EFCC Investigators Taking Bribes, Chairman Laments
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, on Thursday, raised the alarm about the craze for gratification and bribes among the commission’s investigators, noting that he had a process in progress to fish them out.
Olukoyede revealed this on Thursday in his New Year address to staff members of the anti-graft agency at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
According to the EFCC chairman, public opinion about EFCC investigators is poor, a situation he named embarrassing for the anti-graft agency.
He warned that such conduct would no longer be tolerated under his watch, vowing that he would wield the big stick against investigators taking bribes.
Olukoyede said, “At this point, I need to strongly reiterate the issue of discipline, integrity and sense of responsibility in the way we do our work. Public opinions about the conduct of some of our investigators are adverse. The craze and quest for gratification, bribes and other compromises by some of our investigators are becoming too embarrassing and this must not continue. Let me sound a note of warning in this regard. I will not hesitate to wield the big stick against any form of infraction by any staff of the Commission. The Department of Internal Affairs has been directed to be more ardent in its work and monitor every staff in all their engagements. The image of the commission is too important to be placed on the line by any corrupt officer.”
He added that steps were already being taken to improve the welfare of EFCC staff members.
“I may not talk about specifics. However, the new year promises to bring smiles on the faces of staff across all the commands. We will continue to do our best to put all of you at your best. However, to whom much is given, much is expected,” the EFCC chairman said.
