At least 27 staff members of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have been dismissed for alleged involvement in fraudulent activities and misconduct, breaching the agency’s standard operating procedures.
The names of the dismissed officers were not disclosed, but their removal followed recommendations by the EFCC’s staff disciplinary committee. EFCC Chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa, speaking through the commission’s spokesperson Dele Oyewale, reiterated the agency’s commitment to fighting corruption and maintaining integrity, stressing that no staff member is above disciplinary measures.
He assured that all allegations, including a recent $400,000 claim involving an unidentified staff member and a Sectional Head, would be thoroughly investigated. Bawa emphasized that the commission’s core values remain paramount and will be upheld at all times.
Additionally, the EFCC warned the public about impersonators and blackmailers using the chairman’s name to extort money from high-profile suspects under investigation.
Meanwhile, the EFCC’s Makurdi Zonal Directorate has established an Extractive Industry Fraud Section (EIFS) to combat the rising problem of illegal mining in Benue State and other regions under its jurisdiction.
Zonal Commander Dr. Anselem Ozioko announced during a briefing at the EFCC office in Makurdi that the commission had secured 10 convictions in its efforts against illegal mining. He noted the prevalence of illegal mining sites across Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, and Taraba states, pledging that the new unit would ensure offenders are brought to justice.
