“Stop raiding like thieves!” Nigerians slam EFCC over midnight house invasions…what to know

The raiding of homes at night like thieves by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised massive outrage online. The commission is again under fire as Nigerians take to social media to criticize its controversial midnight raids. Citizens have described these late-night operations as akin to burglary, calling on the anti-graft agency to adopt more transparent and humane methods in its fight against corruption and cybercrime.

The recent raid on the house of Mr. Ikechukwu, a medical doctor in Ifite Awka whom the commission tagged a “Yahoo boy” but later was found to be coding on his laptop and other medical-related issues has ignited a growing wave of criticisms.

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Also, the effect of the raid which resulted in the killing of an EFCC official, Mr. Salisu by Mr. Ikechukwu out of self-defense led to the detention of the latter and several other reported incidents where EFCC operatives allegedly broke into private residences during the dead death, leaving occupants in fear and confusion has made Nigerians raise a far cry against the method of EFCC’s operation.

While the EFCC claims these operations are necessary to apprehend suspects who might otherwise evade justice, many Nigerians argue that such tactics violate fundamental human rights.

Patterns of Midnight Raids

In recent months, the EFCC has faced backlash for its unconventional approach to cracking down on suspected cybercriminals, popularly known as “Yahoo boys.”
Videos and images circulating on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok show operatives allegedly entering homes unannounced, damaging property, and, in some cases, arresting individuals without proper information.
Also, a trending video of a young man narrating his ordeal in the hands of the commission has made other persons share their horrible experiences in the hands of the commission.

One widely shared video showed a family visibly distraught after EFCC operatives allegedly broke into their home in the middle of the night. The woman behind the camera, her voice trembling with anger, said, “Is this how you fight corruption?
“Is this how you fight corruption? Breaking into people’s homes like thieves? Where are our rights?”

Public Outcry and Social Media Reactions

A screenshot circulating on X (formerly Twitter) showed a post made in 2023 where the official handle of EFCC made a post that banned night raids by the commission. Netizens are pointing this particular screenshot to the commission’s question if they are bent on going against their rules.
The public outrage has been swift and unrelenting, with hashtags like #EFCCMidnightRaids and #RespectOurRights trending across social media. Nigerians have expressed frustration over what they perceive as abuse of power by the agency.

A Twitter user posted: “The EFCC claims to uphold the law, but how can they justify raiding homes without proper information? This is not law enforcement; it’s harassment.” Another commenter added, “It’s ironic that the same EFCC tasked with fighting fraud behaves no better than the criminals they claim to pursue.”

Many netizens have also called for greater oversight of the EFCC’s operations, suggesting that the agency’s methods are outdated and counterproductive.

EFCC’s defense of their actions

In response to the growing criticism, the EFCC has defended its actions, insisting that the midnight raids are both strategic and necessary to catch suspects who would otherwise escape during the day.
The commission has also issued a statement condemning the negative portrayal of the commission by netizens. They argued that the killing of Salisu was wrong by Mr. Ikechukwu.

They also claimed that his activities were shady as many gadgets were seen in his apartment unlike what should be in the house of a medical doctor. A senior EFCC official, speaking anonymously, explained: “Many of these suspects use their wealth and influence to evade arrest. The element of surprise is critical in ensuring successful operations.”

Meanwhile, Nigerians have questioned why the Commission hasn’t raided the houses of the most corrupt politicians in the country. They also questioned why Yahaya Bello whom they have declared wanted for a certain time is still walking freely in the streets and his house has not been raided by the Commission.

A clash between justice and human rights

While EFCC’s defense may hold some weight, many persons still argue that such operations must still respect the rule of law. Without proper warrants or clear evidence, these actions could be seen as not only unlawful but also counterproductive to building trust between the agency and the public.
The EFCC’s midnight raids have raised broader questions about the balance between enforcing justice and protecting human rights. Critics argue that the agency’s approach undermines the same justice system it claims to uphold.

This controversy has added to the growing distrust many Nigerians feel toward institutions meant to protect them. Stories of EFCC operatives allegedly extorting money from suspects, conducting unjustified arrests
and using excessive force during operations has only fueled public anger.

A Facebook post capturing the sentiments of many Nigerians read: “How can we trust an agency that operates like criminals? This is why people are afraid to report actual fraudsters because they fear they’ll become the next victim.”

The EFCC must address these criticisms to restore public confidence in its mission. Experts and activists have proposed several solutions:

Arrests should be conducted with valid warrants, and suspects should be informed of their rights.
The EFCC should make public the results of their raids to avoid speculation about their motives.
By engaging with communities and educating citizens about their methods, the EFCC can rebuild trust and cooperation.
Conclusion
The EFCC’s midnight raids have sparked a nationwide debate about law enforcement tactics, human rights, and accountability.

While the agency’s mission to fight corruption is vital, its methods must not trample on the rights of the very citizens it seeks to protect.

As Nigerians continue to voice their frustrations, the big question remains: Will the EFCC reform its approach, or will public trust in the agency continue to erode? Only time will tell.

For now, the message from Nigerians is clear: “Fight crime, but respect our rights.”