…Agency detains 10 officers for theft, days after sacking 27
In a dramatic twist to its ongoing battle against corruption, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained 10 officers attached to its Lagos zonal command over alleged theft of operational items.
The arrests, which took place last week, were made on the directive of the EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the officers are under investigation for their involvement in the theft of operational materials they could not account for.
While Oyewale did not disclose the names of those arrested, he emphasized the agency’s commitment to ridding itself of corrupt practices.
“In its continuing efforts to sweep the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) clean of corrupt tendencies, 10 officers of the Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC are being detained over the investigation of some missing items involving them,” he said.
The statement reassured the public that investigations are progressing, with those found guilty facing internal disciplinary actions.
“Investigators are making good progress, and those found culpable will be subjected to internal disciplinary processes,” the statement read.
This scandal comes just days after the EFCC dismissed 27 of its officers over alleged fraudulent activities and misconduct.
Oyewale confirmed that the agency’s disciplinary committee had recommended the dismissal, which further taints the credibility of an institution founded to fight corruption.
Additionally, the EFCC is also investigating a sectional head over alleged misconduct, although no details have been provided on this matter.
The latest scandal adds to the growing concerns about internal corruption within the EFCC, raising questions about the agency’s ability to maintain its integrity while battling financial crimes in the country.