The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into an allegation by Nigerian rapper Oladipupo Oladimeji, popularly known as Oladips, who accused some of its operatives of extorting ₦10 million from him during his detention in 2024.
Oladips made the claim during a recent interview on the Trending podcast, where he recounted how he was arrested along with other residents of his Lagos estate during a midnight raid by EFCC operatives in November 2024.
He said he spent five days in custody and was released only after allegedly paying ₦10 million, despite the operatives finding no incriminating evidence against him.
“They collected money (₦10 million) from me before they released me.
They didn’t find anything on me.
So, what was the money for? What was all that stress and suffering for?
It’s just Nigeria. Nigeria just happened to me,” he lamented during the interview.
Reacting to the allegation, the EFCC, in a statement on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Saturday, said it viewed the claim with “great seriousness” and had commenced a formal inquiry into the matter.
According to the statement, the officers involved in the operation had been summoned to the Commission’s headquarters and suspended from operational duties pending the outcome of investigations.
“The Commission wishes to state unreservedly that the grim picture painted by the artist does not reflect the true character of the EFCC.
We have seen his claims and have commenced investigations accordingly.
Officers in the team that handled his case have been relieved of their operational duties pending the conclusion of investigations,” the statement read.
The anti-graft agency reiterated its commitment to integrity and accountability, assuring that it would take necessary disciplinary action against any staff found culpable.
It, however, warned that if Oladips’ allegations turned out to be false or aimed at tarnishing the image of the Commission, the rapper could face appropriate sanctions.
“The Commission is serious about its value of integrity and will take necessary action against any staff found to be culpable.
However, if the allegation is found to be false and intended to malign the Commission, appropriate sanctions will also be imposed,” it stated.
The EFCC urged the public to remain patient as investigations continue, reaffirming its resolve to maintain professionalism in the fight against financial and economic crimes.