Human rights activist, Harrison Gwamnishu, has raised serious concerns over a raid carried out by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Asaba, Delta State, which, he said, left innocent families traumatised and their properties damaged.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page and addressed to the Delta State Government, Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Delta State Solicitor-General of the Ministry of Justice, Omamuzo Erebe, and the Senior Special Assistant on Human Rights, Kelvin Ejumudo, Gwamnishu, explained that the incident happened on September 18, 2025.
According to him, “We received a distress call that armed robbers were jumping fences to gain access into a compound directly opposite Konwea Plaza, Bonsaac Axis, and Commissioner Streets in Asaba. Upon arrival, it was discovered that the individuals were not armed robbers but EFCC operatives on a raid.”
He described the incident as disturbing, noting that some of the houses the operatives broke into were occupied by legitimate families with no links to internet fraud. “Doors and properties were forcefully damaged, only for the operatives to realize the occupants were innocent and then proceed to the next apartment,” he said.
Gwamnishu questioned the methods employed by the anti-graft agency during the operation. “Who bears the cost of repairs and damages suffered by innocent families? What checks and intelligence validation are in place before such raids are conducted in residential neighborhoods? What safeguards exist to protect citizens from wrongful invasion, harassment, and stigmatisation?” he asked.
While emphasising that the fight against financial crimes is necessary, he stressed that it must be conducted within the confines of the law. “No matter how noble the fight against financial crimes is, it must be carried out within the ambit of the law, respect for human rights, and accountability for collateral damage. Innocent Nigerians should not be made to suffer unjustly in the process,” he warned.
Gwamnishu called on the EFCC to urgently address the incident publicly, provide redress to the affected families, and review its operational methods to prevent a recurrence.
