The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed that the anti-graft agency has dismissed more than 40 staff members for corruption and financial malpractice under his leadership.
Speaking in a viral video circulating across social media platforms, the EFCC boss stressed that his administration will not shield corrupt elements within the agency while investigating and prosecuting officials across other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Olukoyede recounted his initial findings upon assuming office, noting glaring discrepancies between the earnings of some operatives and their extravagant lifestyles, which included driving luxury Range Rovers and owning mansions in upscale Abuja districts like Maitama.
“When interrogated about the sources of their wealth, affected officers frequently attributed their assets to unexplained gifts from relatives living abroad without documentary evidence,” he narrated.
He revealed that the anti-graft agency therefore instituted a comprehensive Gift and Hospitality Policy that mandates the registration and asset declaration of any item received above a specific threshold, distinguishing acceptable cultural gifts from illicit gratifications.
As part of institutional restructuring, he also noted that the agency rebranded its Department of Internal Affairs as the Department of Ethics and Integrity to oversee internal discipline and spearhead cleansing operations.
The EFCC chief further revealed that over five former staff members are currently facing active prosecution in open courts for corrupt practices, with additional case files being compiled for trial.
Olukoyede maintained that holding the EFCC’s workforce to the highest standard of accountability remains vital to sustaining public trust and preserving the integrity of the nation’s anti-corruption campaign.