The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied claims that it prosecutes internet fraudsters, popularly called Yahoo boys, more swiftly than politically exposed persons.
Speaking in an interview on Hard Facts with Nigeria Info FM, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said the anti-graft agency applies the same level of diligence to all financial crime cases, whether cybercrime, contract fraud, or money laundering.
“As far as criminal issues are concerned, there are no low-hanging fruits; every crime is a crime,” Oyewale stated. He explained that while cybercrime cases appear to progress faster, high-profile corruption cases involving politicians require more extensive investigation before charges are filed.
He noted that in 2024 alone, five former governors and five former ministers were charged to court, stressing that arraigning one politically exposed person involves complex groundwork.
Oyewale also argued that delays in such cases are largely due to the judicial process, not the EFCC. “It’s the business of the court to determine the resolution of these cases, and if there’s a delay, it should not be blamed on EFCC,” he said.
Despite his clarification, many Nigerians remain skeptical. Social media users accused the EFCC of running a two-tier justice system where Yahoo boys are swiftly paraded and sentenced, while corrupt politicians face prolonged trials with little consequence.
Some commenters argued that the judiciary bears the greater responsibility for the delays, while others insisted the EFCC shields the politically powerful.
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