EFCC Chairman Blasts Banks Over Fraudsters’ Support: “Stop Disclosure Of EFCC Investigation To Customers”
In a bold move to safeguard the integrity of financial investigations, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, issued a stern warning to Compliance Officers of banks nationwide on Saturday. The directive, aimed at curtailing the unauthorized leak of sensitive EFCC investigation details to bank customers, was delivered with a sense of urgency and a call for immediate action.
During a pivotal stakeholders’ meeting in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, Olukoyede, represented by the Acting Zonal Director of the Ibadan Zonal Command, Hauwa Garba Ringim, expressed grave concerns over the complicity of the banking sector in aiding fraudsters. This collusion, according to Head of Media and Publicity Dele Oyewale, is presenting significant obstacles to the commission’s efforts to combat economic crimes.
The EFCC’s top brass emphasized the detrimental impact of compliance officers who inform their clients about ongoing investigations, thereby undermining the commission’s efforts and delaying the judicial process. Olukoyede implored the officers to provide certified true copies of transaction documents promptly, which is crucial for expediting investigations.
Highlighting a disturbing trend, Olukoyede criticized the apparent disparity in cash availability between bank ATMs and Point-of-Sale (POS) operators, suggesting illicit activities that disadvantage ordinary Nigerians. He called for an end to such practices and reaffirmed the EFCC’s unwavering support for compliance officers, acknowledging their vital role in the fight against corruption.
The chairman’s message was clear: integrity and cooperation are paramount in the battle to uphold justice and prevent financial crimes in Nigeria.
