EFCC Dismisses 27 Officers For Fraud, Misconduct Without Revealing Their Identities

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) fired 27 officers over fraud and other acts of misconduct but didn't reveal their identities in the statement shared on Monday.

The decision was made based on the recommendation of the EFCC's Staff Disciplinary Committee, which was approved by the commission's chairperson, Ola Olukoyede. This follows a similar case in November last year when two corrupt officials were also dismissed from the agency.

Olukoyede reaffirmed the EFCC's commitment to a zero-tolerance policy for corruption, emphasizing that no officer is exempt from disciplinary action, as per the statement, Punch reported.

"Every modicum of allegation against any staff of the Commission would always be investigated, including a trending $400,000 claim of a yet-to-be-identified supposed staff of the EFCC against a Sectional Head. The core values of the Commission are sacrosanct and would always be held in optimal regard at all times," the statement added, Premium Times reported.

The government agency warned the public about impersonators and blackmailers using the name of its Executive Chairman to extort money from high-profile individuals under investigation.

Two suspected members of a syndicate, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, were recently brought before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja.

They are accused of contacting former Nigerian Ports Authority Managing Director Mohammed Bello-Kaka and demanding $1 million from him in exchange for a "soft landing" in a non-existent investigation.

These criminals are still at large and continue to seek victims. The EFCC stressed that Olukoyede is a man of integrity and cannot be influenced by money. The public is urged to report any such fraudulent individuals to the EFCC.

The EFCC is also aware of attempts to blackmail its officers through dishonest means. Some suspects, unable to bribe their investigators, are trying to use blackmail as a tactic. The government agency has made it clear that such blackmailers should not be given any attention, as per the statement.

During a meeting with senior staff of the EFCC on Oct. 24, 2024, at the commission's headquarters in Abuja, Olukoyede emphasized the importance of declaring assets and maintaining transparency. He stated that anti-corruption fighters must lead by example and ensure their actions are above board.