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Corruption: EFCC claims recovery of N200bn, over 3,000 convictions in one year
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has achieved remarkable milestones in its fight against corruption, recovering over N200 billion and securing approximately 3,175 convictions within its first year under Chairman Ola Olukoyede’s leadership.
EFCC Spokesman Wilson Uwujaren highlighted the commission’s achievements on Channels Television’s “The Morning Brief,” stating, “In terms of naira recovery, we have recovered over N200 billion in one year of Ola Olukoyede’s administration.” Uwujaren emphasized the significance of these figures, noting they exclude dollar and euro recoveries.
Cybercrime and Youth Involvement
A staggering 70% of convictions involved cybercrime cases, predominantly perpetrated by youths. The EFCC urged young people to channel their energies toward productive pursuits, warning that fraud convictions leave lasting scars.
Prevention Strategy
Apart from cybercrime among young people, Uwujaren identified corruption in the public sector as a major source of concern.
“You will agree with me that the major source of corruption especially in the public sector largely pertains to contract and procurement processes and the commission is determined to ensure that these practices are checked before they occur,” the agency’s spokesman added.
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“The popular maxim is that prevention is better than cure and once you are able to prevent procurement fraud before they happen, we would be able to save a lot of resources for this country.”
To combat corruption, the EFCC has implemented measures including nationwide youth sensitization programs highlighting cybercrime dangers. Uwujaren stressed, “Our focus is to prevent corruption,” recognizing contract and procurement processes in the public sector as key areas requiring scrutiny.
The statement reaffirmed the commission’s unwavering commitment to combating economic and financial crimes, ensuring an all-encompassing approach sparing no one involved.
Additional Achievements
– Recovered $43,835,214.24, £25,365.00 and €186,947.10
– Secured 3,175 convictions between May 29, 2023, and May 29, 2024
– Launched Zero Tolerance Clubs in universities to promote anti-corruption awareness
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