The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has refuted claims that its officers assaulted lawyers who were protesting the detention of their colleague, Philip Ojo, at the EFCC’s Ibadan Zonal Command in Oyo State.
Ojo, a lawyer, was reportedly detained at the EFCC office, prompting members of the Nigerian Bar Association,Ibadan branch, to stage a protest demanding his immediate release.
According to The PUNCH, Ojo was released later in the day following the intervention of the NBA leadership.
Details surrounding Ojo’s detention remain unclear, but sources suggest it is related to a fundamental human rights lawsuit filed against an unidentified EFCC official.
During the protest, one of the participating lawyers, Adedeji Falujo, explained that Ojo was asked by the EFCC to write a statement concerning alleged falsehoods in the suit, which he refused to do, leading to his detention.
“We were determined to reach the EFCC gate, and we eventually did. While peacefully chanting solidarity songs, they teargassed us, but no one left until the EFCC leadership intervened,” Falujo said.
He further noted that the EFCC officials, including the Zonal Director, apologized and addressed the concerns raised by the NBA.
In response to the incident, Ibrahim Lawal, Chairman of the NBA Ibadan branch, condemned Ojo’s detention, calling it “illegal and unlawful.”
Festus Ogun, a Lagos-based human rights lawyer, also criticized the EFCC’s actions, stating, “The recklessness of the EFCC targeting lawyers, particularly younger ones, is intolerable. Those responsible for this abuse must be held accountable.”
The Head of the Public Affairs Department at the EFCC’s Ibadan Zonal Command, Olumide Egbodofo, confirmed Ojo’s release but denied any misconduct by EFCC officials.
“The lawyer in question has been released,” he said, adding, “The claims of assault and teargassing are false. Our officers were merely ensuring that there was no breakdown of law and order. There was no harassment; we managed the situation professionally.”
