EFCC Seeks Support of Human Rights Monitors, HURMA; Other CSOs in Fighting Corruption – Rights Monitors

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The Economy and Financial Crime Commission EFCC has appeal to the Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA Global Resource Initiative) alongside other CSOs and media organizations to assist the Commission’s effort in fighting crime for the general good of all Nigerians.
This appeal was made at a one day capacity building workshop for CSOs and Journalists held on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at the EFCC office in ikoyi, Lagos State.

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The program held in three sessions addressed issues on: “Understanding Cryptocurrency Fraud and Other Emerging Financial Crimes”, handled by CSE Allex Ogbole; Prosecuting Financial Crimes: Issues, Challenges and the Way Forward by DCE Aso Larrys Peters (Head of Legal and Prosecution Department, Lagos Zonal Directorate 1) and the final session conducted by DCE Dele Oyewole, HQ head of Media and Publicity which treated “The Role of CSOs and Media in Driving a Preventative Framework”.

The Head of Legal and Prosecution Department, Larrys Peters while addressing issues around challenges in prosecuting financial crimes laid emphasis on the independence of the EFCC as a body and not under any state influence as often interpreted by many.

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During open discussion with members of the Civil Society Organizations at the workshop, challenges and suggested solutions in the Anti-Corruption fight were explored.
The EFCC is often seen to be in a fixed situation by its officials because many times the accused or offender, even after clear evidences, is protected by the law due to presumption of innocence and right to remain silent.
Among other challenges apart from the risk from public attack are delay trial due to slow judicial system, frequent transfer of Judges which automatically lead to starting same case all over and high cost of investigation and Prosecution.

Moreso, the need for the CSOs and the Media is collectively identified as crucial for grassroot mobilization and sensitisation towards ensuring public enlightenment with general submissiveness to the rule of law as a focus.
The need to take public ownership of the fight against corruption is seen as crucial and not a selective crusade.
Mrs.Aisha Muhammad who is in charge of public relations emphasized on the need by the CSOs to regularly involve the EFCC in their general programs while the EFCC would maintain same approach.
“We can’t do it alone, please help us. Whenever you have any event, kindly get us involved and EFCC too will always involve you in our general programs”.

The Executive Chairman of Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA Global Resource Initiative), Comrade Buna Olaitan Isiak at the final session of the event promised to ensure dedicating part of HURMA’s weekly Human Rights and Anti-Corruption program on a Radio Nigeria station as a support for the EFCC Anti-Corruption effort. This was done of behalf of the Nigerian Civil Society Organizations.
At further organizational reflections, the leadership of HURMA which include Comrade Bar. Kunle Adegoke (K-Rad) SAN and lawyer Lekan alabi, head of legal see every available support towards supporting genuine prosecutorial efforts of the EFCC as essential.

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