The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has urged the media and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) across the country to strengthen their partnership with the Commission in the ongoing fight against corruption and financial crimes, describing corruption as a “monster” threatening Nigeria’s development.Speaking through the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC Ibadan Zonal Directorate, ACE I. Hauwa Garba Ringim, Olukoyede made the appeal during a one-day interactive workshop organised by the Commission for journalists and CSOs in Ibadan.
The workshop provided a platform for robust discussions, where participants shared insights and made recommendations on how the EFCC could enhance public engagement, improve transparency, and strengthen citizen participation in the anti-corruption war.
Olukoyede commended the media and civil society for their contributions to advancing the anti-corruption cause, particularly in combating internet fraud prevalent in the Southwest.“Your advocacy, public enlightenment, and investigative reportage have continued to inform Nigerians about the work we do, and why it matters,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of unbiased, timely, and accurate reporting of the Commission’s activities, noting that the EFCC regards the media and CSOs as indispensable allies in promoting accountability and transparency in governance.“This interactive session is designed not only to share ideas and perspectives but also to encourage constructive feedback and objective analysis that can enhance EFCC’s performance and deepen public trust,” he added.
Delivering a paper titled “Prosecuting Financial Crimes: Issues, Challenges and the Way Forward,” the Head of Legal and Prosecution, DCE Gift Iwebafa Odibo, highlighted the dangers faced by EFCC prosecutors, especially during out-of-jurisdiction trials involving politically exposed persons.
She also called for tougher penalties for internet fraudsters, noting that community service sentences were insufficient deterrentsThe Commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, emphasised the need for grassroots sensitisation and strategic collaboration with the media and CSOs.He listed the Commission’s 2024 achievements under Olukoyede’s leadership, including the arraignment of five former governors and five ex-ministers, describing it as evidence of the administration’s political will to tackle corruption.
“We must take the fight beyond the headlines, into our communities, schools, homes, and hearts. Civil society and the media have done remarkably well, but we need more hands on deck,” he said.
Oyewale reaffirmed the EFCC’s commitment to openness and transparency, assuring participants of continued access to accurate information and constructive engagement.In a technical session, CSE Alex Ogbole, Head of Digital Forensics (Lagos), warned against the rise of cryptocurrency-related fraud, cautioning Nigerians to beware of get-rich-quick investment schemes.
“Many of these so-called crypto investments are just modern-day scams. Nigerians must be educated to spot red flags and protect their finances,” he said.Also speaking, Head of the Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit, Aisha Mohammed, raised concerns over the increasing involvement of minors in cybercrime.
She revealed that children were frequently apprehended during sting operations and urged parents to be more vigilant.“If we don’t act now, we may soon have a ‘Yahoo ex-convict’ in every household. Parents must be vigilant,” she warned.
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