Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede, has disclosed that he turned down offers totaling N500 million from various Nigerians during his mother’s burial in Ekiti State in 2019.
Speaking at the 38th Anti-Corruption Situation Room (ACSR) Conference in Abuja, Olukoyede recounted how 17 cows and numerous cheques from ministers, directors, and agency heads arrived at his home unannounced. Despite his wife’s initial reaction, he insisted on returning the money, questioning the ethics of accepting such gifts while serving as EFCC secretary at the time.
He further explained that many donors were linked to agencies under EFCC investigation, and had he accepted the funds, it could have led to scrutiny and potential allegations of corruption. Emphasizing the importance of integrity, Olukoyede said rejecting the money protected him from future accountability challenges.