EFCC Detains 10 Officers Over Alleged Theft of Foreign Currency, Gold

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained 10 officers over the alleged theft of operational items they could not account for. The detention follows directives from the EFCC Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, aimed at addressing corruption within the agency.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the arrests, which stemmed from an investigation into missing operational items. Although the statement did not specify the stolen items, sources revealed to The media that the officers are accused of breaking into the EFCC’s exhibit room and stealing foreign currency and gold.

A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, explained, “The operatives broke into the exhibit room and stole foreign currency, gold, and other exhibits.”

The arrests come just days after the EFCC announced the dismissal of 27 personnel for involvement in fraudulent activities. Oyewale further emphasized that the investigation into the missing items is part of the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to eliminate corrupt practices within the agency.

“Ten officers from the Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC are currently being detained in connection with the investigation into the theft of operational items. These officers, who were arrested last week under the directive of the Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, are being questioned about items they could not account for,” Oyewale said in the statement. “Investigators are making significant progress, and those found guilty will face internal disciplinary actions.”

Meanwhile, the anti-corruption group, Journalists Against Corruption (JAC), has praised the EFCC for its bold stance in addressing misconduct within its ranks. In a statement, the Project Coordinator of JAC, Kehinde Osifisan, applauded the EFCC’s leadership for dismissing 27 officers in one swift action. He noted that this is the first time since the EFCC’s inception in 2002 that such a large-scale dismissal had taken place.

“This is the first time the EFCC has dismissed 27 officers in one fell swoop for fraudulent activities and misconduct,” Osifisan said. “It highlights the commitment of the Ola Olukoyede-led management to rid the commission of bad eggs and serves as a powerful example of matching words with actions.”

JAC also urged the EFCC to continue its efforts to ensure that all its officials uphold the highest standards of integrity as they work to combat corruption. The group expressed hope that the recent actions would serve as a deterrent to other EFCC staff, encouraging them to steer clear of fraudulent acts and misconduct.