The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has confirmed the dismissal of 27 officers in 2024 even as Nigerians urged full disclosure on their offences and identity.
Those sent away were punished as a result of its ongoing efforts to enforce integrity and eliminate fraudulent elements within its ranks.
In a statement released by the Commission, it was noted that the terminations were in line with the EFCC’s dedication to ensuring accountability and transparency.
The statement said the officers were dismissed for various offenses related to misconduct and fraudulent activities.
The decision to sack the officers followed the recommendations of the EFCC’s Staff Disciplinary Committee and was ratified by the Commission’s Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede.
The EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, emphasized that the action is part of the Commission’s broader effort to maintain the highest standards of integrity within its operations.
“The EFCC is committed to zero tolerance for corruption,” Oyewale stated, underscoring that no officer is immune to disciplinary measures.
He also highlighted that any allegation against a member of the EFCC would be thoroughly investigated.
One of the specific cases mentioned by Oyewale was a claim involving a $400,000 extortion attempt.
The alleged incident concerns an unnamed staff member of the EFCC and a Sectional Head.
The EFCC has vowed to investigate the matter fully.
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The statement also drew attention to the dangerous activities of impersonators and blackmailers who have been exploiting the name of the EFCC’s Executive Chairman to extort money from high-profile suspects under investigation by the Commission.
For instance, the EFCC reported that two members of a suspected extortion syndicate, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, were recently arraigned before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.
They were charged with contacting Mr. Mohammed Bello-Kaka, the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and demanding $1 million from him.
The extortionists claimed that the money was needed to ensure that Olukoyede would offer a “soft landing” to Kaka in a non-existent investigation.
In response to these developments, the EFCC assured the public that Olukoyede remains a man of integrity, impervious to monetary influence.
“Olukoyede remains a man of integrity who cannot be swayed by financial inducements,” Oyewale said.
The EFCC also encouraged members of the public to report any such fraudulent activities to the Commission.
Additionally, the EFCC highlighted its awareness of attempts by suspects under investigation to blackmail the Commission’s officers.
Those being probed for economic and financial crimes, unable to compromise investigators, are reportedly resorting to disreputable tactics.
The Commission has warned that these blackmailers should not be given any attention or credibility.
The EFCC’s statement concluded with a strong reiteration of the Commission’s commitment to maintaining its core values, asserting that any attempts to undermine the integrity of its operations will not be tolerated.
The Commission remains steadfast in its fight against corruption and fraudulent practices, ensuring that all staff members adhere to the highest standards of professionalism.
Crediblenewsng.com
