Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), says its anti-corruption efforts are not targeting opposition figures, contrary to claims in some quarters.
Olukoyede spoke on Thursday at the ‘VON Forum 2025’
programme organised in Abuja by the Voice of Nigeria (VON), in collaboration
with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
The EFCC boss charged the media to uphold editorial
integrity and engage in constructive reportage to strengthen the fight against
corruption, economic and financial crimes.
He said the anti-corruption fight is insulated from partisan politics and is yielding significant results under the current administration, urging all citizens and sectors of the polity, especially the media, to support it.
Olukoyede cited an incident in which the commission arrested
a politically exposed person over the alleged disappearance of about $35
million from the national treasury, funds said to have been meant for the
establishment of a refinery.
He expressed regret that some media reports that followed
the arrest framed it as “EFCC witch-hunting opposition,” without first
examining the facts that led to the action.
Olukoyede also said the anti-corruption campaign is
evidenced in recovered assets, noting that the building housing Voice of
Nigeria is a product of proceeds of crime recovered from a former government
official.
“That edifice that VON is occupying is a proceeds of crime
that was recovered from a former government official. It is evidence that the
war against economic and financial crime is working,” he said.
“As Nigerians, let us work together for the stability of
this country, and one of the best methods is through the media. Let our
reporting be responsible.
“When I arraign members of the ruling party, nobody makes
noise, but the moment I see somebody who belongs to the other side who stole
money and take him to court, all hell will break loose. I want to believe that
you are raising ethical standards to reinforce editorial integrity.”
Olukoyede further disclosed that the Network of National
Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA), which he chairs, was
established to strengthen regional cooperation against financial crimes and
terrorism financing.
“ECOWAS has adopted our protocol, so within the next few
months we will commence operations, so that there will be no barrier for us
going to other parts of West Africa to carry out investigations,” he said.
“We are going to share intelligence and evidence that will
help us to work together to stabilize this part of Africa. This is our next
focus.”
In his welcome address, Jibrin Ndace, director-general of
VON, appreciated Olukoyede for honouring the invitation and noted that Nigeria,
as a founding member of ECOWAS, has consistently played a defining role in the
stability of the region.
He said Nigeria’s contributions over the years have included
peacekeeping missions and diplomatic interventions in countries such as Burkina
Faso, Cape Verde, Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, and
Liberia.
According to him, these efforts demonstrate Nigeria’s
position as a pillar of ECOWAS and underscore its enduring commitment to peace,
democracy, and regional stability.
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