Renowned human rights activist and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, has issued a scathing critique of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), branding the agency a “terrorist organization.”
In an interview on Arise TV’s morning show, Agbakoba accused EFCC operatives of misusing their authority to bully and intimidate Nigerians.
“They are terrorists… they are terrorizing us… intimidating Nigerians with their powers,” Agbakoba declared, voicing his frustration over the agency’s actions.
Agbakoba’s remarks are the latest in a series of longstanding criticisms of the EFCC. Recently, he sent letters to both the Senate and House of Representatives challenging the constitutional validity of the EFCC’s establishment by the Federal Government.
He contends that the agency operates beyond the boundaries set by the Nigerian Constitution, raising alarms about its overreach and alleged abuse of power.
The former NBA President’s comments arise amidst intensifying public discourse regarding the behavior of anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria, with increasing concern over whether these institutions are fulfilling their mandates or exercising unchecked power. Agbakoba’s criticism highlights the urgent calls for reform and enhanced oversight of the EFCC.
The ongoing tensions between the commission and Yahaya Bello, alongside the recent raid of a radio station in Enugu State, have further tarnished the image of the anti-graft body in recent weeks.
