EFCC

Author: Gist Correspondent

A senior officer of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in the rank of Assistant Commander, has been accused of corruption, abuse of office, obstruction of justice, extortion and unexplained wealth.

The allegations were contained in a six-page petition submitted to EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, on July 9, 2026, by the Network for Justice Association of Nigeria (NJAN), according to PRNigeria.

The petition, signed by NJAN President, Adedeji Sunday Ajala, was also copied to the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

NJAN listed 21 allegations against the officer, including alleged abuse of office, extortion, interference in investigations, unauthorised access to financial intelligence and acquisition of assets allegedly beyond his legitimate income.

The group claimed that the officer presents himself as a close ally and “lifeline” of the EFCC chairman and allegedly uses that perceived access to influence decisions within the Commission.

According to the petition, the officer allegedly bypasses established operational procedures by obtaining approvals directly from the EFCC chairman without routing matters through relevant supervisory authorities.

The petitioners also alleged that he sometimes demands up to 10 per cent of funds involved in petitions before investigations are commenced and allegedly secures approvals for some cases without the Commission's normal vetting process.

Another allegation centres on the purported acquisition of confidential banking information. NJAN claimed the officer uses contacts in the financial sector to obtain information about individuals and companies, which it alleged is sometimes exploited for extortion rather than legitimate investigations.

The group further alleged that the officer holds undisclosed meetings with high-profile suspects within and outside EFCC premises, where unofficial settlements and favourable treatment are allegedly negotiated.

It claimed that some of the meetings were recorded and could be subjected to investigation, while substantial sums in naira and foreign currencies were allegedly received through proxies in exchange for favourable treatment of suspects.

NJAN also alleged that some individuals were falsely told they had been placed on security watchlists in an attempt to extract money from them.

The petition further accused the officer of allegedly collaborating with politicians to deploy EFCC processes against political opponents, including claims of interference with administrative bail in exchange for financial inducements.

The group called for scrutiny of the officer's assets, alleging that his wealth is inconsistent with his official earnings, reportedly put at between N800,000 and N900,000 monthly.

Among the assets cited were luxury vehicles, duplexes allegedly acquired through a construction company and properties in Dubai reportedly purchased through a real estate company.

NJAN alleged that more than $1 million in cash was used for some of the overseas property transactions, including an alleged $300,000 transaction in June 2026.

The petition also questioned the officer's frequent business-class trips to the United States and alleged ownership of property there, urging investigators to examine relevant immigration and financial records.

A poultry business allegedly linked to the officer was also flagged for investigation over claims that it could be used as a front for trade-based money laundering. The petition, however, did not cite any formal finding by a competent authority establishing the allegation.

NJAN further alleged that the officer maintains relationships with influential political and business figures whose interests could overlap with his official responsibilities.

It cited an alleged June 1, 2026 visit to the Abuja residence of a prominent South-East businessman, claiming that an undisclosed amount in US dollars was allegedly paid in connection with an EFCC matter.

Similar allegations were made concerning contacts with political figures in northern Nigeria, some of whom were reportedly linked to cases under the officer's purview.

NJAN warned that if established, the allegations could undermine the credibility of the EFCC, erode public confidence in its anti-corruption campaign and demoralise officers performing their duties professionally.

The organisation therefore called for an independent and comprehensive investigation, preservation of relevant documentary and electronic evidence, protection of potential witnesses and appropriate sanctions if wrongdoing is established.

“A thorough investigation and decisive action will reinforce public confidence in the Commission’s commitment to accountability and send a clear message that no officer, regardless of rank or influence, is above the law,” the petition stated.

However, PRNigeria noted that it had not independently verified the allegations, while the petition did not establish any conviction or formal finding of wrongdoing against the officer.

Responding to enquiries, EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said the Commission maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards internal corruption.

Oyewale said more than 40 EFCC personnel had recently been dismissed following thorough and independent investigations, adding that internal disciplinary reviews remain ongoing.

He, however, said he was not yet aware of the specific petition against the officer.