The Chairman of Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has firmly rejected allegations that the ongoing investigation into former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, is a form of political persecution. He clarified that the probe predates his own appointment to lead the anti-graft agency.
Inherited Investigation, Not Personal Vendetta
Olukoyede made these statements during an appearance on Channels Television's Politics Today program on Sunday. His comments come amidst public controversy surrounding the EFCC's actions against Malami, which include a court-ordered interim forfeiture of properties allegedly connected to the former minister and his family.
Addressing claims of selective targeting, the EFCC boss emphasized the impartial nature of the process. "The investigation of this man predated me in the office. A lot of you don't know that. Yes! I inherited the investigation file," Olukoyede stated. He explained that his role was solely to ensure the inherited case was handled with utmost professionalism and thoroughness.
"There is nothing personal in this matter. If Nigeria is to move forward, all of us must agree that this fight must be fought without being partisan," he added, calling for public understanding and support.
Two-Year Probe Preceded Charges
Providing a timeline, Olukoyede revealed that the case had been under active scrutiny for approximately two and a half years. He stressed that charges were only contemplated after investigators were confident they had built a solid, watertight case based on evidence.
"For the past two years that I've been in the office, we've been painstakingly carrying out the investigation, trying to establish some of these offences... Not until I was convinced that we had a watertight case," he elaborated. This detailed account counters narratives suggesting a hastily assembled or politically motivated prosecution.
Response to Salami Panel Allegations
Olukoyede also responded to Malami's insinuation that the EFCC chairman was acting out of revenge. Malami had alleged his involvement in setting up the Justice Ayo Salami-led panel, which reportedly indicted Olukoyede.
The EFCC chairman challenged this claim head-on. "Let me put this matter to rest once and for all. Now, those who claim I was fraudulently or criminally indicted by the panel, the onus is on them to publish the report for people to see," he declared.
He pointed out a critical timeline discrepancy: the panel was constituted in 2020 and concluded in early 2021, while Malami remained in office as Attorney-General until 2023. "Why was the report not published for two years, while he was in the office?" Olukoyede questioned, suggesting the report was only being used as a counter-narrative after the EFCC probe advanced.
Regarding his own involvement with the Salami panel, Olukoyede clarified he was not its subject. "Nigerians knew that it was the former acting chairman who was the subject of that investigation," he said. He explained that he, along with seven or eight other directors and staff, was invited to provide clarifications in his then-capacity as Secretary to the Commission. He appeared twice, explained the EFCC's mandate, and was told he would be contacted if needed further—a contact he says never came.
"For me, I've not seen the report of the panel. I won't speak to what I cannot lay my hands on," Olukoyede concluded, distancing himself from the unpublished document's contents.
