The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has revealed why he was suspended in 2020 as secretary of the EFCC under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
Olukoyede stated that there was a cabinet member whom he was not obligated to report to, but the cabinet member made demands, which he firmly refused, citing the organization’s establishment act that dictated proper procedures. He alleged that the tension escalated when the cabinet member, after being rebuffed a second time, confronted him directly, insisting on compliance.
Despite being warned by others to appease the cabinet member, Olukoyede remained steadfast, confident in his principles and his future. He pointed out that his resistance led to a smear campaign and a subsequent investigation, which lasted two and a half years. However, his perseverance paid off as the investigation concluded with his exoneration, and he was cleared of all allegations.
In a live coverage by Channels TV, Olukoyede said, “As the secretary then, I was in charge of the general administration of the EFCC. I managed a staff strength of close to 5,000 and administered all forfeited assets from east to west, north to south. I reported to the National Assembly and the Presidency on how we managed the assets forfeited to the government.
“There was a cabinet member who demanded that I bring certain items, but I refused, citing the establishment act. When he sent for me again, I resisted, and he confronted me directly. I knew my stand was correct, and I was not obligated to report to him.
“Someone warned me to beg the cabinet member or face consequences, but I smiled, knowing my destiny was not defined by my position. Three weeks later, a panel was set up, and my name was maligned. I was under investigation for two and a half years and suspended in 2020 for doing nothing. At the end of the day, I was given a clean bill.”
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