Our Actions Steered by the Principles of Law - Olukoyede

Mr. Ola Olukoyede, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), emphasized that the Commission's actions in its fight against corruption adhere strictly to legal principles.

He made this statement on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, during a meeting with the management team of Interswitch, led by its chairman, Sir Kenneth Olisa, OBE, at the Commission's headquarters. "Upon taking office, I committed to leveraging the anti-corruption campaign to boost the economy while adhering to established rules. However, we have noticed that compliance can sometimes only be achieved through the enforcement of the law, which is within our authority. This is the reason we exist as a law enforcement agency. Our intention is not to persecute individuals; rather, we are committed to following the law in all our actions, ensuring that due process is observed," he stated. He further assured the Interswitch management of the EFCC's support, provided that the company operates within legal boundaries. "It is essential for us to collaborate with partners like you, who are integral to the financial sector. If you adhere to the rules and conduct your business properly, you will find a supportive ally in the EFCC. Be aware that some individuals may attempt to misuse your platform for fraudulent activities. It is your responsibility to conduct due diligence to identify any suspicious activity before we need to intervene. We have banks in Nigeria that we trust completely because they adhere to regulations, while there are others whose operations we scrutinize almost daily," he added. In a bid for increased collaboration from Interswitch during the Commission's investigations into financial crimes, EFCC's Director of Investigation, Abdulkarim Chukkol, mentioned that the Commission's officers are well-trained professionals who adhere to global best practices. However, he noted that a lack of cooperation from relevant parties can lead to frustration during investigations. "I assure you that our officers do not engage in harassment; we are dedicated professionals. There are instances when information we need from you is crucial for advancing our investigations, which may lead to some urgency on our part. Therefore, we seek greater cooperation. I believe this visit will enhance our collaborative relationship," he expressed. Earlier, Olisa commended the EFCC for the positive impact it is making on the nation through its anti-corruption initiatives and efforts to clean up the financial sector. He assured the Commission of Interswitch's commitment to avoiding any activities that could compromise the integrity of the financial landscape.
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