‘My Badge Is My Warrant’ — EFCC Chairman Defends Arrest Powers

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has defended the agency’s authority to arrest suspects without a warrant during sting operations, stating that EFCC operatives are legally empowered to act when crimes are detected.

Olukoyede made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television, where he explained that many arrests carried out by the commission are based on intelligence and urgency, making it impractical to always obtain warrants beforehand.

According to him, sting operations are carefully planned and used mainly to apprehend suspects involved in internet fraud and other financial crimes who often operate discreetly and avoid public exposure.

The EFCC boss noted that many suspects are usually found in hotels or short-term apartments rather than their homes, which requires flexible and swift law enforcement actions to prevent escape.

He stressed that the agency’s operations are guided by professionalism and the law, adding that the EFCC remains committed to respecting citizens’ rights while carrying out its duty to combat corruption and financial crimes.