EFCC warns against false whistleblowing

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, issued a stern warning to whistleblowers about making false claims and providing misleading intelligence.

He emphasized that such actions would be penalized.

During the AU-Anti Corruption Day road walk in Ilorin, Olukoyede highlighted the need for genuine commitment, passion, consistency, and credible intelligence in combating corruption. “Winning the war against corruption requires more than lip service, emotional reactions, or mob campaigns,” he stated.

Represented by Acting Zonal Director Harry Erin, Olukoyede reminded Nigerians that corruption affects everyone and urged them not to be indifferent or silent. He compared the threat of internet fraudsters to that of national treasury looters, stressing the importance of active whistleblowing as a means to combat corruption.

He encouraged Nigerians to actively oppose internet fraud by not remaining indifferent or silent. “Whistleblowing is our chance to fight against corruption. Let us fully embrace it,” he urged.

The road walk, which started at the EFCC command’s office, was part of the activities marking the 2024 African Union Anti-Corruption Day, themed “Effective Whistleblower Protection Mechanism: A Critical Tool in the Fight Against Corruption.” Participants included state government officials, sister agencies, civil servants, law enforcement agencies, media, traditional rulers, the private sector, civil societies, academia, and the general public, whom the EFCC invited as partners to combat the widespread issue of corruption.