No hiding place for the corrupt – EFCC boss, Olukoyede

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has affirmed that there will be no refuge for the corrupt in Nigeria. 

Mr Olukoyede emphasised that this commitment aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s resolute stance to aggressively address economic and financial crimes as well as other forms of corruption. 

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mr Olukoyede highlighted that President Tinubu is fostering an environment conducive to anti-graft activities for both the EFCC and ICPC. 

He underscored that no Nigerian is exempt from investigation regarding any corruption allegations.

ALSO READ: Suspended minister Betta Edu arrives EFCC office

“We believe that with the kind of President we have, who is ready and willing to do the right thing and from what we have seen in recent times and in the last 48 hours, it is clear that he has provided the political will and leadership and created the atmosphere for us to work. So there is no hiding place for the corrupt. 

“We must give our best, we must be committed and give the President the right support he needs. Nobody is too big to be investigated in this country. Once you are not playing according to the rules, we will investigate you”, he said.

He emphasised that the collaboration with the ICPC was a significant indicator to the nation that anti-corruption agencies were uniting, extending gestures of camaraderie, and fostering cooperation.

Highlighting the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the agencies, he underscored, “Today, the MoU is active, serving as a dynamic document we can periodically reassess to align with mutual interests.”

ALSO READ: Gov Aiyedatiwa hasn’t appointed NURTW Chairman – Ondo Govt 

Mr. Olukoyede stated that the substantial caseloads managed by both agencies justified their autonomous presence in combating corruption.

“Even with five anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria, we hardly can do more than scratch the surface. One anti-corruption agency in the US has a staff strength of about thirty-five thousand. I am not sure the staff strength of the EFCC and the ICPC put together will be up to seven thousand.   Though people have been talking of duplication of responsibilities between the EFCC and ICPC, I don’t see it from that perspective. 

“I see it from the perspective of the enormity of the work on our hands. When you are limited by staff strength and resources and  there is still so much to be done, it becomes important to work together and see if we can move the country forward.”

The EFCC boss said the crucial reminder he conveyed to the Senate during his confirmation session about the imperative collaboration among EFCC, ICPC, Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU, and Code of Conduct Tribunal. He highlighted the collective responsibility to combat corruption, identifying it as a significant impediment to economic and national development.

ALSO READ: Fraud: Tinubu suspends Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation 

The ICPC boss underscored the importance of fostering understanding and synergy between the Commission and EFCC in their shared mission to tackle corruption.

“It is very important for us to work together. And we cannot work together without having a good relationship, that’s why I decided to extend hands of friendship to the EFCC so that we can see how we can work closely in helping this country to fight corruption. I am aware that there is an MoU between the ICPC and the EFCC.”

He maintained that “ICPC is very much ready to collaborate and partner with the EFCC. We thank God that there is a good working relationship and I hope that we are going to sustain this relationship. I also hope we will be meeting on a regular basis to review what we are doing together to see how we can strengthen our relationship. May God help us in the discharge of these onerous tasks”.