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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned members of the public that it is a criminal offence to obstruct officers of the Commission from carrying out their lawful duties, declaring the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello wanted for alleged corruption.

The Commission noted that “Section 38(2)(a(b) of the EFCC Establishment Act makes it an offence to prevent officers of the Commission from carrying out their lawful duties. Culprits risk a jail term of not less than five years.”

The EFCC stated that the warning became “necessary against the background of the increasing tendency by persons and groups under investigation by the Commission to take the laws into their hands by recruiting thugs to obstruct lawful operations of the EFCC.”

Lamenting the situation, the EFCC observed that on several occasions, operatives of the Commission have had to exercise utmost restraint in the face of such provocation to avoid a breakdown of law and order.

“Regrettably, such disposition is being construed as a sign of weakness.

“The Commission, therefore, warns that it will henceforth not tolerate any attempt by any person or organisation to obstruct it operation as such will be met with appropriate punitive actions”, the EFCC said.