EFCC’s Failed Raid Goes Sour In Anambra

In 2002, President Olusegun Obasanjo established the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by an Act of the National Assembly. The formation of the agency was a response to international pressure from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on money laundering, also known as Groupe d’action financière (GAFI).

Mallam Nuhu Ribadu was appointed the pioneer chairman and within months, the EFCC made its mark by cracking down on politicians looting the treasury and fraudsters involved in financial scams, locally known as 419—a reference to Section 419 of the Nigerian Criminal Code. These efforts quickly brought the agency into the public eye as it tackled individuals previously seen as untouchable.

In its early years, the EFCC focused heavily on prosecuting political figures accused of embezzling public funds. However, over time, the agency has broadened its scope to other forms of financial crimes. In a controversial shift of focus, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has redirected its efforts from pursuing corrupt politicians to targeting young men suspected of being “Yahoo boys”—a term for internet fraudsters. Despite the commission’s official abolition of night raids in 2023, EFCC continued with its illegal nocturnal operations, often conducted without arrest warrants.

One such illegal sting operation in Anambra State went tragically wrong when EFCC operatives attempted to arrest one Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu on Friday, 17th January 2024 at his residence in Ifite during a 3 a.m. raid. Ikechukwu—a medical doctor and coder—mistook the operatives for armed robbers and, in self-defense, used his licensed firearm as they forcefully broke into his home under the cover of darkness. The incident resulted in the death of Salisu, an EFCC assistant superintendent, and left another operative injured. The EFCC’s response? In a statement that has since gone viral, they claimed his work in online medical supplies and coding looked suspicious, and  of “doubtful legitimacy.” They took his laptops and iPads as “evidence.” They also noted that, due to the fatal outcome of the raid, Ikechukwu remained in police custody and would be brought to trial. But let’s think about this – since when did being a tech-savvy doctor become a crime? This is happening in 2025 when digital business is the norm, not the exception.

The incident has touched a nerve with Nigerians, and rightfully so. Nigerians are tired of seeing young professionals being harassed just because they work in tech. It’s especially frustrating when high-profile corruption cases gather dust while agents are busy breaking into homes at 3 AM without warrants. This incident has sparked intense public debate and highlighted a disturbing pattern in the EFCC’s enforcement practices. Despite announcing an official end to night raids in 2023, the agency has continued conducting these controversial operations, often without warrants. Such actions directly violate the constitutional rights of Nigerian citizens, including protections against unlawful home invasions and guarantees of due process in arrests. By disregarding these fundamental rights, the EFCC undermines the rule of law and erodes public confidence in its mission.

The shift in the EFCC’s priorities from combating high-level corruption to targeting alleged internet fraudsters—commonly referred to as “Yahoo boys”—has raised concerns about profiling and investigative bias. Dr. Ikechukwu’s case is emblematic of this troubling trend. His legitimate involvement in online medical supplies and technology was quickly labeled suspicious, casting doubt on the thoroughness and fairness of the EFCC’s investigative methods. By hastily targeting young professionals in tech-related fields without substantial evidence, the EFCC risks further stifling innovation and undermining a vital sector of Nigeria’s economy that’s already at war with police brutality. 

The tragic death of Salisu and the injury of another operative during the raid highlight the dangers of poorly executed and unauthorized operations. Ikechukwu’s use of his licensed firearm, believing he was defending himself from an armed robbery, further highlights the risks of the EFCC’s nocturnal raids. Such incidents not only endanger lives but also fuel public resentment toward the agency.

The EFCC’s public justification of its actions has only intensified public outcry, with many Nigerians questioning the agency’s rationale for targeting a medical professional engaged in legitimate tech-related activities. This growing backlash has amplified calls for increased transparency, accountability, and reform within the EFCC. This case serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to revisit the EFCC’s operational guidelines and refocus its mandate on its original purpose: addressing systemic corruption and high-profile financial crimes. The agency must prioritize investigative practices that uphold citizens’ rights, adhere to the rule of law, and foster public trust. Only through these measures can the EFCC reclaim its credibility and effectively combat financial crimes in Nigeria.