I’ve Never Taken Bribe’, EFCC Chair Dismisses Corruption Allegation
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has strongly denied allegations of corruption levelled against him, insisting that he has never accepted a bribe throughout his years in public service.
Olukoyede made the clarification while speaking in a recent television interview amid growing public scrutiny of Nigeria’s anti-graft agency and its leadership. He challenged anyone with evidence of wrongdoing against him to present it, stressing that neither he nor members of his family have benefited from proceeds of corruption or assets recovered by the commission. According to the EFCC boss, his career trajectory within the commission — serving previously as Chief of Staff and Secretary before his appointment as Chairman — has been guided by integrity and accountability. He maintained that no Nigerian can credibly accuse him of collecting money or compromising investigations in the course of his official duties. The denial comes at a time when the EFCC is intensifying efforts to clean up its internal operations. Under Olukoyede’s leadership, the commission has dismissed several officers accused of corrupt practices and has indicated that those cases will be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others. He noted that internal discipline is critical if the agency is to maintain moral authority in its fight against corruption nationwide Olukoyede also reaffirmed the EFCC’s commitment to transparency and fairness, saying the commission remains focused on investigating and prosecuting economic and financial crimes regardless of the status or political affiliation of those involved. He added that public confidence in the EFCC can only be sustained when its leadership is beyond reproach. The controversy surrounding the EFCC chair unfolds amid ongoing high-profile corruption cases and renewed debates about the independence of anti-graft institutions in Nigeria. As corruption remains a central national challenge, observers say the credibility of the EFCC leadership will continue to play a crucial role in shaping public trust in the country’s anti-corruption drive.
