Lagos—The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFFC, has said the strike by the judiciary workers was hampering its operations as it has crippled its arraignment of suspected fraudsters.

An official of the commission, who preferred anonymity, said yesterday that the ongoing strike had led to the granting of bail to suspects.

The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, had embarked on strike on January 2 to press their demand for enhanced welfare packages, thus stalling activities in the high and magistrates’ courts.

The source said that one of the latest offenders, Samuel Joseph, Managing Director of Vegefresh Company Ltd, Rhema Doormart West Africa Ltd and Plywood and Chemicals Accessories, had been granted bail.

Joseph was arrested in Lagos on January 12, for allegedly diverting N3.8 billion loan he secured from an old generation bank but is still under investigation by the EFCC.

“There is a limited time the commission is permitted by the law to keep an offender and that is the reason for granting him bail.

“The commission has granted administrative bail to the offender, while investigation is still ongoing in the matter since the case is a bailable offence,” the source said.