Tinubu Commends EFCC’s Independence and Efficiency Under Olukoyede

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has applauded the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for demonstrating independence and effectiveness in its anti-corruption efforts under the leadership of its chairman, Ola Olukoyede.

Speaking at the opening of the 7th EFCC–National Judicial Institute (NJI) Capacity Building Workshop for Justices and Judges in Abuja, Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said his administration remains committed to empowering anti-graft institutions with full autonomy and adequate resources to achieve meaningful results.

He revealed that in the first two years of his administration, the EFCC secured over 7,000 convictions and recovered assets worth more than ₦500 billion. According to him, proceeds from the recoveries are being channelled into social investment programmes such as the Students’ Loan and Consumer Credit schemes.

“As an administration, we have prioritised public accountability by strengthening anti-corruption agencies and granting them the independence to carry out their statutory duties,” Tinubu stated.

He underscored the judiciary’s vital role in sustaining the anti-corruption drive and called on judges to ensure fair, transparent, and timely judgments in corruption cases. “A Nigeria free of corruption is achievable if we all do what is right. A strong and credible judiciary is central to this vision,” he added.

The President also warned that corruption remains a serious threat to national development and urged closer collaboration between the judiciary and anti-corruption agencies to rebuild public confidence in the justice system.

EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, in his remarks, praised the judiciary for its partnership but expressed concern over the slow pace of high-profile corruption trials. He lamented that some cases filed 15 to 20 years ago remain unresolved due to procedural delays and frivolous adjournments.

“When trials drag endlessly, witnesses lose interest, memories fade, and public confidence declines. Ultimately, corruption becomes the only winner,” Olukoyede warned.

He also criticised the misuse of legal procedures by defendants to stall justice and raised alarm over conflicting court orders that limit the EFCC’s authority to prosecute financial crimes.

“The Commission is disturbed by instances where state high courts attempt to restrict our powers in money laundering cases, even when such matters are clearly outside their jurisdiction,” he said.

Olukoyede called on judges to protect the national interest and ensure their rulings support, rather than hinder, the anti-corruption campaign, emphasizing that a strong partnership between the judiciary and law enforcement agencies is essential to achieving justice and accountability.