The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, revealed on Monday that two staff members of the commission were recently dismissed over allegations of corruption. Speaking during the opening of the 6th Annual Criminal Law Review Conference in Abuja, Olukoyede emphasized the agency's commitment to maintaining integrity and accountability among its workforce.
The conference, organized by the Rule of Law Development Foundation, focused on the theme: *“Optimising the Administration of Criminal Justice in Nigeria: How to Navigate Emerging and Systemic Challenges of Insecurity and Economic Hardship.”* The event served as a platform for legal and criminal justice stakeholders to discuss reforms and address critical challenges within the system.
Olukoyede disclosed that the two officials were dismissed two weeks ago, affirming that erring staff members would not only lose their jobs but also face prosecution. He stated, “You can’t be fighting corruption and your hands are dirty. He who comes to equity, your hands must also be clean. I will not only be dismissing them, but I will also be prosecuting them because that is what we prosecute others for.”
The EFCC chairman further stressed that integrity must remain the cornerstone of public service. He revealed that some dismissed staff members are currently under investigation, with case files being prepared to ensure they are held accountable for their actions. “If an EFCC staff member cannot stand publicly and declare their innocence, then they have no place in this organization,” Olukoyede declared.
Drawing from his personal experiences, Olukoyede shared that he was subjected to a two-year investigation during his tenure as EFCC secretary, a process he described as enlightening. He noted that his goal as EFCC chairman is to use the commission’s mandate to stimulate economic growth and uphold the rule of law.
The EFCC boss outlined several reforms under his leadership aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and adherence to legal standards. These include reviewing the agency's arrest and detention policies, equipping interrogation rooms in compliance with court judgments, and streamlining prosecution processes. Notably, he highlighted the elimination of unnecessarily lengthy charges, stating that no prosecution under his watch would exceed 15 counts. “If your case is watertight, 15 counts are sufficient,” he asserted, adding that he personally vets case files for high-profile cases to ensure thoroughness and credibility.
Olukoyede also addressed the need for ethical and moral standards within the legal profession. He stressed that legal practice must go beyond technical expertise to include integrity and accountability. According to him, “Integrity is not about law or the ability to write beautiful briefs; it is about law and morality. Your conscience must tell you to do the right thing.
He encouraged constructive criticism of the EFCC’s operations, urging stakeholders to engage with the commission directly to address concerns. He also highlighted reforms in investigative procedures, citing a recent instance where a ministry was investigated without detaining any officials overnight, yet the necessary information was obtained.
The coordinator of the Rule of Law Development Foundation, Joseph Daudu, praised the EFCC’s commitment to reform and underscored the importance of the annual Criminal Law Review Conference. He noted that the event serves as a critical platform for reviewing developments in crime prevention, prosecution, and adjudication, alongside post-adjudicatory processes within the criminal justice system.
Olukoyede’s statements and the broader discussions at the conference underscore a renewed focus on ethics, accountability, and efficiency in Nigeria’s fight against corruption. As the EFCC continues to implement reforms, stakeholders anticipate a more transparent and effective criminal justice system.
