Olukoyede introduced professionalism to EFCC operations, says Joseph Izibili

Joseph Izibili, a public affairs analyst, says Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), introduced professionalism to the operations of the anti-graft agency.

In an editorial on The Explainer, a weekly publication of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Izibili said Olukoyede restructured the EFCC.

In October 2023, President Bola Tinubu appointed Olukoyede as executive chairman of the EFCC.

The senate confirmed Olukoyede in October. Izibili said the EFCC chairman has reshaped the commission since assumption of office.

He added that the EFCC secured more than 3,000 convictions in a year.

“EFCC is not only vigorously fighting economic and financial crimes, it has also brutally turned the heat against the scourge of cybercrimes by young elements in the society,” he said.

“Thus, data obtained by The Explainer on the outputs of anti-corruption war between October, 2023 and September, 2024, revealed that the EFCC under the watch of Olukoyede secured unprecedented 3,455 convictions — within one year.

“Data also showed landmark recoveries thus far to the tune of N248.750 billion; $105.423 million; $180,300; £53,133.64; €172,547.10 and T1,300.00 Indian Rupees.

“Aside cash recoveries, EFCC under the watch of Olukoyede had also made staggering recoveries. Most significant was the recovery of 753 duplexes on December 2, 2024 in Abuja, documented as the largest single recovery in the history of anti-corruption war.

“It has also recovered various other assets, including real estate properties and notable valuables.”

Izibili said the commission launched a radio station in May through which it disseminates anti-corruption messages.

He said the anti-graft agency chairman reviewed the commission’s bail and arrest procedures to promote the rule of law and ensure compliance with the EFCC Act.

“Conscious of the entrenchment of a functional system as a precursor to effective delivery, Olukoyede initially opted to restructure EFCC organs,” Izibili said.

“First, he renamed key departments, created new ones and expanded the agency’s frontiers.

“Thus, he renamed Operations Department as Investigations Department, Department of Internal Affairs as Department of Ethics and Integrity while zonal commands were transformed into zonal directorates with directors heading each of them.

“He also created two new departments — Fraud Risk Assessment and Control (FRAC) and Security.

“Whereas FRAC Department coordinates the preventive work of EFCC, Security Department superintends over issues of internal and external security simultaneously to promote anti-corruption awareness.”