The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has issued a stern warning to criminals and fraudsters in Ekiti and Ondo states, declaring that tough times await them. However, he reassured residents that the agency remains accessible and close to the people in the region.
Olukoyede made these remarks during the official commissioning of the Ekiti Zonal Directorate’s Office Complex in Ado-Ekiti by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday. The event also saw the inauguration of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Flyover in the state capital.
New Anti-Corruption Strategy
The EFCC Chairman outlined a new anti-corruption strategy focused on preventing the diversion of public resources before crimes occur. He revealed that the Commission has established a directorate dedicated to fraud-risk assessment and prevention, collaborating closely with federal and state institutions to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen governance systems.
Olukoyede noted that this initiative has already yielded positive results in some states by helping governments block leakages and improve revenue generation. He emphasized that the Commission’s presence in Ekiti should not be seen as a threat but as an opportunity for collaboration.
Proceeds recovered from criminal activities have been used to support key government programmes, including the Student Loan Scheme, Consumer Credit Scheme, and educational development initiatives, he disclosed.
Shettima Commends EFCC
Vice President Shettima commended the EFCC for its pivotal role in Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. He stated that the agency’s anti-corruption and anti-money laundering efforts have bolstered investor confidence and supported the country’s economic reforms.
Shettima reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening anti-corruption institutions through improved infrastructure, welfare, training, and other measures. He noted that the EFCC has become a critical institution in Nigeria’s economy and national security framework by combating corruption, financial crimes, cybercrime, and illicit financial flows.
“The commission’s efforts have also supported Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list and strengthened confidence in our economic reforms, thereby improving the country’s investment outlook,” Shettima said.
Corruption as a Threat to Development
The Vice President emphasized that corruption remains one of the greatest threats to public trust, national development, and economic growth. He stressed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu considers the anti-corruption campaign a vital component of its governance agenda.
Shettima praised the leadership and personnel of the EFCC for their aggressive pursuit of the anti-corruption war, urging that the fight must be sustained through strong institutions, effective tools, and dedicated personnel. He assured the Commission of continued government support, describing investment in anti-corruption agencies as a national imperative.
Highlighting recent achievements, Shettima noted that the EFCC secured the conviction of 192 cybercrime offenders in a single operation, underscoring the agency’s growing importance in protecting Nigeria’s financial system. He also mentioned that funds recovered through asset recovery have been deployed to support social intervention initiatives, including the student loan scheme and other development programmes.
“The agency’s success in securing convictions in several high-profile corruption cases demonstrates that corruption and financial misconduct will not be tolerated in Nigeria,” he said.
Shettima urged the Commission to intensify efforts to prevent money laundering and illicit financial flows, warning that criminal networks often rely on illegal financial channels to finance insecurity and other unlawful activities.
Oyebanji Welcomes EFCC Office
Earlier, Ekiti State Governor Abiodun Oyebanji described the commissioning of the new EFCC office as a significant milestone that would improve access to justice and strengthen anti-corruption enforcement in Ekiti and Ondo states. He noted that the state government supported the project by providing infrastructure and a 220KVA standby generator to ensure uninterrupted operations.
According to Oyebanji, the absence of a zonal office in the area had previously subjected victims of financial crimes, suspects, witnesses, and investigators to long and costly journeys before they could access the Commission’s services. He expressed confidence that the presence of the EFCC in Ado-Ekiti would improve operational efficiency and serve as a deterrent to economic criminals operating within the region.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, assuring the Commission of continued cooperation.
