The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced the dismissal of 27 officers in 2024 for misconduct and fraudulent activities, as part of its commitment to integrity and accountability within its ranks.
In a statement released on Monday, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale disclosed that the dismissals were based on recommendations from the commission's Staff Disciplinary Committee, subsequently ratified by EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede.
Zero Tolerance for Corruption
Oyewale emphasized the EFCC’s firm stance against corruption, with Olukoyede reaffirming the commission's zero-tolerance policy and assuring the public that all allegations against its staff would be thoroughly investigated.
The commission is also probing a trending $400,000 claim against a sectional head, allegedly made by a supposed EFCC staff member.
“The core values of the commission remain sacrosanct and will always be upheld,” Olukoyede stated, emphasizing the EFCC’s commitment to integrity and accountability.
Warning Against Impersonators and Blackmailers
The EFCC further alerted the public to the activities of impersonators and blackmailers using the name of its chairman to extort money from high-profile suspects under investigation.
Two alleged members of such a syndicate, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, were recently arraigned at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja for attempting to extort $1 million from a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello-Koko, under the pretext of securing a “soft landing” in a non-existent investigation.
The commission urged the public to report similar criminal elements, reiterating the integrity of the EFCC Chairman.
“Olukoyede remains a man of integrity who cannot be swayed by monetary influences,” Oyewale stressed.
Blackmail Tactics Exposed
The EFCC also condemned attempts to blackmail its officers, noting that suspects who fail to compromise investigators often resort to such tactics.
“These blackmailers should not be given any attention,” Oyewale added, encouraging the public to support the commission's anti-corruption mission.
This development underscores the EFCC’s resolve to uphold transparency and ensure accountability both within and outside its operations.
