In line with the newly-reviewed procedures on arrest and bail of suspects by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Ola Olukoyede has directed that sting operations at night time be stopped in all the Commands of the EFCC.
He gave the directive in Abuja on Wednesday in reaction to the arrest of 69 suspected internet fraudsters by operatives of the Ibadan Zonal office of the Commission in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
According to a press statement issued by Dele Oyewale, EFCC's Head, Media & Publicity, already, many of the suspects duly profiled by the Command have been released, while profiling of suspects yet un-released will be completed, without further delay.
Dele noted that the Commission wishes to assure the public that it will not relent in its adherence to the rule of law, in the exercise of its mandate.
Meanwhile, in line with international practices, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stopped arbitrary seizure of international passports of suspects under investigation.
It directed its entire staff to exercise discretion in demanding suspects’ passports.
It also directed its staff to ask for reasonable and practicable bail conditions from suspects and their sureties.
Dele revealed that no more blanket arrest and detention of suspects will be made.
The statement said the anti-graft commission rolled out new conditions following the review of its guidelines on arrest, bail and processing of suspects.
The EFCC said its procedure will henceforth be in line with international best practices, the 1999 Constitution, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2011 and its Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).