By Olaitan Ibrahim
The Economics and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC said it has instituted investigations into claims by Nigerian rapper, Oladipupo Olabode Oladimeji (a.k.a Oladips) that its operatives extorted N10 million from him when he was arrested along other alleged internet fraudsters.
Oladips who made the claim in a recent podcast said operatives of EFCC extorted the money when he was detained for five days in the facility of the anti=graft agency.
He said this was in spite of the fact that no incriminating document was found on him while he was made to undergo harrowing experience with poor feeding during his detention.
In response, the EFCC said it viewed the allegation by the rapper seriously and has began investigation of the extortion claim.
In a statement by Dele Oyewale, its spokesperson, EFCC said it has already summoned operatives in the Team that handled Oladips to its headquarters in Abuja as part of the investigation.
EFCC also said the operatives have been taken off operational duties pending the conclusion of investigation of the matter.
The statement reads, “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, views with great seriousness the allegation of extortion made against some of its operatives by a Nigerian rapper, Oladipupo Olabode Oladimeji (a.k.a Oladips).
The hip-hop artist gravely alleged that operatives of the Commission extorted a sum of N10,000,000 (Ten Million Naira) from him before securing his release when he was arrested alongside other suspected internet fraudsters.
“The Commission wishes to state unreservedly that the grim picture painted by the artist does not reflect the true picture of the EFCC. We have seen his claims and have commenced investigations on them accordingly. Officers in the Team that handled his case have been summoned to the Corporate Headquarters of the Commission and have also been relieved of their operational duties pending the conclusion of investigation of the matter.
“The Commission is serious about its value of integrity and will take necessary action against any staff found to be culpable. It is also needful to state that if the allegation is found to be false and raised to malign the Commission or tarnish its image, appropriate sanctions will also be imposed.
“The Commission enjoins the public to await the result of its investigations and continue to keep faith with it in its conscientious task of tackling economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.