Abuja, Nigeria – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed 27 officers from its workforce in a bid to maintain integrity and rid the agency of corruption.
The dismissals, which occurred in 2024, were based on allegations of fraudulent activities and misconduct.
The EFCC disclosed that the decision followed the recommendation of its Staff Disciplinary Committee and was ratified by the Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
Olukoyede reaffirmed the Commission’s zero-tolerance policy for corruption, emphasising that no staff member is above disciplinary action.
He also assured that all allegations against EFCC staff, including a recent $400,000 claim involving a yet-to-be-identified officer, would be thoroughly investigated.
“The Commission’s core values are sacrosanct and will always be upheld,” Olukoyede stated, warning that misconduct would not be tolerated within the agency.
Crackdown on Impersonators and Blackmailers
The EFCC also raised concerns about the activities of fraudsters impersonating its Executive Chairman to extort money from high-profile individuals under investigation.
It 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, Abuja.
The suspects allegedly contacted a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello-Kaka, and demanded $1 million under the pretence of securing a “soft landing” on a non-existent investigation.
The Commission warned that such fraudulent elements remain active and urged the public to report impersonators and blackmailers.
Blackmail Attempts Against EFCC
Furthermore, the EFCC highlighted attempts by certain individuals to blackmail its officers. The agency revealed that some suspects under investigation resort to these tactics after failing to compromise their investigators.
Olukoyede reassured the public that the Commission remains resolute in its commitment to professionalism and transparency.
The EFCC advised members of the public to disregard such blackmail attempts and report any suspicious activities to the agency.
The statement, signed by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity, underscores the EFCC’s commitment to maintaining its integrity while carrying out its mandate to combat economic and financial crimes.
