The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has issued a warning against entertainers, skit makers and others to desist from using the EFCC operational identities illegally and irresponsibly.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the commission referenced a video, “EFCC and Army Wahala”, which it said has portrayed the activities of the Commission in a bad light.

It said, “The shameful characterisation of supposed operatives of the Commission in the video unleashing terror on suspects is not only embarrassing but indicative of deliberate attempt to cast shadows on the image of the EFCC.”

The EFCC, therefore, clarified that operatives of the anti-graft authority are not bullies, but trained officials who are rich in decency, civility and respect for members of the public.

“Operatives of the EFCC are not bullies. They are trained as refined modern law enforcement officers rich in decency, civility and respect for members of the public, including suspects of economic and financial crimes.

“Skit makers are warned again to desist from unauthorised use of the identities of the EFCC to ply their trade. The Commission will not hesitate to bring to book anyone caught displaying its operational identities for any engagement.”

The EFCC had in June also issued a similar warning against skit makers stating that anyone found acting contrary to its advisory shall henceforth be treated as an impersonator and dealt with accordingly.

While many Nigerians have criticised the EFCC’s request to limit skit makers and entertainment creators, human rights lawyer Liborous Oshoma argued that the fundamental right to expression does not arbitrarily cover the use of Armed Forces uniform to create skits without permission from those organizations.

He said, “Your fundamental right to expression, also there are limitations to it. Your fundamental right to expression does not also cover the fact that you use another man’s work.

“So, it is not a fundamental right that you’re expressing, rather, it is a breach of the right of the EFCC to exclusively use their uniform to the exclusion of others.”

The Nigerian Criminal Code Act that says any person who is not serving in any of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, police or any force that wears the uniform or any part of the uniform of any of the Forces, or any dress having the appearance or bearing any of the regimental or other distinctive marks of such uniform is guilty of an offence of unlawfully wearing the uniform of the Armed Forces.

Sections 109 and 110 of the Criminal Code Act state that the offence is punishable with imprisonment for one month.

When the Gazette contacted EFCC spokesperson Mr Oyewale, he responded that the commission had previously issued multiple warnings and would arrest offenders.

Anyone found guilty would face legal action, he added, emphasising that demanding skit makers stop using the EFCC uniform and the commission’s name in a derogatory manner is not a breach of fundamental rights.

He questioned whether skit makers can use the army uniform for comedic purposes. “We issued this statement to reiterate our several warnings,” he said.