EFCC Chairman Urges Media, CSOs to Join Fight Against Corruption

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has called on the media and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to strengthen their collaboration with the Commission in tackling corruption and financial crimes across Nigeria, describing corruption as a “monster” undermining the nation’s growth and development.

Speaking through the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC Ibadan Command, ACE I. Hauwa Garba Ringim, Olukoyede made the appeal during a one-day interactive workshop organised for journalists and CSOs in Ibadan.

The session provided a platform for participants to exchange ideas and propose ways to deepen public participation, improve transparency, and enhance EFCC’s engagement with citizens in the anti-corruption campaign.

Olukoyede commended both the media and civil society for their consistent support, particularly in raising public awareness and exposing corruption and internet-related crimes in the Southwest.

“Your advocacy, enlightenment, and investigative work continue to inform Nigerians about the relevance of what we do and why it matters,” he said.

He urged media practitioners to maintain fairness, accuracy, and objectivity in their reports, stressing that the EFCC views journalists and CSOs as vital allies in promoting accountability and transparency.

“This workshop is not only for idea sharing but also for constructive feedback that can help strengthen EFCC’s operations and public confidence,” Olukoyede added.

Presenting a paper titled “Prosecuting Financial Crimes: Issues, Challenges, and the Way Forward,” the Commission’s Head of Legal and Prosecution, DCE Gift Iwebafa Odibo, highlighted the risks faced by EFCC lawyers, especially when handling cases involving politically exposed persons. She also advocated tougher sanctions for internet fraudsters, saying community service sentences were insufficient deterrents.

The Commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, underscored the importance of grassroots sensitisation and closer collaboration with CSOs and journalists. He listed some of EFCC’s 2024 achievements under Olukoyede’s leadership including the arraignment of five former governors and five ex-minister, as proof of the Commission’s renewed drive against corruption.

“We must take this fight beyond headlines — into our schools, homes, and communities. The media and civil society have done well, but we need more partners,” Oyewale said.

During a technical session, Head of Digital Forensics (Lagos), CSE Alex Ogbole, warned Nigerians about the growing threat of cryptocurrency-related frauds and fake investment schemes, describing many as “modern-day scams.”

Also speaking, Head of the Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit, Aisha Mohammed, raised alarm over the rising involvement of minors in cybercrime, revealing that teenagers are often arrested during sting operations.

“If we don’t act now, we may soon have a ‘Yahoo ex-convict’ in every home. Parents must be more vigilant,” she warned.