Nigeria's anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has taken significant steps to root out corruption and financial misconduct among its staff over the past three years. According to Olukoyede, the agency has dismissed more than 40 employees for alleged corruption and financial malpractice.

The disclosure was made during a briefing in Abuja, where Olukoyede, the EFCC chairman, explained that his leadership had overseen a significant number of dismissals. "In the past two-and-a-half years or three years of my service, I've asked them to dismiss over 40 staff on account of corruption and financial malpractice," he said.

This effort is part of Olukoyede's broader reforms aimed at strengthening the agency's internal affairs and ethics.

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As part of these reforms, the EFCC's Department of Internal Affairs was renamed "the Department of Ethics and Integrity." This change aims to emphasize the importance of ethical conduct and integrity within the agency. Additionally, a policy on gifts and hospitality has been introduced to prevent conflicts of interest among officers.

According to Olukoyede, this policy requires officers to declare gifts above a certain threshold, including gifts received from relatives abroad.

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"You must be sure that your hands are clean. You can't be fighting corruption when your hands are soiled with corrupt practices," Olukoyede said during the briefing. This emphasis on personal integrity is reflected in the agency's efforts to tackle corruption and financial misconduct among its staff.

The EFCC has also made significant progress in recovering stolen funds, with a record-breaking amount of 1.23 trillion naira ($925m, £683m) recovered between October 2023 and July 2026.

Olukoyede highlighted the agency's achievements during this period, including a conviction rate of over 75% and a significant increase in cases filed and convictions secured. In the first half of 2026 alone, the EFCC recorded 1,370 convictions from 1,889 filings. These results reflect the agency's commitment to diligence, resilience, and a prosecutorial approach anchored on evidence and courtroom outcomes.

Other figures disclosed during the briefing show that the EFCC's caseload is increasingly focused on cybercrime and fraud rather than just corruption cases against high-profile officials. This shift reflects the agency's efforts to adapt to emerging threats and tackle new forms of financial crime.

The BBC asked the EFCC for more details about the alleged corruption involving its former staff members, but the agency said this information was not available. However, Olukoyede emphasized that the agency is committed to transparency and accountability, and will continue to take action against those found guilty of corruption and financial misconduct.

Olukoyede's leadership has overseen a significant increase in the EFCC's efforts to tackle corruption and financial crime. Under his guidance, the agency has recovered a record-breaking amount of funds and secured over 75% convictions.

The introduction of new policies and reforms aimed at strengthening internal affairs and ethics is also expected to have a positive impact on the agency's ability to root out corruption.

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As the EFCC continues to work towards its goals, it remains committed to transparency and accountability. The agency's efforts to tackle corruption and financial misconduct are an important step towards building trust and confidence in institutions across Nigeria. With Olukoyede at the helm, the EFCC is well-positioned to make a positive impact on the country's fight against corruption.

Olukoyede's commitment to ethics and integrity is reflected in his leadership style and approach to tackling corruption. "You must be sure that your hands are clean," he said during the briefing. This emphasis on personal integrity is essential for building trust and confidence in institutions, and will continue to guide the EFCC as it works towards its goals.

The EFCC's efforts to tackle corruption and financial misconduct are an important step towards building a more transparent and accountable society. With Olukoyede at the helm, the agency is well-positioned to make a positive impact on Nigeria's fight against corruption.

As the country continues to grow and develop, it is essential that institutions like the EFCC remain committed to transparency and accountability.

The success of the EFCC in tackling corruption and financial misconduct is a testament to the importance of strong leadership and commitment to ethics. Olukoyede's leadership has been instrumental in driving these efforts forward, and his emphasis on personal integrity will continue to guide the agency as it works towards its goals.