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ABUJA – Plot to destabilize and blackmail the leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s anti-corruption fight has been uncovered.
Addressing newsmen in Abuja on Monday before embarking on a solidarity march to EFCC headquarters, the National Interest Coalition (NICO) noted that the grand plot to destabilise and blackmail the EFCC under the leadership of Olanipekun Olukoyede as well as the administration of President Tinubu to scuttle the war against corruption, which is already gaining traction, was hatched by top government officials.
Addressing newsmen, Comrade Bashir Saleh Abdu, Convener of the group, argued that those behind the grand plot have the sole intention of derailing President Tinubu and EFCC Boss resolve to fight corruption to its barest minimum so that development, equity and transparency can thrive in the country which has been held still by the menace.
According to NICO, these desperate men, terrified of the long arm of the law, are now deploying billions of stolen public funds to blackmail the EFCC leadership, to undermine President Tinubu’s anti-corruption drive, and to destabilize the government.
“They want to divert attention from the ongoing investigations that have exposed their dirty dealings that is sabotaging the government and empowering enemies of the government and Nigerian people,” the group said.
The group added that they have gone as far holding secret meetings with dissident persons and funding them to continue to smear the name of Mr. President and anti corruption agencies leadership especially EFCC and the Department of State Services (DSS) among others.
NICO alleged that they were offered N100 million to join proposed plot to attack EFCC boss, undermine Tinubu’s war against corruption but they refused.
The group has therefore called on President Tinubu to remain steadfast, undistracted, and unyielding, and also urged the EFCC and its leadership not to be cowed, intimidated, and no thief—no matter how highly placed—must be allowed to escape justice.
They equally called on civil society groups, labour unions, student associations, religious bodies, the media, and patriotic Nigerians at home and abroad to defend Nigeria’s future.
NICO said: “We stand today at a very critical junction in our nation’s history. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came into office with a clear promise—to renew hope, to clean up the rot in our public institutions, and to make government work again for the people.
“One of the boldest fronts of this renewed hope agenda is the war against corruption—a war that Nigerians of conscience must not allow to be sabotaged. Since May 29, 2023, the Tinubu administration has made unprecedented strides in strengthening the anti-corruption framework and reforming the criminal justice system. Among the key milestones are.
“Granting the EFCC and ICPC free hands to investigate and prosecute powerful individuals without political interference including those holding top government positions and heads of government business organizations .
“Overhauling the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and other fiscal controls to block leakages and wastage of public funds. Expanding the use of technology in revenue generation and monitoring to curb corruption in tax administration, ports, and customs.
“Strengthening the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) to ensure faster trials, discourage frivolous adjournments, and guarantee that corruption cases no longer drag endlessly in court.
“Promoting inter-agency collaboration that allows the EFCC, ICPC, CCB, NFIU, and law enforcement to operate in synergy.
“These reforms have rekindled public confidence that at last, Nigeria may be on the path to real accountability.
“Similarly, under the able leadership of Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, the EFCC has recorded landmark achievements within a short period. These include: Recovery of billions of naira in stolen assets and funds, some of which have already been returned to victims of fraud and to government coffers.
“Launching a crackdown on internet fraudsters and financial crimes, with hundreds of convictions secured across various courts in the country.
“Prosecution of high-profile politically exposed persons, sending a strong message that there are no longer sacred cows.”
The group added that the EFCC has established a more victim-focused compensation system, where fraud victims now benefit directly from EFCC’s recovery efforts.
“Driving institutional reforms within the Commission to improve efficiency, professionalism, and transparency. For the first time in many years, Nigerians are seeing renewed energy in high-profile investigations, asset recoveries, and the fearless pursuit of powerful persons who once believed themselves untouchable. This has sent a clear signal: the era of business as usual is over,” NICO said.
The group stated that corruption had decided to fight back, adding that credible repors have confirmed that “some embattled men—individuals already facing corruption-related cases, some of whom still occupy sensitive positions in government—have drawn up a grand conspiracy to frustrate this anti-corruption crusade. These desperate men, terrified of the long arm of the law, are now deploying billions of stolen public funds to blackmail the EFCC leadership, to undermine President Tinubu’s anti-corruption drive, and to destabilize this government.
“Their tactics are clear: Orchestrated media attacks designed to smear the name of the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olukoyede, and weaken public trust in the Commission.
“Sponsorship of propaganda to paint the anti-graft war as selective, thereby discouraging public support. Deployment of allies in and out of government, including certain serving senior officials, to distract the President and derail his administration’s progress.
“Attempting to instigate confusion and crisis, all to divert attention from their ongoing cases and shield themselves from justice.
“This is not just an attack on Mr. Olukoyede, this is not just an attack on the EFCC. This is a direct attack on President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, on the future of Nigeria’s children, and on the millions of Nigerians who demand a government that works for them, not for corrupt elites.
“We must make it clear: we will not allow this sinister agenda to succeed! We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remain steadfast, undistracted, and unyielding. Nigerians are watching, Nigerians are with you, and Nigerians demand that this anti-corruption war be taken to its logical conclusion. The EFCC must not be cowed, the Chairman must not be intimidated, and no thief—no matter how highly placed—must be allowed to escape justice.
“This country belongs to over 200 million Nigerians, not to a handful of corrupt men hiding behind propaganda. We refuse to be silent while they fund chaos with our stolen money. Let the world hear us: We stand with President Tinubu. We stand with the EFCC. We stand with Olanipekun Olukoyede. And we stand with justice. The fight is not just for today—it is for generations unborn.”