EFCC: Five Top Corruption Allegations Against Nigeria’s Anti-corruption Body

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is Nigeria’s premier agency tasked with combating financial crimes and corruption. However, over the years, the EFCC itself has faced allegations and instances of corruption within its ranks.

Here are five notable cases highlighting corruption issues involving the EFCC:

1. Dismissal of 27 Corrupt EFCC Officers

In a significant move to address internal corruption, the EFCC dismissed 27 of its officers following investigations into their involvement in corrupt practices. This internal purge followed investigations revealing that these personnel had engaged in misconduct, including bribe-taking, extortion, and the illegal diversion of funds recovered from suspects.  

2. $400,000 Fraud Investigation

The EFCC initiated a probe into a $400,000 fraud complaint involving some of its personnel. The money had been recovered during a raid on a suspect’s premises but was unaccounted for in official records.

3. Allegations Against Former EFCC Chair Ibrahim Lamorde

Ibrahim Lamorde, who served as EFCC Chairman from 2011 to 2015, faced allegations of diverting funds recovered from corrupt officials. These allegations came to light during his tenure when whistleblowers claimed that Lamorde failed to account for proceeds from assets seized during corruption cases. A Senate committee investigated claims that he misappropriated over ₦1 trillion in recovered funds. 

Lamorde denied the allegations, and the case drew significant public attention, raising concerns about accountability at the highest levels of the commission.

4. Corruption Allegations Against EFCC Operatives in Port Harcourt

In 2020, some EFCC operatives in the Port Harcourt zonal office were arrested for allegedly extorting money estimated at ₦200 million ($520,000) from suspects under investigation. Investigations revealed that officers had demanded bribes from suspects in exchange for favorable outcomes in their cases.  

5. Suspension of EFCC Acting Chairman Ibrahim Magu

In 2020, Ibrahim Magu, the then-acting Chairman of the EFCC, was suspended following allegations of corruption and insubordination. A presidential panel investigated claims that Magu had mismanaged over ₦39 billion ($100 million) in cash and assets.

The EFCC’s mission to combat corruption is undermined by these cases of internal corruption. Addressing these issues requires stronger internal controls, transparent investigations, and timely prosecution of offenders. Only by setting an example within its ranks can the EFCC regain the trust of Nigerians and effectively combat financial crimes.