The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed that 27 of its officers were dismissed in 2024 for misconduct and fraudulent activities as part of the agency’s commitment to enforcing integrity within its ranks.

Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, emphasizing that the dismissals followed recommendations from the commission’s Staff Disciplinary Committee, which were subsequently ratified by the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.

“In its quest to enforce integrity and rid its fold of fraudulent elements, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission dismissed 27 officers from its workforce in 2024,” Oyewale stated.

The EFCC Chairman reiterated the agency’s zero-tolerance policy for corruption, stressing that all allegations against staff members would be thoroughly investigated. Among the ongoing investigations is a trending $400,000 claim involving a yet-to-be-identified EFCC staff member against a Sectional Head.

“The core values of the commission remain sacrosanct and will always be upheld,” Olukoyede affirmed, underlining the EFCC’s commitment to accountability and transparency.

In addition to internal reforms, the EFCC issued a public warning about impersonators and blackmailers exploiting the name of its chairman to extort money from high-profile suspects under investigation.

The commission revealed that two alleged members of such a syndicate, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, were recently arraigned before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.

The suspects reportedly contacted former Nigerian Ports Authority Managing Director, Mohammed Bello-Koko, and demanded $1 million to secure a “soft landing” in a fabricated investigation.

The EFCC noted that similar criminal elements remain at large and urged the public to report such activities.

Oyewale emphasized that the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, remains steadfast in his integrity and cannot be influenced by monetary offers.

“Olukoyede is a man of integrity who cannot be swayed by monetary influences. The public is enjoined to report such disreputable elements to the commission,” Oyewale said.

The EFCC also addressed attempts to blackmail its officers, particularly by suspects who fail to compromise their investigators. “Suspects under investigation for economic and financial crimes, who have failed to compromise their investigators, often resort to blackmail. These blackmailers should not be given any attention,” Oyewale added.

The EFCC reassured Nigerians of its unwavering commitment to combating corruption, ensuring accountability within its ranks, and protecting the integrity of its operations.