EFCC Dismisses 27 Officers for Misconduct, Exposes $400,000 Fraud Claim

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) dismissed 27 of its officers in 2024 for misconduct and fraudulent activities, as part of its ongoing efforts to uphold integrity within its ranks.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale announced the development in a statement on Monday, noting that the dismissals followed recommendations from the EFCC Staff Disciplinary Committee, which were approved by 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.”

The EFCC chairman reaffirmed the agency’s zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, emphasizing that all officers are subject to disciplinary action when found guilty of wrongdoing. He also assured the public that all allegations involving EFCC staff, including a trending $400,000 fraud claim against a Sectional Head by an unidentified staff member, would be thoroughly investigated.

“The core values of the commission remain sacrosanct and will always be upheld,” Olukoyede said, reiterating the EFCC’s commitment to combating corruption and ensuring accountability at every level.

Warning Against Impersonators

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 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.

As part of its clampdown on such activities, the EFCC recently arraigned two alleged members of a syndicate, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. The pair reportedly contacted a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello-Koko, demanding $1 million to secure a “soft landing” in a fictitious investigation.

The EFCC revealed that other members of similar criminal syndicates remain at large and urged the public to report such individuals promptly.

EFCC’s Integrity Stands Firm

Oyewale reiterated that EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede is a man of integrity who cannot be influenced by monetary bribes.

“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,” he said.

The EFCC also addressed attempts by some suspects under investigation to blackmail its officers when efforts to bribe their way out fail. Oyewale urged the public to disregard such tactics.

“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,” he added.

The EFCC reaffirmed its dedication to transparency, accountability, and the eradication of corruption at all levels.