EFCC defends anti-corruption drive, insists probes are non-partisan as high-profile cases progress

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has rejected allegations that its investigations are politically motivated or selectively targeted at opposition figures, insisting that all cases are handled strictly on the basis of evidence and the law.

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, made this known during an exclusive interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, where he addressed public concerns surrounding several high-profile corruption cases, including those involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.

Responding to claims of political witch-hunting, Olukoyede said the investigation into Malami predated his tenure as EFCC chairman, noting that the case file was opened more than two years before he assumed office.

He explained that his responsibility has been to ensure that the probe was conducted professionally and thoroughly, without bias or personal considerations.

According to him, the EFCC does not take cases to court until investigators are confident that the evidence is strong enough to withstand legal scrutiny.

He stressed that the anti-corruption fight must be non-partisan if Nigeria is to make progress, adding that allegations of persecution are often used to distract from the substance of investigations.

Malami, alongside his wife and son, has since been arraigned on a 16-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering.

A Federal High Court in Abuja granted the defendants bail in the sum of N500 million each, with strict conditions, including the provision of sureties with landed property in choice areas of the Federal Capital Territory and the surrender of their travel documents.

The case remained before the court.

The EFCC chairman also addressed criticisms from political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State, which accused the commission of selective enforcement in Malami’s case.

Olukoyede maintained that the agency is guided solely by law and evidence and is committed not only to enforcing the law but also to being seen as fair and impartial.

On the prosecution of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, Olukoyede said the EFCC has fulfilled its mandate and that the matter is firmly in the hands of the judiciary.

He recalled his earlier public pledge to personally oversee Bello’s prosecution, stating that the former governor is currently facing multiple charges before the courts.

Bello is standing trial over a 16-count charge involving alleged property fraud amounting to about N110 billion, alongside two co-defendants, as well as a separate 19-count charge related to alleged N80.2 billion fraud and money laundering.

The EFCC had previously declared him wanted in April 2024 over alleged financial crimes.

Olukoyede cited allegations that Bello transferred $720,000 from the Kogi State Government’s account to a bureau de change shortly before leaving office, allegedly to pay his child’s school fees in advance.

He described the allegation as deeply troubling, particularly given the economic challenges facing the state at the time.

Beyond individual cases, the EFCC chairman also explained why prosecutions involving politically exposed persons often take longer to reach the courts.

He said investigations into high-profile corruption are inherently complex, frequently involving large sums of money, multiple transactions, and assets traced across different jurisdictions, sometimes outside Nigeria.

While noting that cases such as cybercrime could be concluded within days due to readily available digital evidence, Olukoyede said public sector corruption cases require painstaking investigation and legal cooperation, making delays unavoidable.

He emphasised that such delays should not be mistaken for inaction or bias.

Olukoyede urged Nigerians to exercise patience and allow due process to run its course, reiterating that the EFCC does not shield anyone based on political affiliation.

He assured the public that once investigations are concluded, cases will be taken to court and prosecuted diligently, stressing that no individual is above the law.