Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, has issued a strong public warning over what it describes as a coordinated campaign of calumny being planned by politicians and interest groups seeking to derail ongoing investigations and prosecutions. The Commission says the alleged plot is designed to undermine its leadership, weaken public confidence in its work, and intimidate investigators as the country moves toward the 2027 general elections.
In a detailed statement released in Abuja, the EFCC said it has credible intelligence that individuals with vested interests in corruption cases are mobilising a network of paid actors to attack the integrity of the Commission and its chairman, Ola Olukoyede. According to the agency, those recruited include politicians, academics, self-styled civil society activists and some Nigerians living abroad who are fugitives from justice. The EFCC described the group as a coalition assembled solely to promote disinformation and cast the Commission as politically biased.
The Commission said the core aim of the alleged campaign is to distract it from its statutory responsibilities and to create an atmosphere of fear around investigations involving politically exposed persons. By pushing narratives of partisanship, the EFCC believes the sponsors of the campaign hope to pressure the agency into selective enforcement, particularly discouraging probes involving opposition politicians under the guise of political neutrality.
EFCC officials warned that the intensity of these attacks is expected to increase as political activities accelerate in the lead-up to the 2027 elections. The agency said election cycles in Nigeria have historically been periods when corruption investigations attract heightened political sensitivity, making anti-graft institutions vulnerable to manipulation, intimidation and reputational assaults.
In a firm tone, the Commission placed those allegedly involved in the campaign on notice, stating that their activities are being closely monitored. It stressed that it would not tolerate attempts to distract, blackmail or intimidate it from carrying out what it described as a patriotic duty to strengthen public accountability and uphold the rule of law.
The EFCC reiterated that it operates strictly within the confines of its Establishment Act and the Constitution, rejecting any suggestion that it aligns with or acts on behalf of any political party. According to the Commission, its record demonstrates that party affiliation offers no protection, noting that prominent figures from both the ruling party and opposition parties are currently under investigation or facing prosecution in courts across the country.
Officials emphasised that accusations of political bias often surface when investigations begin to close in on influential individuals, and warned Nigerians to be wary of narratives designed to discredit lawful anti-corruption efforts. The Commission argued that such tactics ultimately harm the public interest by weakening institutions meant to safeguard national resources.
Addressing public commentary around ongoing trials, the EFCC clarified that references to the presumption of innocence are constitutional requirements and should not be misconstrued as endorsements or defences of suspects. It said adherence to due process and respect for the rights of defendants are essential components of credible law enforcement and do not in any way diminish the seriousness of corruption allegations being pursued.
The Commission also rejected calls for it to publish lists of politically exposed persons under investigation, describing such demands as attempts to politicise its operations. EFCC officials maintained that investigations are conducted discreetly and professionally, and that public disclosures are guided strictly by law and operational necessity, not public pressure or political considerations.
By restating its refusal to be drawn into partisan debates, the EFCC said it aims to preserve institutional independence at a time when public trust in governance remains fragile. The agency warned that sustained attacks on its leadership and credibility could have broader implications for Nigeria’s fight against corruption, particularly if they succeed in discouraging investigators or emboldening suspects.
Anti-corruption observers note that the EFCC’s statement reflects growing concern within state institutions about the politicisation of law enforcement as electoral competition intensifies. With corruption allegations often intertwined with political rivalries, agencies like the EFCC face the challenge of enforcing the law while navigating an increasingly charged public space.
The Commission concluded by reaffirming its commitment to justice without fear or favour, stressing that no individual or group is above the law. It urged Nigerians to support lawful anti-corruption efforts and to distinguish between legitimate criticism and deliberate attempts to sabotage accountability mechanisms for personal or political gain.
As Nigeria approaches another election cycle marked by economic pressure and heightened political tension, the EFCC’s warning underscores the delicate balance between democratic contestation and the integrity of institutions tasked with enforcing transparency and accountability.
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