I’ve Never Pocketed A Naira!” — EFCC Chairman Challenges Critics To Prove It

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has dared Nigerians to present any evidence if he has ever engaged in fraud or illicit enrichment, insisting that he has never personally benefited from corruption during his public service career.

Speaking in an interview aired on Channels Television on Sunday, Olukoyede dismissed claims linking him to fraudulent activities. He stated, “With every sense of responsibility, throughout my service in the public sector—as Chief of Staff, as Secretary, and now as EFCC Chairman—I have never been involved in any fraudulent activity.”

He emphasized that he has never accepted bribes or inducements to influence his official decisions. “I’ve never been involved in fraud. As Chief of Staff, no Nigerian can claim, ‘This man ever took even a bottle of Coke or a single naira to influence his judgement.’ I challenge anyone to say otherwise,” he said.

On handling seized assets during his tenure as EFCC Secretary, Olukoyede maintained that all transactions were conducted strictly in accordance with the law, with no personal gain. “I’ve managed and disposed of assets without personal benefit. No asset can be traced to me or my family. No Nigerian can claim I took a dime in carrying out my duties,” he added.

Addressing questions about his personal wealth, he encouraged public scrutiny. “Nigerians are free to investigate me. The idea of me being a ‘rich man’ is unfounded,” he said, noting that he has consistently complied with asset declaration requirements at every stage of his career. “I declared my assets as Chief of Staff, as Secretary, and as Chairman. I also directed all EFCC staff to declare theirs—this is verifiable.”

Reiterating his commitment to integrity, Olukoyede stated, “I have never been involved in any fraudulent activity. If anyone has ever offered me a bribe and I accepted, I urge them to come forward. I carry out my duties with diligence, commitment, and loyalty to the EFCC mandate.”