The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared that it will not succumb to blackmail or intimidation aimed at forcing it to drop corruption charges against politically exposed persons (PEPs).
The anti-graft agency said it remains strictly non-political and non-partisan, operating in line with the provisions of the EFCC Establishment Act. It stressed that suspects currently under investigation or prosecution cut across both the ruling party and opposition parties.
The EFCC raised the alarm over an alleged plot by politicians and interest groups with vested stakes in ongoing cases to launch coordinated campaigns of calumny against the commission and its Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede.
This was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Dele Oyewale.
According to the statement, a group comprising politicians, academics, self-styled civil society activists, and some Nigerian fugitives based in the diaspora has allegedly been recruited to sponsor media attacks against the commission, accusing it of political bias without evidence.
“Their objective is to obstruct the work of the commission and, through scaremongering, intimidate it into avoiding investigations of opposition politicians for fear of being labelled partisan,” the EFCC said.
The commission warned that such campaigns are likely to intensify as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
The EFCC stated that it is closely monitoring the activities of those involved and will not tolerate any attempt to distract it from its constitutional responsibility of promoting accountability and combating corruption in Nigeria.
Reiterating its non-political stance, the commission said it remains resolute in investigating and prosecuting any political actor, regardless of party affiliation.
“Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor, whether in the ruling party or the opposition, with corruption baggage has no hiding place from the operational radar of the commission,” it said, adding that several prominent figures from both sides are currently under investigation or standing trial.
The EFCC also clarified that its references to the presumption of innocence of suspects are grounded in constitutional provisions and the law, and should not be misconstrued as an attempt to shield any individual or group from prosecution.
“The commission has no alliance or working relationship with any political party. Commentaries on presumption of innocence are in line with constitutional requirements and not intended as a defence of any suspect,” the statement noted.
The EFCC further emphasized that it would not be pressured or blackmailed into making public disclosures on investigations involving politically exposed persons.
It concluded by reaffirming its commitment to justice and accountability, pledging to discharge its mandate without fear or favour.
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