- Several checks on the EFCC's X account displayed that the account no longer exists
- Netizens speculated various reasons for the account's disappearance, including possible threats from fraudsters, sanctions by X for infractions, or a decision by the account managers to deactivate it
- However, the EFCC’s chief spokesman, Dele Oyewale, said the EFCC's X account inactivity was due to a network problem
The presence of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on X (previously known as Twitter) has been the subject of discussions on social media after the agency’s page could not be located on the microblogging platform.
Several checks on Thursday, August 15, showed that the organisation's handle, which had 2.2 million followers, displayed “This account doesn’t exist.”
The crisis erupted shortly after a group of suspected internet fraudsters threatened to launch a cyber attack against the anti-graft office in reaction to claims that the office had ignored constitutional norms while cracking down on questionable online activities in Nigeria.
The threats, which surfaced on Reddit and other fora, included allegations from some commenters that some officials from the anti-graft agency had extorted them.
Netizens speculate cause of EFCC’s X page disappearance
The reason behind the disappearance of the EFCC’s X handle remained unclear, it was due to threats from fraudsters, a sanction from X for some infractions, or if it was deactivated by the account managers.
The sudden disappearance has fuelled speculation from netizens.
Benjamin Daniel an X user said, “😂😂😂😂 I think it's Yahoo boys.”
Another X user, Lady B Blessing said, “Abi na them... Delete am? 🙄.”
“Seems they got suspended,” Vere_da_warri_girl speculated.
“Boys don run matter 😅,” David Pine commented.
“Them say na angry yahoo boys hack the account,” Ugo added.
EFCC claim account inactivity was due to network problem
However, the EFCC’s chief spokesman, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that the handle @officialEFCC has been inactive for three days.
He identified a network problem as the cause and indicated that the agency’s ICT department is working to fix it.
Recall that over the past few months, the EFCC has escalated its campaign against online fraudsters, conducting raids on university hostels and hotels.
This trend was highly criticised for its excessive tactics in pursuing suspects, warning that such actions might further undermine citizens' fundamental rights.
EFCC says it will not tolerate any protest against the commission
Meanwhile, TheRadar had earlier reported that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) raised the alarm about an impending protest planned against it.
According to the report, the anti-graft agency said it would not tolerate any disturbance of law and order, especially in the vicinity of its offices throughout the country, adding that the commission is actively combating corruption and cybercrime in the country.