Standard Chartered Bank raid by some alleged agents of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is to be investigated by the Commission who has denied the raid, saying the Commission never authorized any raid on the bank.
The EFCC said in a statement released on Friday 14th September 2018, following media reports on the purported raid, said the raid is a violation of the standard operation procedures of the Commission as it is not the style of the Commission to openly raid the offices of banks and other financial institutions. The report reads:
“Following repeated media enquiries regarding a purported raid on the head office of the Standard Chartered Bank on September 14, by Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the Commission is constrained to state that there was no raid on the bank by its officers.”
“The raid by operatives purportedly wearing the jackets of the Commission might have been the handiwork of errant officers who acted without authorization.”
“The action is in flagrant violation of the standard operation procedures of the Commission as it is not the style of the EFCC to openly raid the offices of banks and other financial institutions.”
“Officials of such institutions who are wanted by the Commission, are usually invited for questioning after discreet investigation. Over the years, banks have been cooperative in releasing their officers to the Commission for questioning.”
The Commission promised to look into the matter, by carrying out proper investigation.
“The Commission will investigate the circumstances leading to this illegal raid by errant officers and those found culpable would be subjected to the internal disciplinary mechanism of the Commission.
“EFCC again reassures Nigerians that it is an agency which adheres strictly to the rule of law and will, as much as possible, avoid draconian measures in its fight against corruption.”