CSOs clash over corruption allegations against top EFCC official

The Anti-Corruption Crusaders Network has challenged allegations of misconduct against a senior officer of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), calling on those making the claims to provide verifiable evidence.

The group made the call in a statement on Saturday, signed by its Managing Director, Ahmed Mahmud, while reacting to allegations contained in a petition submitted to EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.

The petition, filed by the Network for Justice Association of Nigeria (NJAN), accused the senior officer, an Assistant Commander of the EFCC, of alleged abuse of office, extortion, obstruction of justice, interference with investigations and acquisition of unexplained wealth.

NJAN reportedly listed 21 allegations against the officer, including alleged unauthorised access to financial intelligence and acquisition of assets allegedly beyond his legitimate earnings.

However, the Anti-Corruption Crusaders Network said the allegations, particularly those concerning the officer’s access to the EFCC chairman and handling of petitions, should be considered within the commission’s operational structure.

Mahmud said senior officials in organisations could delegate responsibilities to trusted officers without such delegation constituting a breach of procedure.

“Every organisation has a hierarchy from top to bottom. The head of any organization can delegate duties and assignments to anyone they trust and have confidence in,” he said.

The group also argued that EFCC operations could be conducted on a need-to-know basis, stressing that direct access to the commission’s chairman did not automatically establish wrongdoing.

“Operations are conducted on a ‘need-to-know’ basis,” the organisation said.

Questioning allegations that the officer bypassed the commission’s chain of command, the group asked: “What if the person who was bypassed had been sabotaging the EFCC’s work, and management took this step to protect the integrity of the investigation?”

It also questioned how an outsider could have access to detailed information concerning the commission’s internal operations.

“Besides, how would an outsider even be privy to such internal details?” Mahmud asked.

The organisation further challenged claims concerning an alleged voice recording purportedly linked to the allegations, demanding that the material be made available for verification.

“They keep claiming they have a voice recording. Why not simply release it?” the group asked.

The group said allegations involving public officials should be properly investigated and substantiated before being presented as established facts.

It warned that unverified allegations could damage the reputation of individuals and undermine public confidence in government institutions.

The organisation urged Olukoyede to ensure that the allegations were thoroughly investigated and that those making specific claims against the officer were required to substantiate them.

“We urge Mr. Olukoyede to identify those raising falsehood and campaign of calumny against the innocent officer and make them prove the rubbish they sent out,” Mahmud said.

The group said it would continue to monitor developments within the EFCC while urging the officer concerned to remain focused on his official responsibilities.

The allegations in the petition could not be independently verified, and the petition does not, on its own, establish a conviction or formal finding of wrongdoing against the officer.