Nigerian singer Skales has recalled his traumatic encounter with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) while condemning its recent raid in Lekki, Lagos. He urged the agency to target corrupt politicians rather than harass young people.
The singer criticised the commission on X after an early morning operation to arrest suspected cybercrime fraudsters. Videos of the raid circulated online, sparking criticism of the operatives’ conduct.
“So EFCC is back to be a nuisance again … it’s time for the youths to stand against these evil people who will leave politicians who stole billions and be disturbing young people,” Skales wrote.
Skales condemns alleged abuse during raid
The singer also shared a video of a woman reportedly injured during the operation. He called on the agency to exercise restraint and respect people’s rights.
“I just saw a video of the abuse @officialEFCC personnel did to a lady … the misuse of power needs to stop … show the same energy to the politicians that steal billions … the youth are not your problem… stop acting like armed robbers. I am not a fan of fraud, nor a friend to anyone who partakes in it, so I condemn it!! No one has a problem with you doing your job @officialEFCC, but do it with decency! Stop the abuse !!!,” he wrote.
Skales’ criticism draws partly from his own experience with the commission in October 2023. EFCC operatives reportedly broke into his home while he slept with his six-month-old daughter. He had returned from a performance before the incident.
Singer recalls 2023 EFCC encounter
The singer later described how the incident left him frightened and traumatised. He changed his home’s locks and keys and became more security-conscious.
The ordeal also forced his family to seek alternative accommodation. Skales stayed at a friend’s place for three days.
EFCC defends Lekki operation
Meanwhile, the EFCC defended its conduct during the raid in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 27. The commission said its Lagos Directorate 1 operatives arrested 21 suspected cybercrime fraudsters and recovered five exotic cars.
According to the agency, the suspects allegedly obtained money from victims through gift cards, cryptocurrencies and international money transfers. They reportedly did so by impersonating other people.
The commission also addressed the case of a young woman held during the operation. It claimed she tried to alert the suspects through telephone calls. Operatives confiscated her phone until the operation ended, then returned it.
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