Identify corrupt EFCC officials, SAN urges Tinubu 20th January 2024

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kayode Ajulo, has called on President Bola Tinubu to set up a presidential task force to unmask officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission involved in corrupt practices.

The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, recently said some of his men were taking bribes from corrupt people under investigation.

Olukoyede disclosed this in his new-year address to the staff of the commission on January 18.

Reacting to the disclosure on Saturday while addressing journalists in Abuja, Ajulo urged the President to set up a task force to unravel the activities of corrupt elements in the agency, adding that an agency saddled with fighting corruption should be above board.

He said the mandate of the presidential task force would be to weed out corrupt elements from the EFCC to enable it to discharge its functions effectively.

The senior lawyer also urged the President to consider merging the EFCC with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

“President Tinubu should immediately set up a presidential task force with a mandate to identify those behind bribe-taking in the EFCC. The fact that the chairman of the commission is the one who made the allegation makes a task force necessary at this time,” Ajulo said.

He added, “The EFCC has long been entrusted with the critical responsibility of preventing, investigating, and prosecuting financial crimes.

“However, recent developments have raised concerns about the Commission’s focus and operations, warranting a thorough reassessment of its mandate and effectiveness.

“Regrettably, it appears that the EFCC has strayed from its primary functions, but rather engaging in what can be described as political posturing.”

He added that the anti-graft agency had prioritised high-profile cases and media sensationalism over its core objectives, “Compromising its ability to diligently pursue and bring to justice the real perpetrators of economic and financial crimes,” he said.

To this extent, Ajulo said it’s important to evaluate the EFCC operations, address shortcomings, and reinforce its commitment to its original purpose.

He said this process necessitated collaboration between the EFCC’s leadership, relevant government bodies, National Security Adviser, Minister of Defence, Civil society organisations, legal experts, and the media.

The legal luminary said the commission needed to restore public trust, enhance transparency, and strengthen its capacity to effectively tackle economic and financial crimes