In a harrowing account shared with ABN TV, Mr. Ugochukwu Ezeanyagu, a businessman from Abia State, has detailed a traumatic encounter with operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Ezeanyagu narrated how heavily armed EFCC officers stormed his residence in the early hours of Friday, December 6, on suspicion of internet fraud, leaving his family deeply distressed.
The incident occurred at his home in Umuobia Olokoro Estate, Umuahia. According to Ezeanyagu, the operatives arrived around 2:00 a.m., forcefully breaking through gates and doors with hammers to gain access. He recounted to ABN TV that some of the officers were masked, creating an atmosphere of fear and chaos in the household.
Pregnant Wife Humiliated and Traumatised
Ezeanyagu revealed to ABN TV that his eight-month-pregnant wife bore the brunt of the ordeal. “The most humiliating part was that my wife, who was over eight months pregnant and asleep, was completely naked when they burst into our room,” he said. “They ordered her to lie face down, disregarding her condition and dignity, treating us like hardened criminals.”
Ezeanyagu alleged that the operatives confiscated his phone and electronic devices during the raid but found no evidence linking him to internet fraud or any criminal activity. He explained that the EFCC team eventually realised their mistake, apologised, and left the premises. However, the damage had already been done—his wife was thrown into shock and trauma and has been hospitalized since the incident.
Is Such Conduct Legal?
The legality of such actions by security agencies has been called into question. According to Nigeria’s constitutional and legal framework, law enforcement agencies must operate within the bounds of due process and respect fundamental human rights.
Section 34 of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to dignity. This includes protection against inhumane treatment, torture, or degrading practices. The manner in which the EFCC raided Ezeanyagu’s home—allegedly using excessive force, invading privacy, and causing trauma to his family—contravenes these constitutional rights.
Furthermore, Nigeria’s Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 provides clear guidelines for the conduct of arrests and searches. Arrests should be carried out during reasonable hours unless under exceptional circumstances, and suspects must be treated with respect and dignity. The reported conduct of the EFCC operatives falls short of these legal standards.
Call for Accountability and Reform
Ezeanyagu has called for justice and urged the EFCC to adopt more professional and humane approaches to avoid traumatising innocent citizens.
“This incident has exposed a disturbing pattern in the EFCC’s operational methods,” he told ABN TV. “It is unacceptable for the agency to invade people’s homes, destroy property, and violate their dignity without accountability.”
A Professional Approach to Arrests
Experts have proposed several measures that security agencies like the EFCC should adopt to improve the professionalism of their operations:
- Adhere to Legal Standards: Arrests and searches should be conducted during reasonable hours, following due process, and with valid warrants.
- Prioritise Intelligence: Security agencies must ensure they have credible evidence before taking action to avoid targeting innocent individuals.
- Sensitivity Training: Law enforcement officers should undergo regular training on human rights, especially on how to handle vulnerable individuals such as pregnant women or children.
- Accountability Mechanisms: Agencies must establish independent oversight bodies to investigate and address complaints of misconduct by operatives.
- Effective Communication: Security agencies should clearly communicate their intentions to the individuals involved, reducing fear and confusion during operations.
A History of Controversial Raids
This incident is not the first time EFCC operations have drawn criticism. Ezeanyagu referenced a similar case three years ago, when EFCC officials wrongfully raided the home of journalist Norah Okafor, also in Umuahia.
Across Nigeria, there have been widespread reports of EFCC operatives conducting late-night raids using hammers and chisels, purportedly in search of individuals suspected of internet fraud, commonly referred to as “Yahoo boys.” These operations have often resulted in the destruction of private property and humiliation of innocent people, with no consequences for the agency.
Public Outcry
The incident has reignited calls for reform in the EFCC’s operational procedures. Civil society groups and human rights advocates have urged the agency to prioritise due process, respect for human rights, and accountability.
Ezeanyagu’s ordeal serves as a grim reminder of the impact of unchecked power on innocent lives. As his wife recovers from the trauma of the raid, he hopes that his story, shared through ABN TV, will lead to meaningful change in how the EFCC conducts its operations.
