The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed more than 40 of its personnel over allegations of corruption and financial misconduct in the past three years, the commission’s Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed.

Olukoyede revealed this on Monday during a media engagement at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja to mark his three years in office.

He also announced that at least five former staff members of the anti-graft agency are currently facing prosecution over alleged corrupt practices.

EFCC enforces internal accountability

The EFCC chairman said the disciplinary actions were part of efforts to ensure that officers responsible for investigating financial crimes are held to the same standards expected of members of the public.

According to him, corruption within the commission cannot be tolerated because the agency must maintain credibility while carrying out its mandate.

“In the past two and a half to three years of my service, I have asked them to dismiss over 40 staff on account of corruption and financial malpractice. More than five of them are being prosecuted at the moment,” Olukoyede said.

He explained that some cases involving affected personnel had already reached the courts, while other investigations were being prepared for prosecution.

‘EFCC officers must have clean hands’

Olukoyede said it would be inconsistent for the EFCC to prosecute corruption cases nationwide while ignoring misconduct within its own ranks.

He stressed that officers involved in fighting financial crimes must demonstrate integrity and transparency.

“You can’t be fighting corruption when your hands are soiled with corrupt practices,” he said.

The chairman added that the commission’s internal disciplinary measures were aimed at strengthening public confidence in its operations.

Commission introduces ethics reforms

As part of efforts to improve internal governance, Olukoyede announced the transformation of the former Internal Affairs Department into the Department of Ethics and Integrity.

He said the restructuring was designed to promote what he described as “internal cleansing” within the commission.

The EFCC chairman also disclosed the introduction of a new gift policy aimed at preventing conflicts of interest among personnel.

Under the policy, officers will be required to declare gifts above a certain value, including items received from friends and relatives locally and internationally.

He said the commission would also establish guidelines on acceptable gifts and require officers to explain their sources of income and lifestyle standards.

Institutional reforms needed to fight corruption

Olukoyede argued that successful anti-corruption efforts require more than arrests and prosecutions.

He said stronger policies, institutional reforms and systems that prevent financial leakages are essential to reducing corruption.

“The most effective system that fights financial crime is not law enforcement. It is the policy regime and institutional reforms that close leakages,” he said.

The EFCC chairman also urged the media and civil society organisations to continue playing their watchdog roles in promoting transparency and accountability.

Background Information

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is Nigeria’s leading agency responsible for investigating and prosecuting economic and financial crimes, including fraud, money laundering and corruption-related offences.

Since its establishment, the commission has faced public scrutiny over both its effectiveness and internal accountability.

Anti-corruption experts often argue that agencies fighting corruption must maintain strong internal transparency to preserve public trust