Produce Evidence or Stay Silent, EFCC Boss Tells Corruption Accusers

Produce Evidence or Stay Silent, EFCC Boss Tells Corruption Accusers

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has publicly challenged Nigerians to present concrete evidence if he has ever been involved in fraud, corruption, or illicit enrichment, insisting that he has never benefitted from public office throughout his career.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television aired on Sunday, the EFCC chairman firmly denied allegations of fraudulent conduct or improper handling of seized assets.

Olukoyede said that across his years of service — including his roles as Chief of Staff, Secretary of the EFCC, and now EFCC Chairman — he has maintained strict personal integrity.

“With every sense of responsibility, all through my service in the public sector, I make bold to say that I’ve never been involved in any fraudulent activity,” he stated.

The anti-graft boss further challenged anyone with contrary evidence to come forward publicly.

“I challenge anybody to say, ‘Oh, this man has ever collected one bottle of Coke or one naira to influence my sense of judgment in carrying out my responsibility,’” he said.

Addressing concerns over asset management during his tenure as EFCC Secretary, Olukoyede said he never benefitted personally from seized or forfeited assets handled by the commission.

“You can’t trace any asset to me or any member of my family. As a matter of principle, I’ve never collected one dime because of carrying out my duties,” he said.

Reacting to allegations of fraudulent asset attachment, Olukoyede questioned their origin, stressing that none of the assets managed by the commission could be linked to him.

READ ALSO:

• Residents Flee as Armed Herders Kill Soldier, NSCDC Officer in Benue
• Martinelli Hat-Trick Fires Arsenal Past Portsmouth into FA Cup Fourth Round
• Ned Nwoko Rejects Abuse Claims, Releases Medical, Therapy Evidence

“I’ve never benefited from any of these assets. Never,” he said.

On questions about his wealth, the EFCC chairman invited Nigerians to independently verify his claims.

“Nigeria should go and investigate that. I don’t understand the concept of being a rich man,” he said.

Olukoyede also confirmed that he fully complied with asset declaration laws at every stage of his public service career.

“I did it as Chief of Staff, I did it as Secretary, and I did it as Chairman,” he said, adding that he also directed EFCC staff to declare their assets in line with the law.

Reiterating his challenge, Olukoyede urged anyone who had allegedly offered him a bribe — and claimed he accepted it — to speak out.

“If you have ever offered me a bribe and I collected it, come out and say it,” he said.

Asked whether he regarded himself as upright, the anti-corruption chief said he had always acted with diligence and loyalty to the EFCC’s mandate.

“To the best of my knowledge, I do my work with every sense of diligence, commitment, and loyalty,” he said.

Produce Evidence or Stay Silent, EFCC Boss Tells Corruption Accusers