The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken significant action by detaining 10 officers from its Lagos Zonal Command. These officers are being held over allegations of theft, specifically involving missing operational items that they failed to account for during their duties.
In an official statement released in Abuja on Wednesday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrests, shedding light on the agency's ongoing efforts to combat corruption within its ranks. Oyewale emphasized that the actions are part of a broader reform agenda spearheaded by EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede. This initiative is focused on rooting out corruption at all levels of the organization, including within its own operational structure.
The detained officers were taken into custody last week, following specific directives from EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede. According to Oyewale, the investigation into the missing items has progressed significantly, with the commission determined to hold accountable any officers found guilty of misconduct. He made it clear that those who fail to meet the commission’s standards will face internal disciplinary actions. “These officers are being investigated for their failure to account for certain operational items,” Oyewale explained. “Any officer found guilty will be held responsible and will face the appropriate disciplinary measures.”
This development comes just days after the EFCC made headlines with the announcement of the dismissal of 27 officers, who were implicated in fraudulent activities and misconduct over the course of 2024. These dismissals were a result of investigations conducted by the EFCC’s staff disciplinary committee, whose recommendations were subsequently approved by the commission’s chairman, Ola Olukoyede. The decision to dismiss the officers highlights the EFCC's unwavering commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards within its operations.
Chairman Olukoyede reiterated the commission's zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and misconduct within its ranks, stressing that no officer, regardless of their position or rank, would be protected from facing disciplinary action if found guilty of wrongdoing. “We are committed to maintaining the integrity of the EFCC,” Olukoyede stated. “Our efforts to reform the agency are ongoing, and we will continue to take decisive actions to ensure that corruption has no place within the commission.”
