The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede, has called for greater media objectivity and national unity in the fight against corruption, while announcing a landmark protocol to allow seamless cross-border investigations within the ECOWAS region.
Speaking on Thursday at the Voice of Nigeria (VON) Forum 2026, themed “51 Years of Nigeria’s Role in Deepening Democratic Stability in ECOWAS,” Olukoyede highlighted the tangible successes of asset recovery, pointing to the very building housing the event.
”That edifice is evidence that the war against financial crimes in Nigeria is working,” Olukoyede stated, noting that the imposing structure occupied by VON was a proceed of crime recovered from a former government official during his tenure as Secretary of the Commission.
The $35 Million “Ghost” Refinery
The EFCC boss expressed frustration over partisan narratives that often shadow high-profile investigations. He cited a recent case involving a suspect who allegedly diverted $35 million in cash intended for a government modular refinery.
”We went to the site; even the grass was not cleared, let alone a structure put in place,” Olukoyede revealed. He lamented that despite clear evidence of the theft of public funds, the commission was accused of “targeting the opposition” as soon as the suspect was arraigned.
”Nobody takes time to look at my proof of evidence… just because the suspect is a member of a political party, it becomes a crime for me to go after them. When I arraign members of the ruling party, nobody blinks an eyelid,” he said, urging the media to maintain ethical standards and editorial integrity to safeguard national stability.
ECOWAS Anti-Corruption Network
Addressing the forum’s theme of regional stability, Olukoyede announced that the EFCC has spearheaded the establishment of a Network of Anti-Corruption Agencies in West Africa.
Recognizing the link between financial crimes and terrorism financing, the Chairman disclosed that ECOWAS has officially adopted a new protocol to operationalize transnational cooperation.
”Within the next few months, we will operationalize that protocol,” Olukoyede said. “There will be no embargo on me going to Ghana or any part of West Africa to carry out investigations. We are going to share intelligence and information… to stabilize this part of Africa.”
The Chairman concluded by congratulating the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria on the agency’s anniversary, reiterating that the fight against corruption remains a collective responsibility essential for the survival of Nigeria’s democracy.