The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has urged Nigerians to refrain from protesting in defense of individuals under investigation for corruption, warning that such actions undermine the fight against graft.

Speaking in Abuja at the 38th Anti-Corruption Situation Room (ACSR) Conference, organized by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) Resource Centre, Olukoyede emphasized that corruption remains a major obstacle to Nigeria’s development.

“When you see people being investigated, and we have shown you the evidence, don’t join them to carry placards and abuse the EFCC or ICPC because you are contributing to the problem,” he said.

He stressed that governance should be seen as a duty to serve the public, not an opportunity for personal enrichment.

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, also speaking at the event, urged anti-corruption agencies to engage citizens beyond courtroom prosecutions.

“It is not enough to tell people not to celebrate corruption suspects. Agencies must engage Nigerians, especially at the grassroots, on how corruption directly affects their lives,” Falana said.

Meanwhile, Olukoyede revealed that he once rejected nearly N500 million in cash gifts from various individuals, including ministers and top government officials, during his mother’s funeral in 2019.

Upon returning home to Ekiti State after the funeral, he discovered numerous cheques stacked in a carton but chose to return them, recognizing the ethical dilemma of accepting money from those under his agency’s scrutiny.