EFCC dismissed 27 corrupt officials, investigates $400,000 allegation

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has dismissed 27 of its officials in 2024 over bribe taking and other misconduct that made them unfit to continue in service.

In a statement on Monday in Abuja by the Commission’s Spokesman, Dele Oyewale, he disclosed that the Commission was probing “a trending $400,000 claim of a yet-to-be-identified supposed staff of the EFCC against a Sectional Head.”

Oyewale said the dismissed staff were subjected to the StaffDisciplinary Committee before they were recommended to be fired.

The statement read: “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.

“Their dismissal, following the recommendation of the Staff Disciplinary Committee of the EFCC, was ratified by the Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.”

The Chairman of the Commission, Ola Olukoyede has zero tolerance for corruption, the statement quoted, adding that anti-corruption policies within the Commission wiuld be be further strengthened.

He said not only the trending $400,000 allegation against a sectional head would be thoroughly investigated, he will ensure the public restoration of trust and confidence in the Commission.

“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.

In addition, 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 EFCC revealed that two members of an alleged syndicate, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, were recently arraigned before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.

The pair allegedly contacted a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko, and demanded $1m to secure a “soft landing” in a non-existent investigation.

The commission noted that similar criminal elements are still at large and urged the public to report such individuals.

Oyewale further emphasised that EFCC Chairman is a man of integrity who cannot be influenced by monetary offers.

“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 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.