KANO, Nigeria – The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has called for deeper collaboration between the media, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the Commission in the ongoing fight against corruption, cybercrime, and financial fraud.
Olukoyede made the appeal on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at a one-day capacity-building workshop for journalists and CSO representatives in Kano, aimed at strengthening partnerships in the anti-graft campaign.
In a message delivered on his behalf by DCE Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad, Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC Kano Zonal Directorate, the EFCC boss described the media and CSOs as “critical drivers of change,” highlighting their role in promoting transparency, accountability, and civic engagement.
“CSOs serve as the conscience of society, while journalists wield the powerful pen that shapes public opinion, holds power accountable, and illuminates the dark corners where corruption thrives,” he stated.
Olukoyede emphasized that the workshop was specifically designed to equip participants with knowledge of emerging financial crimes, such as cryptocurrency fraud, and to foster improved synergy between the Commission, the media, and civil society actors.
“Our fight against corruption is not a solo mission; it is a collective national endeavor that requires synergy, trust, and shared intelligence,” he added.
Prosecution Goes Beyond Court Filings – EFCC Legal Head
Presenting a paper titled “Prosecution of Financial Crimes: Issues, Challenges and the Way Forward”, DCE Jafar Alqasim, Head of Legal at the EFCC Kano Zonal Directorate, clarified that prosecution begins long before a case reaches the courtroom.
“It starts the moment a petition is received and evaluated to determine if it falls under EFCC’s jurisdiction. The Commission cannot handle cases such as armed robbery, which fall outside our mandate,” he said.
Media, CSOs Are Essential Partners – EFCC Spokesperson
In his remarks, the EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, DCE Dele Oyewale, highlighted the Commission’s achievements, noting that the EFCC has secured over 17,000 convictions in its 22 years of existence. He credited this to sustained dedication and inter-agency cooperation.
“We have to come together collectively to fight corruption. Our synergy is the unbreakable energy needed to move the nation forward,” he said.
Oyewale urged journalists and CSOs to remain vigilant and fearless in their work, emphasizing the importance of interrogating the actions and spending of public officials.
“Ask questions. Demand accountability. That’s how we ensure transparency and good governance,” he said.
He further encouraged participants to maintain close ties with the Commission, assuring them that the Kano Zonal Office remains open to credible reports and inquiries from the public, media, and CSOs.
Spotlight on Cryptocurrency Fraud and Digital Risks
Delivering a technical session on emerging financial crimes, Samuel Enahoro Agbi, Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC II, educated participants on cryptocurrency fraud and the risks associated with digital financial platforms.
He explained that such frauds involve schemes designed to steal crypto assets or personal information, warning participants to safeguard sensitive data.
Agbi also introduced participants to key concepts in blockchain technology, including wallets, tokens, mining, and transaction hashes.
Public Enlightenment Still Key – EFCC Official
Speaking on the importance of public awareness, ACE II Aisha Mohammed, Head of the EFCC’s Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit, reiterated that fighting corruption requires grassroots engagement.
“We are taking this message to schools, parks, markets, and town halls. But we need the media and CSOs to amplify it,” she said. “Be courageous, factual, and persistent in your reporting.”
Media Commends EFCC Engagement
In a vote of thanks, Murtala Adewale, Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel in Kano, lauded the EFCC for organizing the workshop and maintaining an open-door policy with the press.
The event drew journalists from diverse media houses and CSO representatives from across the state, with discussions centered on enhancing transparency, building institutional collaboration, and promoting preventive mechanisms against corruption.
