The Movement for the Actualisation of True Federal and Political Restructuring in Nigeria (MATFPRN) has expressed concerns over the operations of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), questioning the legality of the EFCC’s establishment under the 2004 Act. According to the group, the Act is inconsistent with the Nigerian Constitution, describing the EFCC as an “illegitimate entity” that engages in “terrorist methods” by targeting suspects under the cover of darkness.
Speaking to journalists in Lokoja, the group’s spokesman, Comrade Benjamin Timothy, criticized the EFCC’s tactics, likening them to the style of the viral 2012 “Gangnam Style” dance by South Korean artist PSY, suggesting that the EFCC maintains a noble appearance during the day but resorts to aggressive tactics at night.
MATFPRN highlighted incidents where the EFCC’s actions have drawn public criticism, including the 2016 raid on the home of Justice Ofili Ajumogobia and the 2021 raid on the residence of Supreme Court Justice Mary Odili.
The group argued that these actions violated legal injunctions and disregarded the rule of law. They also condemned a recent incident involving a failed attempt to arrest former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, accusing the EFCC of resorting to force despite the governor’s voluntary compliance with earlier summons.
MATFPRN emphasized that Nigeria is neither a “Nazi Germany” nor a “Banana Republic” and called for an end to the EFCC’s “Gestapo-like” tactics, urging a review of the EFCC Act to align it with constitutional principles.
