The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced the dismissal of 27 of its officers in 2024 for misconduct and fraudulent activities. The decision follows recommendations made by the EFCC Staff Disciplinary Committee, which were later ratified by the Commission’s Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
In a statement released on Monday, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale emphasized that the dismissals were part of the Commission’s ongoing effort to maintain integrity and eliminate corrupt elements within its workforce. “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 stated.
The EFCC Chairman reiterated the Commission’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, assuring the public that no officer would be immune to disciplinary action. “All allegations against EFCC staff will be thoroughly investigated,” Olukoyede affirmed.
The statement also referenced an ongoing investigation into a trending claim involving $400,000, where a supposed EFCC staff member has made accusations against a Sectional Head. The EFCC has stated that the claim is under review.
Impersonation and Extortion Warnings
The EFCC also issued a public warning regarding impersonators and blackmailers exploiting the name of its chairman to extort money from high-profile suspects under investigation. Two individuals, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, were recently arraigned in court for allegedly contacting a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello-Koko, and demanding $1 million to facilitate a non-existent investigation.
The Commission warned that similar criminal activities are still occurring and urged the public to report any such cases. Oyewale emphasized that EFCC Chairman Olukoyede is known for his integrity and cannot be influenced by monetary offers. He called on the public to report any individuals engaging in such disreputable acts.
EFCC’s Commitment to Integrity and Accountability
The EFCC remains committed to combating corruption and ensuring accountability at all levels. “The core values of the Commission remain sacrosanct and will always be upheld,” Olukoyede stressed. He also addressed the ongoing efforts to prevent blackmail, particularly from suspects who may attempt to compromise EFCC investigators. “Suspects under investigation who fail to influence their investigators often resort to blackmail, but these blackmailers should not be given any attention,” Oyewale concluded.
