In a sweeping move to reinforce its zero-tolerance stance on corruption, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed 27 officers for fraud and misconduct.
The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, revealed on Monday in Abuja that the officers’ termination followed recommendations by the staff disciplinary committee, which were ratified by the Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede.
Olukoyede reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to integrity and accountability, emphasizing that no officer is above the law.
“Every allegation against any EFCC staff will be thoroughly investigated,” he stated, referencing an ongoing probe into a $400,000 claim involving an unidentified staff member and a sectional head.
The EFCC also sounded the alarm over rising cases of impersonators exploiting the commission’s name to extort money. Oyewale disclosed that two suspects, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, were recently arraigned before the Federal Capital Territory High Court for allegedly demanding $1 million from a former Nigerian Ports Authority chief under false pretenses.
While assuring the public of its vigilance, Olukoyede warned fraudsters that the EFCC’s anti-graft reforms would not spare insiders or external perpetrators.
This bold action signalled a renewed effort to clean up Nigeria’s foremost anti-corruption agency and restore public confidence in its operations.