Olanipekun Olukoyede will soon be named the actual chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by President Bola Tinubu.
Lawyer Olukoyede worked for two years as the EFCC’s secretary under former acting head Ibrahim Magu.
Along with Magu, he was placed on administrative leave in 2020, and he hasn’t been summoned back.
Olukoyede served as Magu’s chief of staff prior to his position as secretary.
His appointment, which needs Senate approval, is anticipated to be made public “very soon,” according to sources with knowledge of the situation.
Olukoyede has no background in law enforcement or investigation, hence his nomination is rumored to be contentious. Additionally, he is viewed as being too close to the controversial Magu.
Olukoyede’s supporters assert that he is a skilled attorney with knowledge of corporate intelligence, compliance management, and fraud management. He is reportedly a certified fraud examiner as well.
Olukoyede will be the first Nigerian from the South to head the EFCC if the Senate approves his nomination.
There are worries that Mr. Olukoyede might not be qualified for the position, though. Mr. Olukoyede might not be able to meet the legal standards for the EFCC chief’s appointment.
The EFCC Act, 2005’s Section 2(3) specifies that the chairman of the commission “must be a serving or retired member of any government security or law enforcement agency, not below the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police or equivalent; possess not less than 15 years experience.”