The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has dismissed claims that the commission’s anti-corruption campaign is being used to target opposition figures, insisting that its actions are guided strictly by law and evidence.
Olukoyede made this known on Thursday while speaking at the VON Forum 2025, organised in Abuja by the Voice of Nigeria (VON) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
The EFCC boss said allegations that the commission is being used as a political tool are unfounded, stressing that its operations are not influenced by party affiliations.
“Our anti-corruption fight is not targeted at any opposition group,” he said. “It is about ensuring accountability and protecting public resources for all Nigerians.”
His comments come amid ongoing public debate over the activities of anti-graft agencies in Nigeria, especially in relation to politically exposed persons.
Over the years, critics have often accused such agencies of focusing more on members of opposition parties, while being less active against those in power. However, Olukoyede insisted that the EFCC treats all cases equally, regardless of political alignment.
To support his claim, he cited a recent case involving a politically exposed individual who was arrested over the alleged disappearance of about 35 million dollars from public funds. The money, he said, was meant for the establishment of a refinery.
According to him, despite the seriousness of the allegation, some media reports framed the arrest as a case of political persecution without fully examining the facts.
“I was surprised to see headlines suggesting that the EFCC was witch-hunting the opposition,” he said. “We must look at the facts before drawing conclusions.”
Olukoyede used the occasion to call on the media to play a more responsible role in the fight against corruption by ensuring accurate and balanced reporting.
He stressed that the media has a powerful influence on public opinion and should not be used to spread misinformation or create unnecessary tension.
“As Nigerians, let us work together for the stability of this country,” he said. “One of the best ways to achieve this is through responsible journalism.”
He also pointed out what he described as a double standard in public reactions to EFCC actions.
“When we prosecute members of the ruling party, nobody raises an issue,” he said. “But the moment someone from the opposition is involved, there is a lot of noise.”
Olukoyede urged journalists to uphold professional ethics and focus on facts rather than political narratives.
The EFCC chairman further highlighted some of the achievements of the commission, particularly in asset recovery.
He revealed that the building currently housing the Voice of Nigeria is itself a recovered asset, taken from a former government official involved in corrupt practices.
“That edifice that VON is occupying is a proceed of crime recovered by the EFCC,” he said. “It shows that the anti-corruption fight is working.”
Asset recovery has been a key part of Nigeria’s anti-corruption strategy, with funds and properties seized from individuals accused or convicted of financial crimes often returned to government use.
Olukoyede said such recoveries demonstrate that the fight against corruption is producing real results and should be supported by all Nigerians.
Beyond Nigeria, the EFCC boss also spoke about efforts to strengthen cooperation across West Africa in tackling financial crimes.
He disclosed that he currently chairs the Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA), an initiative aimed at improving collaboration among countries in the region.
According to him, the organisation has developed a framework that will allow anti-corruption agencies in West Africa to work more closely together.
He said the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has already adopted the protocol, and that operations are expected to begin in the coming months.
“Soon, there will be no barriers to carrying out investigations across West Africa,” Olukoyede said. “We will be able to share intelligence and evidence to tackle financial crimes and terrorism financing.”
He explained that such cooperation is necessary because many financial crimes today involve cross-border transactions, making it difficult for a single country to handle them alone.
The move is expected to strengthen efforts to combat money laundering, fraud, and other financial crimes that affect the region’s economy and security.
In his welcome address, the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Ndace, commended Olukoyede for participating in the forum and highlighted Nigeria’s role in promoting peace and stability in West Africa.
He noted that Nigeria has been a key player in regional affairs through its involvement in peacekeeping missions and diplomatic efforts in countries such as Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
According to Ndace, these contributions show Nigeria’s commitment to the ideals of ECOWAS and its leadership role in the region.
The fight against corruption remains one of Nigeria’s biggest challenges, affecting sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
Olukoyede’s call for responsible reporting also reflects growing concern about the role of information in shaping public perception.
In recent years, the spread of unverified information, especially on social media, has complicated efforts to address sensitive national issues.
As Nigeria continues its anti-corruption drive, the EFCC says it remains committed to fairness and professionalism in its operations.
For Olukoyede, the message is clear: the fight against corruption is not about politics, but about protecting the country’s future.
“We must all work together,” he said, “to build a system where accountability is the standard and corruption is no longer tolerated.”