…as Governor Sule, Lawmakers, Dignitaries Hail Commission’s Culture of Discipline
By Nkechi Eze
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, September 26, 2025, marked another milestone in its human capital development drive with the Passing Out Parade of the Detective Superintendent Course 10 and Detective Inspector Course 7 at Ende Hills, Karu, Nasarawa State. The colourful ceremony, graced by dignitaries from government, security and legislative institutions, featured the commissioning of 404 cadets who have undergone months of rigorous training in preparation for the complex task of combating economic and financial crimes in Nigeria.
A total of 294 cadets completed the Detective Superintendent Course 10, while 110 cadets successfully passed through the Detective Inspector Course 7. Amagiya Efe Princewill emerged overall best graduating cadet in the Superintendent Course, with Solomon Fawehinmi and Chika Lawra Anyadike finishing as first and second runners-up respectively. Uzuakpundu Emmanuel and Aisha Ali were decorated as Marksman and Markswoman. In the Inspectorate Course, Sanni Ayoola Blessing emerged as overall best cadet, with Okala Ifeoma Sophia as first runner-up, Adedeji Kehinde Ayobami as second runner-up and also the marksman, while Charles Vivian Onyiye was named markswoman. Other outstanding cadets were recognised across categories including operations, general studies, legal, finance, forensics, field and ICT.
In his address at the event, the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, congratulated the graduands and their families on their achievement, noting that the passing out parade marked the culmination of months of discipline, academic rigour and physical drills designed to mould them into competent anti-corruption officers. He expressed appreciation to His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, for honouring the invitation as reviewing officer, describing it as a demonstration of his unwavering support for law enforcement, good governance and the fight against financial crimes. He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unalloyed support to the Commission, particularly for giving the EFCC the independence to carry out its mandate without interference, and acknowledged the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, for granting the EFCC the use of the Police Mobile Training College, an arrangement which he said reflected the synergy between both institutions.
Olukoyede charged the fresh operatives to embrace the EFCC’s core values of integrity, professionalism, courage and accountability, stressing that the Commission has zero tolerance for corruption and compromise. “You are coming into an organisation that places a high premium on integrity and rectitude. You must fit adequately into the mould of officers that are well-rewarded and morally upright. Sanctions and punitive measures against corrupt practices by officers of the Commission are stiff. I wouldn’t want such for any of you,” he warned. He added that their training had not only grounded them intellectually and physically but also equipped them to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with international law enforcement officers, given the global scope of the Commission’s mandate. While acknowledging that challenges would confront them in their duties, he urged them to remain resolute, professional and uncompromising, declaring that Nigerians expect much from the EFCC and the Commission cannot afford to fail.
The reviewing officer, Governor Abdullahi Sule, in his goodwill address, lauded the EFCC for its resilience, discipline and culture of excellence, describing what he witnessed at the parade as a reflection of the Commission’s commitment to producing men and women of character who will carry the nation’s anti-corruption fight forward. He commended the cadets for their perseverance and their families for their sacrifices, charging the new officers to uphold professionalism and patriotism as they assume their roles. He assured the EFCC of the continued support of Nasarawa State in its national mandate.
The Acting Commandant of the EFCC Academy, ACE I Joseph Ogwiji, reflected on the training journey with pride, noting that the cadets had distinguished themselves through discipline, regimentation, professionalism and integrity. He commended the EFCC leadership for its consistent support and pointed out the remarkable improvements in logistics, welfare and feeding that contributed to the overall success of the programme. Ogwiji affirmed that the cadets presented at the parade were refined, skilled, intelligent and fully prepared to take their rightful place in the anti-graft war.
In his goodwill message, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, Senator Emmanuel Udende, congratulated the cadets on what he described as the beginning of a significant new chapter in their lives. He reminded them that they are not just joining a law enforcement agency but becoming standard bearers of integrity and national service. While commending the EFCC for its achievements despite resource constraints, he assured that the Senate Committee remains firmly committed to supporting the Commission to deliver on its statutory mandate.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Crimes, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, congratulated EFCC Chairman Olukoyede and the graduating cadets, describing the event as a momentous occasion that reflects hard work, dedication and perseverance. He emphasised that the new officers had been trained to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism and are expected to enforce the law while protecting the rights of Nigerians. He pledged the unwavering support of the House of Representatives under Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to the EFCC, assuring that the legislature will continue to strengthen the Commission with the tools and laws it needs to succeed.
The ceremony was crowned with a parade march-past, presentation of awards and souvenirs to outstanding cadets, and group photographs with dignitaries, families and officials of the Commission. With 404 new operatives now added to its ranks, the EFCC signalled a stronger resolve in its war against corruption, with Chairman Olukoyede’s charge ringing loud: “Integrity, for us, is more than a preachment, it is a rule of engagement and an article of faith in the work we do. He that comes to equity must come with clean hands.”
