By Seyi Babalola
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a warning to fraudsters, stating that it is ‘on the hunt’ for them 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
Ola Olukoyede, the EFCC’s Executive Chairman, issued this warning while speaking at the commissioning of the agency’s new radio station, 97.3FM, on Thursday in Abuja, vowing that the agency will go to any length to find and prosecute anyone involved in corrupt practices.
Olukoyede warned that the EFCC will not stop fighting corruption, emphasizing that the agency is now more motivated than ever to rid the country of the plague of corruption.
“We are getting stronger for the fight, and there will be no hiding place for fraudsters as EFCC will get them anywhere, anytime,” he declared.
The EFCC chairman’s warning came on the heels of the agency’s recent successes in prosecuting high-profile suspects and recovering billions of naira in looted funds.
The commission’s new radio station, which was inaugurated by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, is part of the EFCC’s strategy to engage with the public and mobilize support for its activities.
According to him, the station will provide a platform for the EFCC to share information, educate the public on the dangers of corruption, and receive feedback from Nigerians on its activities.
He said, “The journey to this epochal event commenced as far back as 2003, when the idea of establishing a radio station was first mooted under the leadership of one of my predecessors, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
“For us in the EFCC, owning a radio station is not a status symbol, but an important organ of mobilization against graft where communication and public engagement have the same impact and depth as our operational activities. With our own radio station, we are in a better position to tell our stories, factually, ungarnished and unspun.
On his part, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, commended the EFCC for its efforts in combating corruption and urged the agency to continue its good work.
The minister also charged the management and staff of the new radio station to operate in line with the principles and ethics of broadcasting and journalism.
He said, “As a public-facing agency, it is indeed very important for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to be deliberate and strategic about shaping the narratives around the all-important war being waged against corruption in our country.
“The Ministry of Information and National Orientation is resolute in restoring trust in public communication and amplifying the policies and programmes of the Federal Government. This is in line with the first two agendas of the ministry.”
