The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed 27 officers for engaging in fraudulent activities and misconduct in 2024.
The commission made the announcement in a statement on Monday, signed by Dele Oyewale, the Head of Media and Publicity.
The EFCC reiterated its firm stance against corruption within its ranks, emphasizing that all allegations against its staff would be thoroughly investigated.
Oyewale stated that the officers were dismissed following the recommendations of the EFCC’s Staff Disciplinary Committee and the approval of the Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede.
Olukoyede, in his statement, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, stressing that no officer, regardless of rank, would be spared from disciplinary action if found guilty of misconduct.
He further addressed a specific case involving a $400,000 claim made by an unidentified individual, accusing a Sectional Head of the EFCC.
The commission assured the public that the claim would be investigated thoroughly.
In the statement, Oyewale also alerted the public to the activities of impersonators and extortionists who have been using Olukoyede’s name to exploit high-profile suspects under EFCC investigation.
He highlighted the case of Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, two individuals recently charged in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court for attempting to extort $1 million from former Nigerian Ports Authority Managing Director, Mohammed Bello-Kaka.
The duo allegedly demanded the money in exchange for offering him a “soft landing” in a non-existent investigation.
Olukoyede emphasized that he remains committed to maintaining his integrity, and urged the public to report any such fraudulent activities involving impersonators or blackmailers.
Additionally, the EFCC warned of efforts by some individuals to blackmail its officers.
The Commission pointed out that suspects facing investigation who have failed to bribe investigators often resort to blackmail, but emphasized that such tactics would not distract the Commission from its work.
The EFCC urged the public to remain vigilant and report any such attempts to undermine its work.
