The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed 27 of its officers for misconduct and fraudulent activities in 2024.
The action was taken following recommendations by the EFCC Staff Disciplinary Committee, with the dismissals ratified by the commission’s Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
In a statement released on Monday, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale revealed that the staff members were removed to uphold the agency’s commitment to integrity and transparency.
The decision was part of the commission’s ongoing efforts to eliminate corrupt elements within its ranks. The Staff Disciplinary Committee had reviewed the cases and made the recommendations, which were then approved by Olukoyede.
“These dismissals reflect the commission’s zero-tolerance policy toward corruption,” Oyewale said. “The integrity of the EFCC is non-negotiable, and we will continue to ensure that those who compromise the agency’s mission are held accountable.”
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede reiterated the agency’s commitment to upholding its core values and ensuring that no individual is above the law.
He emphasized that all allegations of misconduct would be thoroughly investigated, including a recent claim involving a $400,000 dispute between a Sectional Head and an unnamed EFCC staff member. The agency has already begun investigating the matter.
“This investigation is a priority for the commission, and we will ensure that justice is served,” Olukoyede stated. “The core values of the commission remain sacrosanct and will always be upheld.”
In addition to the dismissals, the EFCC issued a warning to the public about individuals using the name of its chairman to blackmail and extort money from suspects under investigation.
According to the commission, impersonators have been exploiting the name of Olukoyede to manipulate high-profile suspects involved in corruption cases.
“The EFCC has a clear and strict policy regarding its operations, and no one, including those under investigation, should be misled by fraudulent individuals attempting to use the commission’s name for personal gain,” Oyewale cautioned.
The EFCC’s actions have been widely recognized as part of an ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability.
As part of its broader efforts to combat corruption, the commission has regularly taken swift action against internal misconduct, reinforcing the public’s trust in its operations.
The dismissal of 27 officers comes at a time when the EFCC continues to face scrutiny in its bid to maintain its reputation as Nigeria’s leading anti-graft agency.
Despite the challenges, the commission’s leadership has remained resolute in its fight against corruption at all levels, reinforcing its promise to hold both its officers and those it investigates accountable.
The EFCC’s ongoing efforts to investigate the $400,000 claim and to protect its integrity from external exploitation reflect its unwavering stance on eradicating corruption from both inside and outside the organization.
As the investigation into the latest allegations unfolds, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how the commission continues its high-profile work in the fight against corruption.