Oba Ewuare II of Benin has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of facilitating crimes in the country.
The monarch made these allegations during a meeting with the new Benin Zonal Director of the EFCC, Effa Okim, at his palace in Benin on Monday.
He referred to a case involving unnamed former palace officials who were released after being arrested for fraud and handed over to the EFCC in Benin for investigation and prosecution.
The Oba claimed that some EFCC operatives mishandled the case, resulting in the culprits’ release a few years ago.
Expressing his dismay, the monarch alleged that EFCC investigators ignored clear evidence of fraud against the palace officials.
While tasking the commission to fight crime without fear or favour, the Oba added,” We want to draw your attention to one or two grey areas in your operations”.
“No matter how much you try to support the EFFC from the palace, It is very difficult because they seem to listen to other parties. What I have been told is that they take instructions from the highest bidder.
“You know that I have been known for speaking the truth. I was not happy about certain things that happened with your predecessor.
“We get news from everywhere. We try to assist the EFCC. I even wrote a letter to the then-chairman who was removed from office.
“I even sent an emissary to talk to him regarding certain elements in Edo State, particularly the palace.
“How can EFCC operatives, especially, the lady who handled the case I cited earlier behave like that? If I was asked to comment on her performance, I would score her zero. I do not know if she was doing an EFCC job or just dancing to the tunes of people who were giving her money.
“At the time we were trying to assist EFCC, the report we kept getting was negative and I was not happy about it,” Oba Ewuare II added.
The monarch, however, said the newly appointed Chairman of EFCC, Olanipekun Olukayode is on the path to greatness if he continues to demonstrate fidelity in his duties.
He also pledged the palace’s support to the state government in addressing social inequality and reducing social vices.