The operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, last week stormed the corporate headquarters of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in search of documents relating to companies owned by high profile politicians being tried for corrupt practices.
The missing files, according to a source, were those placed on caveat on the request of security agencies and kept in the office of the Registrar, Mr. Bello Mahmud, for strict protection from public access.
Some of the files were said to contain details of directors and owners of companies believed to have been registered by politicians facing corruption trials.
The disappearance of the files has led to the suspension of seven members of staff by the CAC Registrar, an action which almost degenerated into industrial dispute as other workers threatened a showdown with the management.
The workers, it was learnt, vowed that they would not allow their colleagues to be used as sacrificial lamb.
“Any file or document placed on caveat can only be accessed with a clearance from the registrar. No other staff or members of the public can access it, so why punish people who have nothing to do with such missing files,” an angry staff asked.
The visit of EFCC operatives caused a stir as several lawyers and members of the public who were at the CAC office to transact business were ordered to vacate the premises.
“The EFCC officials were polite and orderly, they pleaded that we leave as they were on special duty at the premises and would not want any obstructions in carrying out their official duty.
“There was no disclosure of what they came for, but we had to move out of the premises because they were civil and courteous, we just packed our files and left the place,” the lawyer said. (Daily Sun)
