The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it dismissed 27 of its officers last year for misconduct and fraudulent activities.
The EFCC also stated that it was investigating “a trending $400,000 claim of a yet-to-be-identified supposed staff member of the EFCC against a sectional head.”
This was disclosed in a statement on Monday by the EF spokesman of the Agency, Dele Oyewale.
He mentioned that the dismissals followed recommendations from the EFCC Staff Disciplinary Committee, which were ratified by the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
“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 said. “Their dismissal, following the recommendation of the Staff Disciplinary Committee of the EFCC, was ratified by the Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.”
According to the release, the EFCC Chairman reaffirmed the commission’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption, underlining that no officer is immune to disciplinary action.
He also promised the public that any complaints against EFCC staff would be thoroughly probed, including a trending claim of $400,000 made by an alleged EFCC employee against a sectional head.
“The core values of the commission remain sacrosanct and will always be upheld,” Olukoyede said, reiterating the commission’s commitment to combating corruption and ensuring accountability at all levels.
Also, the EFCC issued a warning to the public about impersonators and blackmailers exploiting the name of its chairman to extort money from high-profile suspects under investigation.
“The commission also wishes to alert the public to the sinister activities of impersonators and blackmailers using the name of its executive chairman to extort money from high-profile suspects being investigated by the EFCC,” the statement read.
The Agency revealed that two accused syndicate members, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, were recently arraigned before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.
The pair allegedly approached a former managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko, and sought $1 million to assure a “soft landing” in a non-existent probe.
The commission stated that similar criminal elements remain at large and advised the public to report such individuals.
Oyewale added that the Agency chairman is a man of integrity who cannot be swayed by monetary incentives.
“Olukoyede remains a man of integrity who cannot be swayed by monetary influences. The public is enjoined to report such disreputable elements to the commission.”
The commission is also aware of attempts to blackmail its officers through unscrupulous means.
“Suspects under investigation for economic and financial crimes, who have failed to compromise their investigators, often resort to blackmail. These blackmailers should not be given any attention,” Oyewale added.
