The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an internal investigation into allegations of extortion leveled against some of its operatives by Nigerian hip-hop artiste, Oladipupo Olabode Oladimeji, popularly known as Oladips.
Speaking in a statement made available on Saturday by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC acknowledged the rapper’s claim that he was allegedly coerced into paying N10 million to secure his release after being arrested alongside other suspected internet fraudsters.
“The hip-hop artist gravely alleged that operatives of the Commission extorted a sum of N10,000,000 (Ten Million Naira) from him before securing his release when he was arrested alongside other suspected internet fraudsters,” the EFCC spokesperson said.
Oyewale noted that the EFCC “views with great seriousness the allegation of extortion made against some of its operatives,” adding that the Commission had immediately set internal mechanisms in motion to verify the claims.
The EFCC Spokesman further said, “The Commission wishes to state unreservedly that the grim picture painted by the artist does not reflect the true picture of the EFCC. We have seen his claims and have commenced investigations on them accordingly,” the statement read.
According to Oyewale, all officers involved in the team that handled Oladips’ case have been recalled to the EFCC’s corporate headquarters and have been temporarily relieved of their operational duties pending the outcome of the investigation.
“The Commission is serious about its value of integrity and will take necessary action against any staff found to be culpable,” Oyewale added. “It is also needful to state that if the allegation is found to be false and raised to malign the Commission or tarnish its image, appropriate sanctions will also be imposed.”
The EFCC urged Nigerians to remain patient and trust in its commitment to transparency and accountability as it probes the matter. “The Commission enjoins the public to await the result of its investigations and continue to keep faith with it in its conscientious task of tackling economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption,” the statement concluded.
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