EFCC SACKS OVER 40 PERSONNEL, PROSECUTES OTHERS OVER CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has dismissed more than 40 of its personnel over alleged corruption and financial malpractice since Ola Olukoyede assumed leadership of the agency. The EFCC chairman disclosed this during a media engagement in Abuja, explaining that the disciplinary measures were part of efforts to ensure that officers responsible for investigating financial crimes are held to the same standards of accountability expected of members of the public.

Olukoyede said more than five of the dismissed personnel are already facing prosecution in court, while case files involving other affected officers are being prepared for possible legal action. He maintained that the commission would not shield its own employees from prosecution when credible evidence establishes wrongdoing, stressing that it would be contradictory for an anti-graft agency to investigate and prosecute corruption outside the organisation while ignoring similar conduct within its ranks.

The EFCC chairman said the internal disciplinary measures were necessary to protect the credibility of the commission and strengthen public confidence in its operations. He warned that personnel involved in corrupt practices could undermine the agency's broader anti-corruption campaign, noting that officers fighting financial crimes must maintain clean records and demonstrate integrity in their professional and personal conduct.

As part of the internal reforms, Olukoyede disclosed that the former Department of Internal Affairs had been renamed the Department of Ethics and Integrity. He said the change was designed to reinforce the commission's commitment to internal accountability and ethical standards. The agency has also introduced a gift policy requiring personnel to declare certain gifts and assets above specified thresholds, including gifts received from relatives living abroad, as part of measures to monitor staff conduct and sources of wealth.

Olukoyede stressed that the EFCC must lead by example in the fight against corruption, insisting that its personnel cannot effectively prosecute financial crimes while engaging in similar offences themselves. The commission said the ongoing internal measures are intended to strengthen professionalism, transparency and accountability within its ranks while ensuring that officers found culpable face appropriate disciplinary or legal consequences.