statement on Wednesday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale noted that the group has been actively campaigning on social media, recruiting impressionable young Nigerians, including students, to “take up arms” against the EFCC.
“This insidious campaign is being promoted as resistance to the operational activities of the Commission, especially in respect of the enforcement of laws dealing with cybercrimes,” Oyewale said.
The statement noted: “The commission, while not opposed to protests by citizens, is alarmed by emerging evidence suggesting a grand design by corrupt elements under investigation or prosecution by the Commission to exploit the so-called protest to orchestrate a national uprising that may threaten the peace and security of our dear nation.
“As a responsible law enforcement organization, the Commission will not tolerate any breakdown of law and order anywhere in the country, especially around its office locations across Nigeria.
“EFCC, in collaboration with sister security agencies, is taking necessary measures to deal with possible threats to the peace and security of Nigeria.
“The commission, however, appeals to parents, guardians, and heads of tertiary institutions to take responsibility in ensuring that their wards are not recruited to be used as cannon fodder in a proxy war against the Commission by vested corrupt interests.
“The war being waged by the commission against corruption and cybercrime is to protect the future of the youth of this country. That future is imperiled if Nigeria degenerates further in global reckoning as a den of fraudsters,” the statement added.
