EFCC lacks jurisdiction to prosecute criminal defamation – Sowore
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has stated that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) lacks the legal authority to prosecute individuals for criminal defamation, libel, or related offenses.
Sowore made these remarks in a Facebook post following the detention of prominent activist Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VDM.
Promptnews reports that VDM was arrested by the Nigerian police in Abuja shortly after he visited a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) branch to report alleged unauthorized transactions on his mother’s account.
In his statement, Sowore wrote, “It has been confirmed that the EFCC unlawfully arrested and detained Martins Vincent Otse (VDM) to silence him for accusing the agency and its leaders of corruption. The EFCC is reportedly seeking to charge him in court, possibly as soon as tomorrow, in a bid to justify their actions.”
Sowore emphasized that the EFCC does not have the legal power to pursue criminal defamation, libel, or cybercrime cases, as these are civil matters typically addressed through lawsuits.
He called for the immediate release of VDM.