EFCC Detains 10 Officers Over Alleged Theft of Operational Items
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained 10 officers from its Lagos Zonal Command in connection with the alleged theft of operational items. In a statement released on Wednesday, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, disclosed that the arrests were ordered by the agency’s Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
Although the official statement did not specify the stolen items, sources revealed that the officers allegedly broke into the EFCC’s exhibit room and stole foreign currency, gold, and other valuables.
A source, speaking anonymously due to lack of authorization, said, “The operatives broke into the exhibit room and stole foreign currency, gold, and other exhibits.”
This development follows the recent dismissal of 27 EFCC personnel for fraudulent activities and misconduct, signaling intensified efforts by the commission to address internal corruption.
In his statement, Oyewale emphasized that the detention of the officers was part of broader efforts to cleanse the commission of unethical practices. “Ten officers of the Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC are currently being detained in connection with the investigation of some missing operational items involving them. These officers, who were arrested last week on the directives of the Executive Chairman, are being questioned over the theft of items they could not account for,” he said.
Oyewale also noted that investigators were making significant progress and that officers found culpable would face internal disciplinary measures.
NGO Commends EFCC Leadership
Meanwhile, Journalists Against Corruption (JAC), a non-governmental organization, has commended the EFCC for its decisive actions against erring personnel. In a statement issued on Wednesday, JAC’s Project Coordinator, Kehinde Osifisan, praised the leadership of Ola Olukoyede for taking bold steps to uphold integrity within the commission.
“Since its inception in 2002, this is the first time that the commission will sack 27 members of staff in one fell swoop for fraudulent activities and misconduct,” Osifisan noted.
He described the move as a significant milestone in the EFCC’s fight against corruption. “It speaks to the commitment of the Ola Olukoyede-led management to rid the commission of bad eggs. Indeed, a classic case of matching words with actions,” he added.
JAC further urged the EFCC leadership to sustain its reforms and ensure that all personnel uphold the highest standards of integrity. “We do hope that this singular action will serve as a check on other staff of the commission and make them eschew any form of fraudulent act or misconduct,” Osifisan stated.
The EFCC’s latest actions come amidst growing scrutiny over the conduct of its personnel. Observers have called for more transparency and accountability within the agency, given its central role in Nigeria’s fight against corruption.
The fate of the detained officers remains uncertain, as investigations continue to unfold. However, the EFCC has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining internal discipline and ensuring that its officials live above reproach in their fight against graft.