The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has debunked claims that the commission’s investigation and ongoing trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, is politically motivated.
Olukoyede stated that the probe into Malami began long before he assumed office as EFCC chairman, emphasizing that he only inherited an ongoing investigation.
Speaking on Sunday during Channels Television’s Politics Today, he said allegations of selective targeting were unfounded.
“People should understand that this investigation didn’t start with me,” he said, adding that the commission’s actions are guided strictly by evidence and due process.
On the pace of judicial proceedings, Olukoyede addressed delays in the trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
“The commission has completed its investigations and charged him to court. The trial is ongoing, but I have no power to accelerate it. The pace is entirely at the discretion of the presiding judge,” he said.
“I wish the trials, especially of politically exposed persons, could be faster. The slowness of our courts is one of the challenges facing society.”
Recall that Malami, who is already standing trial alongside his wife, son, and an associate, for money laundering and like crimes, had previously accused the EFCC chairman of bias and demanded his recusal.
It remains unclear whether the former minister and his co-accused will be satisfied with Olukoyede’s assurances of impartiality and fairness in the ongoing proceedings.
On the challenge of “black sheep” within the commission, Olukoyede said internal cleansing would be intensified until all bad eggs are flushed out of the system.
“The commission has over five thousand personnel. Just a few are misbehaving. We will fish them out. They know we have zero tolerance for corrupt acts. We will get them,” he said.
The chairman noted that he will continue to lead by example, having declared his assets and encouraged all staff to do the same.
“There hasn’t been any time I compromised. As a junior staff, as secretary of the commission, and now as executive chairman, I’ve taken no bribe, asked for any favours, or engaged in any unethical conduct. I challenge anyone to take me up on this,” he said.
When asked if President Bola Tinubu has ever pressured him on any case, he said, “Never! The commission is structured in a way that the President can’t interfere at all. That has never happened. His support is clear for all to see. He is wholly in support of the war against financial crimes in the country.”
Olukoyede praised the commission for its achievements, noting that its efforts have been recognized with awards from both local and international organisations. He promised to intensify the fight against financial crimes, assuring that “Nigeria will be made too hot for financial criminals.”
He also appealed to the media to always verify reports regarding the activities of the commission and to dig for facts before publication.
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