THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has expressed grief over the passage of its former chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde.
Lamorde reportedly died on Sunday morning, May 26, in Egypt, where he had travelled for medical treatment. He was 61.
EFCC spokesman, Mr. Dele Oyewale, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, said that the Commission was devastated by his death, adding: “EFCC received with shock, the sudden death of one of its former executive chairmen, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde.
“Lamorde, pioneer director of Operations and third substantive chairman of the EFCC between February 15, 2012 and November 9, 2015, served the nation actively as a focused and gallant anti-graft fighter.
“He will be sorely missed, both at the EFCC and the nation at large.
“The Commission prays for the repose of his soul and comfort for his family, the EFCC and the entire nation.”
Lamorde, according to a family source, died around 3a.m. local time in Cairo, Egypt, three days after undergoing a surgery.
His remains are expected to be flown back to the country for burial.
Lamorde was born on December. 20, 1962, in Mubi, Adamawa State, and attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology in 1984.
He joined the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in 1986 and retired as a deputy inspector general (DIG)
He was acting chairman of the Commission in January 2008, a position he held until Mrs. Farida Waziri was appointed chairperson and confirmed by the senate in June 2008.
Lamorde returned to the EFCC in 2010 as director of Operations, replacing Mr. Stephen Otitoju. He was appointed in an acting capacity as chairman of the anti-graft agency on November 23, 2011, following the removal of Waziri by then President Goodluck Jonathan.
He was made third substantive chairman of the agency on February 15, 2012, a position he held until November 9, 2015, when former President Muhammadu Buhari replaced him with Mr. Ibrahim Magu.
