Olukoyede Faults ‘EFCC Witch-Hunt’ Reports, Urges Media To Uphold Editorial Integrity

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, on Thursday (today), urged media practitioners to uphold editorial integrity and embrace responsible reporting in support of the fight against corruption and financial crimes.

.....

Olukoyede gave the charge in Abuja while delivering a goodwill message at the “VON Forum 2025” themed, “51 Years of Nigeria’s Role in Deepening Democratic Stability in ECOWAS,” organised by the Voice of Nigeria in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

Naija News reports that the EFCC boss criticised what he described as premature and misleading reportage by sections of the media, citing a recent case involving the arrest of a politically exposed person.

According to him, the suspect was apprehended over the alleged disappearance of about $35m meant for the establishment of a refinery, but media headlines the following day framed the action as politically motivated.

He said, “The reportage that broke out in the newspapers the following day was ‘EFCC witch-hunts opposition,’ without taking time to look at the facts that necessitated the arrest.”

Olukoyede insisted that the Commission’s operations were insulated from partisan politics, stressing that the agency had continued to record significant successes.

He called on Nigerians, particularly the media, to support the anti-corruption drive through balanced and factual reporting.

“That edifice that VON is occupying is proceeds of crime recovered from a former government official. It is evidence that the war against economic and financial crime is working,” he said.

He added, “As Nigerians, let us work together for the stability of this country and one of the best methods is through the media. Let our reporting be responsible.

“When I arraign members of the ruling party, nobody makes noise, but the moment I see somebody who belongs to the other side that stole money and take him to court, all hell will break loose. I want to believe that you are raising ethical standards to reinforce editorial integrity.”

EFCC Targets Terrorist Financing

Beyond corruption, Olukoyede identified terrorist financing as a growing threat, disclosing efforts to strengthen regional collaboration to tackle the menace.

He revealed that the Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa, which he currently chairs, had been established to coordinate anti-corruption agencies across the sub-region.

“I am happy to let you know that we have established what we call the Network of Anti-Corruption Agencies and Institutions in West Africa, which I currently lead to drive efforts against terrorist financing,” he said.

According to him, the Economic Community of West African States has adopted the network’s protocol, paving the way for joint operations across member states.

“Within the next few months, we will commence operations so that there will be no embargo for us going to other parts of West Africa to carry out investigations.

“We are going to share intelligence and evidence that will help us to work together to stabilise this part of Africa. This is our next focus,” he added.

In his welcome address, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba Ndace, commended Olukoyede for honouring the invitation.

Ndace noted that Nigeria, as a founding member of ECOWAS, had played a pivotal role in maintaining peace and stability in the region over the past five decades.

He listed countries such as Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, and Liberia as beneficiaries of Nigeria’s peacekeeping and diplomatic interventions.

“These efforts not only show that Nigeria is the pillar of ECOWAS but point to the enduring commitment of the country to peace, democracy and regional stability,” he said.