The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has suspended one of its most senior prosecutors, Samuel Chime, after an internal investigative panel found him guilty of accepting bribes to sabotage high-profile corruption cases.
The probe, ordered by EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, followed a series of petitions from civil society organizations, non-governmental groups, and private individuals. The petitions accused Chime of gross misconduct, financial inducements, and deliberate legal maneuvering intended to frustrate the commission’s own prosecutions.
According to sources within the commission who spoke on the condition of anonymity, Mr. Olukoyede was “deeply incensed” by the findings, citing the potential for such conduct to permanently tarnish the agency’s reputation.
“Chime was suspended after an extensive internal probe revealed that he had compromised several cases due to financial inducements,” a senior official familiar with the matter told SaharaReporters
Another source privy to the investigation revealed that while the commission is considering outright dismissal, the embattled prosecutor has reportedly been “pleading for clemency.”
The ‘Sick Leave’ Cover-up
To protect the commission’s image while the scandal is managed internally, the EFCC has reportedly sought adjournments in all ongoing cases previously handled by Chime. In several court appearances, the commission informed judges that the lead counsel had “proceeded on sick leave,” effectively masking the disciplinary action.
Cases Under Review
Chime was a prominent figure in the EFCC’s legal department, serving as lead counsel in numerous high-stakes trials across Nigeria. His suspension has thrown several major cases into uncertainty, including:
EFCC v. Yakubu Adamu (Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance) & Others: Federal High Court, Abuja (December 2025).
EFCC v. Abubakar Ishaq (alias Mai-Rakumi): Federal High Court, Kano (2018).
EFCC v. Godwin-Isaac & Others: Federal High Court, Abuja (2024–ongoing).
EFCC v. Robert Terfa Swem (alias Ibrahim Magu):Federal High Court, Port Harcourt (2019).
EFCC v. Eze O. Okwuchukwu and Eze O. Onyeka:** Federal High Court, Abuja (2020).
He also led prosecutions in cases involving Wasiu Rasak, Richard Uduma, Aretuemhen Frank, and Obrien N. Odiaka, spanning jurisdictions from Abuja to Port Harcourt.
Allegations of Malpractice
Beyond direct bribery, petitions against Chime alleged that he frequently duplicated cases in different courts. This tactic was reportedly used to frustrate defendants and create procedural bottlenecks, a move investigators say is “contrary to best international practices and the EFCC’s standard operating policy.”
Full Audit Ordered
Following the suspension, Chairman Olukoyede has directed a team of prosecutors to conduct a comprehensive review of all ongoing and closed cases handled by Chime. This audit aims to determine the extent of the damage and whether any concluded cases need to be revisited or appealed due to professional compromise.
The development has sent shockwaves through the anti-graft agency, raising questions about the level of internal oversight and the integrity of the “war against corruption” when handled by compromised actors.
