The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has challenged Nigerians to publicly present evidence if he has ever been involved in fraud, insisting that he has never benefited from corruption at any point in his public service career.
Olukoyede made the assertion during an interview with Channels Television aired on Sunday, where he dismissed allegations linking him to fraudulent activities or illicit enrichment.
“With every sense of responsibility, I want to tell Nigerians that throughout my service in the public sector — as Chief of Staff, Secretary of the EFCC, and now Chairman — I have never been involved in any fraudulent activity,” he said.
The EFCC chairman further challenged anyone to come forward with proof of bribery, stressing that he has never compromised his judgment.
“I challenge anybody to say that I have ever collected even one bottle of Coke or one naira to influence my judgment in carrying out my responsibilities,” he said.
Addressing concerns about asset management during his tenure as EFCC Secretary, Olukoyede said he handled seized assets strictly in line with the law and without personal benefit.
“As Secretary, I managed and disposed of assets, but you cannot trace any asset to me or any member of my family. No Nigerian can say I collected one dime in the course of carrying out my duties,” he stated.
He questioned the origin of the allegations against him, saying he had never benefited from any seized or forfeited assets.
“I don’t know where the issue of fraudulent attachment comes from. I have never benefited from any of these assets, never,” he said.
Responding to questions about his personal wealth, Olukoyede said his records were open to public scrutiny.
“Nigerians are free to investigate. I don’t even understand the concept of being described as a rich man,” he added.
On asset declaration, the EFCC chairman said he fully complied with legal requirements at every stage of his career.
“I declared my assets as Chief of Staff, as Secretary, and as Chairman. That was the first thing I did each time,” he said, adding that he also directed EFCC staff to declare their assets.
“It’s something anybody can verify,” he said.
Reiterating his challenge, Olukoyede urged anyone with evidence of wrongdoing to make it public.
“If you have ever offered me a bribe and I accepted it, come out and say it,” he said.
Asked whether he considered himself upright, Olukoyede said he carried out his duties with diligence and loyalty to the commission’s mandate.
“To the best of my knowledge, I do my work with commitment, diligence and loyalty to the mandate given to me,” he said.
