Benin monarch accuses EFCC of undue leniency

By Innocent Raphael

The Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II, has publicly accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of allegedly handling some cases with leniency..

The monarch made this allegation on Monday during a meeting with Effa Okim, the newly appointed Benin Zonal Director of the EFCC, at his palace in Benin City.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Oba Ewuare II referenced a specific criminal case involving former palace officials who were arrested for alleged fraud and handed over to the EFCC for investigation and prosecution.

He claimed that EFCC operatives handled his petition with undue leniency, ultimately releasing the suspects after minimal repercussions.

The Oba specifically accused a female EFCC investigator of allegedly disregarding clear evidence of fraud against the suspects.

He expressed dissatisfaction with the previous handling of his complaints, stating, “How can EFCC operatives, especially that girl, behave like this? If I was asked to comment on her performance index, I would score her zero.”

Oba Ewuare II further emphasized the need for the EFCC to combat crime impartially and pledged his support to the state government in addressing social inequality and reducing social vices.

He also expressed hope that the newly appointed EFCC Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, would uphold integrity in his duties.

Earlier in the meeting, Effa Okim revealed that Edo State ranks second only to Lagos in Nigeria’s financial crime index.

He appealed to Oba Ewuare II to support the Commission’s efforts in advocating against financial crimes.