The Chairman of Economic Financial Crime Commission, Ola Olukoyede has revealed why he was suspended in 2020 as secretary of the Economic Financial Crime Commission under former President Muhammad Buhari’s adminstration. He stated that there was a cabinet member whom he was not obligated to report to. He however noted that when the cabinet member made demands, he firmly refused, citing the organization’s establishment act that dictated proper procedures.
He alleged that the tension escalated when the cabinet member, after being rebuffed a second time, confronted him directly, insisting on compliance. He stated that despite being warned by others to appease the cabinet member, he remained steadfast, confident in his principles and his future. He pointed out that his resistance led to a smear campaign and a subsequent investigation, which lasted two and a half years. He revealed that ultimately, his perseverance paid off as the investigation concluded with his exoneration, and he was cleared of all allegations.
He said in a live interview by Channels TV from 4:30, ”As a secretary then, I was in charge of the general adminstration of the EFCC. I was managing staffs strength of close to 5000. I was the one administering all the forfeited assets from East to West, North to South. I was managing them and reporting to the National Assembly and the Presidency as to how we manage the assets forfeited to the government. There was someone who was a cabinet member as it were but I was not meant to report to the cabinet member.
And a time came, he said look bring this and bring that. I said sir, I will not do that. The particular provision of the establishment act of this organization says this is how this has to be done. The second time he sent for me and I resisted, he looked at me in the eyes and he said what do you mean? He identified himself and I said Sir, I know you. Somebody called me afterwards and said look, you better come back and beg this man or else your days are numbered.
I smiled because I knew where I was coming from and I know my life and my destiny is not going to end where I am. 3 ,weeks after, a panel was set up and my name was being maligned all over the place. I was under investigation for 2 and half years, I was suspended in 2020 for doing nothing. At the end of the day, I was giving a clean bill.”….Seë_Morë