The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised the alarm over what it describes as a coordinated smear campaign aimed at undermining its leadership and operations, allegedly sponsored by politicians and interest groups linked to individuals under investigation or prosecution.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said the campaign involves a mix of political actors, academics, self-styled civil society figures and Nigerian fugitives based abroad, all allegedly mobilised to discredit the anti-graft agency.

Oyewale said, “A motley crowd of paid jobbers comprising politicians, academics, so-called civil society activists and some Nigerian fugitives in the diaspora have been recruited by these disgruntled elements to orchestrate campaigns of calumny through sponsored media attacks targeting the chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede and the institution itself with phantom allegations of political bias in the execution of the commission’s mandate.”

He warned that the intent of the alleged plot was to weaken the commission’s resolve and deter it from carrying out investigations impartially.

“Their objective is to befuddle the works of the commission and through scaremongering, intimidate the commission into a timid mode, where it will be afraid to investigate opposition politicians for fear of being labelled as partisan,” Oyewale said.

The EFCC spokesperson further noted that the commission expects the attacks to escalate as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

“This campaign is likely to intensify as the political space becomes charged, in the months leading to the 2027 general elections,” he stated.

Oyewale stressed that the commission is closely monitoring those allegedly involved in the plot and would not allow itself to be distracted from its mandate.

“The commission wishes to put those recruited into this ignoble enterprise on notice that their activities are under close watch, and EFCC will not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria,” he said.

Reaffirming the commission’s impartiality, Oyewale said the EFCC does not align with any political party and treats corruption cases strictly on their merits.

“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the commission,” he said.

He added that several influential figures across party lines are currently facing trial or are under investigation.

“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the commission,” Oyewale noted.

He also clarified that public commentary by the commission on legal principles should not be misconstrued as advocacy for any individual.

“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations. Commentaries about presumption of innocence of a defendant in court are in line with the provisions of the Constitution and not intended as defence of any individual or group. Additionally, the commission has no alliance or working relationship with any political party. All these facts are unassailable,” he said.

Oyewale concluded by insisting that the EFCC would not bow to pressure to reveal sensitive details of ongoing investigations.

“The EFCC will not be pressured or blackmailed into making public disclosures of politically exposed persons being investigated for one alleged corruption case or the other. Therefore, the commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate.”

Source; PM News