The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has terminated the employment of 27 officers over allegations of fraudulent practices and professional misconduct.
This decision, reportedly based on recommendations from the EFCC Staff Disciplinary Committee, received approval from the commission’s Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
In a statement released on Monday, Mr. Olukoyede emphasized that the EFCC would investigate all allegations against its staff thoroughly, irrespective of their rank or position. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to upholding its core values and warned that no officer would be exempt from disciplinary measures.
The announcement coincides with ongoing investigations into a $400,000 fraud allegation involving an unnamed EFCC staff member and a Sectional Head.
In a related development, the EFCC has raised alarms about impersonators and blackmailers exploiting the name of its Executive Chairman to extort money from individuals under investigation.
Recently, two suspects, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, were arraigned before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. They allegedly contacted a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello-Koko, demanding $1 million for a “soft landing” from the EFCC Chairman in a fictitious investigation.
The commission has maintained that Mr. Olukoyede is a man of integrity who cannot be swayed by financial inducements.
In its statement, the EFCC urged the public to report fraudulent activities and warned against attempts to blackmail its officers. It noted that such unethical actions are often tied to suspects who, failing to influence investigators, resort to making baseless accusations. The commission called on Nigerians to disregard these tactics and remain vigilant.
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Source: Chronicles Reporters