The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed 27 officers over allegations of fraud and misconduct.
This move, announced in a statement on Monday, underscores the agency’s commitment to cleaning its ranks. However, the EFCC’s refusal to reveal the identities of the affected officers has sparked criticism from the public.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede approved the dismissals following recommendations from the Staff Disciplinary Committee.
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In a stern warning, Mr. Olukoyede reaffirmed the agency’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, stating, “Every allegation against EFCC staff will be investigated thoroughly. Our core values are sacrosanct and will always be upheld.”
The agency also addressed ongoing accusations, including a $400,000 fraud claim involving an unidentified staff member and a sectional head. This comes amidst broader concerns about the integrity of the EFCC itself, a perception Mr. Olukoyede has been working to change since his appointment in 2024.
In October 2024, Mr. Olukoyede mandated all EFCC staff to declare their assets as part of efforts to ensure transparency within the organization. Speaking to senior staff, he said, “As anti-corruption fighters, our hands must be clean. We must set the pace with good examples.”
The EFCC has faced public scrutiny for withholding details in high-profile cases.
In 2024, the agency announced the recovery of a 150,500-square-meter estate in Abuja with 753 duplexes and apartments but declined to name the owners. Leaked court documents later linked the estate to former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele, who faces separate corruption charges.
Public reactions to the recent dismissals have been mixed.
The EFCC reiterated its stance on integrity, warning the public against impersonators and blackmailers exploiting its name. Two suspects were recently arraigned for attempting to extort $1 million from a former Nigerian Ports Authority executive, falsely claiming to act on behalf of Mr. Olukoyede.
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