The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) revealed on Thursday its ongoing investigation into several bank executives for various offenses. The agency also confirmed that it had submitted a preliminary report on its probe into former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, to President Bola Tinubu.
EFCC Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, highlighted that five bank executives are already serving jail terms across Nigeria’s custodial centers. Without disclosing the names of the bank executives currently under investigation, Uwajaren emphasized the EFCC’s continuous focus on the banking sector, noting, “Bank MDs are not immune to investigations or prosecution by the EFCC.”
Regarding the former minister, Uwajaren stated that “the EFCC has submitted a preliminary report to the president,” indicating that the investigation continues, with the agency actively examining over 140 bank accounts related to the case.
In response to allegations from social media personality Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, about purportedly bribing EFCC officials with N15 million, Uwujaren stated that if the claims are proven false, Okuneye may face charges for false allegations. He confirmed, “Once the investigation is complete, the commission will brief the public on the outcome.”
Highlighting accomplishments under the leadership of Ola Olukoyede, Uwujaren reported that the EFCC has recovered ₦248 billion within the year. He noted that four former governors—Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Willie Obiano (Anambra), and Darius Ishaku (Taraba)—alongside three former ministers have been charged with corruption-related offenses.
In the last year, the EFCC achieved 3,455 convictions for financial crimes and corruption and recorded significant recoveries in various currencies, including $105 million, £53,000, and €172,000. Uwujaren also highlighted convictions related to currency abuse, with high-profile individuals such as social media influencer Bobrisky and Nollywood actress Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin among the convicted.
These efforts reflect a broader anti-corruption agenda as the EFCC continues to combat financial malfeasance under Olukoyede’s leadership.
