The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has allayed public fear as the anti-graft agency faces delays in prosecuting high-profile corruption cases, including those involving politically exposed persons like former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State and widespread Ponzi schemes.
He stated that Okowa case is yet to be closed irrespective of his political decisions.
In an exclusive interview on Channels Television on Wednesday, Olukoyede defended the commission’s pace, saying corruption cases — especially those involving politically influential individuals — are often complex and deliberately stalled through legal technicalities.
“We have inherited a system where corruption fights back, and it does so with the full weight of influence, resources, and legal maneuvering,” Olukoyede said. “We must not be hasty. Nigerians need to be patient if we want credible convictions and lasting impact.”
One of the most politically sensitive cases under scrutiny involves former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who served as runningmate of presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections. The EFCC boss confirmed that investigations related to Okowa are still ongoing.
“He has not been cleared,” Olukoyede stated. “I’ve seen reports suggesting that the commission has given him a clean bill — that’s not true. The matter is still under investigation.”
His comments come amid mounting public skepticism about the commission’s will and ability to prosecute high-ranking political figures.
In recent weeks, civil society groups and media reports have raised concerns that the EFCC’s probes into former governors and ministers may be politically selective or deliberately delayed.
Olukoyede, however, pushed back against these narratives, arguing that the agency has secured over 7,000 convictions in the past year and has been actively prosecuting Ponzi operators who defrauded thousands of Nigerians.
“We’ve taken on not just politically exposed persons but also the economic saboteurs preying on everyday citizens through fraudulent investment schemes,” he said.
He added that the EFCC’s current strategy involves rebuilding institutional credibility and restoring public confidence in the rule of law.
He also hinted that the agency was working to recover stolen assets rather than just chase high-profile convictions for media headlines.
“The goal is not just to arrest and parade suspects. It’s to recover stolen funds, prosecute diligently, and make corruption unattractive. But that requires time and precision,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Olukoyede vowed that no one is above the law and promised that more indictments — including against well-known political figures — are on the horizon.
