Young people demonstrate against late-night EFCC operations in Delta, file complaint with Oborevwori

n n

Over 100 youths under the aegis of the Let’s Save Asaba Movement Initiative on Friday staged a peaceful protest at the Delta State Government House, Asaba, over alleged midnight raids, forced entry into homes, arrests and intimidation during operations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

n

The protesters, operating under the motto, “See Something, Say Something,” submitted a petition to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, urging him to intervene over what they described as growing concerns about the conduct of some EFCC operations in the state.

n

The petition was received on behalf of the state government by Nwokoro Julius, a security aide to the governor, who promised to forward it to the appropriate authorities.

n

The protesters said they were not opposed to the EFCC’s fight against financial crimes but insisted that its operations must be conducted professionally, within the law and with respect for citizens’ fundamental rights.

n

Speaking to journalists at the Government House, a co-convener of the movement, Marvin Mordi, said the protesters were at the premises to draw the government’s attention to what they described as alleged unlawful treatment of youths.

n

Mordi said the group was seeking government intervention rather than confrontation, adding that authorities should protect the rights of citizens.

n

“We don’t want to take the protest to the streets. What we are here for is simple. We are here to tell the government that our rights as citizens of Nigeria are not a crime. It is not a crime to be doing well,” Mordi said.

n

He alleged that EFCC operatives had entered residential areas and arrested youths without proper profiling.

n

“It is not a crime for anybody to come from nowhere, come to our houses and pick up our youths,” he said.

n

Mordi further alleged that some youths were taken away during operations the previous night and that some detainees were facing demands for millions of naira.

n

“Just last night, some youths were taken away. They are there, and there are allegations that millions of naira are being demanded from some persons,” he said.

n

He appealed to the state government to intervene before the situation escalated.

n

“We don’t want to take the protest to the streets. The government should send a message to them. They should leave our people alone,” he said.

n

Mordi stressed that the group was not opposed to lawful arrests where there was evidence of criminal conduct.

n

“If anyone commits a crime, they should go after the person. Come and pick up the person who committed the crime, not come and arrest people randomly,” he said.

n

He added that the protesters would continue to defend what they considered the legitimate rights of residents.

n

“We are peaceful and law-abiding. We are here to make our statement to the government,” Mordi said.

n

Also speaking, Emmanuel Ogbolu, who described himself as one of the alleged victims, appealed to Oborevwori to ensure that EFCC operatives adopted a more professional approach in dealing with young people.

n

Ogbolu warned that what he described as indiscriminate operations could create tension among youths and eventually lead to wider security challenges.

n

“We have come here to appeal peacefully to the governor that the EFCC should be professional in its dealings with the youths.”

n

He alleged that the manner in which some operations were being conducted could contribute to youth restiveness.

n

“Why I am calling on the governor in this matter is that the EFCC is trying to promote youth restiveness, and I know the governor will not like it. If it occurs, we are going to be facing a lot of security challenges.”

n

Ogbolu questioned the alleged failure of operatives to properly identify and profile some residents before entering residential premises.

n

“What happened to proper profiling? What happened to being professional in their dealings?”

n

He also alleged that a person with mental health challenges was picked up during one of the operations and that a demand for N10m was subsequently made.

n

“This is one example to let you know that they are not profiling the people they are coming to pick. This is illegal,” he alleged.

n

The allegations made by Mordi and Ogbolu could not be independently verified, while the EFCC’s response to the specific claims was not available as of the time of filing this report.

n

In its petition, the movement called on the Delta State Government to investigate allegations of unlawful raids, midnight operations, forced entry, intimidation and abuse of residents.

n

It also urged the government to engage relevant Federal Government authorities and ensure that EFCC operations in Delta complied with the Constitution and other applicable laws.

n

The protesters demanded the protection of residents’ fundamental rights, dignity, privacy and personal security during law-enforcement operations.

n

They also requested a channel through which affected residents could safely submit evidence and complaints concerning alleged misconduct.

n

The group stressed that its protest was peaceful and constitutional, saying it wanted accountability rather than confrontation.

n

The movement added that it supported the EFCC’s mandate but insisted that the agency must operate within the law.

n

The petition was signed by Comrade Ajemba Chibueze Stanley, Nkemakolam Desmond, identified as the convener, Comrade Marvin Mordi, identified as co-convener, and Comrade Harrison Gwamnishu, Director, BBI.

n

The group called for the law to prevail, human rights to be respected, and the rule of law to be upheld.

n

The EFCC’s response to the allegations was not available as of the time of filing this report.

n n