By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has suspended one of its senior prosecutors, Samuel Chime, over allegations of bribery linked to the sabotage of corruption cases.
According to a publication by SaharaReporters he action followed the outcome of an internal investigative panel constituted by the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, after multiple petitions were submitted by civil society organisations, non-governmental groups, and concerned individuals accusing Chime of misconduct and financial inducement.
Sources within the commission disclosed that the EFCC leadership expressed strong displeasure over the development, warning that such behaviour could damage the agency’s credibility.
One official said, “Chime was suspended after extensive internal probe revealed that he had compromised some cases due to financial inducements.” Another insider added that “the commission might end up dismissing him, but he has been begging the chairman, and pleading for clemency.”
Chime had served as lead prosecutor in several high-profile cases across different Federal High Courts, including matters involving former public officials and alleged fraud suspects in Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt.
Following his suspension, the EFCC has requested adjournments in the affected trials, informing courts that the prosecutor had “proceeded on a sick leave,” a move aimed at safeguarding the commission’s public image.
Further findings from petitions accused him of duplicating charges in separate courts to frustrate defendants, an act said to contradict established prosecutorial standards and EFCC policy.
Consequently, the commission has directed other prosecutors to review both pending and concluded cases previously handled by Chime as investigations continue.