EFCC Recovers N248 Billion, £53,000, and €172,000 in 12 Months.

Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has made significant strides in combating corruption, recovering a staggering N248 billion, £53,000, and €172,000 in corruption proceeds over the past 12 months. Wilson Uwajaren, Director of Public Affairs, revealed these impressive figures while updating the public on the agency’s activities.

The EFCC’s efforts extend beyond financial recoveries. They have secured over 35 convictions for Naira abuse by Nigerians at social events and plan to establish three new directorates in Ekiti, Katsina, and Anambra states. In September, the commission returned $180,300 and 53 vehicles to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, which were fraudulently obtained by Nigerians from Canadian citizens.

Key Recoveries:

– N248 billion in corruption proceeds
– £53,000 recovered from corrupt activities
– €172,000 recovered from corrupt activities
– €5,000 recovered for victims of crime in Spain
– $180,300 and 53 vehicles returned to Canadian citizens

Chairman Ola Olukoyede emphasized the commission’s commitment to fighting financial crimes, stressing the importance of international collaboration. He assured that Nigeria will not tolerate criminal activities and pledged to investigate, prosecute, and recover assets for victims of financial crimes.

These developments demonstrate the EFCC’s dedication to eradicating corruption and promoting transparency in Nigeria.

Two Internet Fraudsters Jailed in Port Harcourt.

Justice S. Pam of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has sentenced two internet fraudsters, Emmanuel Wisdom and Donald Etege, to two years imprisonment each for impersonation and obtaining money under false pretenses.

The duo was arraigned by the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on separate one-count charges bordering on obtaining money under false pretense and impersonation.

Emmanuel Wisdom, also known as Sam Freidrich, was found guilty of obtaining $1,200 from Tony Grozdan under the pretense of investing in cryptocurrency trade, while Donald Etege was convicted of obtaining $1,500 from Lisa Ricks by impersonating a Bitcoin trader.

Both defendants pleaded guilty to the charges, and their counsel prayed for mercy, citing their first-time offender status. Justice Pam sentenced them to two years imprisonment or an option of fine of N200,000 each, payable to the Federal Government. Additionally, all phones recovered from them will be forfeited to the government as proceeds of crime.

This verdict marks another victory for the EFCC in its crusade against internet fraud and cybercrime in Nigeria.

 Case Details:

– Defendants: Emmanuel Wisdom (a.k.a Sam Freidrich) and Donald Etege
– Charges: Impersonation and obtaining money under false pretenses
– Sentence: 2 years imprisonment or N200,000 fine each
– Case Date: October 29, 2024

Similar cases have been reported in the past, with the EFCC securing convictions against other internet fraudsters in Port Harcourt.

 Emefiele’s Trial: Witness Reveals Irregularities in Contract Award.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecution witness, Stephen Salau Gana, exposed irregularities in contract awards during Godwin Emefiele’s tenure as Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor.

 Key Testimony

1. No competitive bidding for April 16 Investment Limited’s N99.9 million vehicle supply contract.
2. Contract exceeded CBN governor’s approval threshold (N100 million).
3. Direct procurement justified only in emergencies, sole manufacturer/distributor, or exclusive dealership cases.
4. April 16 Investment Limited met none of these conditions.

 Prosecution’s Case

Emefiele faces amended 20-count charges:

1. Conspiracy
2. Criminal breach of trust
3. Forgery
4. Obtaining $6,230,000 by false pretenses

 Trial Update

Justice Hamza Mu’azu adjourned the case to November 13, 2024, for continuation.

Defense and Prosecution

• Defense counsel to respond to allegations.
• Prosecution to present additional witnesses.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.