A human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore has said that Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) lacked the power to prosecute individuals for criminal defamation, criminal libel, others.
He stated this in a statement posted on his facebook handle in reaction to the detention of popular activist, Martins Vincent Otse also known as VDM.
AFRIPOST reports that VDM was arrested by the Nigerian police in Abuja.
The arrest reportedly occurred shortly after he visited a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) branch to complain about alleged unauthorized transactions from his mother’s account.
In reaction, Sowore wrote, “It has been established that the EFCC unlawfully arrested and detained Martins Vincent Otse aka VDM, as a means to silence him for accusing the agency and its leaders of corruption and malfeasance.
“The EFCC is currently exploring legal avenues to charge him to court, possibly tomorrow, in an attempt to legitimize their actions.
“Nevertheless, it is essential to state unequivocally that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission does not possess the authority to prosecute individuals for criminal defamation, criminal libel, or cybercrime, as these are torts that are typically addressed through civil lawsuits. As a result, the EFCC must release VDM immediately”.
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