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American Journal of  
Society and Law ( AJSL)

EndSARS to EFCC: Trading One Nightmare for Another
Summer Okibe1, Essien Oku Essien2*

Volume 4 Issue 1, Year 2025
ISSN: 2835-3277 (Online)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54536/ajsl.v4i1.3259
https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajsl

Article Information ABSTRACT

Received: September 15, 2024
Accepted: October 16, 2024
Published: February 06, 2025

The transition from the EndSARS movement to increased harassment by the Economic 
and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Nigeria signifies a troubling swift shift in 
governmental repression. Although the EndSARS protests seemed to have successfully led 
to the dissolution of  the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), they inadvertently 
led to a new form of  persecution – EFCC. This study employs Discourse Analysis (DA) 
and this approach is particularly suited for analyzing the discourses around EndSARS and 
the EFCC, given the power struggles, ideological conflicts, and societal impacts involved. 
Drawing from sources which include news articles and editorials from major Nigerian 
newspapers and online news platforms, social media posts, comments, and hashtags related 
to EndSARS and the EFCC on platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, the 
study shows that the EFCC, initially established to curb financial crimes, has begun targeting 
the youths, employing similar tactics of  arbitrary arrests, detentions without trial, and abuse 
of  power. This transition from police brutality to financial harassment shows the rising 
wave of  abuse of  authority within Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies, undermining public 
trust and violating both national and international legal rights. Consequently, the frequent 
detention of  individuals, seizure of  property, and public shaming of  arrested individuals by 
Nigeria’s EFCC can impede business operations, leading to financial losses and, in some 
cases, the demise of  fledgling enterprises  This article explores the consequences of  this 
transition, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to safeguard individual 
freedoms and uphold the rule of  law in Nigeria.

Keywords
Brutality, EFCC, EndSARS, 
Financial Crime, Nigeria, SARS

1 University of  Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
2 Drexel University, Philadelphia, USA
* Corresponding author’s e-mail: eoe25@drexel.edu

INTRODUCTION
An important turning point in the fight for youth rights 
and justice came with the launch of  the EndSARS 
campaign in Nigeria in October 2020 (Inyang & Essien, 
2021). Many young people were inspired to act because 
they were fed up with the actions of  the Special Anti-
Robbery Squad (SARS), a police unit known for its 
repeated violations of  human rights. This led the 
movement to call for the unit’s total dissolution. The use 
of  social media to document acts of  misbehavior and to 
show the gravity of  the protesters’ goals helped bring 
these demonstrations to the forefront and make them 
widely known. Oyebode (2022) portrays that the victory 
was short-lived, even though the government eventually 
announced that SARS had been disbanded. Upon waking 
up, the youths were faced with yet another troubling 
predicament - the EFCC had become an even more 
harmful instrument of  state persecution. Hence, there 
arises the need for a comprehensive examination of  the 
human rights and legal ramifications of  the EFCC’s shift 
from financial persecution to police brutality.
Coming as an aftermath of  the 2020 EndSARS campaign, 
Amaefule and Umeaka (2016) notes that the Economic 
and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) now targets 
and arbitrarily detains young Nigerians in an effort to 
combat corruption and financial crimes. In 2003, the 
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) 
was established to combat the pervasive corruption and 

financial crimes in Nigeria. The EFCC first won over the 
public’s sympathies, but its tactics are now under criticism 
for the brutality they used. To recall, the EndSARS 
protest was against this method of  public policing 
and law enforcement. Amnesty International (2022) 
reports that the EFCC has shifted its focus to creating 
an atmosphere of  fear and intimidation through the 
unjust arrest and imprisonment of  young persons. This 
change highlights the long-lasting trend of  government 
repression in Nigeria.
The shift from SARS to EFCC harassment is explored 
in this study, along with the human rights and legal 
ramifications of  this shift. This study aims to provide 
a thorough examination of  the EndSARS movement, 
covering its origins, objectives, and outcomes. 
Additionally, this examination will provide a thorough 
overview of  the EFCC’s beginnings, goals, and actions, 
as well as a critique of  its formation. The study compares 
SARS and the EFCC’s enforcement strategies, looking 
for similarities and differences as well as any violations 
of  human rights that may have resulted. Testimonies 
from Individuals who have experienced or witnessed 
harassment from the EFCC are incorporated into the 
study to support this comparison. To further highlight 
the gravity of  these crimes, this research also looks at the 
broader human rights and legal ramifications, drawing on 
both local laws and international accords.
The study further looks at the roles of  various oversight 



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bodies and the shortcomings of  existing systems to see 
what is preventing these abuses from ending and what is 
preventing them from being more severe. By highlighting 
the perspectives and reactions of  key actors including 
civil society groups and the international community, the 
study aims to provide a comprehensive picture of  the 
subject. At the end, the study proposes concrete reforms, 
stressing the need to strengthen legal frameworks, enhance 
oversight, and increase accountability to safeguard human 
rights in Nigeria. To address these systemic issues and 
ensure that the lessons acquired from EndSARS are 
not ignored, the study stresses that politicians, legal 
professionals, and human rights advocates must act 
immediately.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study employs Discourse Analysis (DA) because 
it allows for an in-depth examination of  how language 
reflects and shapes power relations within society. Given 
the power struggles, ideological conflicts, and societal 
impacts, this approach is particularly suited for analyzing 
the discourses around EndSARS and the EFCC. The 
DA framework, somewhat influenced by the works 
of  Norman Fairclough, Teun A. van Dijk, and Ruth 
Wodak, guides the discussion by focusing on description, 
interpretation, and sociocultural practice (explanation). 
The insights developed in this study were collected from 
various sources to capture a comprehensive picture 
of  the discourse. These sources include News articles 
and editorials from major Nigerian newspapers and 
online news platforms. Social media posts, comments, 
and hashtags related to EndSARS and the EFCC on 
platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. 
Reports and publications by local and international 
human rights organizations. A purposive sampling 
technique was employed to select texts that are rich in 
content and relevant to the research topic. The sample 
includes texts from the peak periods of  the EndSARS 
protests (October 2020) and significant EFCC operations 
or controversies up to the present. 

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The EndSARS Movement
Anger against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) 
was the impetus for the EndSARS campaign, which 
emerged as a powerful protest against the excessive power 
of  the Nigerian police. Extrajudicial killings, torture, and 
extortion are only a few examples of  the many human 
rights violations committed by SARS since its inception in 
1992 as identified by Ulo (2021). Calls for the disbandment 
of  the SARS unit were sparked in many states in October 
2020 when a video purportedly showing the death of  
a young man by SARS officers in Ughelli, Delta State 
went viral (Nwafor & Nwabuzor, 2021). Protests, live 
updates, and footage of  police brutality were all made 
possible through social media, which contributed to the 
movement’s rapid growth and attracted international 
attention. A global audience noticed Nigeria’s youth’s 

plight as the hashtag #EndSARS became viral. Protesters 
called for improvements to the Nigerian Police Force and 
the elimination of  SARS. Justice for victims of  police 
brutality and the establishment of  an independent body 
to oversee investigations into police misconduct are two 
components of  these changes. A non-partisan stance 
and widespread support from people all across the world 
helped the campaign gain and maintain momentum (Ulo, 
2021).
The government was at first against the protesters, 
but they had little choice but to respond due to the 
increasing number of  supporters and intensity of  the 
demonstration. The Nigerian government formally 
ended SARS on October 11, 2020, which the protestors 
cautiously welcomed. Nevertheless, the declaration was 
deemed inadequate, considering the government’s track 
record of  making comparable commitments without 
substantial implementation. The protesters called for 
tangible measures, including the prosecution of  officers 
involved in misconduct and extensive overhauls of  the 
police force. On October 20, 2020, security personnel 
fired upon peaceful protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate in 
Lagos, causing multiple casualties and increasing public 
anger. A news report published in Premium Times (2021) 
showed that the event, also known as the Lekki Massacre, 
served as a pivotal moment in the EndSARS movement, 
shedding light on the government’s readiness to employ 
deadly force against its people.
The impact of  the EndSARS movement extended 
beyond its immediate objectives. Currently, it has inspired 
and motivated many Nigerian young people, fostering a 
culture of  involvement in politics and activism, hence, 
the rise of  the Obidient movement may in some way 
be associated with the energy that was birthed during 
the EndSARS protest. The EndSARS movement also 
underscored the importance of  digital advocacy in 
mobilizing and maintaining protest movements (Fabiyi, 
2023). Nevertheless, the reaction to the protests revealed 
underlying problems within Nigeria’s governance systems, 
such as a deficiency in holding individuals responsible, 
the disregard for consequences faced by security forces, 
and the vulnerability of  the legal framework as identified 
by a publication by the Sahara Reporters (2021). The 
government’s stringent measures against demonstrators 
and subsequent intimidation by the EFCC have sparked 
apprehension regarding the state’s dedication to human 
rights and democratic tenets.
The EndSARS movement symbolizes a notable success 
in rallying the public against police violence, while also 
serving as a clear indication of  the ongoing obstacles 
in attaining institutional change (Ecoma, 2023). The 
movement’s impact on the discussion around human 
rights and governance in Nigeria persists, emphasizing 
the necessity of  ongoing activism and attentiveness to 
guarantee that the pledges of  reform result in concrete 
transformation. Examining the escalating instances of  
EFCC harassment necessitates an appreciation of  the 
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EndSARS movement. This movement not only sets 
the stage but also fuels the resistance against possible 
governmental tyranny.

The Rise of  the EFCC
As stated earlier, the Economic and Financial Crimes 
Commission (EFCC) was founded in 2003 as a component 
of  Nigeria’s endeavors to combat the widespread 
corruption and financial crimes that had significantly 
hindered the nation’s economic progress and governance. 
The EFCC was established as a specialized organization 
with a comprehensive mandate to investigate and prosecute 
economic and financial crimes, such as money laundering, 
advance fee fraud (often referred to as “419” scams), 
and corruption in the public sector. At first, the EFCC 
garnered substantial public backing and was regarded as a 
crucial instrument in combating the widespread issue of  
corruption in Nigeria. During the tenure of  its inaugural 
chairman, Nuhu Ribadu, the EFCC initiated numerous 
notable investigations and legal actions, specifically 
focusing on influential politicians, business magnates, 
and government officials (Okpaga & Ugwu, 2012). The 
agency’s efforts garnered both praise and censure, as it 
was accused of  being utilized as a political instrument to 
target government adversaries. Notwithstanding these 
problems, the EFCC’s initial years were characterized by 
a sequence of  triumphs that enhanced its standing both 
within the country and on the global stage. Obuah (2010) 
notes that in 2006, the agency played a crucial role in 
Nigeria being taken off  the Financial Action Task Force 
(FATF) list of  non-cooperative countries and territories. 
In Nigeria, the continuous battle against corruption has 
shown tremendous progress, according to Premium 
Times (2021).
The EFCC’s strategies and objectives came under 
increasing scrutiny and criticism over time. Human 
rights breaches began to surface, including instances of  
disproportionate force being used, wrongful incarceration 
without due process, and unfair arrests (Obuah, 2010). 
The EFCC’s regular disrespect for legal standards and 
procedural procedures, according to critics, undermined 
the organization’s credibility and effectiveness. These 
concerns were further compounded by the idea that 
powerful people and institutions engaged in significant 
corruption often avoided punishment and that the EFCC 
unfairly targeted young people, particularly those charged 
with cybercrime. Drawing from a Sahara Report (2021) 
publication, a shift in the EFCC’s focus has given rise 
to claims that the organization has become a weapon 
for the state’s repression rather than a respectable anti-
corruption group.
The EFCC is somewhat being used as a tool of  
intimidation after the EndSARS movement. The younger 
generation was heavily involved in the demonstrations, and 
it is allegedly the target of  the EFCC’s activities. People 
have been arrested and placed under detention based on 
vague and generic accusations of  financial malfeasance. 
Many young Nigerians feel that they have been unfairly 

targeted for persecution and prejudice, which has caused 
them to worry more and feel less confident. The EFCC’s 
strategies bear a strong resemblance to the harsh and 
overbearing measures taken during the SARS group, 
suggesting that the state’s repressive actions persist under 
a different cover. 
The EFCC’s actions have not only drawn notice and 
condemnation from across the world, but they have also 
caused concern on a national and international level. 
Many international non-governmental organizations 
and human rights groups have voiced their criticism of  
the tactics used by the EFCC and have called for more 
oversight and accountability (Bello & Cosmas, 2022). The 
agency’s actions have cast doubt on Nigeria’s commitment 
to upholding international human rights standards, 
particularly regarding the treatment of  suspects and the 
protection of  civil freedoms. In addition to the obvious 
effects on the impacted people and communities, the 
EFCC’s actions have a substantial influence on Nigeria’s 
position internationally and its dedication to preserving 
legal and regulatory systems (Abdulrauf, 2020).
The creation of  the EFCC has given Nigeria’s fight 
against financial mismanagement and corruption a 
more complex and oftentimes contradictory dynamic. 
While the agency’s founding was praiseworthy, charges 
of  wrongdoing and abuse of  power have damaged the 
organization’s growth. Given the EFCC’s emphasis on 
youth in Nigeria in the wake of  the EndSARS campaign, 
a thorough assessment of  the organization’s functions 
and procedures is required. Mayerfield (2016) supports 
that rebuilding public trust and ensuring effective 
government would require addressing these issues 
through legislative changes, improved oversight, and a 
reaffirmed commitment to human rights and fair legal 
processes. 

Transition from SARS to EFCC Harassment
The shift from SARS to EFCC harassment brings 
attention to the persistence of  publicly sanctioned 
corruption in Nigeria. At first, the dissolution of  SARS 
was celebrated as a triumph for the EndSARS campaign. 
However, the subsequent intensification of  the EFCC’s 
aggressive strategies has made this accomplishment 
seem less noteworthy. To show how ongoing acts of  
corruption and despotism have obstructed any chance 
of  advancement, this section compares and contrasts the 
strategies and objectives of  SARS and EFCC.
The indiscriminate detentions, torture, and unlawful 
killings that SARS was known for are portrayed by Etim 
et al. (2022). The younger generation was especially 
subject to these tactics, which aimed to incite fear and 
quell opposition by using stereotypes about people with 
certain physical traits, such as dreadlocks or tattoos, 
which were commonly linked to criminal behaviour. 
The dissolution of  SARS did not spell the end to these 
abuses, despite intense criticism. However, in its efforts 
to combat financial crimes, the EFCC has reportedly used 
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the commission has been involved in arbitrary detentions 
and imprisonments, frequently without adhering to the 
correct legal processes. Cybercrime and financial fraud 
are legitimate concerns, but these practices unfairly affect 
young people, especially those with mysteriously high 
wealth.
There are a lot of  similarities between the ways SARS 
and the EFCC operate. Claims that they used torture to 
coerce suspects into confessing or providing information 
have dogged both groups. Attacks, threats, and extended 
jail terms without a fair trial are some of  the psychological 
and physical forms of  abuse that victims have described. 

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 
(ICCPR) (Assembly, 1966) proscribes torture, and these 
practices go against both Nigerian law and international 
human rights norms. Sourced cases demonstrate notable 
similarities in the functioning of  SARS and the EFCC. 
Victims have described experiencing physical and 
psychological maltreatment (Cross, 2020). In addition, 
both SARS and the EFCC have faced allegations 
of  selectively focusing on particular demographics, 
specifically young males, who are frequently subjected to 
stereotypes associating them with criminal activities or 
fraudulent behavior due to their looks or way of  life.

Figure 1: Photos of  Individuals Apprehended by the EFCC on suspicion of  involvement in financial crimes.
Source: Randomly Sourced from Heritage Times (2021) & Prime News (2021)

Figure 2: Photo showing the EFCC’s mass arrest of  individuals suspected of  financial crimes.
Source: Leadership News (2022)

The EFCC’s intensified efforts to combat financial 
crimes have inadvertently given rise to a novel type of  
harassment that extends beyond the primary targets, 
affecting a larger number of  individuals (Obuah, 2010). 
An instance of  this is the commission’s inclination to 

publicly disgrace individuals during raids and arrests. This 
involves publicly portraying the accused as a criminal 
before any official legal processes have begun. In addition 
to eroding the concept of  assuming innocence, this type 
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an environment characterized by fear and distrust. The 
EFCC has faced criticism for what certain individuals 
perceive as a lack of  openness and accountability in its 
activities. Drawing from the video below whose link is 

provided, it is believed that many incidents are rooted 
in political or personal goals rather than legal law 
enforcement purposes.

Figure 3: Screenshot from a video featuring a man discussing the issues surrounding EFCC arrests.
Source: Access Video via: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=501464728891123

Figure 4: Screenshot from a video showing youths protest against alleged EFCC brutality.
Source: Access Video via: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DytQvOQFppQ

There are structural problems with the justice and police 
systems in Nigeria, as shown by the many cases of  state 
abuse (ranging from SARS to the EFCC) (Balogun et al., 
2021). Problems with abuse, dishonesty, and a lack of  
responsibility remain unsolved, even if  the names and 

titles of  the organisations involved have changed. This 
matter highlights the importance of  making significant 
changes that go deeper than superficial adjustments to 
tackle the root causes of  these abuses.

To ensure that the police adhere to human rights and 
legal boundaries, it is necessary to establish mechanisms 
such as checks and balances, impartial investigations, 
and protective measures (Oromareghake et al., 2018). 
Furthermore, to overcome the prejudices and biases that 
hinder certain individuals from escaping their victim status, 
a more extensive societal transformation is necessary 

(Premium Times, 2021). The transition of  harassment 
in Nigeria from SARS to the EFCC is indicative of  
the persistent existence of  state brutality and tyranny. 
Although the disbandment of  SARS marked a major 
triumph for the EndSARS campaign, the emergence of  
the EFCC’s assertive strategies underscores the persistent 
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all-encompassing approach to solving these concerns 
requires changes to the legislation, more monitoring, 
and a strong commitment to defending human rights 
and encouraging fair treatment. By drawing lessons 
from the experiences of  those affected by SARS and the 
EFCC, it is feasible to establish a just and transparent law 
enforcement system in Nigeria.

Legal and Human Rights Implications
The acts of  the EFCC in Nigeria have raised serious 
legal and human rights issues, taking into account the 
constitutional protections and international commitments 
of  the country (Mikail, 2018). The Nigerian Constitution 
ensures fundamental human rights, such as the right to 
life, freedom of  speech, and protection against torture 
and other forms of  harsh treatment, under Chapter 
IV. However, the EFCC frequently violates these laws, 
so undermining the principles of  the rule of  law and 
resulting in significant encroachments on individual 
freedom. This section analyses the precise manner in 
which the acts of  the EFCC contradict both local laws 
and internationally recognized human rights principles. 
The statement emphasizes the urgent requirement for 
legally required modifications to the legislation and 
increased responsibility. 
The EFCC’s actions raise major legal concerns due to the 
practice of  arbitrary arrests and prolonged incarceration 
without trial (Oke, 2013). The Nigerian Constitution 
guarantees an individual’s right to personal liberty and 
also requires that any person who is arrested or detained 
be promptly presented before a court. Notwithstanding 
these safeguards, several stories indicate that the EFCC 
regularly infringes on individuals’ fundamental rights by 
unlawfully detaining them for extended durations without 
initiating legal proceedings. Despite the significant mental 
and physical pain inflicted upon detainees and their 
families, these tactics are occasionally justified as essential 
for comprehensive investigations. The misuse of  authority 
by EFCC personnel is exacerbated by the absence of  
openness and accountability in these procedures.
The Nigerian government places great importance on 
human rights, not just due to domestic legislation but also 
because of  the country’s extensive international human 
rights agreements (Alobo & Obaji, 2016). Nigeria, as a 
signatory of  the International Covenant on Civil and 
Political Rights (ICCPR), is obligated to adhere to the 
provisions of  the ICCPR that denounce arbitrary arrest 
and incarceration and require the enforcement of  fair 
trial protections. Article 7 of  the International Covenant 
on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) explicitly prohibits 
the practice of  torture or any kind of  cruel, harsh, or 
degrading treatment or punishment. The EFCC’s actions 
blatantly violate these international commitments, as they 
involve eliciting confessions through torture and other 
coercive methods. Torture not only breaches international 
law, but it also undermines the credibility of  evidence 
collected through torture, jeopardizing trust in the legal 
system (Assembly, 1966). 

The acts of  the EFCC have larger consequences for 
human rights, namely the rights to due process and a fair 
trial. The presumption of  innocence, a basic element in 
both domestic and international law, is infringed upon 
when individuals accused of  crimes are publicly exhibited 
in front of  the media, sometimes without any official 
charges being made (Gelaye, 2014). Aside from infringing 
against their entitlement to a just trial, this practice exposes 
suspects to public disgrace and degradation, which can 
have long-lasting repercussions for their professional 
and personal life. The limited options available to 
victims seeking justice and compensation are a result 
of  inadequate legal remedies and oversight structures, 
exacerbating these abuses (Amnesty International, 2022). 
An effective reform is necessary to tackle these 
systemic issues, as the strategies employed by the EFCC 
have significant legal and human rights implications. 
Enhancing legal frameworks to guarantee compliance 
with human rights criteria set by the constitution and 
international organizations is very crucial (Kumm, 2004). 
It is imperative to establish the current legal measures 
to prevent unjustified imprisonment and physical 
mistreatment, and the EFCC and other law enforcement 
authorities must adhere to the legal boundaries. To ensure 
the EFCC’s accountability and prevent the misuse of  
authority, it is imperative to establish robust oversight 
mechanisms such as independent investigative bodies and 
judicial review. 
The EFCC might effectively enforce human rights 
standards and due process if  it received sufficient 
resources and training. The EFCC’s actions, which violate 
both local and international standards, present significant 
challenges in terms of  human rights and legal compliance. 
A comprehensive strategy is necessary to tackle these 
problems; this strategy must incorporate fresh legislation, 
enhanced supervision, and a dedication to safeguarding 
human rights and the principles of  justice. Nigeria has 
the chance to safeguard fundamental human rights 
and liberties by enhancing accountability systems and 
safeguards in its fight against financial crimes (Premium 
Times, 2021). 

Entrepreneurial Implications
Nkechi et al. (2012) shows that many young Nigerians are 
striving to build startups and businesses that would have 
a positive impact on the country’s economy. However, 
there might be significant obstacles caused by the EFCC’s 
coercive tactics. The frequent detention of  individuals, 
seizure of  property, and public shaming can possibly 
impede business operations, leading to financial losses 
and, in some cases, the demise of  fledgling enterprises. 
Abasilim et al. (2017) notes that the current climate of  
uncertainty discourages would-be entrepreneurs from 
taking action on their ideas, which in turn slows down 
innovation and limits economic diversity.
The EFCC’s brutality and oppressive tactics have 
a psychological impact on young Nigerians. False 
accusations and imprisonment create an atmosphere of  



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mistrust and unreasonable fear (Hoyle et al., 2016). Young 
business owners are forced to be cautious, changing their 
focus from innovation to just blending in. According 
to Kolo (2023), the capacity to think creatively and take 
risks—two essential components of  economic success—
is hindered by the mindset change. The mental toll of  
witnessing or experiencing such horrific acts of  violence 
could also lead to long-term psychiatric issues. Feelings 
of  pessimism, despair, and worry are common among 
victims and those around them. The mental toll adversely 
impacts on people’s happiness and, by extension, their 
drive to improve society and the economy.
Trust in state policing institutions is further eroded as 
a result of  the EFCC’s actions. Tensions arise between 
the government and its populace when law enforcement 
forces are perceived as oppressive rather than protective 
(Soss & Weaver, 2017). Crucial to Nigeria’s future, the 
country’s youth may grow cynical of  leadership as they 
feel alienated and helpless. Less engagement in public 
affairs, reluctance to follow established regulations, and, 
in extreme cases, the flight of  talented people to more 
hospitable environments are all possible outcomes of  a 
lack of  trust. The cumulative effect of  these factors is a 
major roadblock to Nigeria’s economic development. To 
promote innovation, create jobs, and increase economic 
growth, entrepreneurship is essential (Ogunlana, 2018). 
Suppressing the entrepreneurial aspirations of  Nigeria’s 
young puts the country’s potential for economic 
progress in danger of  stagnation. Job opportunities, 
global competitiveness, and technological advancement 
are all negatively impacted by a lack of  prospective 
entrepreneurs and firms.

Regulatory and Institutional Challenges
The EFCC’s persistent abuses are only one example of  
the many institutional and regulatory problems that afflict 
Nigeria’s political system. The prevention of  wrongdoing 
and the assurance of  lawful operations depend on 
the accountability of  law enforcement and the strict 
monitoring of  their activities (Lamboo, 2010). However, 
several holes in the current regulatory system have let 
the EFCC get away with its wrongdoing. This section 
examines the roles played by governmental and non-
governmental organizations in monitoring the EFCC’s 
operations. It draws attention to shortcomings in the 
monitoring systems and proposes institutional reforms 
to improve openness, responsibility, and human rights 
protection. 
The regulatory landscape is severely impeded by 
the EFCC’s lack of  effective oversight mechanisms. 
Although the National Assembly and the President are 
tasked with supervising the EFCC, the commission’s 
performance under their watch is often inadequate and 
untrustworthy (Albert & Okoli, 2016). On occasion, the 
legislative oversight committees tasked with reviewing the 
EFCC’s spending, and activities are either unprepared, 
swayed by political factors, or unable to carry out their 
responsibilities appropriately. Furthermore, despite its 

critical role in combating corruption, the EFCC has on 
occasion attempted to avoid accountability by abusing 
its operational independence (Rex, 2020). As a result, the 
agency gains a great deal of  independence with very little 
oversight from outside parties.
Judiciary oversight of  the EFCC activities is inefficient, 
despite the judiciary’s critical role in upholding the rule of  
law and protecting people’s rights. The lengthy pre-trial 
detentions caused by the slow and complicated judicial 
system are the key reason why most cases of  EFCC 
misconduct go unresolved, according to Osipitan and 
Odusote (2013). Accusations of  corruption and political 
interference inside the judiciary undermine its capacity to 
mediate impartially in EFCC cases. The court must be 
equipped with improved capacity to deal with such cases 
if  justice is to be administered impartially and promptly. 
As part of  this effort, judges will be provided with 
specialized training on financial crimes and human rights.
Institutional improvements are necessary to overcome 
these regulatory hurdles and increase the EFCC’s 
openness. The current system of  monitoring may be 
improved by setting up a separate regulatory agency 
whose sole responsibility is to make sure the EFCC 
follows all the rules when it comes to human rights 
and the law. To ensure transparency in the EFCC’s 
activities, conduct independent investigations, and 
suggest sanctions, this institution must be granted the 
capacity to do so. Furthermore, the contents of  the 
ICCPR (Assembly, 1966) rightly point out the need for 
the EFCC to improve its capacity to identify and tackle 
misconduct across the board. One way to accomplish this 
is by creating departments dedicated to internal affairs 
and bolstering existing systems of  internal accountability, 
such as programs to protect whistleblowers.
The EFCC has limitations in its operations due to 
institutional and legislative requirements in addition to 
more systemic issues with leadership and political will. 
The anti-corruption measures must be carried out openly 
and equitably if  the top echelons of  government are truly 
committed to protecting human rights and the rule of  
law. This includes making sure the EFCC stays dedicated 
to its mission of  upholding legal standards and fighting 
against the politicization of  the agency. 
Human Rights Watch (2021) states that political 
institutions and law enforcement authorities must work 
towards a culture of  accountability and transparency 
if  anti-corruption efforts are to gain public trust and 
achieve their full potential. To successfully combat the 
EFCC’s wrongdoing and guarantee that its activities are 
in line with human rights and legal requirements, it is 
essential to address the legislative and structural hurdles 
in Nigeria’s governance system. Improving oversight 
processes, strengthening the judiciary, empowering 
non-governmental groups, and fostering a culture of  
accountability are all critical to reaching this objective. By 
resolving these issues related to financial crimes, Nigeria 
can protect basic human rights and keep its judicial 
system strong. 



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CONCLUSION 
Effectively addressing the abuses and systemic issues 
inside the EFCC requires effective reforms at the 
legislative, institutional, and societal levels. Increasing 
the EFCC’s accountability, openness, and efficacy are 
the goals of  the following recommendations, which also 
seek to strengthen the primacy of  legal principles and 
protect human rights. One must maintain and enforce the 
existing legal safeguards that protect individuals’ rights if  
the frequency of  arbitrary arrests and detentions is to be 
reduced. This means that Nigeria must fully implement 
its human rights obligations as outlined in its constitution 
and in the treaties it has ratified. Detention without 
a trial for a lengthy amount of  time is illegal (Wilsher, 
2011), and the EFCC’s detainees must be brought before 
a court within a specific time. It is also essential to 
strengthen legislative structures to guarantee that EFCC 
actions adhere to stringent requirements. The Federal 
Republic of  Nigeria Constitution from 1999 lays forth 
the requirements, including the need for warrants and the 
strict observance of  due process.

RECOMMENDATIONS
It is critical to set up an impartial organization to oversee 
the EFCC’s activities so they can be better monitored. 
Transparency and openness should guide the EFCC’s 
activities, enabling third-party investigations and the 
suggestion of  disciplinary measures. The Economic and 
Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) must strengthen 
its internal systems of  accountability, including its 
divisions of  internal affairs and programs meant to 
protect whistleblowers if  it is to become better at 
detecting and resolving corruption inside the agency. To 
guarantee the judiciary’s ability to handle cases involving 
EFCC malfeasance, it is crucial to support and strengthen 
it. Part of  this goal is making sure the court system is 
reliable and effective, and part of  it is giving judges 
training on financial crimes and human rights. Berman 
and Feinblatt (2015) note that cases can be resolved more 
quickly, and pretrial detentions can be shorter with a 
simplified judicial system.
To expose abuses and fight for victims’ rights, non-
governmental organizations and civil society groups are 
vital. Strengthening their capabilities and guaranteeing their 
safety are crucial for effective advocacy and monitoring 
(Dutta & Dutta, 2021). This includes monetary aid, 
guarantees of  legal protection, and encouragement of  
partnerships between NGOs and government agencies. 
Raising public knowledge and educating people about 
human rights is another way to encourage responsibility 
and legal compliance. The EFCC must operate in an open 
and accountable way if  it is to regain the public’s trust. An 
essential component is transparency, which entails freely 
sharing information about the methods of  operation, 
costs, and decision-making. Transparency and public 
engagement in monitoring may be enhanced by public 
accountability mechanisms (Nelson, & Dorsey, 2008), 
such as public discussions and frequent reporting to the 
National Assembly.

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