Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has challenged Nigerians to publicly present proof if he has ever been involved in fraudulent operations, claiming that he has never benefitted from corruption throughout his years in public service.
Olukoyede made the statement during an interview with Channels Television that aired on Sunday, in which he denied allegations of fraud or illicit enrichment.
“I’d like to tell Nigerians here, with every sense of responsibility, that all through my service in the public sector, as Chief of Staff, in the EFCC, and as Secretary in the EFCC, I make bold to say that I’ve never been involved in any fraudulent activity,” he said.
The EFCC boss further stated, “I’ve never been involved in any fraudulent activities. I serve as Chief of Staff, no Nigerian, and I challenge anybody to say, ‘Oh, this man has ever collected one bottle of coke or one naira to influence my sense of judgement in carrying out my responsibility.’”
Speaking on asset management during his time as EFCC Secretary, Olukoyede said he handled seized assets without personal gain.
“As Secretary, I’ve got to manage assets here and to dispose of assets. I never—you can’t trace any asset to me, nor any member of my family, as a matter of principle. And no Nigerian can say I collected one dime because of carrying out my activities,” he said.
He questioned the basis of the allegations against him, saying, “So the issue of fraudulent attachment—I don’t know where that would have come from. And I’ve told you now, I’ve never benefited from any of these assets. Never.”
When asked about his wealth, Olukoyede said Nigerians were free to verify his claims.
“I mean, Nigeria should go and investigate that. So I don’t understand the concept of being a rich man,” he
said.
Responding to a question on asset declaration, Olukoyede said he complied fully with the law at every stage of his career.
“Of course I did that. I mean, I said that to the public. That was the first thing I did. I did it as Chief of Staff. I did it as secretary. I did it as chairman,” he said.
He added, “I remember Nigerians also remember that I asked all my staff to also declare their assets. So look, it’s something that anybody can verify.”
Reiterating his challenge, Olukoyede stated, ““I’m telling you, I’ve never been involved in any fraudulent activity. Whether as Chief of Staff or as Secretary, and I’m telling Nigerians, if you have ever offered me a bribe, and I collected, come out and say it.”
When asked if he regarded himself as upright, he said, “To the best of my knowledge. I do my work with every sense of diligence, and I do my work with every sense of commitment and loyalty to the mandate.”
