A coalition of Concerned Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has thrown its weight behind the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), urging the anti-graft agency to remain steadfast in its fight against corruption amid mounting political pressure.
The coalition’s stance comes against the backdrop of allegations by opposition politicians that the EFCC is acting at the behest of the presidency. Former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, recently escalated the controversy by asking EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to recuse himself from investigations involving him, alleging bias and personal vendetta.
However, in a strongly worded press statement obtained on Wednesday, the coalition dismissed the allegations as a calculated attempt to evade lawful scrutiny.
The statement, signed by Hon. Comrade Gloria Okolugbo, Coordinator of the Coalition of Concerned Civil Society Organisations, accused some politicians of resorting to media attacks and unfounded claims to obstruct anti-corruption investigations.
The coalition warned that Nigerians would not allow “unsubstantiated allegations, media grandstanding, or claims of personal vendetta to undermine an ongoing anti-corruption process.”
Citing provisions of the EFCC Act, the group affirmed that the commission is legally empowered to investigate economic and financial crimes without exception.
“Section 6 of the Act expressly mandates the EFCC to investigate economic and financial crimes, enforce all laws relating to corruption and illicit financial conduct, and trace, freeze, seize, and confiscate proceeds of crime,” the statement read.
“These powers apply to all persons, without exception, and without immunity for former public office holders, including former Attorneys-General.”
The coalition firmly rejected calls for Olukoyede’s resignation or recusal, insisting there is no legal or moral basis for such demands.
“Under Section 7(1)(a)–(c) of the Act, the Commission is empowered to investigate the properties and financial activities of any person where reasonable suspicion exists, obtain information from individuals or institutions, and initiate prosecutions arising from such investigations,” it stated.
“Nowhere in the Act is a suspect granted the right to dictate who leads or supervises an investigation into their conduct.”
According to the coalition, allowing a person under investigation to demand the removal of the head of an anti-corruption agency would set a dangerous precedent and amount to an attempt to obstruct justice.
The group argued that the intensity of the allegations and public attacks against the EFCC chairman only heightens the need for a thorough and transparent investigation.
“If there is nothing to hide, there should be no fear of lawful inquiry. Those who once exercised prosecutorial authority over others should be the first to submit themselves calmly to the same legal processes they once enforced,” the statement added.
The coalition also pointed to longstanding public concerns over the disparity between the wealth displayed by some former public officials and the economic hardship faced by ordinary Nigerians.
“Assets, lifestyles, and financial flows that raise legitimate questions must be accounted for. This investigation is not persecution; it is accountability,” it said.
Reaffirming its “full and unambiguous support” for the EFCC, the coalition stressed that the commission’s mandate under Section 38 of the EFCC Act is clear.
“Its duty is to follow the money and allow the courts to determine the outcome. No amount of intimidation, political posturing, or media theatrics should be allowed to derail this process,” the statement concluded.
The group urged Nigerians to seize the moment to reaffirm a core democratic principle: that no one is above the law and that anti-corruption institutions must not be bullied into retreat.
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