The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has achieved significant progress in the fight against corruption, recovering over N248 billion and securing 3,455 convictions over the past year. This milestone was shared by EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede during a news briefing on Thursday in Abuja to mark his one-year tenure. Represented by Director of Public Affairs Wilson Uwujaren, Olukoyede also revealed the EFCC’s success in prosecuting high-profile corruption cases involving former governors and recovering assets for international victims of Nigerian fraud.
Key Recoveries
From October 18, 2023, to October 18, 2024, the EFCC recovered assets including:
- N248,750,049,365.52 in Nigerian currency,
- $105,423,190.39 in U.S. dollars,
- £53,133.64 in British pounds, and
- €172,547.10 in euros, among others.
In addition, the EFCC returned $180,300 and 53 vehicles to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), benefiting two Canadian victims: Elena Bogomas ($164,000) and Sandra Butler ($16,300).
High-Profile Corruption Cases
The EFCC filed cases against four former Nigerian governors accused of corruption:
- Yahaya Bello (Kogi State): Charged on a 19-count charge of money laundering (N80.2 billion) and a 16-count charge for criminal breach of trust (N110.4 billion).
- Darius Ishaku (Taraba State): Facing a 15-count charge over alleged fraud involving N27 billion.
- Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara State): Alongside former Finance Commissioner Ademola Banu, charged with money laundering and mismanagement of public funds totaling N10 billion.
- Willie Obiano (Anambra State): Also charged on corruption-related counts.
Continued Efforts Against Corruption
The EFCC remains committed to upholding justice, preventing corruption, and recovering public assets. Olukoyede highlighted that the EFCC’s efforts align with Nigeria’s goal of creating a transparent financial environment.
