The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed 27 officers for their involvement in fraudulent activities and professional misconduct. This was disclosed in a press statement issued by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity for the EFCC, on January 6, 2025.
According to the statement, the dismissal of the officers followed recommendations from the Commission’s Staff Disciplinary Committee and was approved by EFCC Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede. Oyewale quoted Olukoyede as saying, “The core values of the Commission are sacrosanct and will always be upheld. No officer is immune to disciplinary measures.”
Olukoyede also addressed a trending $400,000 allegation involving a yet-to-be-identified EFCC officer and a Sectional Head, assuring that every allegation against staff will be thoroughly investigated.
The EFCC further warned the public about impersonators and blackmailers exploiting the Commission’s name to extort money from high-profile suspects. Oyewale revealed that two individuals, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, were recently arraigned before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja. The suspects allegedly demanded $1 million from Mohammed Bello-Kaka, a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, claiming they could secure a “soft landing” in a non-existent investigation.
“Such characters are still on the loose, seeking victims,” Oyewale stated, while urging the public to report such fraudulent activities.
The statement also highlighted attempts to blackmail EFCC officers by disgruntled suspects under investigation, describing such efforts as baseless and calling on Nigerians to disregard them.
The EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to integrity and accountability, emphasizing that it will not tolerate corruption within or outside the organization.
