Olukoyede, Hammajoda arrive Senate for screening as EFCC chair, secretary

Ola Olukoyede and Muhammad Hammajoda, President Bola Tinubu’s nominees for Chairman and Secretary of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), have commenced their Senate screening and confirmation process.

President Tinubu appointed Olukoyede and Hammajoda on October 12, 2023, as the chair and secretary of the commission, respectively, pending approval from the Senate.

The leadership of the nation’s primary anti-corruption agency has witnessed significant changes since President Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023.

On June 14, 2023, President Tinubu suspended Abdulrasheed Bawa indefinitely from his position as the head of the anti-graft agency. This suspension was initiated to allow a thorough investigation into Bawa’s conduct during his tenure, following substantial allegations of abuse of office.

Consequently, Abdulkarim Chukkol, the Director of Operations at the Commission, was appointed as the acting EFCC chair while the Department of State Services (DSS) detained Bawa.

With the recent appointment last Thursday, Olukoyede takes on the helm at the commission.

Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, clarified that Olukoyede’s appointment is for an initial renewable term of four years, pending Senate confirmation.

Additionally, President Tinubu designated Hammajoda to serve as the EFCC Secretary, subject to a renewable term of five years, awaiting Senate confirmation.