The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised the alarm over alleged plans by some politicians and interest groups to launch smear campaigns against the commission and its chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
The commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, saying the plots were being driven by individuals with vested interests in suspects currently under investigation or prosecution by the EFCC.
According to Oyewale, a group of “paid jobbers” has allegedly been recruited by disgruntled elements to orchestrate coordinated media attacks aimed at portraying the commission as politically biased in the execution of its mandate.
He said the alleged campaign was designed to distract and intimidate the EFCC, with the intention of discouraging it from investigating opposition politicians for fear of being labelled partisan.
Oyewale warned that the campaign of calumny was likely to intensify as political activities heighten ahead of the 2027 general election.
“The commission wishes to put those recruited into this ignoble enterprise on notice that their activities are under close watch,” he said, adding that the EFCC would not tolerate any attempt to derail its mandate of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
The EFCC spokesman reiterated that the commission operates without political affiliation, stressing that politicians from both the ruling and opposition parties facing corruption allegations would be investigated without fear or favour.
He noted that several influential members of both political divides are already standing trial or are being investigated by the commission, in line with its Establishment Act.
Oyewale further said that references to the presumption of innocence of defendants in court were constitutional provisions and should not be misconstrued as a defence of any individual.
He added that the EFCC would not succumb to pressure or blackmail to publicly disclose the identities of politically exposed persons under investigation.
“The EFCC reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement concluded.
