Crime Remains Crime” — Expert Fires Back At EFCC Critics

A Nigerian-American forensic psychologist and criminal justice expert, Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, has defended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against allegations of selective prosecution, insisting that credible allegations of criminal conduct should be investigated regardless of who is involved.

According to Ireporter Online, Oshodi made the remarks while assessing the anti-corruption agency’s recent activities, including its reported recovery and forfeiture of cash and assets worth more than $500 million to the Federal Government.

EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede had disclosed the figure during his presentation at the 43rd Cambridge International Symposium on Economic Crime in the United Kingdom.

Oshodi acknowledged concerns about selective enforcement but argued that such concerns should not prevent the commission from acting whenever credible evidence of wrongdoing exists.

He maintained that alleged criminal conduct should be treated on its merits and should not be excused simply because another individual accused of a similar offence had not been investigated or prosecuted.

The expert also stressed the importance of due process in the EFCC’s asset recovery efforts, noting that investigators are responsible for gathering and presenting evidence, while the courts ultimately determine whether the legal requirements for forfeiture have been satisfied.

Oshodi cited the case involving properties allegedly linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami. He said EFCC investigators traced 57 properties allegedly connected to the former minister, with a Federal High Court ordering the final forfeiture of 48 while declining to forfeit nine due to insufficient evidence linking them to unlawful activity.

He said the outcome demonstrated the importance of judicial oversight and added that any decision considered legally flawed should be challenged through the appropriate judicial process.

Oshodi urged the EFCC to maintain professionalism, independence and transparency while resisting political pressure, unequal treatment and other factors capable of undermining public confidence in its operations.

He also praised the agency’s reported efforts to strengthen investigations, asset tracing, forensic capabilities, international cooperation and the training of young officers.

According to him, the effectiveness of the EFCC should not be measured solely by the number of arrests it makes, but also by the quality of evidence gathered, respect for suspects and witnesses, the strength of cases presented in court and the ability of investigators to withstand improper influence.

Oshodi further argued that the fight against corruption should involve prevention as well as enforcement. He called for stronger procurement systems, beneficial ownership information, effective audits, suspicious transaction reporting, digital financial records and improved internal controls.

He also advocated stronger protection for whistleblowers and greater cooperation among financial institutions, professionals, government agencies, journalists, international partners and members of the public.

Oshodi described Olukoyede’s leadership as focused on strengthening the EFCC as an institution rather than building a personality-driven legacy. He said the ultimate test would be whether the commission becomes more professional, impartial, transparent and resilient beyond the tenure of its current chairman.

He stressed that Nigeria needs institutions capable of functioning effectively regardless of who occupies leadership positions, adding that developing a new generation of skilled investigators would be critical to sustaining the country’s fight against sophisticated financial crimes.

Oshodi concluded that credible allegations should be investigated on their merits and that accountability should apply to everyone, regardless of status or political affiliation.