EFCC fires over 40 staff for corruption and fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has fired more than 40 staff members due to alleged corruption and financial wrongdoing in the last two and a half years.

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, shared this information in Abuja during a press briefing on Monday.

Mr Olukoyede mentioned that more than five of the fired officers are already facing court cases. The commission is also getting ready to file charges against other staff members.

"In the past two and a half years or three years of my service, I have asked them to dismiss over 40 staff on account of corruption and financial malpractice," he said.

"More than five of them are being prosecuted at the moment. You can follow those cases in court; they are public knowledge."

The chairman added that these actions are part of the efforts to make sure EFCC staff keep the integrity needed for those looking into corruption cases.

He said the commission has also put in place new measures to improve accountability among its workers. This includes a policy on how to handle gifts.

Under this new policy, staff must declare gifts over a certain amount, even those from family abroad.

Mr Olukoyede emphasized that the commission will clarify what types and values of gifts staff can accept. This policy aims to help officers account for their income and living standards.

"EFCC personnel cannot effectively fight corruption while engaging in corrupt practices themselves," he stated.

As part of internal changes, the commission has renamed its former Department of Internal Affairs to the Department of Ethics and Integrity.

The chairman explained that this name change shows the commission’s commitment to focus more on ethical behavior and accountability within its ranks.