The suspension of immediate past Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa has thrown up the emergence of a key figure in the anti-corruption agency.
President Bola Tinubu suspended Bawa on Tuesday, June 14, 2023 over alleged abuse of office, and appointed AbdulKarim Chukkol as the acting Chairman of the agency.
Chukkol, who previously held the position of director of operations at the EFCC, has assumed the crucial role of leading the agency in its mission to combat financial crimes and promote accountability.
Born on May 27, 1977, he hails from Northern State in the country.
Academic, professional stints
Chukkol holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Maiduguri (2000). A Fellow of the Nigerian Army War College, Chukkol’s global perspective on combating financial crimes has been further enhanced by his studies at the prestigious Korea National Police University.
He had attended various trainings such as FBI National Academy, Quantico Session 244 2011, University of Virginia Postgraduate Diploma in Criminal Justice Education, 2011 and United States Telecommunications Training Institute Cybersecurity and Spectrum Monitoring 2010 as well as the Canadian Police College Criminal Justice Education course in 2006.
A pioneer staff of the Commission and an illustrious member of the EFCC Cadet Course One, Mr. Chukkol is a consummate and vastly experienced investigator with specialty in cybercrime and money laundering.
His Command appointments in the Commission include spells as Head of the Advance Fee Fraud and Cybercrime Sections of the Lagos and Abuja Zonal Commands between 2011 -2016, pioneer Commander of the Uyo Zonal Command in 2017 and Commander of Port Harcourt Zonal Command in 2020.
Chukkol has participated in several special operations with international law enforcement organizations and maintains close relationship with Law enforcement agencies such as the FBI, UK National Crime Agency, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), United States Secret Service, Australian Federal Police, Dutch Police, German Police, South African Police, among others.
He has attended several courses, seminars and workshops on Public Corruption, Advance Fee Fraud and other economic and financial crimes both locally and internationally, including the Oxford University, United Kingdom, in 2022.
His career competence
His role includes overseeing the agency’s operations, setting strategic objectives, and implementing effective measures to combat financial crimes. Chukkol is expected to bring a fresh perspective and strong leadership to the EFCC, guiding its ongoing efforts to eradicate corruption and promote transparency in Nigeria.
AbdulKarim, son of Professor Chukkol, has an impressive background and extensive experience in law enforcement and anti-corruption operations.
He has shown exceptional dedication and competence in combating financial crimes, significantly contributing to the agency’s success. Chukkol has a thorough understanding of the EFCC’s operations and a strong commitment to upholding the principles of justice and accountability as a member of the EFCC Cadet Course 1.
He had honed his skills in complex financial crime investigation, prosecution, and asset recovery. He understands the importance of forming alliances with other countries and law enforcement agencies in order to improve intelligence sharing, collaborate on investigations, and bring financial crime perpetrators to justice.
Chukkol’s international exposure and mindset will help to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts on a global scale. As acting chairman, he will seek to build on the commission’s successes while implementing novel strategies to combat evolving financial crimes. Chukkol’s leadership is expected to prioritise transparency, efficiency, and the rule of law, keeping the EFCC at the forefront of Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight.
Beyond his professional endeavours, Chukkol is married to Mrs. AbdulKarim, an understandable and supportive wife who has been by his side through thick and thin.
The decision to appoint him reflects the trust and confidence placed in his leadership abilities and his dedication to the fight against corruption. Meet the debonair anti-corruption chief in town- AbdulKarim Chukkol.
