The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has taken disciplinary action against more than 40 of its employees over alleged corruption and financial impropriety in the past three years.
The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, revealed this on Monday in Abuja while speaking with journalists as part of activities marking his third anniversary as head of the anti-graft agency.
Olukoyede disclosed that at least five other members of staff were facing criminal prosecution for alleged corrupt conduct, while investigations into other cases were at different stages ahead of possible prosecution.
The EFCC boss said the actions were part of efforts to ensure that officers of the commission did not enjoy preferential treatment when accused of wrongdoing, stressing that those entrusted with fighting corruption must maintain a high level of integrity.
He said the commission had also strengthened its internal accountability mechanism by changing the name of its Internal Affairs Department to the Department of Ethics and Integrity.
According to him, a new gift policy has equally been introduced to prevent conflicts of interest, with officers expected to declare gifts exceeding an approved value, irrespective of whether such gifts come from colleagues, friends or relatives at home and abroad.
Olukoyede maintained that the fight against financial crimes required more than arrests and prosecution, noting that effective policies and institutional reforms were needed to shut avenues through which public funds could be misappropriated.
He urged the media and civil society organisations to remain active in scrutinising public institutions, saying their watchdog responsibilities remained crucial to sustaining the fight against corruption.