EFCC Clarifies: Administrative Bail Comes Free

EFCC Clarifies: Administrative Bail Comes Free

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has affirmed that securing administrative bail for suspects in its custody is free of charge.

The statement was made by the Acting Commander of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Commission, ACE I Halima Mustafa Rufa’u, during a meeting with the Executive Committee members of the Ibadan Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on August 16, 2023.

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Rufa’u clarified that the EFCC does not impose any fees on lawyers or family members seeking the release of detained suspects through administrative bail.

She cautioned lawyers against simultaneously acting as both “surety” and legal representative for suspects, emphasizing that such actions could lead to trouble and damage the reputation of the legal profession.

The Acting Commander also issued a stern warning that if a suspect released on administrative bail subsequently breaches the terms, the EFCC would apprehend the lawyer involved before pursuing other sureties.

While acknowledging the visit of the NBA delegation, Rufa’u expressed her appreciation for the collaboration and synergy between the EFCC and the legal body.

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Folashade Aladeniyi, the chairman of the NBA committee, praised the Ibadan Zonal Command of the EFCC for its proactive efforts in tackling cybercrime and related fraud activities in Oyo State.

Aladeniyi commended the Commission’s track record of securing convictions in economic and financial crime cases.

However, Aladeniyi urged the Zonal Commander to prioritize the rights of suspects in detention by ensuring their prompt release and advocating for investigations into corruption allegations against politically exposed individuals in the state.