The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede, has revealed that the commission is currently restricted from conducting investigations in 10 Nigerian states due to court orders. He expressed concern over these legal barriers, which have significantly hampered the EFCC’s efforts to investigate economic and financial crimes in the affected states.

Olukoyede made this disclosure during the 6th EFCC-NJI Capacity Building Workshop for Justices and Judges, held at the National Judicial Institute in Abuja. The workshop, themed "Integrating Stakeholders in Curbing Economic and Financial Crimes," was described by the EFCC chair as timely and necessary.

While Olukoyede did not specify the states involved, he highlighted the growing challenge of court-issued restraining orders, which prevent the commission from carrying out its duties. He expressed frustration over the frequent adjournment of high-profile cases, contempt orders, and reliance on technicalities that slow down the judicial process.

He called on the courts to discourage the practice of suspects obtaining restraining orders to avoid arrest and urged reforms to improve investigation processes. Olukoyede emphasized that although the EFCC is not infallible, the commission remains committed to enhancing its investigative procedures within the framework of the law.