The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed 27 officers in 2024 for offences related to fraudulent activities and professional misconduct. The decision, approved by EFCC’s Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, was based on recommendations from the Commission’s Staff Disciplinary Committee.
The development was disclosed in a statement released on Monday by Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity. The Commission reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy for corruption within its ranks and emphasized its commitment to investigating all allegations against its staff.
According to Oyewale, “The officers were dismissed for various offences bordering on fraudulent activities and misconduct. Their dismissal, following the recommendation of the Staff Disciplinary Committee, was ratified by the Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede.”
Olukoyede also reiterated that no staff member is above disciplinary action, adding, “Every allegation against EFCC staff will be thoroughly investigated, including a trending $400,000 claim involving a supposed staff member against a Sectional Head.”
The Commission further raised alarm about impersonators and blackmailers exploiting the name of its Executive Chairman to extort money from high-profile suspects.
“Two members of an alleged syndicate, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, were recently arraigned before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie of the FCT High Court, Abuja, for attempting to extort $1 million from a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mr. Mohammed Bello-Kaka, under the pretext of securing a soft landing on a non-existent investigation,” the statement added.
The EFCC described Olukoyede as a man of integrity, urging the public to report impersonators and fraudulent elements to the Commission. It also warned against attempts to blackmail officers, stating that suspects unable to compromise their investigators often resort to baseless accusations.
The EFCC remains resolute in its mission to tackle corruption and financial crimes in Nigeria.