The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has come under intense scrutiny following allegations of theft by its operatives. Recent findings reveal misconduct involving fraud and theft of recovered assets, including cash and gold bars.
Reports show that at least 27 EFCC officers were dismissed in 2024 for misconduct. Investigations are ongoing into additional cases, including a trending $400,000 claim implicating an unnamed EFCC sectional head. In Lagos, ten officers were detained for their inability to account for missing operational items.
A security source disclosed that the missing items included gold bars worth over ₦1 billion, jewellery, and up to $400,000 in cash. This development has raised serious concerns about internal accountability within the EFCC.
Scandals Continue at Kaduna Zonal Office
While the Lagos incident was still under investigation, another scandal emerged at the EFCC’s Kaduna Zonal Office. An officer, identified as Polycarp, reportedly stole over $30,000 and other valuable exhibits. The EFCC has remained silent on this incident, which has further damaged its public image.
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Why EFCC Operatives Are Stealing Exhibits
A credible security source described the theft of exhibits as “highly disappointing.” The source attributed this trend to poverty, the high cost of living, and unrestricted access to valuables.
“Allowing unchecked access to dollars and gold bars tempts even trained professionals,” the source explained. High-value items, the source argued, should be stored in bank vaults or secured locations with multiple layers of security.
Suggested Preventive Measures
The source recommended stricter measures to prevent such incidents. These include requiring multiple credible officials to access secured locations simultaneously. Each official should hold a unique key, ensuring accountability.
On punitive actions, the source emphasized, “Officials caught stealing must face outright dismissal and prosecution. They should face harsher penalties to deter others.”
Public Fallout and Operational Missteps
The public fallout from these scandals is significant. “What happens if a court orders the return of stolen items?” the source asked. Such scenarios could lead to major scandals and undermine the EFCC’s credibility.
Senior EFCC officials have expressed embarrassment over these incidents. “Our chairman is transparent, which is why these cases are not hidden,” one official stated. A criminologist, Jackson Lekan-Ojo, added, “Officers caught stealing must be punished severely. The EFCC needs to clean up its ranks.”
Bobrisky’s Allegations Add to EFCC’s Woes
Adding to the agency’s troubles, a leaked audio recording purportedly accused EFCC officials of extorting N15 million from a popular crossdresser, Idris Okunoye, also known as Bobrisky. Although Bobrisky denied the audio’s authenticity, the incident further dented the EFCC’s image.
EFCC Initiates Internal Audit
The EFCC has responded to these crises by initiating a full-scale audit of recovered assets across its zonal offices. The agency’s chairman, Ola Olukoyode, directed stricter access controls and increased surveillance of exhibit rooms.
EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale stated, “This internal cleansing aims to restore integrity and accountability within the commission.” He denied allegations that poor welfare of operatives contributed to the thefts.
“Poverty and poor conditions do not justify fraudulent practices,” Oyewale said. He added that recent actions against corruption within the EFCC have provoked backlash from dismissed officers.
Outrage Over EFCC’s Night Operations
The EFCC has also faced criticism for its controversial night operations. These operations recently led to the fatal shooting of an EFCC operative, Aminu Salisu, in Anambra State. Despite earlier directives to halt such operations, they have continued, sparking public outcry.
Legal practitioners have condemned the EFCC’s operational protocols. Lawyer Darlington Agomuo stated, “Barging into private residences at night without proper identification is unprofessional.” Public reactions on social media have also criticized the agency’s heavy-handed tactics.
Calls for Reforms in EFCC
The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) has called for urgent reforms within the EFCC. CACOL’s executive director, Debo Adeniran, lamented that public confidence in anti-corruption agencies has waned.
“The EFCC must conduct an organisational diagnosis to identify and prosecute corrupt officials,” Adeniran said. He warned that operational misconduct could undermine the fight against corruption.
Expert Opinions on Solutions
Professor Nnamdi Aduba, a YIAGA Africa board member, attributed the EFCC’s problems to political interference and weak internal controls. He suggested that an outsider should lead the agency’s reform efforts.
“Many EFCC operatives should not even be in service,” Aduba noted. He also advocated for better remuneration and thorough background checks for personnel.
Similarly, intelligence consultant Abuh Adam called for continuous monitoring of EFCC staff, including their relationships and associations. “These issues could result from infiltrators acting on behalf of suspects,” he warned.
Okechukwu Nwanguma, executive director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, criticized the EFCC’s use of night raids. He called for stronger oversight, ethical training, and enhanced whistleblower protections to restore the agency’s credibility.
The EFCC faces a critical juncture as it battles internal scandals and public outrage. Urgent reforms are needed to restore its credibility and ensure accountability within the agency. Stronger internal controls, ethical training, and transparent leadership are essential to achieving these goals.
