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.
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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]
