EFCC Chairman Olukoyede Says He Rejected ₦500m As Gifts During Mother’s Burial
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede, has revealed that he turned down ₦500 million in financial gifts from various high-ranking officials during his mother’s funeral in 2019.
Speaking at the 38th Anti-Corruption Situation Room in Abuja, Olukoyede said the gifts came in the form of cheques and bank drafts from ministers, permanent secretaries, directors, and other top government officials. At the time, he was serving as the EFCC Secretary.
“By the time I got to my compound in Ekiti State for the burial, I saw about 17 cows, including pregnant ones,” he said. “Later, my gateman presented a box full of cheques from top officials. When I added them up, they amounted to nearly ₦500 million.”
Realizing the potential ethical implications, he decided to return the money. He emphasized that if the funds had been deposited in his account, it could have been used against him during investigations.
Olukoyede also recounted rejecting business bids from his brother-in-law and elder brother while overseeing an EFCC asset auction. He insisted on maintaining conflict-of-interest rules, which later protected him when the auction was investigated.
“Had my brother-in-law been awarded a contract or my brother bought assets using a different name, I could be in jail today,” he stated.
The EFCC Chairman stressed the importance of integrity and transparency, especially in leadership positions, urging public officials to uphold ethical standards.
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