The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) dismissed 27 officers in 2024 for offenses ranging from fraud to gross misconduct.
This decisive action was disclosed in a statement by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale on Monday, following the recommendations of the Staff Disciplinary Committee and subsequent ratification by the agency’s Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
Commitment to Integrity
In the statement, Olukoyede reaffirmed the EFCC’s dedication to upholding its core values and zero tolerance for corruption, emphasizing that no officer is above the law: “Every modicum of allegation against any staff of the commission would always be investigated, including a trending $400,000 claim against a Sectional Head by a supposed EFCC staff member. The core values of the commission are sacrosanct and would always be held in optimal regard.”
Public Warning on Impersonators
The EFCC also highlighted its ongoing fight against impersonators exploiting the name of the Executive Chairman to extort high-profile suspects.
Two individuals, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, were recently arraigned for demanding $1 million from a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello-Koko, under the guise of influencing a non-existent investigation.
The commission urged the public to report such fraudulent activities, reiterating Olukoyede’s integrity:
“Olukoyede remains a man of integrity who cannot be swayed by monetary influences. The public is enjoined to always report such disreputable elements to the Commission.”
Warning Against Blackmail
Additionally, the EFCC addressed attempts to tarnish the reputation of its officers, particularly by individuals under investigation who failed to compromise their investigators. The agency advised the public to disregard such tactics and report them promptly.
This latest development underscores the EFCC’s commitment to accountability within its ranks and its unrelenting pursuit of integrity in public service.