On Thursday, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, directed the arrest of two officers allegedly involved in the assault of a female hotel worker in Lagos.
This action followed the emergence of a viral video showing the officers manhandling the worker. The incident reportedly occurred around 4 a.m. on June 27, when EFCC operatives raided Annex and Regional Hotels, disrupting guests and staff.
In the video, EFCC officers were seen brutalizing a woman, identified as the manager, after breaking into a room where she was sleeping. Other videos captured gunshots and chaos as people fled the scene in fear.
A social media user, @pidomnigeria, detailed the invasion on X.com, stating that EFCC operatives forcibly entered rooms, assaulted guests and workers, and stole ATM cards, money, and phones. The user described the situation as chaotic, with indiscriminate gunfire and injuries among innocent customers.
According to hotel staff, the officers’ conduct was abusive and unprofessional, leading to the loss of personal belongings. Despite clear evidence, some feared the EFCC might deny the incident.
Responding to the outcry, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale issued a statement noting that the EFCC chairman has called for a thorough investigation into the operation. Oyewale confirmed that the suspects arrested during the raid are still being profiled and promised disciplinary action against any officers found guilty of misconduct.
“The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has ordered the arrest of two officers of the commission allegedly involved in the manhandling of a female staff of Regional Hotel, Ojo, Lagos,” the statement read. “The officers were sighted in a viral video assaulting the staff of the hotel in an early morning sting operation in Lagos. The operation yielded a sizable number of suspects who are still being profiled.”
Olukoyede assured the public that the EFCC is committed to carrying out its duties professionally and with respect for the rule of law.
