EFCC Investigators Are Taking Bribes – Chairman Olukoyede Reveals

Ola Olukoyede, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has stated that some of the commission’s investigators are taking bribes, and he has initiated a process to identify and address the issue.

VerseNews reports that Olukoyede expressed his concern during his New Year address to staff members of the anti-graft agency at at the Headquarters in Abuja.

He emphasized the importance of discipline, integrity, and a sense of responsibility among EFCC investigators and warned that such misconduct would not be tolerated.

Olukoyede also mentioned that steps were being taken to improve the welfare of EFCC staff members.

He told the agency staff that the public views about their operations are not friendly, saying, “At this point, I need to strongly reiterate the issue of discipline, integrity and sense of responsibility in the way we do our work. Public opinions about the conduct of some of our investigators are adverse. The craze and quest for gratification, bribes and other compromises by some of our investigators are becoming too embarrassing and this must not continue.

“Let me sound a note of warning in this regard. I will not hesitate to wield the big stick against any form of infraction by any staff of the Commission. The Department of Internal Affairs has been directed to be more ardent in its work and monitor every staff in all their engagements. The image of the Commission is too important to be placed on the line by any corrupt officer.”

Olukoyede, who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in the last quarter of 2023, re-echoed the three-pronged agenda and blueprint of the agency, asking the staff to be committed going forward.

He said: “All over the world, the major objective of the war against corruption and financial crimes is to drive economic development and create wealth and job opportunities for the populace.

“We need to come to these realities and operate by them. Our nation is in dire straits. We need to continue to do everything possible to stimulate the revenue profile of Nigeria.

“There is no agency of government as crucial to the nation’s quest for growth and development as the EFCC. We have all it takes to raise the profile and developmental index of our nation. I urge all of you to be steadfast and committed.”