We Had Over 3,000 Convictions, Recovered N248bn And $105m In One Year – EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed its successes for the last year, which include the recovery of more than N248 billion ($105 million) and the successful prosecution of 3,455 cases.

EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, represented by Wilson Uwujaren, the commission’s director of public affairs, provided these updates in Abuja on Thursday during a press conference to commemorate Olukoyede’s one-year tenure.

From October 18, 2023 to October 18, 2024, the commission recovered N248.75 billion, $105.42 million, £53,133, €172,547, and other foreign money, including ¥74,859 Chinese Yuan and CFA 7,821,375 West African Francs.

Notably, the EFCC helped facilitate an international asset recovery process. On September 6, the agency turned over $180,300 and 53 cars to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). These assets were recovered from Nigerian fraudsters targeting Canadian people. According to Olukoyede, a portion of these cash, totaling $164,000, came to a victim named Elena Bogomas, while $16,300 went to Sandra Butler.

Olukoyede also discussed ongoing high-profile cases, noting that four former governors — Yahaya Bello, Abdulfatah Ahmed, Willie Obiano, and Darius Ishaku — have been charged in court with corruption. Furthermore, two former ministers of power, Saleh Mamman and Olu Agunloye, are currently being prosecuted.

Hadi Sirika, the former aviation minister, is also on trial on various charges. He is facing two trials for alleged N5.8 billion and N2.8 billion fraud, as well as family members and connected companies such as Engines Nigeria Limited, Samahah Integrated Investment Limited, Fatima Sirika, Jalal Hamma, and Al Buraq Global Investment Limited.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli