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 announcement, made by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, came as the commission continues its commitment to integrity and transparency within its ranks.
The dismissals followed the recommendations of the EFCC’s Staff Disciplinary Committee, which were then ratified by the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede. Oyewale said, “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.”
Chairman Olukoyede also reaffirmed the EFCC’s zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, stressing that no officer is above disciplinary action. He emphasised that all allegations of misconduct within the commission would be thoroughly investigated, including the case of a supposed staff member accusing a Sectional Head of a $400,000 fraudulent claim.
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“The core values of the commission remain sacrosanct and will always be upheld,” Olukoyede stated. “We remain committed to combating corruption and ensuring accountability at all levels.”
In addition to the dismissals, the EFCC issued a public warning about impersonators and blackmailers using 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 EFCC disclosed that two members of an alleged extortion syndicate, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, were recently arraigned before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. The duo allegedly contacted a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello-Koko, demanding $1 million to secure a “soft landing” in a fabricated investigation.
The EFCC urged the public to report any individuals involved in such activities, as similar criminal elements are still at large.
Oyewale further emphasised the integrity of EFCC Chairman Olukoyede, stating, “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 EFCC also reminded the public that blackmail attempts against its officers should not be entertained. “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.
