The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has announced the dismissal of two staff members over allegations of corruption.
This bold move, made public on Monday, came as Olukoyede spoke at the opening of the 6th Annual Criminal Law Review Conference in Abuja. The conference, organized by the Rule of Law Development Foundation, focuses on optimizing criminal justice in Nigeria amidst emerging challenges like insecurity and economic hardship.
Olukoyede made it clear that the dismissed officials were let go due to corruption. He emphasized that any staff member found to be corrupt would face both dismissal and prosecution.
“Two weeks ago, I had cause to dismiss two staff members,” Olukoyede revealed. “You can’t be fighting corruption and have your own hands dirty.”
This statement comes in the wake of ongoing efforts by the EFCC to improve its own internal integrity while tackling corruption across the nation. The agency, known for investigating high-profile financial crimes, is expected to lead by example.
Olukoyede stressed that the fight against corruption within the EFCC itself is non-negotiable. “He who comes to equity, your hands must also be clean,” he added, asserting that the agency’s staff must be beyond reproach.
The EFCC chairman did not just focus on internal discipline but also highlighted the broader reforms underway. These changes are aimed at addressing some of the criticisms the agency has faced regarding its operations.
“From now on, any staff that is corrupt, I will show you the way out,” Olukoyede said resolutely. His comments underscore the seriousness with which he is tackling corruption both within and outside the EFCC.
Olukoyede’s commitment to transparency is evident. He boldly challenged the public to come forward if they had ever offered him a bribe during his tenure. “Who has ever given me one kobo in the course of my work, come out and say it,” he declared, adding, “I stand to be challenged.”
His assertion is part of a broader strategy to rebuild trust in the EFCC, an institution tasked with safeguarding public resources.
In his address, Olukoyede also recounted his own experience with the EFCC. He revealed that he had once been subjected to a two-year investigation when he served as the EFCC’s Secretary. This personal experience, he stated, gives him a unique understanding of the challenges the agency’s targets face.
“Integrity is not just about law or writing beautiful briefs; it is about doing the right thing,” he emphasized. He further clarified that his leadership at the EFCC is not just about prosecuting corruption but also using the agency’s mandate to stimulate the economy and uphold the rule of law.
At the conference, Olukoyede also spoke about his vision for the EFCC under his leadership. He welcomed constructive criticism of the agency, but insisted that it should be responsible. “What do we benefit from running down our institutions?” he questioned.
He urged those who notice wrongdoing within the EFCC to report it directly. “If you notice EFCC is doing anything wrong, come to us. We will sit down, and I will explain some reformed agenda we are carrying out,” he said.
His reforms include changes to the EFCC’s arrest and detention policies. Olukoyede explained that since his appointment, no individual has been detained overnight in a case involving a ministry’s wrongdoing. Instead, he said, the EFCC has found ways to gather necessary information without resorting to lengthy detentions.
Additionally, Olukoyede has implemented a new approach to prosecutions. He announced that cases would no longer involve an overwhelming number of charges, as seen in past EFCC cases. Instead, he has set a limit of 15 charges per case.
“If your case is water-tight, you will win,” Olukoyede explained. “I vet case files myself, particularly high-profile cases, and the lawyer must give me a draft of the charge before I give my go-ahead.”
He stated that his goal is to ensure that no case is lost due to poor prosecution. He made it clear that he is personally invested in each case the EFCC handles.
Finally, Olukoyede stressed that ethics and the standard of legal practice within Nigeria’s justice system must be reviewed. “We need to ensure that corruption does not find space in our national life,” he said.
Mr. Joseph Daudu, the Coordinator of the Rule of Law Development Foundation, also spoke at the conference. He explained that the event provides an important forum for reviewing developments in crime apprehension, prosecution, and the post-adjudicatory process. He praised the EFCC for its continuous efforts to improve its operations under Olukoyede’s leadership.
