The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC has revealed plans to ensure that officers of the Nigerian Air Force who were involved in the attempt to forcefully release persons arrested by the commission for alleged internet internet-related fraud activities in Kaduna State.
The commission described the event that led to the attempt made by the Nigerian Air Force officers to sabotage it’s efforts to make legal arrest and how it will be addressed in order to ensure that such scenario is avoided in the future.
“The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, personnel released on administrative bail by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, November 17, 2023 will be charged to court at the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.
“The officers were released to their service in strict adherence to the bail procedures of the Commission.
“Operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, November 13, 2023 arrested five suspects at a residential Inn and Disney Chicken Eatery, Barnawa, Kaduna following credible intelligence about their alleged internet- related fraud activities.
“However, after the sting operation, six military personnel who witnessed the operation at Disney Chicken Eatery, stormed the Kaduna Command and attempted to forcibly release the arrested fraud suspects. They were subdued and detained over the security breach.
“While in detention, there were inter- agency communication and discussions by the leadership of the EFCC and the Nigerian Air Force, NAF to resolve the issues.
“Unfortunately, dialogue on the release of the combative Air Force personnel broke down on Friday, November 17, 2023 when some unruly NAF Officers stormed the Kaduna Command in a commando- style, to forcefully release their detained colleagues.
“The EFCC exercised restraint in the face of the provocation and flagrant abuse of power. The Commission continued to engage with the leadership of the Nigeria Air Force and released the officers to the NAF Provost after they had been duly profiled.
“The EFCC wishes to assure the public that it will continue to carry out its statutory mandate of tackling all cases of economic and financial crimes, without let or hindrance.
“The Commission reiterates the fact that no one is above the law and the due process will be followed in bringing the case to a conclusion.”
