EFCC Has Dismissed Over 40 Staff For Corruption – Olukoyede

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, says the agency has dismissed more than 40 employees for corruption and financial malpractice since he assumed office.

Olukoyede said more than five of those dismissed are already facing prosecution in court, while additional case files are being prepared.

He disclosed this in a statement shared on social media, explaining that the EFCC had intensified its internal accountability measures to ensure its operatives meet the same standards the agency demands of other government institutions.

According to him, reports were already available when he resumed office of some EFCC operatives driving expensive Range Rover vehicles and living in Maitama, Abuja.

He said when the operatives were questioned about the source of their wealth and assets, some claimed the properties and vehicles were gifts from relatives abroad.

Olukoyede said the EFCC subsequently introduced a Gift and Hospitality Policy, requiring staff to declare and register assets above a specified threshold.

He explained that while the law permits certain traditional gifts, the policy clearly defines the gifts staff may accept and those they are prohibited from receiving.

The EFCC chairman also disclosed that the agency renamed its Department of Internal Affairs as the Department of Ethics and Integrity, describing the change as part of efforts to strengthen internal cleansing.

He stressed that the EFCC could not investigate and prosecute corruption in other ministries, departments and agencies while ignoring similar conduct within its own ranks.

“If I investigate and prosecute people in other MDAs for this, why would I merely dismiss my own?” he said.

Olukoyede said the ongoing prosecutions are before open courts and can be followed by members of the public, underscoring the commission’s commitment to accountability within its ranks.