Senior EFCC Officer faces allegations of abuse of office and unexplained wealth

Despite the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, championing a zero-tolerance policy on internal corruption, a senior managerial officer in the rank of Assistant Commander (ACE) of the Commission has been accused of extensive corruption, abuse of office, obstruction of justice, and unexplained wealth.

The allegations are contained in a six-page petition submitted to the EFCC Chairman on July 9, 2026, by the Network for Justice Association of Nigeria (NJAN), a copy of which PRNigeria obtained.

The petition comes amid heightened scrutiny of alleged misconduct within the anti-graft agency, including a separate investigation involving a sectional head over a reported $400,000 corruption allegation.

Olukoyede has repeatedly emphasised internal cleansing as essential to the credibility of the Commission’s anti-corruption campaign, with the EFCC sanctioning and dismissing personnel found culpable of fraud, misconduct and other breaches.

However, the latest petition raises serious allegations against a senior officer reportedly close to the Commission’s leadership and whose monthly remuneration is said to be between N800,000 and N900,000.

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

NJAN listed 21 allegations against the officer, ranging from abuse of office and extortion to interference with investigations, unauthorised access to financial intelligence and acquisition of assets allegedly inconsistent with his legitimate income.

PRNigeria has not independently established the allegations, and the petition did not provide evidence of any conviction or formal finding of wrongdoing against the officer.

According to the petition, individuals who supplied some of the information requested anonymity because of alleged fears of victimisation within the Commission. NJAN, however, maintained that the claims were based on what it described as “consistent accounts and observable patterns” capable of being independently verified.

One of the central allegations is that the officer presents himself as the “lifeline” of the EFCC Chairman and allegedly invokes his purported closeness to the leadership to wield influence within the Commission.

The petitioners alleged that the officer sometimes bypasses established operational procedures by obtaining approvals directly from the Chairman without routing matters through relevant supervisory channels, including the Head and Director of Operations.

They further claimed that the officer allegedly demands as much as 10 per cent of sums involved in some petitions before investigations commence and, in certain instances, secures approval for petitions without subjecting them to the Commission’s normal vetting process.

Another allegation concerns the purported acquisition of confidential banking information. NJAN alleged that the officer works with contacts in the financial sector to obtain information on individuals and companies, which is subsequently used for extortion rather than legitimate investigation and prosecution.

The group also accused the officer of holding undisclosed meetings with high-profile suspects inside and outside EFCC premises, where unofficial settlements and “soft landings” were allegedly negotiated.

The petition claimed that some of the alleged encounters were recorded and could be investigated. Among the most serious accusations are claims that the officer received substantial sums in local and foreign currencies through proxies in exchange for favourable treatment of suspects.

The petition also alleged that some individuals were falsely informed they had been placed on security watchlists to extract money from them. It further accused the officer of conspiring with politicians to use EFCC processes against political opponents, including alleged interference with administrative bail in return for financial inducements.

The petitioners also urged scrutiny of the officer’s assets, which they claim are far beyond his legitimate earnings. They cited luxury vehicles, duplexes allegedly acquired through a construction firm, and Dubai properties reportedly purchased through a real estate company.

NJAN alleged that over $1 million in cash was used for some of the overseas acquisitions, including a purported $300,000 transaction in June 2026 — claims PRNigeria has not independently verified.

The petition further questioned the officer’s frequent business-class trips to the United States and alleged ownership of property there, calling for checks on immigration and financial records. A poultry business linked to the officer was also flagged for investigation over suspicions that it may serve as a front for trade-based money laundering, though the petition cited no formal findings by any competent authority.

NJAN also alleged that the officer maintains relationships with influential political and business figures whose interests could intersect with his official duties. In one instance, the petition claimed that a prominent South-East businessman allegedly engaged the officer to influence a case before the Commission, including a reported visit to the businessman’s Abuja residence on June 1, 2026, where an undisclosed sum in USD was allegedly paid to suppress a matter.

The petition similarly alleged contacts with political figures in northern Nigeria, including individuals reportedly linked to cases under the officer’s purview. It warned that, if proven, such relationships could compromise the EFCC’s credibility, weaken public confidence in anti-corruption enforcement and demoralise officers who carry out their duties professionally.

They consequently called on Olukoyede to institute an independent and comprehensive investigation into the allegations, secure relevant documentary and electronic evidence, protect potential witnesses and take appropriate action where 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.

When contacted, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale told PRNigeria that the Commission maintains a strict zero-tolerance stance on internal corruption. He said over 40 staff members were recently dismissed following thorough, independent investigations.

Oyewale said internal disciplinary reviews are continuous but noted that he was not yet aware of the latest petition specifically targeting the officer. (PRNigeria)