EFCC decries threat to prosecutors

File Photo: EFCC operatives

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has lamented the risks its prosecutors face in handling high-profile or politically exposed cases in the country.

The Head, Legal and Prosecution Department at the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, Ifeyinwa Azegbeobor, expressed the concern while delivering a paper during a one-day workshop themed “Prosecuting Financial Crimes in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and the Way Forward” in Uyo on Friday.

While noting that prosecuting cases in the country is emotionally, mentally, and financially demanding, Azegbeobor listed a wide range of challenges that impede prosecution processes.

These, she noted, include institutional capacity and resourcing, legislative and legal gaps, evidence gathering and standards, witness availability, media conduct that prejudices trials, as well as security challenges.

On security challenges, she said prosecutors were exposed to high risks, especially while handling high-profile or politically exposed cases, adding that there were security threats during out-of-jurisdiction prosecutions.

Azegbeobor said, “Prosecuting financial crimes in Nigeria is emotionally, mentally, and financially demanding. Prosecutors face risks, especially when handling high-profile or politically exposed cases, and there are security threats during out-of-jurisdiction prosecutions.”

She also called for a review of existing legislation to effectively tackle modern and evolving financial crimes in the country.

“Most of our laws and the punishments for offences are outdated and need to be reviewed. We are asking for the laws to be updated to cover modern financial crimes, including cybercrime and beneficial ownership,” she added.

While calling for clarification of overlapping laws to prevent conflicts between agencies, Azegbeobor also urged increased penalties to serve as a deterrent to criminals.

Earlier, while declaring the workshop open, the commission’s Zonal Coordinator for Akwa Ibom, Abia, and Cross River, Johnson Oshodi, appreciated the participants drawn from civil society organizations and the media for their role in shaping society.

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