The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has said it has suspended some of its operatives for allegedly extorting the sum of N10m from Nigerian rapper, Oladipupo Oladimeji, popularly known as Oladips.
The EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.
The hip-hop artist had alleged that he was detained for five days by EFCC operatives, claiming that he paid N10m before regaining his freedom despite no evidence of wrongdoing.
Oyewale said the anti-graft agency viewed the allegation with utmost seriousness and had already launched a full-scale investigation into the matter.
According to him, Oladips’ claim that EFCC operatives collected money from him before securing his release after an arrest involving other suspected internet fraudsters was of a grave nature.
He said the officers involved in the case were being investigated and had been stood down from their duties until the investigation was completed.
The EFCC spokesperson said the officers involved in the musician’s case had been summoned to the commission’s corporate headquarters in Abuja for questioning.
“The commission wishes to state unreservedly that the grim picture painted by the artist does not reflect the true image of the EFCC. We have seen his claims and have commenced investigations accordingly. The officers in the team that handled his case have been relieved of their operational duties while investigations continue,” he said.
Oyewale reiterated the EFCC’s commitment to integrity and accountability, assuring the public that any operative found guilty of misconduct would face disciplinary action.
“The commission is serious about its value of integrity and will take necessary action against any staff found culpable.
“However, if the allegation is found to be false and raised to tarnish the image of the commission, appropriate sanctions will also be imposed,” he added.
SaharaReporters on Saturday reported that the EFCC said it had commenced an internal investigation into claims by Oladips, that its operatives extorted N10million from him before his release.
Oladips had alleged that EFCC officials demanded the sum after his arrest alongside other suspected internet fraudsters.
His allegation has since drawn public attention and prompted the anti-graft agency to respond.
