EFCC Dismisses 27 Officers Over Fraud, Warns Public Against Impersonators, Blackmailers
Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has terminated the appointments of 27 officers for offences ranging from fraudulent activities to gross misconduct.
The dismissals followed thorough investigations and recommendations by the Commission’s Staff Disciplinary Committee, which were subsequently ratified by the Executive Chairman, Mr Ola Olukoyede.
Announcing the decision, Mr Olukoyede reaffirmed the EFCC’s unwavering commitment to zero tolerance for corruption within its ranks. He emphasised that no officer is above scrutiny or disciplinary action.
Addressing the issue of internal accountability, he stated, “Every allegation against any EFCC staff member will be meticulously investigated. This includes the trending claim of $400,000 allegedly linked to a Sectional Head by a yet-to-be-identified individual claiming to be an EFCC staff member.”
Mr Olukoyede stressed that the Commission’s core values remain sacrosanct and will be upheld at all times.
He called on staff to adhere to the highest ethical standards while discharging their duties, as the EFCC continues to maintain its role as Nigeria’s foremost anti-corruption agency.
In a related development, the EFCC has alerted the public to the nefarious activities of impostors and blackmailers who exploit the name of the Executive Chairman to extort money from individuals under investigation.
The Commission recently arraigned two alleged members of such a syndicate, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.
The suspects allegedly contacted a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mr Mohammed Bello-Kaka, demanding $1 million in exchange for a purported “soft landing” from Mr Olukoyede on a non-existent investigation.
“These unscrupulous elements are preying on unsuspecting individuals and tarnishing the image of the Commission,” Mr Olukoyede stated.
“Let me reiterate: I am a man of integrity and cannot be influenced by monetary inducements. We urge the public to report such fraudulent activities to the EFCC immediately,” he added.
The EFCC also addressed emerging schemes aimed at blackmailing its officers through questionable means.
According to the Commission, some suspects under investigation for economic and financial crimes, having failed to compromise their investigators, are resorting to baseless accusations and propaganda.
“These blackmailers should not be given any form of attention,” the EFCC warned, adding that its commitment to justice and due process remains unshakeable.
The Commission urged the public to remain vigilant and to cooperate in exposing and curbing the actions of criminals seeking to undermine the EFCC’s operations.
The Agency’s determination to not only combat corruption but also ensure that its internal structures are free from unethical practices is clearly demonstrated by this development.
The agency reaffirmed its resolve to hold both staff and the public accountable in its fight against economic and financial crimes.
