Over 100 youths under the aegis of the Let’s Save Asaba Movement Initiative on Friday protested at the Delta State Government House, Asaba, over alleged midnight raids, forced entry into homes, arrests and intimidation during operations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The protesters, who marched under the motto, “See Something, Say Something,” submitted a petition to Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, asking him to intervene in what they described as growing concerns over the conduct of some EFCC operations in the state.
The petition was received on behalf of the state government by Nwokoro Julius, a security aide to the governor, who promised to forward it to the appropriate authorities.
The youths said they supported the EFCC’s fight against financial crimes but insisted that the agency must carry out its duties professionally, within the law and with respect for citizens’ fundamental rights.
Speaking to journalists at the Government House, the co-convener of the movement, Comrade Marvin Mordi, said the group chose to approach the government peacefully rather than take the matter to the streets.
‘We don’t want to take the protest to the streets’
Mordi said the protesters wanted the government to intervene and protect residents from what they described as unlawful treatment.
“What we are here for is simple. We are here to tell the government that our rights as citizens of Nigeria are not a crime. It is not a crime to be doing well,” he said.
He alleged that some EFCC operatives had entered residential areas and arrested youths without proper profiling.
“It is not a crime for anybody to come from nowhere, come to our houses and pick up our youths,” Mordi alleged.
He further claimed that some youths were taken away during operations the previous night and alleged that millions of naira were being demanded from some detainees.
“Just last night, some youths were taken away. They are there, and there are allegations that millions of naira are being demanded from some persons,” he said.
Mordi appealed to the state government to intervene before the situation escalated.
“We don’t want to take the protest to the streets. The government should send a message to them. They should leave our people alone,” he said.
He stressed that the group was not opposed to lawful arrests where there was evidence of criminal activity.
“If anyone commits a crime, they should go after the person. Come and pick up the person who committed the crime, not come and arrest people randomly,” Mordi said.
He added that the protesters would continue to pursue what they considered the legitimate rights of residents through peaceful and lawful means.
“We are peaceful and law-abiding. We are here to make our statement to the government,” he said.
‘EFCC must be professional with youths’
Also speaking, Emmanuel Ogbolu, who described himself as one of the alleged victims, appealed to Oborevwori to ensure that EFCC operatives adopted a more professional approach when dealing with young people.
Ogbolu warned that what he described as indiscriminate operations could create tension among youths and eventually lead to wider security challenges in the state.
“We have come here to appeal peacefully to the governor that the EFCC should be professional in its dealings with the youths,” he said.
He alleged that the manner in which some operations were being conducted could contribute to youth restiveness.
“Why I am calling on the governor in this matter is that the EFCC is trying to promote youth restiveness, and I know the governor will not like it. If it occurs, we are going to be facing a lot of security challenges,” Ogbolu alleged.
He questioned what he described as the failure of operatives to properly identify and profile some residents before entering residential premises.
“What happened to proper profiling? What happened to being professional in their dealings?” he asked.
Ogbolu also alleged that a person with mental health challenges was picked up during one of the operations and that a demand for N10m was subsequently made.
“This is one example to let you know that they are not profiling the people they are coming to pick. This is illegal,” he alleged.
The allegations made by Mordi and Ogbolu could not be independently verified, while the EFCC’s response to the specific claims was not available as of the time of filing this report.
Group demands investigation
In its petition, the movement called on the Delta State Government to investigate allegations of unlawful raids, midnight operations, forced entry, intimidation and abuse of residents.
The group also urged the state government to engage relevant Federal Government authorities and ensure that EFCC operations in Delta complied with the Constitution and other applicable laws.
It demanded the protection of residents’ fundamental rights, dignity, privacy and personal security during law-enforcement operations.
The protesters also requested a channel through which affected residents could safely submit evidence and complaints concerning alleged misconduct.
The group stressed that its protest was peaceful and constitutional, saying it wanted accountability rather than confrontation.
“Delta State residents and citizens are not pawns,” the movement said.
It added that it supported the EFCC’s mandate to fight financial crimes but insisted that the agency must operate within the law.
“We are law-abiding citizens. We want justice, not confrontation,” the group said.
The petition was signed by Comrade Ajemba Chibueze Stanley, Nkemakolam Desmond, identified as the convener, Comrade Marvin Mordi, identified as co-convener, and Comrade Harrison Gwamnishu, Director, BBI.
The protesters called for human rights to be respected and the rule of law to prevail.
The EFCC’s response to the allegations was not available as of the time of filing this report.
