The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has dismissed claims that its investigations are aimed at opposition figures, insisting that its enforcement actions cut across party lines and are driven strictly by evidence.
Speaking during a televised interview, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede clarified that the ongoing case involving a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has no political undertone.
According to him, the process is rooted in institutional procedure rather than personal or partisan interests.
Olukoyede stressed that anti-graft efforts cannot succeed if they are viewed through a political lens.
He noted that accountability must be universal for Nigeria to make progress, regardless of an individual’s status or affiliation.
“This is not a witch-hunt, and it is certainly not selective justice,” the EFCC chairman said.
“The fight against corruption loses credibility when people assume it is targeted. Our work is evidence-based, not politically motivated.”
Moreover, he revealed that the investigation into Malami did not begin under his leadership, explaining that the case file was already active before he assumed office.
He added that his role was to strengthen the process and ensure it was handled professionally.
“The investigation was inherited, not initiated by me,” Olukoyede stated.
“What we did was deepen it, review it thoroughly, and ensure that every step met professional standards.”
He further disclosed that the probe has spanned over two years, with investigators carefully building the case before any legal action was taken.
According to him, charges were only filed after the commission was satisfied that the evidence could withstand judicial scrutiny.
Subsequently, the EFCC arraigned the former attorney-general, alongside his wife and son, on a 16-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering, marking a significant development in one of the commission’s high-profile cases.
Hence, the agency reiterated its position that no individual is above the law, emphasising that due process, not politics, remains the guiding principle of its operations.