In an aggressive move to restore integrity within its ranks, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has fired 27 officers accused of engaging in fraudulent activities. The decision, made public on January 6, 2025, is a firm demonstration of the Commission’s determination to root out corruption from within its own system. The sweeping action comes as EFCC continues its battle against financial crimes in Nigeria, ensuring that even its own staff is held to the highest standards of accountability.
The sacking of these officers, which took place in 2024, was confirmed by the EFCC’s Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede. According to Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, the dismissals followed the recommendations of the Staff Disciplinary Committee, which thoroughly investigated allegations of misconduct and fraudulent behavior by the officers involved.
“This purge is part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining zero tolerance for corruption. The officers were found guilty of various offenses, including fraud and other forms of misconduct. We cannot afford to allow corruption to take root in our own backyard,” Olukoyede said.
He reiterated that no officer, regardless of their position or tenure, would be shielded from disciplinary action. Olukoyede’s firm stance underscores his resolve to hold every member of the EFCC to the highest ethical standards.
The EFCC’s message is loud and clear: corruption will not be tolerated, even among those who are tasked with upholding the law. In the press release, the Commission emphasized that it is committed to thoroughly investigating all allegations against its staff, no matter how senior the individual might be. This includes a high-profile investigation involving a $400,000 bribe allegedly solicited by a Sectional Head within the Commission.
Olukoyede did not mince words, stating that the EFCC would leave no stone unturned in its effort to weed out fraudulent elements. He issued a stark warning to anyone attempting to exploit the system for personal gain.
“We will continue to monitor and take action against any suspect within the EFCC who seeks to corrupt the system. There is no hiding place for fraudsters within the Commission,” Olukoyede emphasized. “Even the slightest claim of misconduct will be investigated thoroughly.”
In an added revelation, the EFCC also addressed the issue of impersonators and blackmailers who have been targeting high-profile suspects under investigation. These criminals, posing as officials of the Commission, have been using the name of the EFCC Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to extort money from individuals facing investigations.
Two suspects, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, were recently arraigned in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court for allegedly demanding $1 million from a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Kaka. The duo allegedly claimed that Olukoyede could offer “soft landing” in exchange for the substantial sum.
Olukoyede quickly dismissed these accusations, reaffirming his own integrity and warning the public to remain vigilant against such criminal activities.
“I remain a man of integrity, and I will not be swayed by any monetary influence,” he said. “Anyone attempting to extort or blackmail suspects in the name of the EFCC is committing a serious crime and will be dealt with severely.”
The EFCC has urged members of the public to report any suspicious activity related to such fraudsters. The Commission is working to expose and dismantle such criminal syndicates that seek to exploit vulnerable individuals for personal gain.
The recent actions by the EFCC serve as a strong signal to those within and outside the Commission that corruption will not be tolerated in any form. The dismissals, paired with the ongoing investigation into high-level misconduct, reinforce the EFCC’s commitment to upholding its reputation as a leading anti-corruption agency in Nigeria.
Experts have long emphasized the need for transparency and internal accountability within institutions like the EFCC. Critics have argued that organizations fighting corruption must be free from corrupt practices within their own ranks in order to maintain public trust. By taking swift action, the EFCC aims to show that it is fully committed to its mandate, both in its operations and within its own workforce.
“These steps show that the EFCC is not just talking about zero tolerance for corruption; they are acting on it,” said Chuka Nwachukwu, a political analyst and anti-corruption advocate. “This is a strong statement that no one is above the law, even those who are meant to enforce it.”
The EFCC’s continued vigilance in rooting out corruption is critical, especially as the country grapples with widespread economic challenges and rising concerns about public sector integrity. With these recent developments, Olukoyede’s leadership is positioned to further strengthen the Commission’s role in the fight against financial crimes in Nigeria.
