The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has terminated the employment of 27 officers in 2024 over allegations of fraudulent activities.
Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for the anti-graft agency, confirmed this development in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja.
Mr. Oyewale indicated that the dismissed officers were implicated in misconduct and fraudulent practices. Their termination was endorsed by the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, based on recommendations from the agency’s staff disciplinary committee.
He emphasized the EFCC’s unwavering commitment to a zero-tolerance policy regarding corruption, asserting that no officer would escape disciplinary action.
“Every allegation against any staff member of the Commission will be thoroughly investigated, including a current claim of $400,000 involving an unidentified individual purportedly associated with the EFCC against a Sectional Head,” he stated.
The core values of the Commission are paramount and will be upheld at all times, he added.
In addition, Oyewale warned the public about impostors and extortionists misusing the name of the EFCC chairman to solicit money from high-profile suspects.
He noted that two individuals, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, were recently brought before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie of the FCT High Court in Abuja. They face charges for allegedly contacting former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko, and demanding one million dollars in exchange for “Olukoyede to facilitate a favorable outcome” regarding a non-existent investigation.
“Olukoyede is a man of integrity who cannot be influenced by financial inducements,” he affirmed.
Oyewale cautioned that such unscrupulous individuals are still active and seeking new victims. He also indicated that the EFCC is aware of attempts to blackmail its officers through unethical tactics.
“Suspects under investigation for economic and financial crimes, who have been unable to compromise their investigators, will often resort to desperate measures,” he remarked.
He urged the public to disregard such blackmailers and to report any such dubious figures to the Commission.
