Former EFCC Director Laments Overwhelming Case Load At The Agency

Mr. George Adebola, a senior lawyer and recently retired Director of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has voiced his concern regarding the overwhelming number of cases inundating the commission.

Adebola, who retired last month as Director of Special Duties in the EFCC’s legal department, stated that the agency is struggling to manage the sheer volume of cases and complaints it receives.

He cautioned that if this influx of cases isn’t addressed promptly, the EFCC risks becoming inefficient and unable to effectively fulfil its responsibilities.

Speaking to Law & Society Magazine, the former prosecutor emphasised that many of the cases currently handled by the EFCC should ideally be investigated by the police.

He explained: “The EFCC has seen a deluge of petitions, leading to a significant number of cases, investigations, protracted trials, appeals, and the like. This is why the EFCC is currently under immense pressure.

“Ideally, if Nigeria’s systems were functioning optimally, these cases wouldn’t all be directed to the EFCC. A significant portion of them should be handled by the police.

However, when individuals are unable to get results from the police, they turn to the EFCC. The system appears to be faltering, placing a disproportionate burden on the EFCC.

“To a large extent, justice can be obtained through the EFCC. While the police are making efforts, many people lack confidence in their ability to effectively address their concerns. People don’t believe the police are doing enough, even though they are trying within their limited resources.

“They are trying, but they can only do so much with what they have. How can a police station without a functional vehicle be expected to operate effectively?

” They receive numerous complaints daily and need to travel extensively. When transportation is unavailable, they are forced to cut corners.

“Consequently, they often postpone cases, asking people to return repeatedly. Even with a few vehicles, if those vehicles are out of service, what can they do?

” The police face significant challenges and are overwhelmed. They need assistance, particularly in meeting their logistical requirements, to perform better and proactively fulfil their mandate.

“Eighty per cent of the work the EFCC currently handles should be within the purview of the police, but the police lack the capacity to cope.

” The EFCC is presently managing well, but if this situation persists, the commission risks being overwhelmed by unmanageable challenges and potentially breaking down. Hopefully not!

“If the DSS, ICPC, Immigration, and NSCDC were all operating at their full potential, the EFCC’s workload would be significantly reduced.

“Consider the example of someone applying for a visa who is defrauded by a travel agency. They lose their money and then turn to the EFCC, when the proper avenue would be the police.

“However, due to a perceived lack of efficacy, they bypass the police and go straight to the EFCC.

“Everyone has contributed to the current state of Nigeria, and it will require a collective effort to improve the situation. We must all work together.

“If things continue as they are, the situation will worsen for everyone, which is in no one’s best interest.”