The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reported the recovery of over N248 billion, $105 million, and the securing of 3,455 convictions within the past year.
The Chairman of the Commission, Ola Olukoyede, made this announcement in Abuja on Thursday during a press conference to commemorate his first year in office.
Represented by Wilson Uwujaren, the EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Olukoyede stated that these achievements occurred between October 18, 2023, and October 18, 2024, marking the period since he assumed office.
“The Commission has recovered 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,” he detailed.
“It also recovered ¥74,859.00 Chinese Yuan; AUS $740.00 Australian Dollars; 170.00 UAE Dirhams; 73,000.00 Korean Won; CFA 7,821,375.00; and R50.00 South African Rand.”
Regarding asset recovery and return, the EFCC handed over $180,300 and 53 vehicles to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on September 6, which were recovered for Canadian victims of Nigerian fraudsters.
Olukoyede mentioned that $164,000 of the recovered cash assets originated from one Elena Bogomas, while $16,300 belonged to another victim, identified as Sandra Butler.
He added that the 53 vehicles recovered were stolen over a period and were freighted to Nigeria, where they were distributed to various locations by criminal elements.
The Commission has also charged four former governors with corruption allegations over the past year: Yahaya Bello, Abdulfatah Ahmed, Willie Obiano, and Darius Ishaku.
Olukoyede stated that the Commission arrested two former Ministers of Power, Saleh Mamman and Olu Agunloye, who are currently facing prosecution.
Additionally, a former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, is standing trial in two different courts: Justice S.B. Belgore of the FCT High Court, Garki, and Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the FCT High Court, Maitama.
He noted that Sirika is being prosecuted alongside his brother, Ahmad Sirika, and two companies, Enginos Nigeria Limited and Samahah Integrated Investment Limited, on 10 counts relating to an alleged N5.8 billion fraud.
Furthermore, the former minister is facing six counts alongside Fatima Sirika, Jalal Hamma, and Al Buraq Global Investment Limited for alleged N2.8 billion fraud.
