- The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) takes action against corruption within its ranks, dismissing 27 officers for misconduct in 2024
- EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede emphasises the commission’s commitment to integrity and transparency after the dismissal of 27 officers
- The EFCC warns the public about criminal syndicates using the commission's name to extort money from high-profile figures under investigation
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced the dismissal of 27 officers in 2024 following misconduct and fraudulent activities within its ranks.
This action follows recommendations made by the EFCC Staff Disciplinary Committee and was ratified by the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede. The agency's spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, made the disclosure in a statement issued on Monday, January 6.
The dismissed officers were found guilty of actions that undermined the integrity of the commission, and their removal underscores the EFCC’s commitment to maintaining high ethical standards within its workforce.
In a statement, Oyewale highlighted that the commission’s efforts to enforce transparency and eliminate fraudulent elements are integral to its mandate.
"In its quest to enforce integrity and rid its fold of fraudulent elements, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission dismissed 27 officers from its workforce in 2024," Oyewale said.
"Their dismissal, following the recommendation of the Staff Disciplinary Committee of the EFCC, was ratified by the Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede."
EFCC Chairman Olukoyede reiterated the commission’s zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, stressing that no officer is immune to disciplinary action.
He assured the public that all allegations, including a recent trending claim involving a supposed EFCC staff member alleging a $400,000 misconduct by a Sectional Head, will be thoroughly investigated.
“The core values of the commission remain sacrosanct and will always be upheld,” Olukoyede said, reaffirming the EFCC’s commitment to eradicating corruption and ensuring accountability at all levels.
The EFCC also issued a public warning regarding impersonators and blackmailers using the name of its Chairman to extort money from high-profile suspects under investigation.
The commission revealed that two members of an alleged criminal syndicate, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, were recently arraigned in court for attempting to extort $1 million from former Nigerian Ports Authority Managing Director, Mohammed Bello-Koko, by promising a "soft landing" in a fictitious investigation.
The EFCC urged the public to report such extortion attempts and warned that similar criminal elements remain at large.
In its statement, the commission stressed that EFCC Chairman Olukoyede is a man of integrity who cannot be influenced by monetary offers.
"Olukoyede remains a man of integrity who cannot be swayed by monetary influences. The public is enjoined to report such disreputable elements to the commission," Oyewale added.
The EFCC also addressed the issue of blackmail directed at its officers by suspects who fail to influence their investigations.
The commission warned that such attempts should be ignored, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and assist in exposing these criminal activities.
As part of its commitment to transparency and accountability, the EFCC continues to take strong actions against those within its ranks or outside who seek to tarnish its reputation.
EFCC says it has recovered N248bn, $105m, secured 3455 convictions in 1 year
Earlier, TheRadar reported that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reported significant achievements in its fight against corruption, recovering over N248 billion and $105 million while securing 3,455 convictions in the past year.
The commission also revealed that it has initiated legal proceedings against several former governors and ministers for corruption, including high-profile cases involving billions in mismanaged public funds.
