A coalition of Nigerian civil society organisations has issued a strong call for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to maintain its resolve in the nation’s anti-corruption campaign. This comes amidst escalating tensions surrounding high-profile investigations, with a former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, demanding that the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, recuse himself from an ongoing probe involving him. The coalition emphatically rejected these demands, asserting that such actions are attempts to undermine the integrity and independence of the anti-graft agency.

Mr. Malami’s request for recusal stems from accusations of bias and a “personal vendetta” against him by the EFCC chairman. These claims are part of broader allegations from opposition politicians, who suggest the commission acts at the behest of the presidency, thereby compromising its impartiality. The former Attorney General’s public statements have intensified scrutiny on the EFCC’s operational independence and its handling of politically sensitive cases, particularly those involving former government officials.

In a press statement, the Coalition of Concerned Civil Society Organisations, led by Coordinator Hon. Comrade Gloria Okolugbo, strongly countered these narratives. The coalition accused certain politicians of orchestrating allegations against the EFCC with the explicit aim of evading lawful investigation into their conduct. They declared that Nigerian citizens would not permit “unsubstantiated allegations, media grandstanding, or claims of personal vendetta” to obstruct ongoing anti-corruption processes, underscoring the necessity for due process.

The coalition underscored the statutory mandate of the EFCC, citing specific provisions of its enabling Act. Section 6, they highlighted, expressly empowers the commission to investigate economic and financial crimes, enforce all relevant laws, and trace, freeze, seize, and confiscate proceeds of illicit financial conduct. This broad authority, the civil society groups affirmed, applies universally to “all persons, without exception, and without immunity for former public office holders, including former Attorneys-General.”

Rejecting any calls for Chairman Olukoyede’s resignation or recusal, the coalition insisted he must continue to oversee the matter. They argued that “no legal or moral basis” supports such demands, further referencing Section 7(1)(a)–(c) of the EFCC Act. This section grants the commission power to investigate properties and financial activities where reasonable suspicion exists, obtain information from any individual or institution, and initiate prosecutions arising from such inquiries, ensuring comprehensive oversight.

The organisations warned against the dangerous precedent that would be established if individuals under investigation were allowed to dictate who leads or supervises probes into their conduct. They described such a demand as “alien to the law” and a clear attempt to obstruct justice, which could lead to “institutional capitulation” if conceded. This position reinforces the principle that the integrity of anti-corruption institutions must remain uncompromised by personal interests or political pressure.

Furthermore, the coalition suggested that the “extraordinary level of noise, threats, and preemptive accusations” deployed by Mr. Malami only serves to amplify public interest in a thorough and transparent investigation. They posited that if there is genuinely “nothing to hide,” then there should be no apprehension towards a lawful inquiry. They emphasized that those who once exercised prosecutorial authority should be exemplary in submitting themselves calmly to the same legal processes they previously enforced.

For years, Nigerians have observed a stark contrast between the significant personal wealth publicly displayed by some former public officials and the severe daily hardships faced by ordinary citizens. The coalition stressed that assets, lifestyles, and financial flows that prompt legitimate questions must be thoroughly accounted for. They underscored that current investigations are not acts of persecution but fundamental exercises in accountability, crucial for fostering public trust and upholding good governance.

In conclusion, the civil society groups reaffirmed their “full and unambiguous support” for the EFCC in executing its statutory duties, specifically referencing Section 38 of its Act. They reiterated the commission’s clear and lawful mandate: “to follow the money and allow the courts to determine the outcome.” The coalition firmly declared that no amount of intimidation, political posturing, or media theatrics should be permitted to derail this vital process, urging Nigeria to uphold the democratic principle that no one stands above the law.

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Keywords: EFCC anti-corruption, Nigerian civil society, Abubakar Malami investigation, Ola Olukoyede recusal, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Anti-graft agency integrity, Corruption allegations Nigeria, Accountability of public officials