Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), says new cadets of the agency should uphold integrity, courage and professionalism while discharging their duties.
Olukoyede spoke on Friday at the passing-out parade of 404 cadets of the detective superintendent course 10 and detective inspector course 7 at the Police Mobile Force Training College, Ende Hill, Akwanga, Nasarawa state.
The cadets comprise 294 detective superintendents and 110 detective inspectors.
He said being an EFCC operative comes with “heavy responsibilities” and requires discipline and accountability, warning that sanctions against corrupt practices within the commission are “stiff” and would be applied without compromise.
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“Being an operative of the EFCC carries heavy responsibilities of personal discipline, integrity, courage and accountability. Your training essentially offered you a firm foothold in law enforcement and organisational discipline,” Olukoyede said.
“The EFCC has zero tolerance for corruption and compromise. You are coming into an organisation that places a high premium on integrity and rectitude.
“You must fit adequately into the mould of officers that are well-rewarded and morally upright. Integrity, for us, is not a slogan; it is a rule of engagement and an article of faith in the work we do.
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“It is often said that he that comes to equity must come with clean hands. Nothing can be truer than this. You cannot offer the nation what you don’t have.
“Anti-corruption officers must be above board at all times. For the umpteenth time, prepare your minds to be professional and diligent.
“Sanctions and punitive measures against corrupt practices by officers of the commission are stiff. I wouldn’t want such for any of you.”
Olukoyede thanked President Bola Tinubu for giving the commission freedom to operate without interference and appreciated Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police (IGP), and Abdullahi Sule, governor of Nasarawa state, for their support.
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Speaking at the event, the Nasarawa governor called for a special court to handle corruption cases, citing the need for faster justice delivery.
He said EFCC had recorded more than 4,000 convictions in 2024, describing the results as “significant wins” in the fight against corruption.
Joseph Ogwiji, the acting commandant of the EFCC Academy, said the cadets displayed resilience and discipline during training and are now “integrity-focused officers, ready to take their rightful place” in the fight against financial crimes.
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