EFCC announces major prosecutions, asset recoveries under Olukoyede

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has made significant strides in combating corruption and financial crimes over the past year, successfully prosecuting four former governors and two former ministers.

This achievement comes under the leadership of Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede, who has emphasized the commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

During a press briefing held in Abuja on Thursday, Olukoyede, represented by Director of Public Affairs Wilson Uwujaren, outlined the EFCC’s recent accomplishments in asset recovery and fraud prevention.

He noted that high-profile figures have been charged with serious allegations involving vast sums of state funds. Notable among them are:

Yahaya Bello (Kogi State) facing charges linked to over N190 billion.

Darius Ishaku (Taraba State) along with a former official, implicated in a N27 billion scandal.

Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara State) and his former finance commissioner, accused of mismanaging N10 billion.

Willie Obiano (Anambra State), charged with money laundering and theft of N4 billion.

In addition to the former governors, former ministers Saleh Mamman and Olu Agunloye have been charged for misappropriating substantial funds from the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project, amounting to N33.8 billion and $6 billion, respectively. Another former minister, Hadi Sirika, is facing multiple cases, including fraud involving N5.8 billion.

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Olukoyede also provided updates on ongoing investigations, particularly regarding Betta Edu, the sacked Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, who is under scrutiny for alleged misconduct. The EFCC has reportedly recovered N30 billion and is examining over 40 linked bank accounts.

The EFCC’s fight against electoral malpractices is another focal point, as the commission tackles illegal vote trading. Olukoyede highlighted efforts to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in vote-buying during recent elections.

In a notable case, social media influencer Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, has come under investigation amid allegations of bribery intended to drop money laundering charges against him. The EFCC reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on corruption within its ranks.

Additionally, Olukoyede reported that the EFCC has made substantial progress in addressing illegal mining operations, leading to multiple arrests and ongoing investigations.

Over the past year, the EFCC has reclaimed assets totaling N248.7 billion, and has achieved over 35 convictions in financial crimes. The commission has also focused on asset repatriation, successfully returning $180,300 and 53 vehicles to Canada, along with €5,100 to Spain. Domestically, 14 properties were returned to the Enugu State government.

In his concluding remarks, Olukoyede emphasized the EFCC’s commitment to integrity in its operations, stating, “Throughout my time here, I have witnessed law enforcement personnel being held accountable for professional misconduct.”

The EFCC’s achievements during Olukoyede’s tenure, from October 18, 2023, to October 18, 2024, include charging four former governors for alleged corruption, securing 3,455 convictions across various categories of financial crimes, and recovering significant monetary assets, both in Naira and foreign currencies.

The commission remains steadfast in its mission to combat corruption and uphold the rule of law in Nigeria.