…as Olukoyede reiterates that Nigeria is not a safe haven for financial crimes
By Nkechi Eze
As a demonstration of its dedication to combating economic and financial crimes and providing restitution to those affected by fraudulent activities, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has handed over a total sum $132,362.43(One Hundred and Thirty Two, Three Hundred and Sixty Two United States Dollars, Forty Three Cents), N78,566, 324. 81( Seventy Eight Million, Five Hundred and Sixty Six Thousand, Three Hundred and Twenty Four Naira, Eighty one kobo) to individuals from the United States of America, Spain, and Switzerland who have been affected by fraudulent activities perpetrated by local fraudsters.
It is also worthy to note that EFCC has been handing over recovered funds to victims of fraud, as part of demonstrating its commitment to justice and restitution.
These efforts are taken to reassure citizens and investors that the commission is dedicated to protecting their rights and interests, as the commission continues to crack down on financial malfeasance, its focus on restitution is a welcome development in the quest for justice and economic stability.
The handover, which took place on Friday, February 21, 2025 at the EFCC’s corporate headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, had the presence of the the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Umar Ahmed, Secretary to the commission, Chief of Staff, Management team of the Efcc, Acting Ambassador of Spain to Nigeria Maria Higon Velasco, Senior Political Officer, First Secretary, Embassy of Switzerland Florent Geel, Charles Smith, Legal Attache, Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, Embassy of the United States.
In his remarks, the Efcc boss noted that the event is a demonstration of the commitment of the federal government of Nigeria and that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the fight against corruption and financial crimes. He continued saying that it is a commitment to good governance, a commitment to stimulating the economy and a commitment to prove to the entire world that Nigeria is not a safe haven for financial crimes.
“You will agree with me that financial crime has become a global crime, so it is a commitment to international cooperation and international synergy in the fight against financial crimes.” He said.
Speaking further, Olukoyede said “We are here to demonstrate that the federal government of Nigeria, through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC is ready to do everything possible to prevent financial crimes from being perpetrated in our system. And when one has taken place, to investigate, and where assets are involved, to trace, to recover and where necessary, prosecute.
“We don’t just recover, we restitute the victims. We are here this morning to restitute those who been victimized through the perpetration of economic and financial crimes. It is important for us to note that within the purview of our laws, if you are a recipient of the proceeds of crime, and you sit over it, you are an accessory to the fact. It is important to know that once proceeds of crime are recovered, the most responsible thing to do is to restitute the victims.
“The presence of the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also a demonstration of the fact that what we call financial crimes, has no color, has no tribe. It’s not limited to one country. Financial crimes take place everywhere in the world. You are unaware that recently, we carried out a sting operation in Lagos and about 194 foreigners were arrested perpetrating financial crimes within our system. Ordinarily, if you are not careful, people would have thought that those crimes have been perpetrated by Nigerians. But it’s not true, foreigners are the perpetrators using the identity of Nigerians.
“So we at the Efcc are ready to smoke them out, to ensure that Nigeria is not a safe haven for them, to ensure that we build the image of Nigeria, to see Nigeria as a responsible country, a country that is committed to the fight against financial crimes and all kinds ills that can affect our economy.” He said.
Items handed over in addition to money are vehicles and real estate to citizens of Spain, United States of America and Switzerland.
Acting Ambassador of Spain to Nigeria, Maria Higon Velasco received the sum of $1,300 (One Thousand Three Hundred Dollars) and evidence of N30 million already transferred to the Embassy of Spain in Nigeria for onward transmission to Maria Del Rosario San Jose who was a victim.
Florent Geel, Senior Political Officer, First Secretary, Embassy of Switzerland received $100,011.43 (One Hundred Thousand, Eleven Dollars and Forty-three Cents on behalf of a victim, Chantai Helene Lavancy, formerly known as Chantai Helene Maeder.
Charles Smith, Legal Attache, Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, Embassy of the United States received the sum of $7,344 (Seven Thousand, Three Hundred and Forty-Four Dollars); N7,963,483.35 (Seven Million, Nine Hundred and Sixty-three Thousand, Four Hundred and Eighty-three Naira, Thirty-five Kobo), and Bitcoin cryptocurrency valued at $4,470.00 (Four Thousand, Four Hundred and Seventy Dollars) on behalf of the United States Embassy in Nigeria for onward transmission to a victim, Maria Jesus Brockell.
Also received by Smith was Mercedes Benz E550 4Matic Chasis No:WDDHF9AB6AA111112, Mercedes Benz C450 AMG with Chasis No: WDD20J0641F282467, and one residential bungalow, located at 17/19 Seaman Street, Unguwar Maigero, Kaduna, Kaduna State on behalf of the United States Embassy in Nigeria for onward transmission to the crime victim.
Additionally, Smith received the sum of $7,527 (Seven thousand, Five Hundred and Twenty-seven Dollars) on behalf of the United States Embassy in Nigeria for onward transmission to the victim of the crime, Michael Smith. He also received the sum of $11,710.00 (Eleven Thousand, Seven Hundred and Ten Dollars) on behalf of the United States Embassy in Nigeria for onward transmission to the crime victim, Cheryle Williams.
Lastly, Smith received the sum of N32,639,358.11 (Thirty-Two Million, Six Hundred and Thirty-nine Thousand, Three Hundred and Fifty-eight Naira, Eleven Kobo) on behalf of the United States Embassy in Nigeria for onward transmission to the crime victim, Marva Marrow.
In her remarks, her Excellency Velasco expressed gratitude, adding that “This is a sign of the collaboration between Nigeria and Spain and we are very grateful for this collaboration.”
Smith said “As the FBI Legal Attache and the representative of the US government I want to say we personally appreciate this. Many here may not understand what the impact this does to the victims. This gives them complete closure and it allows them to feel whole again. So we really do appreciate and we thank the EFCC. The EFCC is just not operating in Nigeria. The EFCC is a major global contender and you should recognize that every time.”
On behalf of the government of Switzerland, Geel I thank the government of Nigeria and EFCC for the recovery and restitution.
“I thank the Nigerian government and especially the EFCC for the work they have done to combat internet fraud and other financial crimes. Today’s restitution of money obtained from a Swiss citizen demonstrates not only the effectiveness but also integrity, professionalism, courage and collaboration that occur between Nigeria and Switzerland. So, thank you for this exemplary collaboration and work in making the digital world safer and better regulated. Switzerland will continue to work alongside the Nigeria government in the service of the security of our respective people. So thank you again,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary, Foreign Affairs Ministry, Umar Ahmed, thanked Olukoyede for his efforts in the anti-corruption fight and conveyed the felicitation of the Honorable Minister for Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar and the ministry to the EFCC and the Nigerian government.
According to him, “This is really an unprecedented development, and you cannot believe the impact that this development will have on the mandate of the ministry, because it makes our work a whole lot easier, it enhances the credibility of Nigeria in the international scene, and it will also go a long way in restoring investors’ confidence in the country.
And the ministry is very well with you in pursuing this mandate and wants to thank you for this initiative. It demonstrates the support of our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the fight against corruption and also in strengthening the EFCC in carrying out its mandate. All of us in the ministry are really happy with this development and we’ll keep on working with you and supporting you and in carrying your mandate.”
The EFCC’s efforts extends beyond holding perpetrators accountable, as the agency also provides tangible support and compensation to individuals and communities impacted by financial crimes.
Another highlight of the event was the signing of acknowledgment copies of documents received.
