Olukoyede Cautions Public Officials against Fraudulent Practices
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, on Thursday, July 30, 2026, cautioned public officials across the country against fraudulent practices, stressing that public service is a responsibility to protect public resources rather than an opportunity for self-enrichment and compromises.
He gave the caution in Abuja on Wednesday, July 30, 2026 while speaking at a two-day induction programme organised by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms.
The programme, themed "Institutional Governance and Regulatory Compliance," was organised for CEO, Chairman and Members of the Governing Board of South-South Development Commission, SSDC.
Speaking on “The Role of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in Improving Accountability in the Public Service,” the EFCC’s boss said accountability required that public resources be managed ethically, efficiently and in the best interest of citizens. He, however, noted that corruption has continued to frustrate prudent management of government resources in Nigeria.
"Annual losses to corruption in Nigeria's Public Service run into billions of naira as resources for the provision of physical infrastructure and social services are often converted to private use by public servants”, he said.
Olukoyede identified common forms of corruption in the public service to include outright stealing from the treasury, diversion of public funds, bribery and kickbacks, misappropriation of funds, procurement and contract fraud, payroll and pension fraud, as well as duty tour allowance fraud.
Drawing from his experience in regulatory compliance, he described contract fraud as the most prevalent form of corruption in the public sector. "From my experience in regulatory compliance, by far the most common form of corruption within the public service space is contract fraud, where those who lead government establishments set out to enrich themselves by rigging the procurement process."
According to him, contract fraud often manifests through contract splitting to evade approval limits, bid manipulation in favour of preferred contractors or entities in which public officials have interests, the award of contracts to unqualified companies, and payments for poorly executed or unexecuted contracts.
Recalling the rationale for the establishment of the EFCC, Olukoyede said the Commission came to life in 2003 owing to the need to combat corruption as well as economic and financial crimes in both the public and private sectors through investigations, prosecutions, asset recovery and public education.
He pointed at limited resources and manpower, inadequate public support, widespread cynicism, delays in prosecuting high-profile corruption cases, and persistent but largely unsubstantiated allegations of selective investigations, as some of the challenges confronting the anti-corruption fight.
Addressing participants directly, the anti-graft czar urged them to resist the temptation of viewing their appointments as opportunities to enrich themselves. "I imagine that you all have been receiving tons of congratulatory messages on your appointment, and those close to you would have reminded you that this is an opportunity to grab a slice of the proverbial national cake. Please, tread with caution. Public service is not an invitation to loot the treasury."
He advised the officials to familiarise themselves with the Financial Regulations, Public Service Rules and the Procurement Act, ensuring strict compliance with all extant regulations to avoid investigations and prosecution for corruption-related offences.
Olukoyede further warned them against engaging in businesses incompatible with public office, operating foreign bank accounts, seeking contracts from the institutions they serve either directly or through proxies, and conducting financial transactions outside recognised financial institutions.
"As a member of the SSDC, familiarise yourself with the Procurement Act and be guided. You should not be jostling for contracts from the SSDC either directly or through fronts,” he said. He also encouraged the officials to maintain proper records of all financial transactions and exercise caution before endorsing official documents. "Before you sign that document, study it. Your signature is your name and integrity. Guard it,” he said.
Today, I led a delegation of friends and associates to pay a condolence visit to H.E. Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the Vice Presidential candidate of our party, in Abuja.
The passing of his beloved mother, Dame Mary Oduah Amaechi, remains a significant loss not only to the Amaechi family but to us all.
I am pleased to have met my brother Amaechi in high spirits, even at this moment of grief.
Our prayers are with the family, and may Mama’s soul rest in perfect peace. -AA
A makon da ya gabata ne majalisar ta kafa kwamitin bincike, ƙarƙashin jagorancin Hon. Yusuf Gadgi, wanda ya riƙa gayyatar hukukomin gwamnati daban-daban da suka jiɓanci kafuwar ma'aikatar domin daga gare su.
Ƙarin bayani - https://t.co/iWO4OuQtmc
Tsakanin ƙawancen mata da abotar maza, su wane ne suka fi alƙawari? Nuna shaƙuwa, karamci da amana?
Yau take Ranar Abota ta Duniya, wace rana abota ta yi muku a rayuwa?
🎥 - Abba Auwalu
I am deeply honoured to formally announce my appointment as the Zonal Coordinator, North West Zone of the City Boy Movement.
Being the youngest among all the Zonal Leaders is a distinction I receive with humility, gratitude, and a profound sense of responsibility. It is a reminder that leadership is earned through service, and that age is never a barrier to meaningful contribution.
My sincere appreciation goes to the Grandpatron of the City Boy Movement, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership for the confidence, support, and opportunity to serve our great cause.
This appointment is not a title to be celebrated, it is a mandate to deliver. My Team and I are fully committed to building a stronger movement across the North West through purposeful leadership, strategic mobilization, collaboration with Stakeholders, Active support groups and unwavering dedication to the ideals we represent.
The City Boy Movement is built on a shared commitment to advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. From expanding access to higher education through NELFUND, investing in critical infrastructure, supporting agriculture and food security, strengthening national security, and implementing bold economic reforms, this administration is laying the foundation for a more prosperous Nigeria. These achievements inspire our resolve to take the message of Renewed Hope to every community across the North West
Together, we will strengthen our movement, deepen grassroots engagement, and ensure that the Renewed Hope Agenda reaches every town across the North West. The journey continues. Continuity 2027.
Kowa Namu Ne ✌🏽♾️
Halima, wadda ke cikin amintattun mambobin Gidauniyar Aliko Dangote, ta bayyana hakan ne a wata hira da kafar watsa labarai ta Bloomberg a ranar Talata.
Ƙarin bayani - https://t.co/lm2sFzIx6k
EFCC, Aviation Security Pledge Enhanced Collaboration Against Illicit Financial Flows
The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Aviation Security, AVSEC. have pledged to strengthen their partnership, particularly in intelligence sharing and operational coordination, to combat illicit financial flows and safeguard the integrity of the upcoming electoral process.
This commitment was reached during a courtesy visit by the new Chief of Aviation Security at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) Aliyu Yahuza Abdullahi to the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC Kano Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Friday S. Ebelo.
Abdullahi assured the EFCC of his firm unwavering support and a new vista of cooperation. He emphasized the critical role of intelligence sharing in dismantling syndicates that exploit the aviation sector for illicit financial flows.
He also committed AVSEC to working hand-in-hand with the EFCC to ensure adequate and most effective assistance to the operational activities of the Commission. He, however, urged the Commission to always carry his firm along and give advance notice whenever they have an operation at the airport “as this prior notification will enable them to deploy resources efficiently and seamlessly to support EFCC operatives in the field."
In his response, Ebelo welcomed the pledge for deeper collaboration and called for heightened vigilance, particularly regarding the physical movement of large sums of cash in and out of the country through the airport.
He stressed that with the general elections drawing closer, there is a high risk that money may be a tool in the hands of politicians. He urged all security agencies to be proactive in intercepting funds intended for unlawful purposes.
He added that a coordinated front would not only deter economic saboteurs but also protect the democratic process from the corrosive influence of illicit funds.
Happy birthday to Dr. Aslam Aliyu (Gimbiyar Kauran Namoda), a steadfast political ally. May Almighty Allah grant you long life, good health and continued success. -AA
Innā lillāhi wa innā ilaihi rāji’un 😭
Muna roƙon Allah Madaukakin Sarki Ya jikan sa da rahama, Ya gafarta masa, Ya sanya kabarinsa ya kasance ɗaya daga cikin lambunan Aljanna.
Ya kuma ba iyalansa, ɗalibansa da al’ummar musulmi gaba ɗaya hakuri da juriya a wannan babban rashi.
Innā lillāhi wa innā ilaihi rāji’un 😭
Muna roƙon Allah Madaukakin Sarki Ya jikan sa da rahama, Ya gafarta masa, Ya sanya kabarinsa ya kasance ɗaya daga cikin lambunan Aljanna.
Ya kuma ba iyalansa, ɗalibansa da al’ummar musulmi gaba ɗaya hakuri da juriya a wannan babban rashi.