Corruption: EFCC Sacks 27 Personnel Amid $400,000 Fraud Allegations Involving Senior Staff

Abuja, Nigeria- The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed 27 officers over allegations of fraudulent activities and misconduct.

The dismissal, which followed the recommendation of the EFCC’s Staff Disciplinary Committee, was approved by the Commission’s Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.

Mr Olukoyede noted that the EFCC’s commitment to zero tolerance for corruption, stating that no officer is exempt from scrutiny or disciplinary action.

He assured that all allegations against staff members would be thoroughly investigated, including a recent $400,000 fraud claim involving a supposed staff member and a Sectional Head.

Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised an alarm about the activities of impersonators and blackmailers exploiting the name of its Executive Chairman to extort money from high-profile individuals under investigation.

However, two alleged members of such a syndicate, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, were arraigned before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja.

They were accused of contacting former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello-Koko, and demanding $1 million in exchange for “soft landing” from a non-existent investigation.

The EFCC warned that similar individuals are still at large and preying on unsuspecting victims.

The agency emphasised that its Executive Chairman, Mr. Olukoyede, is a person of integrity who cannot be influenced by monetary offers. The public is encouraged to report any such fraudulent activities to the EFCC.

The Commission also disclosed that some individuals are attempting to blackmail EFCC officers through unscrupulous means, particularly those under investigation for economic and financial crimes who have failed to compromise their investigators.

The EFCC urged the public to disregard such blackmailers and remain vigilant.