The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed 27 of its officers for misconduct and fraudulent activities in the year 2024. The dismissals, which followed recommendations from the EFCC’s Staff Disciplinary Committee, were approved by the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, as part of the agency’s efforts to uphold integrity and combat corruption within its ranks.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale disclosed the information in a statement on Monday, highlighting the Commission’s ongoing commitment to ridding itself of fraudulent elements. “In its quest to enforce integrity and rid its fold of fraudulent elements, the EFCC dismissed 27 officers from its workforce in 2024,” Oyewale stated.
The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, reaffirmed the commission’s zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, emphasizing that no officer, regardless of their position, is exempt from disciplinary action. Olukoyede also reassured the public that all allegations against EFCC staff, including a prominent claim involving $400,000, would be thoroughly investigated.
The $400,000 claim involves an accusation by a supposed EFCC staff member against a Sectional Head within the Commission, which is currently under investigation. The EFCC has made it clear that all allegations will be dealt with transparently, in line with its core values of accountability and integrity.
Additionally, the EFCC warned the public about individuals impersonating its Chairman to extort money from high-profile suspects under investigation. Two alleged members of such a syndicate, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, have already been arraigned before a court for attempting to extort $1 million from a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello-Koko.
The EFCC stressed that the Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, remains a man of unblemished integrity who cannot be influenced by monetary offers. The Commission urged the public to report such fraudulent activities, including attempts to blackmail its officers.
Oyewale further stated that the EFCC is aware of efforts by some suspects under investigation to blackmail its officers and assured that such efforts would not deter the Commission from its mission to tackle corruption in Nigeria.
