The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) faces growing scrutiny following reports of corruption, theft, and misconduct among its operatives.
Investigations reveal that some officials have been dismissed or detained for stealing recovered assets, including cash and gold bars, valued at billions of naira.
Sources within the agency disclosed that over 27 officers were dismissed in 2024 for misconduct. Notably, 10 officers from the Lagos Zonal Command were detained over missing items such as gold bars worth over ₦1 billion and cash between $350,000 and $400,000. Similarly, an officer in Kaduna allegedly stole $30,000 in exhibits, further tainting the agency’s image.
Internal sources attribute these incidents to poverty and poor oversight, emphasizing the need for stricter security protocols. Experts recommend that high-value items be secured in bank vaults or under multi-layered security measures, with accountability shared among multiple credible officials.
The EFCC has launched an internal audit of its recovered assets, with Chairman Ola Olukoyode directing increased surveillance and restricted access to exhibit rooms. While some critics link the misconduct to poor welfare conditions for operatives, the EFCC maintains that no justification exists for such acts and has vowed to prosecute offenders.
The agency is also grappling with public backlash over its controversial night operations, which led to the fatal shooting of an operative in Awka, Anambra State. Legal experts and the public have condemned these protocols, calling for due diligence and respect for citizens’ rights during raids.
Anti-corruption advocates and analysts urge comprehensive reforms within the EFCC to restore public confidence in its operations. The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) highlights the need for an internal “organizational diagnosis” to identify and eliminate corrupt elements within the commission.
