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.

Federal High Court in Awka, Anambra State, Delivers Verdict on 34 Internet Fraudsters.

Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court in Awka, Anambra State, has convicted and sentenced 34 individuals for various internet-related crimes, including fraudulent impersonation, possession of proceeds of crime, and obtaining by false pretence.

 The Convicts:

• Kelly Maduabuchi Muonagu
• Nwokwu Chibuike Valerian
• Chinonso Stanley Boniface
• Nnamani Makuo Paschal
• Ifeanyi Aju Kingsley
• Kalu Odeghe Olu
• 27 others

 Charges and Sentencing:

The convicts faced separate one-count charges. Ifeanyi Aju Kingsley and Kalu Odeghe Olu were accused of impersonating foreign nationals and shipping agents to scam unsuspecting individuals.

Justice Anyadike sentenced 32 of the convicts to eight months imprisonment, with an option of a N70,000 fine. Valerian and Boniface received two months community service under the supervision of the Deputy Court Registrar.

 Additional Consequences:

The court ordered the auction of recovered mobile phones and laptops, with proceeds going to the Single Treasury Account of the Federation.

 Background:

The convicts were arrested on October 11, 2024, in Onitsha, Anambra State, for internet-related offenses. Investigations revealed they used fake email addresses to impersonate foreign shipping agents and scam vulnerable women abroad.

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 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.