The review was implemented across all of its commands on Monday, October 31, 2023, and is based on the necessity of treating suspects in accordance with worldwide best practices and the rule of law.
Suspects' rights are given first priority in the new guideline, particularly when it comes to matters of arrest, imprisonment, and bail.
The Administration of Criminal Justice Act of 2011, the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 Constitution (as amended), and the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) of the EFCC must all be taken into consideration when designing operational activities.
In particular, commission agents are not permitted to request professional surety certificates as a condition of release.
Additionally, any request for an international passport from a suspect will now be handled carefully, taking into account the circumstances of the case, the suspect's personality, and his or her country of residence.
The Director of the commission's Legal and Prosecution Department, CE Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, was cited by EFCC Spokesperson Dele Oyewale in disclosing the development in Abuja. Tahir warned that "bail conditions served on suspects must be reasonable and practicable to be fulfilled by suspects and their sureties."
"Detention of suspects without a Remand Warrant for unjustified periods of time beyond the time permitted by the Constitution must cease immediately."
Additionally, officers of the Commission are cautioned against arbitrarily infringing upon the rights of suspects.
It is time for a paradigm shift and a change in narrative, he emphasized, calling for professionalism in all operational tasks. Professionalism will now be the guiding principle. Let us adhere to the highest global standards deserving of our status as a premier law enforcement organization.