EFCC okays govs’ probe after Supreme Court verdict

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, said the Supreme Court’s judgment has placed the commission on a stronger pedestal to fight economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.

The apex court had on November 15, 2024, dismissed the suit by 19 state governors challenging the constitutionality of the establishment and functioning of the EFCC.

Speaking when a delegation of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, led by its Regional Director for Africa and West Asia, Dr. Roba Sharamo visited him, Olukoyede said after the judgment he told his men they could now investigate serving governors but can’t prosecute them.

A statement on Thursday by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale said, “I want to let you know that we are more solid now than ever before. You are aware that 19 governors took us to court. They went to court and the judgment that was given makes us stronger than ever before. You have to wait until they leave office when they don’t have immunity anymore.

“So, I have told my men that the ball is in our court, now. You can investigate even a serving governor. So, go ahead and investigate their finances and their activities. The only thing you can’t do is prosecute.

“They also warned the people who have been using the instrumentality of the state to shield themselves from justice to desist from it. The Supreme Court has spoken, and it has a big impact. We are going out to work without any further inhibition.”

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