The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised the alarm over what it described as a coordinated campaign of calumny aimed at discrediting the anti-graft agency and its leadership, warning that such efforts will not distract it from carrying out its statutory mandate.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by Dele Oyewale, its Head of Media and Publicity, the Commission said it had uncovered plans by certain politicians and interest groups to sponsor sustained media attacks against the EFCC, particularly targeting Ola Olukoyede, its Chairman.
According to the Commission, the campaign is being driven by individuals and groups with vested interests in suspects currently under investigation or facing prosecution by the EFCC.
It alleged that a “motley crowd” of paid agents, including politicians, academics, self-styled civil society activists and some Nigerian fugitives in the diaspora, has been mobilised to push what it described as phantom allegations of political bias against the agency.
The EFCC said the ultimate objective of the campaign is to undermine its work and intimidate it into a state of timidity, where it would be reluctant to investigate or prosecute opposition politicians for fear of being branded partisan.
“The intention is to befuddle the works of the Commission and, through scaremongering, intimidate it into a timid mode,” the statement said.
It added that the campaign is expected to intensify as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Commission warned those involved in the alleged smear campaign that their activities are being closely monitored, stressing that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from what it described as its patriotic duty of strengthening public accountability in Nigeria.
Reiterating its non-political posture, the EFCC maintained that its records clearly show that no political actor, whether from the ruling party or the opposition is shielded from investigation or prosecution where there is evidence of corruption. .
It noted that several prominent figures across the political divide are currently facing trial or are under investigation by the Commission.
The EFCC further emphasised that all its operations are guided strictly by the provisions of its Establishment Act.
It clarified that public commentaries relating to the constitutional presumption of innocence of defendants in court should not be misconstrued as a defence of any individual or group.
“The Commission has no alliance or working relationship with any political party,” the statement said, adding that such facts are “unassailable.”
The anti-graft agency also dismissed calls for it to publicly disclose the names of politically exposed persons under investigation, insisting that it would not succumb to pressure or blackmail to do so.
“The EFCC will not be pressured or blackmailed into making public disclosures of politically exposed persons being investigated for one alleged corruption case or the other,” the statement read.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to justice and accountability, pledging to continue carrying out its mandate “without fear or favour,” irrespective of political considerations.
