Anti-Graft Commission EFCC Sacks 27 Officers Over Fraud and Misconduct

Anti-Graft Commission EFCC Sacks 27 Officers Over Fraud and Misconduct

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed 27 officers over allegations of fraudulent activities and professional misconduct.

The EFCC’s Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, approved the dismissal following recommendations from the commission’s Staff Disciplinary Committee. In a statement released on Monday, Mr. Olukoyede emphasised that all allegations against EFCC staff, irrespective of rank or position, would be meticulously investigated.

He reiterated the EFCC’s commitment to its core values and warned that no officer is immune to disciplinary action. This announcement comes amidst ongoing investigations into a $400,000 fraud allegation involving an unnamed staff member and a Sectional Head.

In a related development, the EFCC has cautioned the public against impersonators and blackmailers exploiting the name of its Executive Chairman to extort money from individuals under investigation.

Recently, two alleged members of such a syndicate, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, were arraigned before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. The suspects allegedly contacted Mohammed Bello-Koko, a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, demanding $1 million in exchange for a “soft landing” from the EFCC Chairman in a fabricated investigation.

The EFCC clarified that its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, is a man of integrity who financial inducements cannot influence.

“The public is urged to report any fraudulent activities to the Commission immediately,” the EFCC stated.

The agency further noted attempts by certain individuals to blackmail its officers through unethical tactics, often tied to suspects who resort to baseless accusations when they fail to compromise investigators.

The EFCC advised the public to remain vigilant and disregard such schemes.