Odinkalu wrote on X that the power of arrest and prosecution is a public trust that should not be weaponised to prosecute those the EFCC do not like
By Eugene Onyeji
Nigerians on X (Twitter) have berated the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for threatening former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Chidi Odinkalu, after he criticised the agency for arresting crossdresser, Idris Okuneye aka Bobrisky.
The crossdresser was arrested for spraying of naira and naira mutilation. He pleaded guilty on his arraignment on Friday before a Lagos court. He will be sentenced on April 9.
Reacting to Bobrisky’s ordeal, Odinkalu wrote on X that the power of arrest and prosecution is a public trust that should not be weaponised to prosecute those the EFCC do not like.
Read Also: EFCC’s fiddling while the country burns is tragically unfortunate – Odinkalu
However, the commission threatened in a statement that it would take legal action next time against anyone commenting against its lawful mandate.
The statement titled, “Chidi Odinkalu’s Reckless Commentaries on EFCC” reads: “The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been drawn to some reckless commentaries made by a former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu on the arrest of Idris Okuneye(a.k.a Bobrisky) by the Commission, describing it as evidence of idleness or an abuse of power .
“The Commission views such commentaries from Odinkalu as unbecoming of a former head of a major government agency. Okuneye was arrested and arraigned by the Commission on the basis of clear cases of abuse of the Naira to which he has pleaded guilty.
“Odinkalu has a right to free speech as a Nigerian but such a right should be exercised with decorum and responsibility. The Commission would not hesitate to take appropriate legal actions against such uncouth commentaries against its lawful mandate by anyone.
“Odinkalu is warned and advised to ventilate his rascally opinions more responsibly in future situations.”
Reacting to the warning statement,
@Adewale Damilare said: “You quickly react to this but became deaf to the discoveries by Fisayo as to Customs officers.”
@Dr. Saint Dikachi said: “How many politicians have u arrested that abused naira ? I am not a fan of bobrisy but selective justice is not good as well. What also stops u from arresting former aviation minister and other past govt officers who stole our common wealth especially those in APC?”
@Manasseh Allen said: “l hope you guys take time to read citizens feelings about the services and operations of your agency. Any institution that cannot buy the deep confidence of its citizens, is a failed institution. Pls change.”
@That Naija Guy said: “In case you have not seen it. This is the video of Ganduje taking bribes. Go after him and leave street gossips.”
@Brother Bernard said: “Dear EFCC, you just proved to the world that you’re indeed jobless.”
@Spotlight Abby said: “Dear EFCC,
Don’t you see that this “rascally” statement reinforces Mr. Odinkalu’s point and truly serves as a profound “evidence of idleness or an abuse of power.”
Please accept the assurances of my littlest regards.
Thanks.”