EFCC Denies Involvement in Alleged Abduction, Forced Resignation of NNPCL GCEO

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has strongly debunked a trending report alleging that its Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, orchestrated the abduction and forced resignation of the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), describing the claim as false, mischievous, and a calculated attempt to mislead the public.

According to impeccable sources within the Commission, the report, which has been widely circulated across various social media platforms and some online blogs, lacks any shred of credibility and does not reflect the procedures or values of the anti-graft agency.

“It is both ridiculous and malicious to suggest that the EFCC Chairman abducted or coerced the head of a major government-owned corporation to resign. Mr. Olukoyede does not wield appointing powers over any parastatal head, let alone the NNPCL, and therefore lacks the authority to force anyone out of office,” one source familiar with the matter stated.

The EFCC clarified that Mr. Olukoyede, since assuming office, has adhered strictly to due process and established legal procedures in carrying out his responsibilities. “When the Commission needs to obtain information or require the presence of any individual for questioning, it is done through formal invitations or written correspondence. Any action outside this norm should be considered fake and fabricated,” the source added.

Contrary to the allegations, Mr. Olukoyede has built a reputation within the anti-corruption community as a disciplined, law-abiding, and principled administrator. The Commission emphasized that he has never at any time abducted, intimidated, tortured, or unduly influenced anyone to step down from a position.

“The EFCC Chairman is not a bully. He is not a rogue operative. He is a reform-minded and law-abiding leader who understands the limits of his office and the sanctity of due process,” another senior official noted.

The Commission, therefore, urged the public to disregard the unfounded story and be wary of individuals and groups who specialize in weaponizing falsehoods to tarnish reputations and discredit public institutions.

In the same vein, the EFCC warned purveyors of fake news to desist from misleading the public, threatening that it will not hesitate to explore legal avenues to hold those responsible accountable if such baseless stories continue.

“It is regrettable that some persons derive satisfaction from spreading falsehood, especially against institutions that are working tirelessly to cleanse the country of corruption and financial crimes,” the agency said.

The NNPCL has not issued any official confirmation of the purported resignation of its GCEO. No verifiable evidence has been produced to support the claims of abduction or pressure from the EFCC in any form.

This clarification comes amid heightened scrutiny of public officials and institutions, underscoring the need for responsible journalism and the importance of verifying facts before disseminating potentially harmful narratives.

The EFCC reiterated its commitment to fighting corruption through lawful means and asked the public to support its mandate rather than being misled by unverified and malicious propaganda.