By John Umeh
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has revealed that the anti-graft agency is currently investigating no fewer than 18 serving state governors over alleged corrupt practices.
Speaking during a public awareness event aimed at discouraging the abuse of the naira, Olukoyede made it clear that the commission does not wait until public officials leave office before opening investigations into their activities. According to him, the EFCC has already begun gathering evidence and building cases against these governors while they are still in office.
“We are already investigating about 18 governors who are currently serving. Once they leave office, we will move to the next stage,” Olukoyede stated firmly.
Although he did not mention any names, the chairman’s statement underscores the EFCC’s renewed determination to hold public officials accountable, regardless of their political influence or position.
He also shared a vivid account of how a former Nigerian governor—now out of office and under investigation—fled to the United Kingdom. At a lavish birthday party in a London hotel, the ex-governor reportedly began spraying cash—£10 and £20 notes—into the air, attracting suspicion from hotel staff and almost prompting a call to mental health authorities. It took the intervention of two other Nigerians present to explain that the act was cultural and not a sign of mental illness.
Olukoyede used the incident to highlight the recklessness and flamboyance of some political elites, particularly those with questionable wealth. He warned that the EFCC is closely monitoring such behavior, especially when public funds may be involved.
This revelation comes amid growing public demand for transparency and accountability in governance. The EFCC’s approach under Olukoyede appears more proactive, focusing on real-time investigations rather than waiting for immunity to lapse before launching probes.
While the Nigerian constitution limits the prosecution of sitting governors due to immunity clauses, it does not prevent investigations. The EFCC is leveraging this allowance to gather intelligence and build solid cases in anticipation of a time when those currently protected will face the full weight of the law.
The announcement has stirred public interest and speculation, with many Nigerians eager to know which governors are under the radar. However, Olukoyede maintained that the EFCC would not engage in media trials, assuring the public that due process would be followed.
As anti-corruption efforts intensify, the EFCC’s investigation into these 18 governors could be a significant test of Nigeria’s commitment to fighting financial crimes and upholding accountability among its political leaders.
