The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has raised concerns over what it described as coordinated attempts to discredit its leadership and operations by politicians and interest groups linked to corruption investigations.
In a statement issued on Thursday, January 8, in Abuja, EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said some disgruntled elements had engaged paid agents to launch sponsored media attacks against the commission.
According to Oyewale, the alleged campaign is aimed at undermining the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, and the institution itself through unfounded claims of political bias.
“The attack is targeting the Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, and the institution with phantom allegations of political bias in the execution of the commission’s mandate.
“Their objective is to befuddle the work of the commission and, through scaremongering, intimidate the commission into a timid mode,” he said.
Oyewale explained that the ultimate goal of the campaign was to discourage the EFCC from probing opposition politicians, out of fear of being branded partisan.
He warned that such actions were expected to escalate as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The commission wishes to put those recruited into this ignoble enterprise on notice that their activities are under close watch.
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“The EFCC will not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria. It reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities,” he said.
The EFCC spokesman stressed that no political figure was immune from investigation, regardless of party affiliation.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the commission.
“Nigerians need to appreciate the fact that the commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Commentaries about the presumption of innocence of a defendant in court are in line with the provisions of the Constitution and not intended as defence of any individual or group,” he said.
Oyewale further stated that the commission has no alliance or working relationship with any political party, describing claims to the contrary as baseless.
He added that the EFCC would not succumb to pressure or blackmail to release details of investigations involving politically exposed persons.
“The EFCC reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” he said.