On Saturday, a large number of activists protested in Lagos' streets, calling for a halt to what they saw as opposition groups' use of the EFCC in order to target alleged foes.
The activists, who were affiliated with Citizens Action Against Lawlessness and represented over 80 Human Rights Civil Society Organizations, accused opposition leaders in Kogi State of advocating for chaos.
Torizone reported that they pleaded with the EFCC to uphold the law and disregard these "sponsored, desperate calls."
The demands for the EFCC to arrest former governor Yahaya Bello with force and circumvent the legal system were denounced by the activists. They maintained that these requests are motivated more by political agendas than by a sincere desire for justice and that they compromise the EFCC's credibility.
Co-convener of the Joint CSOs platform and coordinator of the South West Progressive Youths Organization, Segun Abegunde, labeled those advocating for Bello's arrest as anarchists.
He issued a warning, saying that those who disseminated lies about politicians and judges in the past would now use spurious accusations to attack the EFCC leadership.
According to Abegunde, "We insist that this is beyond corruption investigation but political persecution."
"Some sponsored anarchists still went to the EFCC Zonal Office today to call on the Commission to use military force to attack the defendant's known residences and abduct him."
"There have been insinuations that they are even planning to use fake soldiers in order to inflict maximum damage."
The activists think that the purpose of these acts is to start a fire that would result in Kogi State declaring a state of emergency. They said that Bello is being targeted out of despair over a failing political goal and internal state vendettas.
They urged President Bola Tinubu to guarantee Bello and his family's safety via the security services.
The activists cautioned against political persecution and emphasized the need to adhere to the proper legal procedures. They pleaded with the EFCC to maintain its objectivity and not give in to political pressure.
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