The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is grappling with internal scandals following claims of theft and misconduct among its operatives.
The agency, which is tasked with fighting corruption, has come under scrutiny after a series of incidents involving stolen recovered assets, including gold bars, cash, and other valuables.
In 2024, at least 27 EFCC officers were dismissed due to misconduct, fraud, and theft of assets under their custody. The agency’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed on January 6, 2025, that the EFCC was investigating an alleged $400,000 theft by an unknown staff member, which reportedly involved a sectional head.
Two days later, 10 officers from the Lagos zonal command were detained following the discovery that operational items, including gold bars valued at over N1 billion and a large sum of money, had gone missing.
Further controversy arose when an officer from the Kaduna zonal office was accused of stealing more than $30,000, adding to the mounting concerns about internal corruption. However, the EFCC has remained silent about this specific incident.
A senior security source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed deep disappointment over the thefts, noting that the poverty and rising cost of living in the country might have contributed to the temptation for some operatives to engage in such activities.
The source stressed that lack of proper safeguards, such as ensuring multiple officers had access to exhibit rooms, played a significant role in these incidents. The source also highlighted the importance of securing high-value items in a safe, controlled environment, such as a bank vault.
In response to the mounting scandal, the EFCC’s management has launched an internal audit to review the handling of recovered assets.
According to a credible source, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyode has ordered restricted access to exhibit rooms and implemented increased surveillance across zonal offices to address the situation.
“The chairman is not happy about the incidents and the backlash from the public,” the source said, explaining that the audit aims to promote accountability and transparency within the agency.
Oyewale confirmed that the internal audit was part of an effort to cleanse the system and reinforce integrity within the commission. He denied allegations that poor welfare conditions led to the misconduct, emphasizing that such actions could never be justified.
In addition to the thefts, the EFCC has also faced criticism over its controversial night raids, particularly after the death of one of its operatives, Aminu Salisu, during a midnight operation in Anambra State.
Public outrage has grown over these tactics, with many questioning the legality and ethics of such operations. Legal experts have called for better due diligence and adherence to the rule of law before carrying out arrests.
