- Gold bars worth over ₦1bn and $400,000 reportedly stolen.
- Public outrage mounts over alleged misconduct and midnight raids.
EFCC Faces Public Backlash Amid Exhibit Theft and Misconduct
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is battling a wave of criticism following a series of corruption scandals involving its operatives. Reports of theft, misconduct, and operational lapses have put the anti-graft agency under intense scrutiny, with public confidence in its integrity rapidly eroding.
Recent revelations indicate that some EFCC officials have been dismissed and others are under investigation for pilfering recovered assets, including gold bars valued at over ₦1bn and cash between $350,000 and $400,000. According to credible sources, the mismanagement of exhibits and lax security protocols within the agency facilitated these thefts.
In 2024 alone, at least 27 EFCC officials were dismissed for misconduct, and the scandal deepened this year when 10 operatives from the Lagos Zonal Command were detained over missing operational items. More recently, a Kaduna officer allegedly stole $30,000 in exhibits, adding to the agency’s woes.
A senior EFCC official admitted the situation was embarrassing, stating, “It’s a shame not just for the agency but for everyone involved. Some of the officers claimed the temptation was too strong to resist.”
The Root Causes
Security analysts and insiders have pointed to systemic flaws, including insufficient oversight and lax internal controls, as major contributors to the scandals. A credible source suggested that high-value exhibits should be secured in bank vaults or well-guarded facilities. “It’s unprofessional not to have multi-layered security for such sensitive assets,” the source said.
Experts have also attributed the rising theft to economic hardship and greed among operatives. “Allowing unchecked access to exhibits worth millions is an invitation for trouble,” a security analyst warned.
Public Outrage Over Midnight Raids
Beyond the theft allegations, the EFCC has faced widespread condemnation for its operational methods, particularly night raids. The recent killing of an EFCC operative, Aminu Salisu, during a midnight raid in Awka, Anambra State, has further fueled public anger. Despite a directive from EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyode to halt night raids, the practice persists, raising questions about the agency’s protocols.
Victims of these raids, including rapper Skales, have accused the EFCC of heavy-handedness. Skales recounted a traumatic experience where operatives broke into his home unannounced, terrifying his family.
Legal experts and rights groups have also criticized the EFCC for violating due process during operations. “These practices undermine the rule of law and erode trust in the agency,” said Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre.
Internal Cleansing and Reforms
Amid growing discontent, the EFCC has initiated an audit of its recovered assets and tightened access to exhibit rooms. According to agency spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the audit is part of a broader effort to restore transparency and accountability.
“The chairman is determined to cleanse the system and remove bad eggs,” Oyewale said, dismissing claims that poor welfare conditions were to blame for the misconduct.
Anti-corruption groups, including the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL), have called for sweeping reforms within the EFCC. CACOL’s Executive Director, Debo Adeniran, stressed the need for a comprehensive “organisational diagnosis” to identify and prosecute corrupt officials.
Similarly, intelligence and security experts have urged the EFCC to adopt stricter recruitment and monitoring measures to prevent further infiltration by untrustworthy operatives. “Continuous background checks and surveillance are essential to safeguard the agency’s integrity,” said security consultant Abuh Adam.
