…Warns Against Impersonators and Blackmail Attempts
Adekola Adelani
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) dismissed 27 officers in 2024 for offenses related to fraudulent activities and misconduct, underscoring its commitment to integrity within the agency.
The dismissals, based on the recommendations of the EFCC Staff Disciplinary Committee, were approved by the Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, and announced in a statement by Dele Oyewale, the Commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, on Monday.
“The officers were dismissed for various offences bordering on fraudulent activities and misconduct,” the statement read. Oyewale emphasized the Commission’s zero-tolerance policy for corruption, warning that no staff member is immune to disciplinary actions.
The EFCC reassured the public that allegations against any of its officers would be thoroughly investigated, including a trending claim involving $400,000 against a Sectional Head.
Crackdown on Impersonators and Extortionists
The Commission also alerted the public to the activities of impersonators and blackmailers exploiting its name for extortion.
Two suspects, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, were recently arraigned before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie of the FCT High Court, Abuja. They allegedly attempted to extort $1 million from a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello-Kaka, under the pretense of securing “soft landing” from Chairman Olukoyede for a non-existent investigation.
Reaffirming his commitment to transparency, Oyewale stated, “Olukoyede remains a man of integrity that cannot be swayed by monetary influences. The public is enjoined to report disreputable elements to the Commission.”
The EFCC also condemned attempts by certain individuals to blackmail its officers, particularly those who resist compromise in investigations. “Suspects being investigated for economic and financial crimes who fail to bribe their investigators often resort to baseless blackmail,” the Commission noted.
The EFCC urged the public to disregard such blackmail and to trust the agency’s dedication to justice and accountability.
