By Parrot Newspaper 
EFCC Boss Olukoyede Reveals How He Avoided Corruption Scandal in Asset Auction
By Parrot Newspaper | News That Talks to You
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has recounted how he upheld integrity while overseeing an asset forfeiture auction, despite family pressure and internal investigations.
Speaking on the challenges of handling sensitive financial matters, Olukoyede revealed that as chairman of the EFCC’s assets forfeiture committee, he oversaw the selection of auctioneers for the disposal of seized properties.
“We advertised for auctioneers. So, they applied. We were able to shortlist about 11 of them. My brother-in-law, who is an international auctioneer, applied. His application came to me. I saw it and I shredded it,” he said.
Olukoyede noted that his decision strained his family ties, as his brother-in-law refused to speak to him for six months after learning about his rejection.
He further disclosed that another relative attempted to bypass EFCC’s ethical rules by suggesting the use of another name to bid for properties. However, he rejected the idea, citing conflict of interest.
“After about eight months, a panel was set up to investigate EFCC activities. My chairman and I were placed on suspension, and they scrutinized the auction I conducted in Port Harcourt. Assuming they had found my brother-in-law’s name among the auctioneers, I might have been in jail today,” he added.
His revelations highlight the ethical dilemmas faced by public officials and the pressures of navigating Nigeria’s anti-corruption landscape.