The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede, has revealed that he turned down N500 million worth of cheques and drafts offered to him by top government officials during his mother’s burial in 2019.
What Happened?
- Speaking at the 38th Anti-Corruption Situation Room in Abuja, Olukoyede disclosed that ministers, directors, and DGs sent financial gifts to him while he was serving as EFCC Secretary.
- He discovered a carton filled with cheques totaling almost N500 million at his family home in Ekiti State during the burial.
- His wife initially saw it as a blessing, but Olukoyede immediately rejected the money, citing integrity concerns.
Why He Rejected the Money
Olukoyede explained that if he had accepted and deposited the cheques, it could have been used against him in later investigations, especially since some of the donors were under EFCC investigation.
“By July 2020, I was under investigation. If those cheques were in my account, how would I explain it when the same people were being probed? That is what integrity means—going beyond expectations,” he said.
Refusing Family Influence in EFCC Auctions
Olukoyede also revealed how he rejected bids from his own family members during a government auction of forfeited assets:
- His brother-in-law, an international auctioneer, applied—Olukoyede shredded the application.
- His elder brother requested to buy a truck, but he told him, “Go and read the rules. Conflict of interest.”
These actions, he said, protected him from potential corruption allegations when he was later investigated.
Why This Matters
Olukoyede’s revelations shed light on the deep-rooted culture of ‘gifts’ in Nigerian politics and highlight the importance of ethical leadership. His stance has sparked discussions on how public officials handle financial temptations and personal interests in governance.
