By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
A civil society organization, the National Interest Coalition (NICO), has raised alarm over what it described as a coordinated plot by some high-ranking government officials to destabilize the leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and derail President Bola Tinubu’s anti-corruption campaign.
At a media briefing and solidarity march held in Abuja, the group alleged that certain individuals, currently facing corruption-related investigations, are planning a multi-billion-naira media campaign to discredit the EFCC Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, and weaken public support for the Commission’s work.
According to the group’s convener, Comrade Bashir Abdu, over ₦5 billion has allegedly been earmarked to fund negative media reports, sponsor propaganda, and recruit sympathizers both within and outside government to distract from ongoing investigations.
The group claimed it was offered ₦100 million to participate in the alleged campaign but declined, choosing instead to expose the plan publicly. NICO warned that the intent behind the alleged plot is to divert attention from ongoing corruption cases, discredit anti-graft institutions, and protect powerful individuals from prosecution. Comrade Abdu called on President Tinubu to remain focused and undeterred, urging the EFCC to continue its mandate without yielding to intimidation.
Speaking on Behalf of The EFCC Chairman, olanipekun Olukoyede, The DIRECTOR of Fraud Risk Assessment and Control, Commander Francis Usani pledged the Commission’s continuous efforts in tackling and eradication of Corruption across the Nation.
