The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed that it dismissed 27 of its officers in 2024 due to misconduct and fraudulent activities.
The agency also disclosed that it is investigating a “trending $400,000 allegation” involving a supposed EFCC staff member and a Sectional Head.
In a statement issued on Monday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale explained that the dismissals were based on recommendations from the EFCC Staff Disciplinary Committee, which were subsequently approved by the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
“In its effort to uphold integrity and eliminate fraudulent elements within its ranks, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission dismissed 27 officers from its workforce in 2024,” Oyewale stated. “Their dismissal, following the recommendation of the Staff Disciplinary Committee, was ratified by the Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.”
The EFCC Chairman reiterated the agency’s zero-tolerance policy for corruption, emphasizing that no staff member is exempt from disciplinary measures. He assured the public that all allegations against EFCC personnel, including the $400,000 claim, would be thoroughly investigated. “The core values of the commission remain non-negotiable and will always be upheld,” Olukoyede said, reaffirming the EFCC’s commitment to accountability and combating corruption at all levels.
The EFCC also warned the public about impersonators and blackmailers who exploit the name of its chairman to extort money from high-profile suspects under investigation.
“The commission alerts the public to the activities of impersonators and blackmailers using the name of its Executive Chairman to extort money from suspects under EFCC investigation,” the statement added.
The agency disclosed that two alleged members of a syndicate, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, were recently arraigned 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, Mohammed Bello-Koko, and demanded $1 million for a “soft landing” in a fictitious investigation.
The EFCC noted that other members of such criminal syndicates are still at large and urged the public to report any suspicious individuals.
Oyewale emphasized that the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, is a person of integrity who cannot be influenced by monetary bribes. “Olukoyede remains a man of integrity who cannot be swayed by financial offers. The public is encouraged to report such unscrupulous individuals to the commission,” he stated.
The EFCC also acknowledged ongoing attempts to blackmail its officers through underhanded tactics.
“Suspects under investigation for economic and financial crimes, who have failed to compromise their investigators, often resort to blackmail. These attempts at blackmail should not be given any credibility,” Oyewale concluded.
