EFCC Cracks Down on Internal Theft: 10 Officers Detained Amid Missing Items Scandal
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, finds itself embroiled in controversy as 10 officers attached to its Lagos Zonal Command have been detained over allegations of theft. This marks a significant internal shake-up for the commission, which is already under public scrutiny for dismissing 27 officers for various misconducts earlier in the week.
The officers were apprehended last week following directives from EFCC Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede. According to a statement released by EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the detained officers are under investigation for their alleged involvement in the disappearance of operational items.
“In its continuing efforts to sweep the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission clean of corrupt tendencies, 10 officers of the Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC are being detained over the investigation of some missing items involving them,” the statement read.
Oyewale emphasized that the investigation is progressing steadily and assured Nigerians that those found culpable will face internal disciplinary measures. He, however, declined to disclose the identities of the officers or the specific items missing, citing ongoing investigations.
This development comes on the heels of the EFCC’s dismissal of 27 officers across its workforce for offenses ranging from fraudulent activities to gross misconduct. These dismissals were based on recommendations by the commission’s disciplinary committee and ratified by Mr. Olukoyede himself.
“The EFCC remains committed to its zero-tolerance policy for corruption,” Olukoyede reiterated in a recent statement. “No officer, regardless of rank or position, is immune to disciplinary measures.”
The dismissed officers were accused of actions that undermined the agency’s credibility, with some reportedly involved in bribery and tampering with evidence. While their names were also not disclosed, insiders suggest the sackings were part of an intensified internal reform agenda spearheaded by Olukoyede since he assumed office.
The EFCC’s internal crisis raises questions about its integrity and ability to maintain accountability within its ranks. Critics argue that such scandals undermine public confidence in the commission, tasked with combating corruption at the highest levels of government and business.
The latest scandal also raises concerns about the leadership’s ability to enforce discipline effectively without creating divisions within the organization. Some insiders fear that publicizing such cases could demoralize honest officers and create friction within the workforce.
The EFCC leadership, however, appears resolute in its reform agenda. Mr. Olukoyede has repeatedly pledged to clean up the commission, emphasizing that no one is above the law, not even its own officers.
“We must set the highest standards of accountability within our ranks,” he said during a press briefing last month. “The Nigerian people deserve nothing less.”
The detained officers, if found guilty, could face severe penalties, including dismissal and possible criminal prosecution. This aligns with the EFCC’s broader efforts to sanitize its operations and reaffirm its commitment to upholding the rule of law.
