The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing the anti-graft agency of abandoning its core mandate and focusing on less important matters.
Sowore made the remarks on Thursday in a post on his verified X account while reacting to the EFCC’s invitation of two activists, Peter Akah and Precious Oruche, popularly known as “Mama Pee”, over allegations of naira abuse.
The former presidential candidate described the commission as a symbol of joblessness and misplaced priorities, arguing that it should concentrate on fighting high-level corruption instead of pursuing cases that, in his view, do little to address Nigeria’s major financial crimes.
“The EFCC has become a symbol of joblessness and misplaced priorities,” Sowore wrote.
According to him, the agency appears to be spending more time investigating individuals involved in less serious offences while those responsible for large-scale corruption remain beyond its reach.
He said the country’s anti-corruption agency should focus on tackling grand corruption, money laundering, procurement fraud, theft of public assets and the looting of public funds.
“The real economic and financial criminals appear to be beyond its reach, while the agency increasingly devotes its energy to pursuing easier targets,” he said.
Sowore added that an institution established to combat corruption should remain committed to its original purpose rather than engaging in actions that could weaken public confidence in its work.
“An institution created to combat corruption should focus relentlessly on grand corruption, public asset theft, money laundering, procurement fraud, and the looting of public resources, not distractions that undermine public confidence in its mission. EFCC is finished,” he stated.
His comments followed the EFCC’s invitation of activists Peter Akah and Precious Oruche to provide clarification over allegations relating to the abuse of the naira.
The commission has in recent months stepped up enforcement of laws against the abuse of the national currency, particularly the spraying, mutilation and defacing of naira notes at social events.
The EFCC has maintained that such actions violate the provisions of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, which prohibits the abuse and defacement of the country’s currency.
Several celebrities, entertainers, social media personalities and private citizens have been questioned, prosecuted or convicted over alleged naira abuse. The agency insists that enforcing the law is necessary to protect the integrity of the national currency and discourage practices that damage naira notes.
However, the agency’s approach has continued to generate debate among Nigerians.
While some citizens believe the EFCC is simply carrying out its legal responsibility by enforcing existing laws, others argue that the commission should devote more resources to investigating large-scale corruption involving public officials and politically exposed persons.
Critics have repeatedly questioned whether the agency’s increasing focus on naira abuse cases diverts attention from more serious financial crimes, including public sector corruption, money laundering and the diversion of public funds.
Supporters of the EFCC, however, argue that the commission has a legal duty to investigate all offences under its mandate, regardless of the size or status of those involved.
Established in 2003, the EFCC is Nigeria’s leading anti-corruption agency, responsible for investigating and prosecuting economic and financial crimes. Over the years, it has handled cases involving advance fee fraud, cybercrime, money laundering, procurement fraud, tax evasion and corruption involving both public and private individuals.
The commission has also recovered billions of naira and other assets believed to have been acquired through unlawful means. Despite these achievements, it has at different times faced criticism over allegations of selective prosecution, political interference and delays in concluding high-profile corruption cases.
Sowore has consistently been a vocal critic of the EFCC and successive governments, often calling for stronger action against high-level corruption and greater accountability in public service.
His latest remarks are expected to add to the ongoing public debate over the agency’s priorities and whether it is striking the right balance between enforcing currency laws and pursuing major corruption cases.
As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had not issued any official response to Sowore’s comments. However, the commission has repeatedly defended its operations, insisting that all investigations and prosecutions are carried out in line with the law and based on available evidence.