The EFCC chairman underscored the importance of accountability, noting that any staff member involved in corrupt practices would face severe consequences.
Abuja, Nigeria – The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has revealed that two agency staff members were recently dismissed over allegations of corruption, with more dismissals and prosecutions expected.
He made the announcement during the 6th Annual Criminal Law Review Conference in Abuja, hosted by the Rule of Law Development Foundation.
The event, a five-day conference titled “Optimising the Administration of Criminal Justice in Nigeria: How to Navigate Emerging and Systemic Challenges of Insecurity and Economic Hardship,” gathered legal and law enforcement professionals to discuss reforms in the criminal justice system.
Olukoyede stressed that fighting corruption within the EFCC is crucial. “Just two weeks ago, I had cause to dismiss two staff members. You can’t be fighting corruption and have dirty hands,” he stated. He emphasized that dismissed employees would not only be let go but also prosecuted to maintain integrity in the agency. “We are preparing the case files of some of the people we have dismissed,” he added.
The EFCC chairman underscored the importance of accountability, noting that any staff member involved in corrupt practices would face severe consequences. “Any staff that is corrupt, I will show you the way out,” he declared. He also called on the public to report any misconduct by EFCC officials, acknowledging that no institution is without flaws. “Out of 12, you must have Judas,” Olukoyede remarked, admitting that imperfections exist within the agency.
Highlighting his personal experience, Olukoyede mentioned that he had previously been investigated for two years while serving as the EFCC secretary, which gave him an understanding of the investigative process. “I am not just sitting there as chairman. I have been on the other side,” he said.
The chairman emphasized that his main objective is to use the EFCC’s mandate to strengthen Nigeria’s economy and uphold the rule of law. He called for integrity among legal practitioners, stressing that it goes beyond professional skills to include a moral compass. “Integrity is not about your ability to write beautiful briefs. It is about law and morality,” he explained.
Olukoyede also highlighted the importance of ethics and standards in legal practice, which he believes are essential in combating corruption. He invited constructive criticism of the EFCC but urged that it be done responsibly. “Let us do it in a responsible way. What do we benefit from running down our institutions?” he questioned.
The EFCC chairman reiterated his commitment to transparency and integrity within the commission, vowing to continue reforms to ensure corruption is eradicated from Nigeria’s public institutions.
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