The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has suspended several of its operatives over allegations that they extorted N10 million from Nigerian rapper Oladipupo Oladimeji, popularly known as Oladips.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the anti-graft agency confirmed that it had launched a full-scale investigation into the matter, describing the allegation as “grave and deserving of utmost scrutiny.”
Oladips had alleged that EFCC operatives detained him for five days and forced him to pay N10 million for his release, despite finding no incriminating evidence against him.
Reacting to the claim, Oyewale said the commission took the allegations seriously and had immediately summoned the officers involved to its headquarters in Abuja for questioning. He added that they had been relieved of their operational duties pending the conclusion of investigations.
“The commission wishes to state unreservedly that the grim picture painted by the artiste does not reflect the true picture of the EFCC,” the statement read. “We have seen his claims and have commenced investigations on them accordingly. The officers in the team that handled his case have been relieved of their operational duties while investigations continue.”
Oyewale reaffirmed the EFCC’s commitment to upholding integrity and accountability, vowing that any operative found guilty of misconduct would face disciplinary measures.
“The commission is serious about its value of integrity and will take necessary action against any staff found to be culpable,” he said. “However, if the allegation is found to be false and raised to malign the commission or tarnish its image, appropriate sanctions will also be imposed.”
He urged the public to remain calm and allow due process to take its course, assuring that the EFCC would continue to pursue its mandate of fighting corruption without fear or favour.
The EFCC emphasized that the affected officers have been barred from participating in any operational activities while the investigation continues.
Oladips’ allegation has stirred reactions online, with many Nigerians calling for transparency and accountability within the anti-corruption agency.
