EFCC Under Scrutiny As Operatives Disappear With Seized Gold, $30,000

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is grappling with internal scandals after officers were accused of stealing seized gold worth over ₦1 billion and $30,000 in cash. The antigraft agency has found itself under intense public scrutiny following a series of allegations involving theft, corruption, and misconduct within its ranks.

Recent incidents, including the disappearance of exhibits and misappropriation of funds, have called into question the agency’s ability to maintain accountability.

27 Officers Dismissed in 2024

Dele Oyewale, spokesperson for the EFCC, confirmed that several officers had been dismissed for misconduct last year. “In 2024, we dismissed no fewer than 27 officers for various infractions, ranging from financial misconduct to tampering with recovered assets,” he said.

According to Oyewale, some dismissed officers were found guilty of tampering with recovered items, including gold bars, jewelry, and large sums of money. “We remain committed to upholding the integrity of this commission, and any officer found guilty of unethical practices will face the consequences,” he added.

$400,000 Allegation Against EFCC Official

The controversies surrounding the EFCC escalated on January 6, 2025, when Oyewale announced an investigation into a claim involving $400,000. He stated: “There is a trending claim of $400,000 allegedly linked to one of our sectional heads. We are conducting a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind this matter. The individual in question remains unidentified for now.”

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Oyewale emphasized that the EFCC is working to address the issues internally while cooperating with external auditors. “We are not leaving any stone unturned in ensuring that we get to the bottom of these allegations,” he assured.

Missing Items at Lagos Zonal Command

Just days later, 10 officers from the Lagos Zonal Command were detained over their inability to account for critical operational items, including gold bars valued at over ₦1 billion and cash amounts ranging from $350,000 to $400,000.

A security source revealed the gravity of the situation. “These items were kept as exhibits in an ongoing investigation. Their disappearance is unacceptable and raises serious questions about the EFCC’s internal controls,” the source stated.

Kaduna Office Scandal: Officer Absconds with $30,000

Another shocking incident occurred at the EFCC’s Kaduna Zonal Office, where an officer identified as Polycarp reportedly fled with over $30,000 and other valuable items. A source close to the investigation explained: “Immediately after an audit was announced, Polycarp excused himself and has been unreachable since then. His phone lines are switched off, and his whereabouts remain unknown.”

The source added, “We believe he fled after learning about the impending audit. Efforts to locate him are ongoing, and we will recover the missing exhibits.”

As of now, the EFCC has not released an official statement regarding the Kaduna incident, leaving the public questioning the agency’s accountability mechanisms.

Public Criticism Grows

These incidents have sparked criticism from the public and civil society organisations, who have called for greater transparency within the EFCC. “How can an anti-corruption agency fail to maintain accountability within its own ranks?” asked a legal analyst. “The EFCC needs to clean its house before it can effectively fight corruption in the country.”

EFCC’s Commitment to Reform

Despite the growing controversies, Oyewale reiterated the EFCC’s commitment to reform. “We acknowledge the concerns raised by these incidents, and we are taking deliberate steps to strengthen our internal processes. This agency was established to fight corruption, and we remain resolute in our mission,” he said.

The EFCC’s internal challenges come at a time when public trust in anti-graft institutions is critical. As investigations into these scandals continue, many Nigerians are calling for swift action to address the lapses within the commission.