The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reported major accomplishments from the past year, revealing the recovery of N248.75 billion, $105.42 million, and successful prosecution of 3,455 cases. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, represented by Public Affairs Director Wilson Uwujaren, presented these updates at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, marking Olukoyede’s one-year tenure.
The detailed report highlights recoveries made between October 18, 2023, and October 18, 2024, including £53,133, €172,547, ¥74,859 Chinese Yuan, and CFA 7,821,375 West African Francs. The EFCC also made strides in international asset recovery, recently returning $180,300 and 53 vehicles to Canada’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), assets recovered from Nigerian fraudsters targeting Canadian citizens. The recovered funds included $164,000 belonging to a victim identified as Elena Bogomas and $16,300 connected to Sandra Butler.
In addition to financial recoveries, Olukoyede updated on high-profile corruption cases involving prominent figures. Four former governors — Yahaya Bello, Abdulfatah Ahmed, Willie Obiano, and Darius Ishaku — are currently facing corruption charges in court. Two former power ministers, Saleh Mamman and Olu Agunloye, are also under prosecution.
The commission’s efforts extend to former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika, who is on trial over fraud charges totaling N5.8 billion and N2.8 billion. Sirika’s trial involves allegations alongside family members and affiliated companies, including Engines Nigeria Limited, Samahah Integrated Investment Limited, Fatima Sirika, Jalal Hamma, and Al Buraq Global Investment Limited.
Olukoyede reiterated the EFCC’s commitment to tackling financial crimes, recovering illicit funds, and prosecuting offenders, both domestically and in partnership with international agencies.
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