The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has criticized the contradiction in public attitudes toward corruption, stating that while many Nigerians complain about corruption, they often defend and support corrupt leaders when they face prosecution.

Speaking in Abuja over the weekend during a visit by officials of the Centre for Crisis Communication, led by Chris Olukolade, Olukoyede highlighted the inconsistency in how Nigerians approach the fight against corruption.

“Everybody is crying that Nigerians are corrupt, that the system is corrupt, that corruption is killing us and destroying our system. But when we investigate high-profile cases and arraign individuals in court, the same people will carry placards in support of these corrupt leaders,” he said.

He emphasized that the fight against corruption must be a collective effort between the government and citizens, adding that true progress depends on a shared commitment to integrity and accountability.

Olukoyede described corruption as the biggest obstacle to national development. “One of the major problems in Nigeria, which, if addressed, would make underdevelopment a thing of the past, is corruption and financial crimes,” he stated.

He reaffirmed the EFCC’s commitment to tackling financial crimes within the bounds of the law and called for increased public cooperation in the anti-corruption fight.

He also noted that the EFCC would collaborate with the CCC and other relevant organizations to strengthen strategic communication and raise public awareness about integrity and accountability. Recently, the EFCC dismissed 27 officers over misconduct and fraudulent activities.

The agency’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, revealed in January that the dismissals followed recommendations from the EFCC Staff Disciplinary Committee, which were approved by the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.