EFCC ARREST STAFF FOR COLLECTING N15M BRIBE FROM A LAWMAKER

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday said it has arrested one of its operatives, Uzodinma Kingsley Agbazue, for allegedly collecting a N15million bribe from a lawmaker to kill a case.

The commission said the suspect might face trial after administrative action has been taken against him.

The EFCC made the disclosures in a statement by its Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, against the backdrop of the ongoing cleansing of the anti-graft commission of bad eggs.


The statement said: “In furtherance of its avowed commitment to upholding the integrity of its officers, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, September 15, 2016 arrested one of its operatives, Uzodinma Kingsley Agbazue for offences bordering on criminal conspiracy and extortion.

“Agbazue, a Deputy Detective Superintendent, DDS, was arrested following a complaint by a lawmaker currently under investigation by the commission, alleging that the operative collected N15million from him with a promise to give him soft landing by compromising the investigation.

“According to the complainant, Agbazue allegedly approached him, claiming he had been mandated by the officer handling the case to discuss and reach an agreement on how to ‘kill the case’.

“Following the approach, a sum of N15million was given to Agbazue whose game plan collapsed after the investigating officer, who was ignorant of his scheme, refused to do his bidding.

“With the investigation gathering increased momentum after parting with the hefty sum, the complainant became uncomfortable and demanded a refund.

“The complainant stated that when he requested for the refund of his money, Agbazue only returned N5million claiming that the balance of N10million had been given to someone ‘to kill the case from the top’.

“The complainant also alleged that the operative collected N1million at a different time as assistance for settlement of his wife’s medical bill.

“Agbazue’s action is in contravention of the commission’s mandate and ideals as the EFCC will not solicit or accept gratification from a suspect to compromise a case under investigation.

“The suspect will be subjected to administrative action as precursor to possible prosecution at the end of the investigation.”