- The EFCC has recovered over N248 billion and $105 million, alongside various currencies, in its fight against corruption over the past year
- The commission secured 3,455 convictions, showcasing its commitment to holding individuals accountable for financial crimes
- The EFCC has initiated legal proceedings against several former governors and ministers for corruption, including high-profile cases involving billions in mismanaged public funds
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reported significant achievements in its fight against corruption, recovering over N248 billion and $105 million while securing 3,455 convictions in the past year.
These figures were announced by EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, during a press briefing, on Thursday, october 31, in Abuja to mark his first year in office.
Olukoyede, represented by the Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, detailed that the impressive recovery occurred from October 18, 2023, to October 18, 2024.
He highlighted that the total amount recovered includes N248,750,049,365.52; $105,423,190.39; £53,133.64; €172,547.10; T1,300.00 Indian Rupees; and CAD $3,400.00 Canadian Dollars, among other currencies.
Additionally, Olukoyede reported that on September 6, the EFCC handed over $180,300 and 53 vehicles to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), assets recovered for Canadian victims of Nigerian fraudsters. Among the recovered funds, $164,000 belonged to a victim identified as Elena Bogomas, while another $16,300 was linked to Sandra Butler.
The commission has also taken legal action against four former governors: Yahaya Bello of Kogi, Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara, Willie Obiano of Anambra, and Darius Ishaku of Taraba, on various corruption charges.
Bello faces multiple charges in two courts, including a 19-count indictment on money laundering amounting to nearly N80.25 billion and another 16-count charge for criminal breach of trust involving N110.4 billion.
Ishaku is charged with a 15-count indictment related to an alleged N27 billion fraud.
Former Kwara Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and his ex-Commissioner for Finance, Ademola Banu, are facing a 12-count charge involving N10 billion in public funds mismanagement.
Obiano has been arraigned on nine counts related to money laundering and corruption totaling N4 billion.
The EFCC is also prosecuting two former Ministers of Power: Saleh Mamman, facing a 12-count charge linked to N33.8 billion in money laundering, and Olu Agunloye, who is charged with official corruption and fraudulent contract awards for the Mambilla Power Project, amounting to $6 billion.
Former Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika is currently on trial in two different courts for allegations involving a total of N8.6 billion in fraud, alongside several co-defendants.
Olukoyede emphasised the EFCC's commitment to continuing its rigorous efforts to combat corruption and ensure accountability among public officials.
Conflicting reports emerge on Yahaya Bello's arrest by EFCC
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Yahaya Bello's media office said the former Kogi State voluntarily responded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) invitation.
However, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) denied having Yahaya Bello in their custody, declaring he remained a wanted individual.
