The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said it dismissed 27 officers in 2024 for offences related to fraudulent and misconduct.
The dismissal, approved by Ola Olukoyede, EFCC’s executive chairman, followed recommendations from the staff disciplinary committee, according to Dele Oyewale, EFCC’s head of media and publicity.
Oyewale quoted Olukoyede as reiterating the commission’s zero-tolerance for corruption.
He stated that every allegation against any of the commission’s staff would be thoroughly investigated, referencing a recent claim involving $400,000 allegedly linked to a yet-to-be-identified staff member and a sectional head.
“The core values of the commission are sacrosanct and will always be upheld,” Olukoyede affirmed.
Read also: EFCC dismisses two officials over corruption allegations
The EFCC also raised concern about impersonators and blackmailers exploiting the name of its executive chairman to extort money from high-profile suspects.
It disclosed that two suspects, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, were recently arraigned at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja for attempting to extort $1 million from a former managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello-Koko.
The duo allegedly claimed the money was needed to secure “soft landing” on a non-existent EFCC investigation.
Olukoyede, described as a man of unassailable integrity, stressed that he would not be swayed by monetary inducements. He urged the public to report any fraudulent elements using his name or the commission’s identity for nefarious purposes.
The EFCC further warned against attempts to blackmail its officers, often orchestrated by suspects under investigation who fail to compromise investigators.
The commission advised the public to disregard such blackmail, reiterating its resolve to maintain ethical standards.
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