Youths Demonstrate Against EFCC Raids in Delta, Seek Governor's Help

Over 100 youths from the Let’s Save Asaba Movement Initiative on Friday held a peaceful protest at the Delta State Government House in Asaba. They were upset about alleged midnight raids, forced entry into homes, arrests, and intimidation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The protesters, with their motto “See Something, Say Something,” handed a petition to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. They asked him to step in over their worries about how some EFCC operations are run in the state.

Nwokoro Julius, a security aide to the governor, received the petition on behalf of the state government. He promised to pass it on to the right authorities.

The protesters made it clear they support the EFCC’s fight against financial crimes. But they insisted that these operations should be done professionally, within the law, and respect the rights of citizens.

Marvin Mordi, a co-convener of the movement, spoke to journalists at the Government House. He said they wanted the government to notice what they called unlawful treatment of youths.

Mordi emphasized that they were seeking government intervention, not confrontation. He said the authorities should protect the rights of citizens.

“We don’t want to take the protest to the streets. We are here to tell the government that our rights as citizens of Nigeria are not a crime. It is not a crime to be doing well,” Mordi stated.

He claimed that EFCC operatives have been entering residential areas and arresting youths without proper checks.

“It is not a crime for anybody to come from nowhere, come to our houses and pick up our youths,” he added.

Mordi also mentioned that some youths were taken away during operations the night before. He said some detainees were facing demands for millions of naira.

“Just last night, some youths were taken away. They are there, and there are allegations that millions of naira are being demanded from some persons,” he explained.

He urged the state government to step in before things got worse.

“We don’t want to take the protest to the streets. The government should send a message to them. They should leave our people alone,” he said.

Mordi pointed out that the group is not against lawful arrests when there is evidence of wrongdoing.

“If anyone commits a crime, they should go after the person. Come and pick up the person who committed the crime, not come and arrest people randomly,” he said.

He added that the protesters would keep defending what they believe are the rights of residents.

“We are peaceful and law-abiding. We are here to make our statement to the government,” Mordi noted.

Emmanuel Ogbolu, who described himself as a victim, also spoke. He asked Governor Oborevwori to ensure that EFCC operatives use a more professional approach with young people.

Ogbolu warned that the way some operations are conducted could cause tension among youths and lead to wider security issues.

“We have come here to appeal peacefully to the governor that the EFCC should be professional in its dealings with the youths,” he said.

He expressed concern that the EFCC’s actions might encourage unrest among the youth.

“Why I am calling on the governor in this matter is that the EFCC is trying to promote youth restiveness, and I know the governor will not like it. If it occurs, we are going to be facing a lot of security challenges,” Ogbolu stated.

He questioned why operatives do not properly identify and profile people before entering homes.

“What happened to proper profiling? What happened to being professional in their dealings?” he asked.

Ogbolu also alleged that a person with mental health issues was arrested during one operation and that a demand for N10 million was later made.

“This is one example to let you know that they are not profiling the people they are coming to pick. This is illegal,” he claimed.

The claims made by Mordi and Ogbolu could not be independently verified. The EFCC did not respond to these specific claims at the time of this report.

In the petition, the movement asked the Delta State Government to investigate the alleged unlawful raids, midnight operations, forced entries, intimidation, and abuse of residents.

They also called on the government to engage with the relevant Federal Government authorities. They want to ensure that EFCC operations in Delta follow the Constitution and other laws.

The protesters demanded protection for residents’ rights, dignity, privacy, and safety during law enforcement operations.

They also requested a way for affected residents to submit evidence and complaints about alleged misconduct safely.

The group stressed that their protest was peaceful and constitutional. They want accountability, not conflict.

The movement added that they support the EFCC’s mission but believe the agency must operate within the law.

The petition was signed by Comrade Ajemba Chibueze Stanley, Nkemakolam Desmond, the convener, Comrade Marvin Mordi, the co-convener, and Comrade Harrison Gwamnishu, Director, BBI.

The group insisted that the law should be upheld, human rights respected, and the rule of law followed.

The EFCC's response to the allegations was not available at the time of this report.