EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede Speaks on Internal Corruption 

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has addressed growing concerns about alleged corruption within the anti-graft agency.

During an interview with Channels Television on April 30, Olukoyede openly discussed the challenges facing the agency, especially regarding the behavior of some of its staff.

He admitted that some EFCC operatives have acted unethically while carrying out their duties. “If we’re going to fight corruption, we must do it with integrity,” Olukoyede said firmly. 

He explained that fighting corruption from a compromised position would weaken the entire mission of the EFCC.

Since taking office, Olukoyede said he made it a priority to look into past cases of staff misconduct. He and his team reviewed disciplinary records and launched a thorough internal investigation. According to him, a disciplinary committee was set up to evaluate reports of wrongdoing.

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“After going through several cases, we found that some operatives were indeed guilty of misconduct,” he revealed. As a result, 27 staff members were removed from their roles for behavior that was found unfit for the EFCC’s anti-corruption mission.

“We checked, reviewed, and made the decision that those involved could no longer remain in the system,” he added. “So far, we have shown the door to about 27 people whose character does not match the values of this crusade.”

The EFCC corruption cleanup is still ongoing. Olukoyede confirmed that several other cases are being investigated, and further actions will be taken when necessary. However, he was realistic about the situation. “I won’t say everyone in the EFCC is now a saint. That day will never come,” he said.

He reminded the public that EFCC staff are humans and not without flaws. Mistakes, overzealous actions, and bad behavior can still happen. What matters, he stressed, is how the agency handles these issues when they arise.

“There will always be a risk that someone may misbehave,” he said. “But I’ve promised Nigerians that when we find such people, we’ll deal with them through the right processes and according to the law.”

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