EFCC Adopts Revised Procedures for Arrests and Bail

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has introduced a revised set of guidelines governing the arrest, bail, and processing of suspects. This update, effective from October 31, 2023, across all EFCC commands, underscores a commitment to upholding the rule of law and adhering to global best practices in suspect treatment.

According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the new guidelines prioritize the rights of suspects, particularly in matters concerning arrest, detention, and bail. Operational procedures are to align with the relevant provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended), the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (2011), and the EFCC's Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

Oyewale clarified that EFCC operatives are prohibited from demanding professional certificates from sureties as a condition for bail. Additionally, requests for international passports will be exercised judiciously, contingent on the case's nature, the suspect's profile, and their country of residence.

Furthermore, CE Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, the Director of the Legal and Prosecution Department at EFCC, emphasized that bail conditions set for suspects must be reasonable and attainable by both suspects and their sureties. He stressed the need to halt the unwarranted detention of suspects beyond the constitutionally allowed period without a Remand Warrant.

Tahir cautioned EFCC officers against infringing on the rights of suspects without just cause, urging a heightened level of professionalism in all operational activities. He emphasized the agency's commitment to adhering to international standards, positioning itself as a model law enforcement agency.

"It is time to have a paradigm shift and change the narrative," Tahir declared, emphasizing the pivotal role of professionalism in EFCC's operations.