ABUJA, Nigeria – Ibrahim Lamorde, the former Chairman of Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has died at the age of 61.
He passed away in Egypt after battling an undisclosed illness.
Born on December 20, 1962, in Mubi, Adamawa State, Mr. Lamorde had a distinguished career in law enforcement and anti-corruption efforts.
He joined the Nigerian Police Force in 1986 after graduating from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology in 1984.
Over the years, he rose through the ranks, eventually retiring as a Deputy Inspector General of Police in 2021.
Mr. Lamorde’s most notable role was his tenure as the third Executive Chairman of the EFCC, a position he held from 2011 to 2015.
He first took on the role in an acting capacity on November 3, 2011, after the removal of Farida Waziri by President Goodluck Jonathan.
His appointment as the substantive Chairman was confirmed by the Senate on February 15, 2012.
His involvement with the EFCC began when the commission was established in 2003. Lamorde was appointed as the pioneer Director of Operations, a crucial role in the commission’s formative years.
In December 2007, he briefly served as Acting Chairman until June 2008, when Mrs. Waziri was appointed and confirmed as Chairperson by the Senate.
In December 2010, Lamorde returned to the EFCC as Director of Operations, replacing the then Acting Director of Operations, Stephen Otitoju.
When Mrs Waziri was replaced on November 23, 2011, Lamorde, then an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), was once again appointed Acting Chairman.
His leadership was confirmed on February 15, 2012, and he served until November 9, 2015, when President Muhammadu Buhari replaced him with Ibrahim Magu in an acting capacity.
Throughout his career, Mr. Lamorde was known for his dedication to combating financial crimes and corruption in Nigeria. His tenure at the EFCC was marked by significant efforts to enhance the commission’s effectiveness and integrity in pursuing its mandate.
