The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has come under scrutiny for its handling of high‑profile cases, with accusations of selective prosecution and political bias. Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has called for the resignation of EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, alleging that the agency has failed to uphold its constitutional responsibilities. Frank claims the EFCC has abandoned its independent stance and is now being used as a tool for the ruling APC, engaging in selective enforcement that embarrasses and discredits the commission.
Frank further alleges that the EFCC has shifted from prosecuting financial crimes to facilitating political negotiations. He cites several high‑profile cases to support his claims. Former Delta State Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, for example, was aggressively investigated while in the opposition, but the case lost momentum after he reportedly met with EFCC officials and defected to the APC. Similarly, former governors Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, Samuel Ortom of Benue State, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State were invited by the EFCC but faced no further public scrutiny after undisclosed discussions.
The commission has been accused of applying uneven scrutiny to cases. Frank challenges the EFCC to demonstrate transparency in its handling of ongoing investigations involving former Attorney‑General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele, and Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance Yakubu Adamu, among others. He also alleges that individuals accused of looting public funds are being rewarded with appointments under the current administration, and that seized assets are quietly returned to suspects who align themselves with the ruling party. According to Frank, this pattern shows the EFCC acting more as a mediator than a prosecuting authority.
These allegations have raised concerns about the agency’s independence and its ability to combat financial crimes effectively. As the EFCC faces increasing scrutiny, it remains to be seen how it will respond to the claims and whether it will take steps to address perceived bias and a lack of transparency. The outcome will have significant implications for the fight against corruption in the country and for the credibility of the EFCC as a key anti‑graft agency.
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