•Petition alleges extortion, abuse of office, interference with investigations, unexplained wealth
NIGERIA: A senior officer of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in the rank of Assistant Commander (ACE), has been accused of corruption, abuse of office, obstruction of justice, extortion and unexplained wealth in a fresh petition submitted to the Commission.
The six-page petition, dated July 9, 2026, was submitted to EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, by the Network for Justice Association of Nigeria (NJAN), according to PRNigeria, as reported by News Express.
The petition listed 21 allegations against the unnamed officer and called for a comprehensive investigation into his conduct, financial dealings, relationships with suspects and acquisition of assets allegedly beyond his legitimate earnings.
The allegations come amid renewed scrutiny of internal conduct within the anti-graft agency, including a separate investigation involving a sectional head over a reported $400,000 corruption allegation.
Olukoyede has repeatedly stressed the need for internal accountability within the EFCC, with the Commission previously announcing disciplinary measures, including dismissals, against personnel found culpable of misconduct and other breaches.
In the latest petition, NJAN alleged that the officer has used his purported closeness to the EFCC leadership to exercise undue influence within the Commission.
The group claimed that the officer presents himself as a “lifeline” of the EFCC chairman and allegedly obtains approvals directly from the chairman without following established operational channels involving relevant supervisory officers.
The petitioners further alleged that the officer demands up to 10 per cent of amounts involved in some petitions before investigations are commenced and, in some cases, allegedly secures approval for petitions without the normal vetting process.
Another allegation concerns access to confidential banking and financial information.
According to NJAN, the officer allegedly maintains contacts within the financial sector through whom he obtains information on individuals and companies, which the group claimed is sometimes used for extortion rather than legitimate investigative purposes.
The petition also alleged that the officer holds undisclosed meetings with high-profile suspects, both within and outside EFCC premises, during which alleged “soft landings” or unofficial settlements are negotiated.
NJAN claimed that some of the alleged meetings may have been recorded and urged investigators to examine any available audio, electronic or documentary evidence.
Among the more serious allegations is a claim that the officer receives substantial sums in naira and foreign currencies, allegedly through proxies, in exchange for favourable treatment of suspects.
The petition also alleged that some individuals were falsely told they had been placed on security watchlists in order to extract money from them.
The group further accused the officer of allegedly collaborating with politicians to deploy EFCC processes against political opponents, including purported interference in administrative bail arrangements in exchange for financial inducements.
Assets under scrutiny
NJAN also called for an investigation into the officer’s assets, alleging that his lifestyle and property holdings are inconsistent with his official earnings.
The petition cited luxury vehicles, duplexes allegedly acquired through a construction company and properties in Dubai reportedly purchased through a real estate company.
It further alleged that more than $1 million in cash was used in some overseas property transactions, including a purported $300,000 transaction in June 2026.
The claims, however, have not been independently verified.
The petition also questioned the officer’s frequent business-class travels to the United States and alleged ownership of property there, urging investigators to examine relevant immigration, financial and property records.
A poultry business allegedly linked to the officer was also flagged for investigation over claims that it could be used as a front for trade-based money laundering.
NJAN provided no formal finding by a competent authority establishing such wrongdoing.
The petition additionally alleged that the officer maintains relationships with influential political and business figures whose interests could overlap with his official responsibilities.
One allegation involved a prominent South-East businessman who, according to the petition, allegedly sought the officer’s intervention in an EFCC matter.
NJAN claimed that the officer visited the businessman’s Abuja residence on June 1, 2026, where an undisclosed amount in United States dollars was allegedly paid to suppress the matter.
The petition also alleged contacts between the officer and political figures in northern Nigeria whose associates were reportedly involved in matters under his purview.
NJAN warned that, if established, the allegations could undermine public confidence in the EFCC and compromise the credibility of its anti-corruption operations.
The group consequently urged Olukoyede to order an independent investigation, secure relevant documentary and electronic evidence, protect potential witnesses and prosecute or sanction anyone found culpable.
“A thorough investigation and decisive action will reinforce public confidence in the Commission’s commitment to accountability and send a clear message that no officer, regardless of rank or influence, is above the law,” the petition stated.
EFCC responds
Reacting to the report, EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, said the Commission maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards internal corruption.
Oyewale told PRNigeria that more than 40 staff members had recently been dismissed following investigations.
He said internal disciplinary reviews remain ongoing but added that he was not aware of the specific petition against the officer at the time he was contacted.
The allegations contained in the petition have not been independently established, and there is no indication in the material that the officer has been convicted or formally found guilty of the alleged offences.
The petition therefore remains an allegation requiring investigation and, where appropriate, corroborating evidence before any wrongdoing can be established.
Century Herald
