In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the nation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an intensive manhunt for one of its employees, identified as Mr. Polycarp, who has reportedly absconded after stealing over $30,000 from the exhibit room of the Kaduna Zonal Office. This incident has further raised concerns about internal accountability within the anti-graft agency.
According to information obtained by Reporters Nation, the stolen items include not just the $30,000 in cash but also gold bars valued at over ₦1 billion, $180,000, and £140,000. The theft reportedly came to light during an audit initiated by the zonal director of the Kaduna office, Mr. Benedict Ubi, following a similar theft incident at the Lagos State Command in January.
The Discovery and Escape
Sources reveal that the theft was uncovered when Mr. Ubi ordered an audit of the exhibit room as a precautionary measure after the Lagos scandal. During the audit, Mr. Polycarp, who was responsible for the custody of the exhibits, requested to use the restroom and vanished without a trace. Efforts to reach him via his phone were futile, as all his lines were switched off.
“Immediately after the order for the audit was given, he took an excuse to ease himself (use the toilet). Efforts were made to contact him, but all his telephone lines were switched off,” a source revealed to Reporters Nation.
Initial findings from the preliminary audit reveal significant discrepancies in foreign currency holdings, with investigators suspecting that further irregularities could be uncovered as the investigation deepens.
Manhunt Intensifies
The EFCC has since intensified efforts to locate the fugitive staff member. Law enforcement agencies have been mobilized, and a nationwide manhunt is underway to apprehend Mr. Polycarp and recover the stolen items. The anti-graft body has reiterated its commitment to holding all erring officers accountable, emphasizing that no one is above the law.
This isn’t the first time the EFCC has faced internal challenges of this magnitude. In 2021, the commission dismissed an officer after leaked audio revealed his involvement in advising suspects on how to unfreeze their accounts and evade charges. At the time, EFCC spokesperson Wilson Uwujaren described the officer as a “corrupt fifth columnist with scant regard for the values of the commission.”
“Without prejudice to the outcome of the investigation, snippets of the audio recording clearly showed an abysmally compromised ‘officer’ dropping names to ingratiate his benefactor, a relative of a crime suspect,” Uwujaren stated. He further emphasized the EFCC’s zero-tolerance policy for corruption within its ranks, labeling the officer’s actions as a breach of the commission’s Standard Operating Procedures.
Lingering Questions on Internal Oversight
The recent thefts have reignited debates over the EFCC’s internal oversight mechanisms. Critics argue that repeated incidents of misconduct by its staff undermine the agency’s credibility and its mission to combat corruption. Analysts are calling for stringent reforms, including enhanced vetting processes, routine audits, and increased accountability measures to prevent future lapses.
Public Reaction and Next Steps
The public’s response to the Kaduna theft has been one of outrage and disbelief. Social media platforms are abuzz with calls for greater transparency and demands for the EFCC to lead by example in upholding integrity.
As the investigation progresses, Nigerians await updates on the recovery of the stolen assets and the arrest of Mr. Polycarp. The EFCC’s actions in the coming days will be closely scrutinized as it seeks to rebuild public trust and reaffirm its commitment to justice.
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