The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed two of its staff members over allegations of corruption, with plans for their prosecution now underway.
EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, made the disclosure on Monday, November 18, at the opening of the 6th Annual Criminal Law Review Conference organised by the Rule of Law Development Foundation in Abuja.
Olukoyede revealed that the two staff members were dismissed two weeks ago for misconduct, emphasising that such actions are in line with ongoing reforms within the commission.
“We cannot be fighting corruption with dirty hands,” Olukoyede stated.
“Those who come to equity must have clean hands.” He further confirmed that, beyond dismissal, the commission would prosecute any staff found guilty of corrupt practices, as they would be held to the same standards as the individuals the EFCC prosecutes.
“Just two weeks ago, I caused the dismissal of two staff members,” he said.
“I will not only be dismissing them, but I will also be prosecuting them. We are already preparing case files for some of those dismissed.”
Olukoyede also shared a personal experience, revealing that during his tenure as EFCC secretary, he was investigated for two years, underscoring the importance of integrity in the fight against corruption.
He stressed that legal practitioners, in particular, must maintain high ethical standards to survive in the profession.
Additionally, Olukoyede confirmed that he had issued a directive to streamline EFCC prosecutions, specifying that no case should exceed a 15-count charge to improve efficiency in the commission’s operations.
