REWIND: In 2023, EFCC banned officials from conducting sting operations at night 

In November 2023, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) barred its personnel from conducting sting operations at night. 

In a statement issued on November 1, Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, said Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the commission, ordered that night operations be stopped at all the commands of the anti-graft agency.

“In line with the newly-reviewed procedures on arrest and bail of suspects by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has directed that sting operations at night time be stopped in all the Commands of the EFCC,” the statement reads.

“He gave the directive in Abuja on Wednesday, November 1 2023, in reaction to the arrest of 69 suspected internet fraudsters by operatives of the Ibadan Zonal command of the Commission in lle-lfe, Osun State.

“Already, many of the suspects duly profiled by the Command have been released, while profiling of suspects yet un-released will be completed, without further delay.

“The Commission wishes to assure the public that it will not relent in its adherence to the rule of law, in the exercise of its mandate.”

MONTHS LATER, EFCC OFFICIALS CONTINUE NIGHT OPERATIONS

Olukoyede’s directive has seemingly been breached by operatives.

In July 2024, the EFCC chairman set up a disciplinary team to probe two officers of the agency who were seen in a viral video “manhandling a female worker” at the Regional Hotel in Ojo, Lagos.

The hotel raid reportedly occurred before dawn.

On January 17, 2025, Aminu Salisu, an assistant superintendent officer (ASO) in the EFCC, was shot dead during a night operation in Anambra.

Salisu was killed by a suspected internet fraudster.

Oyewale said the officer was killed while discharging a “legitimate duty”.

The anti-graft agency added that the alleged internet fraudster has been arrested and would soon be charged in court.