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Why All The Noise About EFCC?

Femi Akintunde-Johnson
It is hard to imagine Nigeria without its noisy debates about the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This so-called watchman of our national purse has become both a symbol of hope and a lightning rod for criticism. Founded in 2003 during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, the EFCC was born into a climate of desperation. Nigeria’s reputation as a haven for corruption and financial malfeasance had reached epic proportions. Something needed to be done – and fast – to clean up the image of a country bleeding money while public services crumbled.
The EFCC was tasked with tracking down financial criminals, investigating suspicious activities, and prosecuting those who dared to plunder our commonwealth. It all sounded noble enough. But as with most things Nigerian, the journey from vision to implementation was riddled with potholes. Its early days were tumultuous, marked by flamboyant arrests, high-profile trials, and, regrettably, allegations of selective justice. Yet, even with its imperfections, many Nigerians admired the EFCC’s tenacity in chasing after “big men” who once believed themselves untouchable.
That said, the agency’s history is as colourful as it is complicated. From rib-cracking public dramas of handcuffed ex-governors to jaw-dropping tales of billions discovered in septic tanks and forgotten apartments, the EFCC has certainly provided Nigerians with entertainment value. But beyond the spectacle lies the serious business of justice – or at least what ought to be justice.
A defining moment in the EFCC’s history came under Nuhu Ribadu, its pioneer chairman. Ribadu, for all his flaws, inspired hope in the Nigerian psyche. His no-nonsense approach gave the impression that, finally, someone was standing up to the institutional rot. Governors, ministers, and even police officers were brought to book, albeit amid allegations of political targeting. Still, it was hard not to cheer when the mighty fell.
However, the years that followed revealed cracks in the EFCC’s armour. Its victories were marred by accusations of professional misconduct and operational irregularities. Tales of seized properties “disappearing” and recovered funds being “misappropriated” began to sully its image. Critics argued that the EFCC, rather than being a neutral enforcer of the law, had become a tool in the hands of powerful political players. The perception was that investigations were selectively pursued to punish enemies and shield allies.
Fast forward to the present, and the EFCC has expanded its scope. Its preoccupation with internet fraud, popularly known as “yahoo-yahoo,” has drawn both applause and criticism. On one hand, cracking down on cybercriminals sends a strong signal to a generation enamoured with the quick-money lifestyle. On the other hand, the agency’s heavy-handed tactics – such as midnight raids and public shaming – have been called out for violating basic human rights. Many young Nigerians now feel targeted simply for owning a laptop and living in a rented flat.
But perhaps the most troubling allegations involve the agency’s internal conduct. In recent years, shocking stories have emerged of EFCC officials pilfering evidence and tampering with seized assets. The irony is almost unbearable: an anti-graft agency accused of corruption. How does one even begin to reconcile such contradictions? It’s like the watchman turning thief – except this thief wears an official badge.
The public’s trust was further eroded by tragic incidents involving EFCC officials and innocent Nigerians. On Friday, 17 January 2025, a midnight raid in Awka, Anambra State, ended in tragic chaos when an EFCC operative was fatally shot by a suspect who allegedly mistook the team for armed robbers. Such reckless operations continue to expose both officials and civilians to unnecessary danger. Similarly, allegations of internal misconduct have deepened public scepticism. Earlier this month, the commission reportedly dismissed 27 operatives for all sorts of fraudulent activities.
In one shocking case, EFCC operatives reportedly “broke into the exhibit room and stole foreign currency, gold, and other exhibits” – while 10 officers have been arrested, one of them has fled into thin air with over $30,000 heist, raising questions about the integrity of those tasked with combating corruption. Cases of abuse, overzealous arrests, and even deaths in custody have made headlines. We recollect the November 2015 and June 2016 incidents where suspects (Arowofela Olufemi and Desmond Nunugwo) reportedly died under unclear circumstances while in EFCC custody. It is a painful reminder that the line between justice and oppression is perilously thin when oversight is weak. If the EFCC cannot regulate its own officers, how can it credibly regulate the rest of us?
In response to mounting criticism, the agency has rolled out new operational guidelines. These include protocols for evidence handling, rules for conducting arrests, and measures to protect citizens’ rights. On paper, these reforms are commendable. But, as Nigerians know all too well, paper is patient. Implementation is another matter entirely. Reports of these guidelines being flouted continue to surface, fuelling scepticism about the EFCC’s commitment to reform.
So, what is the way forward? How can the EFCC reclaim its integrity and restore public confidence? For starters, the agency needs to prioritise internal accountability. Rogue officers should be identified and dealt with swiftly, and there must be transparent systems for monitoring asset recovery and utilisation. Equally important is the need to depoliticise its operations. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done – regardless of who the accused is or where their loyalties lie.
Public education is another critical piece of the puzzle. Nigerians need to understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to financial transactions. While it is easy to blame the EFCC for overreaching, we must also admit that many of us are complicit in fostering a culture of impunity. From under-the-table deals to get government contracts to greasing palms for favours, corruption begins at the grassroots.
Perhaps the EFCC’s greatest challenge is striking a balance between deterrence and public trust. It cannot continue to operate as though the end always justifies the means. Nigerians deserve a watchdog that is firm but fair, rigorous but respectful. After all, the goal is not to create fear but to inspire a collective commitment to the rule of law.
Ultimately, the noise surrounding the EFCC is both justified and necessary. It is a reflection of a society grappling with the contradictions of its institutions. The EFCC may not be perfect – far from it – but its existence signals that we have not entirely given up on the dream of a better Nigeria. And as we navigate this imperfect journey, one thing is clear: the fight against corruption is far too important to be left in the hands of a single agency. It is a fight that requires all of us – citizens and officials alike – to uphold the values we claim to cherish.
Perhaps, in the end, the biggest lesson is this: if the EFCC is to succeed, it must first clean its own house. For in the words of our elders, “When the shepherd is corrupt, the sheep cannot be expected to follow the right path.” Let’s hope the EFCC is listening.