The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has defended the agency’s authority to arrest suspects without a court‑issued warrant, describing his “badge” as his warrant when acting under the law, officials say.
Olukoyede made the remarks in an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics on January 11, 2026, amid scrutiny of the commission’s operational tactics.
Olukoyede said the EFCC has recently conducted hundreds of arrests of suspected internet fraudsters, commonly referred to as “Yahoo boys,” through carefully planned sting operations over the past two months.
He explained that many suspects are not found at their homes and are instead apprehended in hotels and apartments, necessitating discreet and intelligence‑driven enforcement actions.
“We have the power to do so. Our law enables us and empowers us to do that,” Olukoyede said, stressing that the EFCC’s legal mandate allows arrest without a warrant when circumstances require it.
He added that if force—such as breaking down a door—is necessary to effect an arrest, the commission is prepared to act within legal and professional frameworks, noting that similar practices are used by foreign agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA).
The EFCC chairman urged Nigerians to recognise the legitimacy of the agency’s mandate and to support its efforts to combat financial crimes and corruption, which he described as central to national progress.
“We have our shortcomings, but with our modest achievements, Nigerians should support us. Because this thing we do is for Nigeria, it’s for the progress of this country,” Olukoyede said.
Legal precedents affirm that the EFCC, like the police, has statutory powers to investigate, arrest and detain individuals reasonably suspected of having committed offences under the EFCC Act, and that arrests without warrants are lawful where there is reasonable suspicion.
Section 41 of the EFCC Act and related court decisions have upheld the agency’s authority to act within these parameters.
Olukoyede also highlighted that the EFCC has engaged in joint operations with international counterparts, including the FBI and NCA, and has received commendations for its professionalism in certain collaborative efforts. He said such partnerships underscore the commission’s alignment with global enforcement practices.
Critics have previously challenged aspects of the EFCC’s approach, arguing that arrests carried out without warrants must adhere strictly to due process and safeguards enshrined in law.
Legal experts note that while the commission has authority to arrest without warrants, the exercise of this power must respect constitutional rights and be justified by reasonable suspicion of criminal conduct.
As the EFCC continues its anti‑fraud operations, observers say maintaining transparent public communication and adherence to legal procedure will be crucial to sustaining confidence in the agency’s efforts to tackle corruption and financial crime in Nigeria.
