EFCC Dismisses 27 Officers Over Alleged Fraudulent Activities
By ; Our Correspondent in Abuja.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed 27 officers due to allegations of fraudulent activities and misconduct.
In a statement released on Monday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed that the dismissals were approved by Ola Olukoyede, the chairman of the commission. The decision was recommended by the agency’s disciplinary committee.
Oyewale also mentioned that the EFCC is investigating an allegation against a sectional head.
“Olukoyede reiterated the commission’s commitment to zero tolerance for corruption, warning that no officer is immune to disciplinary actions,” the statement noted.
“Every allegation against any staff member of the commission will be thoroughly investigated, including a recent claim involving $400,000 against a yet-to-be-identified employee.”
The spokesperson emphasized that the core values of the commission are paramount and will always be upheld.
Oyewale added that some individuals are attempting to exploit the name of the EFCC chairman to extort money from high-profile suspects under investigation.
Recently, two members of an alleged syndicate, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, were arraigned before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.
They were accused of contacting former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko, and demanding $1 million to secure a “soft landing” for him regarding a non-existent investigation.
“These individuals are still at large, seeking new victims,” Oyewale stated. “Olukoyede is a man of integrity who cannot be swayed by monetary influences. The public is encouraged to report such unscrupulous individuals to the commission.”
The EFCC also indicated that it is aware of plans being devised in some circles to blackmail its officers through unethical methods.
The commission noted that suspects under investigation for economic and financial crimes are behind this alleged blackmail plot.