The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over a total of $132,362.43 and N78,566,324.81 to victims of fraud in the United States, Spain, and Switzerland.
The EFCC described this move as part of its commitment to combating economic and financial crimes while providing restitution to victims of fraudulent activities.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, made the handover on Friday at the EFCC’s corporate headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, during the commissioning of 39 mini Green Maria operational vehicles and five bullet-resistant guard booths.
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Olukoyede emphasized that the event demonstrated the Nigerian government’s dedication, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to fighting corruption and financial crimes.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to good governance, stimulating the economy, and showing the world that Nigeria is not a safe haven for financial crimes.
The statement also noted that the EFCC is ready to prevent financial crimes, investigate, trace assets, recover proceeds, and prosecute those responsible. “We don’t just recover; we restitute the victims,” Olukoyede affirmed.
In addition to cash, vehicles and real estate were handed over to victims in Spain, the United States, and Switzerland.
– Maria Higon Velasco, Acting Ambassador of Spain to Nigeria, received $1,300 and evidence of N30 million transferred to the Spanish Embassy for a victim, Maria Del Rosario San Jose.
– Florent Geel, Senior Political Officer at the Swiss Embassy, received $100,011.43 on behalf of Chantai Helene Lavancy, a Swiss citizen.
– Charles Smith, Legal Attaché at the US Embassy, received $7,344 and N7,963,483.35, along with Bitcoin worth $4,470, for a victim, Maria Jesus Brockell. Smith also received assets, including two Mercedes Benz cars and a residential bungalow in Kaduna, to be passed on to a crime victim.
Other funds were also handed over to the US Embassy for victims, including $7,527 for Michael Smith, $11,710 for Cheryle Williams, and N32,639,358.11 for Marva Marrow.
Representatives from Spain, Switzerland, and the United States expressed their appreciation for the collaboration and efforts of the Nigerian government and the EFCC in fighting financial crimes.
Geel commended the EFCC for its professionalism and effective work, while Smith noted that the restitution provided closure for the victims, helping them feel whole again.
Umar Ahmed, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also thanked the EFCC for its work and praised the initiative, which he said would improve Nigeria’s international credibility and restore investor confidence.
He highlighted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s anti-corruption stance and strengthens the EFCC’s capacity to carry out its mandate.
