Tunde Bakare
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Mr. Ola Olukoyede has charged graduating cadets of the Regular Course 8 of the Nigeria Police Academy (POLAC) to take ownership of the fight against corruption, describing it as an existential battle that must be won to secure the nation’s future.
Delivering a lecture titled “The Fight Against Corruption: The Role of the Nigeria Police Force” to the cadets, Olukoyede emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) occupied a critical position in the anti-corruption architecture due to its proximity to the grassroots.
The Chairman, who was represented by the Acting Zonal Director of the Kano Zonal Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Friday S. Ebelo noted that while the EFCC serves as the leading agency for investigation, prosecution, asset recovery, and prevention of economic and financial crimes, the Police continues to act as the first line of defence.
Olukoyede stressed that officers cannot effectively fight corruption unless they are above reproach. “Any officer who wishes to fight corruption must first be above reproach. Extortion is only one face of corruption. There are many administrative and ethical compromises that have been normalized, but they are equally corrosive. As law enforcement officers, we must shun all forms of corrupt practices, including the compromise of investigations, falsification of police diaries, and the perversion of justice for pecuniary benefits.”
Citing Section 104 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020 and the Police Code of Conduct, the EFCC’s boss reminded the cadets that corrupt practices constitute severe misconduct, attracting outright dismissal and criminal prosecution.
He highlighted the severe consequences of inaction, warning that failure to defeat corruption would lead to stalled economic growth, rising unemployment, a worsening security architecture, and a compromised future for coming generations. Conversely, he painted a picture of a corruption-free Nigeria characterized by positive global perception, increased Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and improved socio-economic well-being for the masses.
The anti-graft czar also detailed the multifaceted approach of the EFCC in the fight, which includes not just prosecution but also asset tracing and recovery. He showcased significant recoveries made by the Commission, including real estate, large sums of local and foreign currency, and gold bars, emphasizing that these assets are returned to the federal government
Olukoyede also urged them to apply their training, protect human rights, prioritize service over personal desires, and maintain spiritual grounding. He posed a poignant question: “What are you willing to contribute to this fight? Remember, if we do not kill corruption, corruption will kill us.”