The Oba of Benin, Omo N’ Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has made a shocking allegation against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission accusing the agency of complicity in corruption and crime.
The monarch expressed his disappointment and frustration with the EFCC’s handling of corruption cases during a meeting with the newly deployed Benin Zonal Director of EFCC, Mr. Effa Okim, at his palace in Benin City, Edo State.
The Oba alleged that some EFCC officials have been compromised, taking bribes and aiding criminals to escape justice. He cited a particular criminal investigation involving former palace officials, which he claimed was mishandled by the EFCC.
The royal father criticized the agency’s lack of effectiveness, stating that they often prioritize instructions from “the highest bidders” over justice.
The Oba specifically mentioned a female EFCC official who headed a team that investigated a case, accusing her of being compromised and “dancing to the tunes of people that were giving her money.”
He expressed his discontent with the agency’s performance, saying that he would score the official’s performance index as “zero.”
The royal father said, “We want to draw your attention to one or two grey areas in your operations… It was a young lady that headed that team. It was very difficult.
“They (EFCC) always come and speak gloriously. Actually, when the time comes to assist them, they seem to listen to other parties. What has been told is that they take instructions from the highest bidders.
“You know that I have been known for speaking the truth. I was not happy about certain things that happened with your predecessor.
“How can EFCC boys, especially that girl, be behaving like this? If I was asked to comment on her performance index, I will score her zero. I do not know if she was doing EFCC job or just dancing to the tunes of people that were giving her money.
“At the time we were trying to assist EFCC, the report we keep getting was negative, and I was not happy about it.”
