EFCC Chairman Olukoyede Slams Nigerians for Supporting Corrupt Leaders While Complaining About Corruption

 

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has criticized Nigerians for what he describes as a contradictory stance on corruption, stating that many complain about corruption but still defend corrupt leaders when they face prosecution.

 

Speaking in Abuja on Friday during a visit by officials of the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), led by Chris Olukolade, Olukoyede emphasized that corruption is Nigeria’s biggest barrier to development.

 

“Everyone complains that corruption is killing us, but when we investigate and prosecute high-profile cases, the same people take to the streets to support corrupt leaders. It doesn’t show we are serious about this fight,” he said.

 

He called for collective responsibility in the anti-corruption battle, stressing that true progress requires integrity and accountability from all citizens. The EFCC, he added, will collaborate with the CCC to enhance public awareness and strategic communication on corruption-related issues.

 

Meanwhile, in a separate development, the EFCC has arraigned several foreign nationals in connection with the December 2023 Eagle Flush Operation, which targeted internet and cryptocurrency fraud. Among the 792 suspects arrested in Lagos were 148 Chinese nationals, 40 Filipinos, two Kharzartans, one Pakistani, and one Indonesian.

 

On Friday, 11 Chinese nationals, a Filipino, and a company—Genting International Co. Ltd—were arraigned at the Federal High Court in Lagos on charges including cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism, identity theft, and possession of fraudulent documents. The trial judge, D.I. Dipeolu, presided over the case, as the EFCC continues its crackdown on financial crimes.