EFCC boss faults ‘misleading’ media reports on anti-graft operations
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has faulted what he described as misleading media reports on anti-graft operations, urging journalists to uphold editorial integrity and promote responsible reporting in the fight against corruption and financial crimes in Nigeria.
Olukoyede made the call on Thursday while delivering a goodwill message at the VON Forum 2025 in Abuja, organised by the Voice of Nigeria in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
He expressed concern over what he described as inaccurate reportage of anti-corruption activities, citing a case in which the commission arrested a politically exposed individual over the alleged diversion of about $35 million meant for a refinery project.
According to him, some media outlets framed the arrest as politically motivated, rather than focusing on the facts surrounding the case.
“That edifice that VON is occupying is a proceeds of crime that was recovered from a former government official. It is evidence that the war against economic and financial crime is working,” he said.
Olukoyede maintained that the anti-corruption campaign is not driven by partisan considerations and urged journalists to prioritise accuracy and fairness in their reports.
He also disclosed efforts to tackle terrorist financing across West Africa, noting that he currently leads the Network of Anti-Corruption Agencies and Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA), established to enhance collaboration among anti-graft bodies in the sub-region.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba Ndace, commended Nigeria’s longstanding role in promoting peace and democratic stability within ECOWAS, highlighting the country’s involvement in peacekeeping and diplomatic efforts across several West African nations.
