• Home
  • Anti-Corruption
  • Fact-Check
  • Economy
  • National
    • Government
  • Security
  • Features
  • State
  • Event
    • PR Nigeria Award
  • E-Paper
Search
  • Home
  • About
  • Adverts
  • Contact
Sign in
Welcome! Log into your account
Forgot your password? Get help
Password recovery
Recover your password
A password will be e-mailed to you.
PRNIGERIA PRNigeria News
PRNIGERIA PRNIGERIA
  • Home
  • Anti-Corruption
    • Chinese nationals jailed in Lagos

      Court Jails Nine Chinese Nationals for Cybercrime in Lagos

      ASUU

      Tackle Corruption, Institutional Decay – ASUU Charges FG

      EFCC Arraigns Bauchi Accountant General Over N8bn Fraud as Court Sentences…

      PRNigeria logo fearured image

      EFCC Arraigns Ex-Convict, Other for Naira Abuse in Lagos

      EFCC Arrests 37 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Ilorin

  • Fact-Check
  • Economy
    • Comptroller General Nigerian Customs Bashir Adewale

      Nigeria Customs, ICPC and the Audit of Conscience

      Customs Diplomacy: Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Ink Mutual Assistance Deal

      Comptroller General Nigerian Customs Bashir Adewale

      Nigeria, Belarus Forge Alliance to Combat Smuggling, Facilitate Trade

      President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and CG Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi

      Tinubu Hails Customs Boss Wale Adeniyi on Historic Election as WCO…

      WTO Lauds Nigeria Customs for Embracing Global Trade Standards

  • National
    • 58 Inmates in Kano Sit for 2025 NECO Exams, Thanks to…

      Tinubu conference centre generates N700m in 3 weeks – Wike

      Police Arrest 43 Illegal Immigrants, Human Traffickers, Rescue Victim

      Multichoice logo

      NDPC Fines MultiChoice ₦766m for Data Protection Breach in Nigeria

      Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada

      Customs Debunks Fake CBT Recruitment Shortlist Circulating Online

    • Government
      • Tinubu conference centre generates N700m in 3 weeks – Wike

        Soldiers

        Soldiers, forest guards to tackle insecurity in Kwara State

        MUSWEN Muslim Ummah of South West

        MUSWEN Renews Call for Shariah Courts to Regulate Affairs of Muslims

        Corporate Affairs Commission

        CAC Unveils AI-Powered Registration Portal to Revolutionize Business Registration in Nigeria

        Employment: ICPC Secures Conviction of FAAN Staff

  • Security
    • Police Officer

      Security Forces Nab 2 Suspected ESN/IPOB Terrorists in Enugu

      58 Inmates in Kano Sit for 2025 NECO Exams, Thanks to…

      Police Officer

      Police rescue 19 Ghanaians from human traffickers in Oyo

      Soldiers

      Soldiers, forest guards to tackle insecurity in Kwara State

      Police Officer

      Anambra Police Arrest Man with Human Breast; Rescue Abducted Driver, Recover…

  • Features
    • From SDP to ADA to ADC: Can the New Opposition Coalition…

      Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR

      Adeniyi: Lifting Nigeria to the Pinnacle of Global Customs Authority

      Nigeria’s Growth Numbers Tell Only Half the Story By Umar Farouk…

      NYSC Corps Members in Camp

      The Burden Too Many Nigerian Youths Bear Alone

      Combating Deepfake Videos: A Fight for Nigeria’s Soul By Mukhtar Ya’u…

  • State
    • Police Officer

      Security Forces Nab 2 Suspected ESN/IPOB Terrorists in Enugu

      58 Inmates in Kano Sit for 2025 NECO Exams, Thanks to…

      Police Officer

      Police rescue 19 Ghanaians from human traffickers in Oyo

      Soldiers

      Soldiers, forest guards to tackle insecurity in Kwara State

      NDLEA Logo

      NDLEA Intercepts UK, Saudi-Bond Cocaine Hidden in Lipsticks in Lagos, Arrests…

  • Event
    • 58 Inmates in Kano Sit for 2025 NECO Exams, Thanks to…

      Troops of the Nigerian Army giving a salute

      162nd Anniversary: Tinubu Salutes Nigerian Army, Hails Troops as Guardians of…

      President & Chairman of Governing Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku

      NIPR Lauds Nigerian PR Firms for Outstanding Performances at 2025 SABRE…

      SCN NGO signs partnership with PRNIGERIA

      SCN NGO Seals Partnership with PRNigeria to Amplify its Humanitarian Projects

      NELFUND

      NELFUND Warns Students Against Fake Loan Application Portal

    • PR Nigeria Award
  • E-Paper
Home Anti-Corruption EFCC’s Anti-Corruption War: Between Media Trial and Intelligence-Driven Operations
  • Anti-Corruption
  • Features
  • National

EFCC’s Anti-Corruption War: Between Media Trial and Intelligence-Driven Operations

By
Mukhtar Ya'u Madobi
-
February 10, 2025
Ola Olukoyede, EFCC Chairman
Ola Olukoyede, EFCC Chairman

EFCC’s Anti-Corruption War: Between Media Trial and Intelligence-Driven Operations

By MUKHTAR Ya’u Madobi

Corruption remains one of the most pressing challenges facing Nigeria, stifling economic growth, eroding public trust in governance, and widening the gap between the rich and the poor.

No doubt, the fight against this menace requires unwavering commitment, and no agency has been more resolute in tackling corruption than the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). However, despite its commendable strides, the EFCC continues to face resistance from an unlikely source, i.e., the ordinary Nigerians.

As a Research Fellow at the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), I recently had the privilege of joining a delegation on a courtesy visit to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja. Led by the Chairman of the Centre, Major General Chris Olukolade (Rtd.), the visit aimed to identified with the agency on its anti-corruption drive and explore potential areas of collaboration to enhance efficiency in crisis communication, particularly regarding the agency’s public perception.

During the meeting, the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, passionately spoke about the paradox in Nigeria’s fight against corruption. While Nigerians openly condemn corruption, they often rally behind individuals accused of financial misappropriation, particularly when such cases involve high-profile figures.

“It is unfortunate that you will see a lot of people raising placards at the court premises protesting against EFCC for prosecuting high-profile corrupt individuals,” he lamented. This paradox undermines the agency’s efforts and emboldens corrupt elements who exploit public sympathy.

It is obvious that the EFCC has recorded remarkable successes in its anti-corruption drive over the past years. One of its most recent significant achievements was the single largest anti-cybercrime operation in Nigeria’s history. The agency arrested 792 suspects involved in cryptocurrency investment fraud and romance scams in Lagos.

Among them were 192 foreign cybercriminals, including 148 Chinese, 40 Filipinos, two Kazakhstanis, one Pakistani, and one Indonesian. Their Nigerian accomplices, working as digital fraudsters, targeted unsuspecting victims from the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe through phishing scams.

Similarly, in Abuja, the EFCC apprehended another 105 cybercriminals, including four Chinese nationals, reinforcing its dedication to combating financial crimes on both local and international fronts. These large-scale operations highlight the agency’s effectiveness in protecting Nigeria’s cyberspace from financial predators.

Read Also:

  • Security Forces Nab 2 Suspected ESN/IPOB Terrorists in Enugu
  • 58 Inmates in Kano Sit for 2025 NECO Exams, Thanks to State Government
  • Tinubu conference centre generates N700m in 3 weeks – Wike

Beyond cybercrime, the EFCC has made history with its largest asset recovery operation. The commission retrieved 753 units of duplexes and apartments in Abuja linked to corrupt individuals who had looted public funds. Yet, despite these achievements, many Nigerians are quick to criticize the agency rather than acknowledge its impact in reclaiming stolen wealth for national development.

One of the greatest challenges facing the EFCC is the issue of media sensationalism. Mr. Olukoyede emphasized that the agency’s modus operandi is intelligence-driven, ensuring that investigations are carried out discreetly to avoid compromising operations.

However, selective media reporting and the rush to publish unverified claims have led to what he described as the “media trial” of the EFCC. Sensational headlines often overshadow the agency’s victories, focusing instead on unverified allegations of misconduct.

According to him, the negative portrayal of EFCC’s operations in the media plays into the hands of corrupt individuals who seek to discredit the agency and evade justice. The public must therefore be more discerning in consuming and sharing information about the agency’s activities.

Why Nigerians Must Support EFCC’s Anti-Corruption Drive

Corruption is a cancer that affects every Nigerian, directly or indirectly. It manifests in poor infrastructure, underfunded hospitals, underpaid workers, and an education system struggling to function. Every naira looted by corrupt individuals is a blow to national development.

It is gratifying that the EFCC as the lead agency against corrupt practices and financial misappropriation is at the forefront of the fight to reclaim public wealth, hold corrupt officials accountable, and restore public trust in governance.

Therefore, supporting the EFCC is not about endorsing an institution blindly but recognizing its critical role in Nigeria’s progress. Instead of shielding corrupt individuals or engaging in baseless criticisms, Nigerians should demand accountability from public officials while appreciating the agency’s successes. The fight against corruption is not EFCC’s fight alone, it is a collective responsibility that requires the cooperation of all citizens.

Notwithstanding, Mr. Ola Olukoyede’s concerns are valid. It is disheartening when an agency dedicated to protecting the public interest is vilified by the very people it serves. However, the EFCC must remain steadfast, knowing that history will be kind to those who stand for integrity.

For Nigeria to overcome corruption, citizens must support institutions like the EFCC, encourage transparency, and refuse to be manipulated by corrupt elements seeking public sympathy. The path to national development is through accountability, and EFCC remains a crucial guardian of that vision.

MUKHTAR is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), He wrote via: [email protected]

VISIT OUR OTHER WEBSITES
PRNigeria.com EconomicConfidential.com PRNigeria.com/Hausa/
EmergencyDigest.com PoliticsDigest.ng TechDigest.ng
HealthDigest.ng SpokesPersonsdigest.com TeensDigest.ng
ArewaAgenda.com Hausa.ArewaAgenda.com YAShuaib.com
  • TAGS
  • Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC)
  • Chris Olukolade
  • Corruption
  • Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
  • Intelligence
  • Nigerians
  • Ola Olukoyede
Previous articleMAN IN THE NEWS: The Metamorphosis of an Accidental Public Servant
Next articleCustoms Hosts High-Level Forum on Public Sector Business Efficiency
Mukhtar Ya'u Madobi
Mukhtar Ya'u Madobi

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

58 Inmates in Kano Sit for 2025 NECO Exams, Thanks to State Government

Tinubu conference centre generates N700m in 3 weeks – Wike

Police Arrest 43 Illegal Immigrants, Human Traffickers, Rescue Victim

Multichoice logo

NDPC Fines MultiChoice ₦766m for Data Protection Breach in Nigeria

Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada

Customs Debunks Fake CBT Recruitment Shortlist Circulating Online

NDLEA Logo

NDLEA Intercepts UK, Saudi-Bond Cocaine Hidden in Lipsticks in Lagos, Arrests Other Suspects

From SDP to ADA to ADC: Can the New Opposition Coalition Unseat Tinubu in 2027?

NIPSS Directing Staff behind the Queries Barrister Nima Salman Mann and Rear Admiral A.A. Mustapha

Cybercrime Allegation: PRNigeria Petitions Police Against NIPSS Officials

‎FACT-CHECK: Was a Man Trapped in Ceiling after Trying to Hack FCMB Bank?

FACT-CHECK: Did a Man Catch His Wife and Driver “Knacking” in a Hotel Room?

Troops of the Nigerian Army giving a salute

162nd Anniversary: Tinubu Salutes Nigerian Army, Hails Troops as Guardians of National Unity

Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR

Adeniyi: Lifting Nigeria to the Pinnacle of Global Customs Authority

Recent Posts

  • Security Forces Nab 2 Suspected ESN/IPOB Terrorists in Enugu
  • 58 Inmates in Kano Sit for 2025 NECO Exams, Thanks to State Government
  • Tinubu conference centre generates N700m in 3 weeks – Wike
  • Police rescue 19 Ghanaians from human traffickers in Oyo
  • Soldiers, forest guards to tackle insecurity in Kwara State
  • Home
  • About
  • Adverts
  • Contact
© 2020 PRNigeria. All Rights Reserved.
Latest News
Security Forces Nab 2 Suspected ESN/IPOB Terrorists in Enugu58 Inmates in Kano Sit for 2025 NECO Exams, Thanks to State GovernmentTinubu conference centre generates N700m in 3 weeks – WikePolice rescue 19 Ghanaians from human traffickers in OyoSoldiers, forest guards to tackle insecurity in Kwara StateAnambra Police Arrest Man with Human Breast; Rescue Abducted Driver, Recover Goods Worth N9.5mPolice Arrest 43 Illegal Immigrants, Human Traffickers, Rescue VictimNDPC Fines MultiChoice ₦766m for Data Protection Breach in NigeriaCustoms Debunks Fake CBT Recruitment Shortlist Circulating OnlineNDLEA Intercepts UK, Saudi-Bond Cocaine Hidden in Lipsticks in Lagos, Arrests Other SuspectsFrom SDP to ADA to ADC: Can the New Opposition Coalition Unseat Tinubu in 2027?IGP Egbetokun Mourns Retired AIG Liman ShettimaNAF Hosts Nationwide Parley to Honour Veterans’ Courage, SacrificeCybercrime Allegation: PRNigeria Petitions Police Against NIPSS Officials‎FACT-CHECK: Was a Man Trapped in Ceiling after Trying to Hack FCMB Bank?
X whatsapp