By Charles Pemu 
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been thrown into the spotlight after launching a formal investigation into explosive allegations made by popular Nigerian rapper, Oladipupo Oladimeji, widely known as Oladips. The musician claims that EFCC operatives extorted ₦10 million from him to secure his release from detention in 2024.
Speaking recently on the Trending podcast, Oladips recounted his arrest during a midnight operation conducted by the anti-graft agency at his Lagos residence in November 2024. He stated that he was detained for five days, during which he allegedly had to pay a substantial sum despite no incriminating evidence being found 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,” the rapper lamented.
The EFCC swiftly addressed the claims in a statement shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, confirming that it is treating the matter with “great seriousness” and has already commenced investigations.
The Commission sought to distance itself from the alleged misconduct, stating that the “grim picture painted by the artist does not reflect the true character of the EFCC.”
In a concrete step towards accountability, the agency announced immediate action against the implicated personnel:
- The officers in the team that handled Oladips’ case have been summoned to the Corporate Headquarters.
- They have been relieved of their operational duties pending the conclusion of the investigation.
The EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and its core value of integrity, vowing to punish any personnel found guilty of misconduct.
The agency also cautioned against false accusations, noting that if the allegation is found to be untrue and aimed at tarnishing the Commission’s image, “appropriate sanctions will also be imposed.”
The EFCC concluded by urging the Nigerian public to remain patient as it conducts its internal investigation, assuring them of its continued commitment to combating corruption with integrity.