Youths protest EFCC midnight raids in Delta, petition Oborevwori

Over 100 youths in Delta State staged a peaceful protest at the Government House in Asaba, voicing concerns over alleged midnight raids, forced home entries, arrests, and intimidation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

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We don’t want to take the protest to the streets. What we are here for is simple. 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.

The protesters, operating under the banner of the "Let’s Save Asaba Movement Initiative," submitted a petition to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. They urged his intervention regarding what they described as the growing concerns about the conduct of some EFCC operations in the state. The petition was received by a security aide to the governor, who promised to forward it to the relevant authorities.

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

Marvin Mordi, a co-convener of the movement, clarified that the protesters are not opposed to the EFCC's fight against financial crimes. However, they insist that EFCC operations must be conducted professionally, within legal boundaries, and with respect for citizens' fundamental rights. Mordi stated that the group seeks government intervention rather than confrontation, emphasizing that authorities should protect citizens' rights and that it is not a crime to be successful.

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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.

Mordi alleged that EFCC operatives have entered residential areas and arrested youths without proper profiling, citing instances of youths being taken away the previous night with allegations of millions of naira being demanded from detainees. He appealed to the state government to intervene before the situation escalates, stressing that if individuals commit crimes, authorities should pursue them directly rather than arresting people randomly. The protesters affirmed their commitment to defending the legitimate rights of residents and maintaining peaceful conduct.

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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.