The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has disclosed Thursday that several bank executives are currently under investigation for various offenses.
The anti-corruption agency also submitted a preliminary report on the investigation of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, to President Bola Tinubu, though details remain undisclosed.
According to The PUNCH, the EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwajaren, highlighted the agency’s recent accomplishments under the leadership of Chairman Ola Olukoyede.
He noted that the EFCC’s focus on the financial sector has intensified, with some bank executives facing jail terms in custodial centers across Nigeria. Although Uwajaren did not provide names, he emphasized that the agency does not exempt any sector from scrutiny.
“The EFCC has never shifted its focus from any sector,” said Uwajaren. “Between 2009 and 2011, at least five bank executives were investigated and jailed. Currently, some others are under investigation. Bank MDs are not immune to prosecution, and we won’t release names until these investigations conclude.”
On Betta Edu’s case, Uwajaren commented, “We have submitted a preliminary report to the president, but we are still reviewing matters concerning her. The investigation covers approximately 140 bank accounts, which requires thorough scrutiny.”
In addressing allegations by social media personality Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, Uwajaren hinted that new charges could arise if the claims prove false.
Bobrisky recently accused EFCC officers of accepting a N15 million bribe to drop money laundering charges against him. Uwajaren stated, “If you provide false information, you can be prosecuted. This is an allegation against the agency, and we await the panel’s findings before disclosing further actions.”
Reflecting on Olukoyede’s tenure, Uwajaren reported that the EFCC recovered N248 billion and secured 3,455 convictions. Prominent cases included four former governors—Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Willie Obiano (Anambra), and Darius Ishaku (Taraba)—and three former ministers, including former aviation minister Hadi Sirika and ex-ministers of power Saleh Mamman and Olu Agunloye.
“The EFCC has shown that it holds all levels of society accountable,” Uwajaren said, adding that more than 35 people faced conviction for Naira abuse. “High-profile convicts in this area include Bobrisky and Nollywood actress Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin, who received a six-month sentence.”
The agency’s accomplishments also include significant foreign currency recoveries, with over $105 million, £53,000, and other currencies seized in the past year, Uwajaren noted.
With these efforts, the EFCC under Olukoyede’s guidance continues to reinforce its stance against financial crime across Nigeria, according to Uwajaren.
