The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) rejects claims that its operations target opposition figures, insisting that cases are pursued irrespective of political affiliation.

Its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, in an exclusive interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, said the ongoing investigation of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, is not politically driven.

“Let me tell you about that particular former attorney-general that you are talking about — there is nothing personal in this matter. If Nigeria is to move forward, all of us must agree that this fight must be fought without being partisan, and that’s what I want Nigerians to understand and to agree with us,” Olukoyede said.

He explained that Malami’s case predated his tenure as EFCC chairman.

“He has been under investigation for almost two and a half years. The file was opened not even under me. I inherited it, and for the past over two years we’ve been painstakingly carrying out the investigation, trying to establish some of these offenses,” he stated.

On Yahaya Bello’s Case Ongoing

Olukoyede also addressed the high-profile case of former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello, who faces multiple fraud and money laundering charges totaling over ₦190 billion.

The EFCC chairman reminded Nigerians of his earlier vow to resign if Bello was not prosecuted,

“Have I not made good that promise of commitment? Is Yahaya Bello not being prosecuted? The case is still in court,” he said.

“I have three cases against Yahaya Bello. Am I the judge who would determine the conviction? I have done my work. I have fulfilled my mandate. Nigerians must know that, and they must also encourage us in doing more,” he added.

EFCC Defends Operational Tactics

Responding to criticism of its arrest methods, Olukoyede said the EFCC operates within global best practices.

“Look, if I had to break down a door for me to effect an arrest, I would do that. And you see the FBI do that, you see NCA do that. So why is our law different?” he asked.

He argued that the agency’s work has been acknowledged internationally: “I have had cause to receive the Director of the FBI in my office to acknowledge what we do here. So if foreigners acknowledge what we do, what about Nigerians?”

‘I’m Clean’

Olukoyede also defended his personal integrity, saying his record in public service is clean.

“I make bold to say that I’ve never been involved in any fraudulent activity. “If you have ever offered me a bribe, and I collected, come out and say it,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to support the EFCC despite its imperfections.

“You are not going to get a perfect institution anywhere in the world. We have our shortcomings, but with our modest achievements, Nigerians should support us because what we do is for Nigeria,” he added.

Meanwhile, the head of the anti-graft agency explained that delays in prosecuting high-profile corruption cases were due to the time required for thorough investigations.

“In 48 hours, I can investigate and arraign a cybercriminal. It is just a matter of getting the devices and all that, and I am done. But when it comes to politically-exposed persons or public corruption or high-profile corruption, it takes time, and I can’t go to court when I am not ready,” he stated.

He dismissed claims that the EFCC targets opposition figures, stressing that investigations are non-partisan.

Referring to the case of former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, Olukoyede said, ”Let me tell you about that particular former attorney-general that you are talking about — there is nothing personal in this matter.

“If Nigeria is to move forward, all of us must agree that this fight must be fought without being partisan, and that’s what I want Nigerians to understand and to agree with us.”

Malami, Bello Cases

Malami, his wife, and son are facing a 16-count money laundering charge involving over ₦1.014 billion.

On January 7, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted them bail of ₦500 million each, with strict conditions including property sureties in Abuja’s upscale districts and surrender of travel documents.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State had earlier accused the EFCC of “witch-hunt and political victimisation,” warning that selective enforcement undermines public trust.

Bello was declared wanted in April 2024 after allegedly transferring $720,000 from state funds to pay his child’s school fees abroad.

In December 2024, the EFCC arraigned him before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja on a 19-count charge, bordering on alleged money laundering.

In December 2024, Bello was granted bail of ₦500 million with strict surety conditions.