In a bid to address speculations surrounding the impending trial of former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, took proactive measures to assure Bello of due courtesies. Olukoyede revealed that he personally engaged with Bello, affirming that necessary protocols would be observed during the legal proceedings.
During his extensive discourse on Bello's ongoing trial, Olukoyede shed light on the EFCC's reform agenda, particularly the establishment of a Fraud Risk Assessment and Control Department. This department initiated investigations into various governmental bodies, including the presidency, National Assembly, judiciary, and Bureau of Public Procurement.
Olukoyede also emphasized the importance of unraveling the sources of financial malfeasance, stating, "It is not about the investigations and the convictions we have secured but about the source of this crime." He outlined the EFCC's interactions with key governmental institutions, indicating a concerted effort to promote transparency and accountability in public procurement processes.
Moreover, Olukoyede disclosed the EFCC's proactive approach in engaging with prominent political figures, including president Bola Tinubu. He recounted a recent meeting with Tinubu, during which Tinubu encouraged the EFCC to diligently carry out its duties.
He said according to a report by Arise News, “We have begun with the State House because we believe it is not a place we cannot go to. We met with the president recently, and he asked us to go and do our work. And we wrote to his Chief of Staff to furnish us with the process of awarding contracts and within a week, he replied
We also wrote to the National Assembly to furnish us with the process of awarding contracts and the cars they buy and, surprisingly, they replied. The same thing with the Chief Justice of the Federation.