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CSO Commends Olukoyede’s Anti-Corruption Reforms, Seeks Further Probe of Alleged Misconduct Within EFCC

Published

4 months ago

May 29, 2026

Cyril Ogar

A civil society organisation, the National Coalition for Protection of Nigeria’s Integrity (NCPNI), has commended the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, over ongoing disciplinary reforms within the Commission, while calling for a deeper probe into allegations of bribery and case compromise involving suspended EFCC prosecutor, Mr. Samuel Chime.

The National Coordinator of the Coalition, Barr. Shehu Dauda, made the call while addressing journalists in Abuja on Saturday.

Dauda said the reported suspension of Chime over allegations of receiving financial inducements to compromise cases was a serious development that should not end as an internal disciplinary matter.

According to him, allegations that an EFCC prosecutor collected bribes, sabotaged cases, duplicated charges in different courts, and abused prosecutorial powers must be fully investigated because of their implications for justice, public trust, and the credibility of cases handled by such an officer.

“The allegations against Samuel Chime are too grave to be swept under the carpet. When a prosecutor in an anti-corruption agency is accused of taking financial inducements, compromising cases, and abusing prosecutorial powers, the credibility of every case handled by such an officer becomes a matter of public concern,” Dauda said.

He noted that several online publications had reported that Chime was suspended following petitions from civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, and concerned individuals over alleged misconduct and financial inducement.

Dauda urged the EFCC leadership to review all cases handled or influenced by Chime, especially matters where complaints of intimidation, selective prosecution, harassment, or abuse of process had been raised.

He said such a review was necessary to protect innocent citizens, business owners, and defendants who may have suffered from compromised prosecutorial conduct.

Dauda cited the case of Dr. Rebecca Omokamo Godwin-Isaac as one of the matters that should be reviewed if it was handled or influenced by any officer now facing allegations of misconduct.

“The issue is bigger than Samuel Chime as an individual. It is about the integrity of the cases he handled and the people who may have suffered from abuse of power. If a prosecutor is accused of selling justice, then justice demands that his files must be reopened and reviewed,” he said.

The Coalition commended Olukoyede for what it described as bold internal cleansing steps, saying the EFCC Chairman had shown commitment to institutional discipline and accountability.

Dauda, however, stressed that if the allegations against Chime are established, dismissal or suspension would not be enough.

“If the allegations are established, there must be prosecution, case review, institutional correction, and justice for those who may have been affected by his alleged misconduct,” he said.

The Coalition also praised civil society organisations, whistleblowers, and concerned citizens whose petitions reportedly brought attention to the allegations against Chime.

It urged the EFCC to strengthen its internal monitoring system, protect complainants and whistleblowers, and reassure Nigerians that no officer would be allowed to use the name of the Commission to intimidate citizens, compromise cases, or trade justice for personal gain.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

11 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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