“Tough Times for Fraudsters”: VP Shettima and EFCC Chief Open New Anti-Graft Office in Ekiti.

The Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, had a clear message for criminals in Ekiti and Ondo states yesterday: your days are numbered. But he quickly reassured everyday residents, explaining that the agency is simply setting up shop closer to them, not to harass them.

Olukoyede made these remarks in Ado-Ekiti during the official opening of the Commission’s new Zonal Directorate Office. Vice President Kashim Shettima was the special guest of honour at the ceremony, which also saw Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo in attendance.

The EFCC boss shared that the commission is shifting its strategy. Instead of just chasing criminals after the fact, they’re now focused on preventing the diversion of public money before it happens. He revealed that a new directorate has been set up specifically to spot financial vulnerabilities and help governments block leakages, which has already helped some states improve their revenue.

Olukoyede made it clear that the EFCC’s presence isn’t a threat to law abiding citizens. “It’s an opportunity for collaboration,” he said. He also noted that money recovered from criminals has been channelled into good causes, including the Student Loan Scheme, the Consumer Credit Scheme, and various educational projects.

VP Shettima, for his part, gave the EFCC a big pat on the back. He credited the agency’s hard work as a major reason Nigeria was recently removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. According to him, that victory has boosted investor confidence and supported the country’s economic reforms.

“Corruption is one of the biggest threats to public trust and our growth,” Shettima said. He promised that President Tinubu’s administration will continue to strengthen anti-corruption agencies with better funding, training, and infrastructure.

The VP also highlighted some of the EFCC’s recent wins, including a single operation where they secured the conviction of 192 cybercrime offenders. He warned that the fight must continue, especially against money laundering, which he said often fuels insecurity.

Earlier, Governor Oyebanji welcomed the new EFCC office as a major milestone. Before now, anyone victims, witnesses, or even suspects had to travel long distances at great cost just to access EFCC services. He revealed that his government supported the project by providing the land and even a 220KVA standby generator to keep the lights on.

“Ekiti has zero tolerance for corruption,” the governor declared, promising his full cooperation to ensure transparency and accountability in the state.