EFCC secures 3,328 convictions in 11 months – Bawa

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has said it secured about 3,328 convictions in eleven months, precisely from January to November 18, 2022.

Also, the commission said just two days ago, it got the court to forfeit to the Federal Government, a sum of N755 million which was recovered from a former Accountant-General of the Federation.

The EFCC chairman, Abdularasheed Bawa, disclosed this at a workshop on financial crimes reporting organised for journalists held in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State.

Bawa said the number of convictions by the Commission was on the rise because there are cases expected to be concluded in the remaining five weeks of the year.

Bawa who was represented by the Zonal Commander of EFCC in Port Harcourt, Nwanneka Nwokike, said the fight against corruption requires concerted efforts from Nigerians.

He charged members of the public, including the media to be part of the anti-corruption campaign by reporting cases of corruption to the anti-graft agency.

He also charged journalists to enlighten the public to vote wisely and desist from the corruptive influences of anti-democratic forces.

Bawa said as the 2023 election approaches, the political recruitment process was vital to the anti-corruption cause, noting that choosing leaders with an integrity deficit could imperil the campaign and erode the gains of the past few years.

He said, “In the area of prosecution of cases in court, we are also making progress despite the antics of some defendants to delay trials.

“From January to November 18, 2022, EFCC has recorded 3,328 convictions. This number is on the rise because there are cases expected to be concluded in the remaining five weeks of the year.

“Two days ago, we got the court to forfeit to the Nigerian Government, a sum of N755million which was recovered from a former Accountant-General of the Federation, and three luxury properties worth millions of naira recovered from, Col Bello Fadile, a former aide to erstwhile National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.

“Remarkable as this feat is, we are not resting on our efforts. We believe there is still work to be done, which is why we are actively seeking the support of all stakeholders including the media.

“The Anti-Corruption campaign requires a concerted effort. I enjoin members of the public including the media to be part of the effort by reporting cases of corruption to the EFCC.

“This duty requires urgency as we approach the 2023 general elections when our nation shall be electing a new set of leaders.”

Continuing, the EFCC boss said, “The political recruitment process is vital to the Anti-Corruption cause as picking leaders with integrity deficit could imperil the campaign and erode the gains of the past few years.

“I, therefore, call on you to assist in enlightening Nigerians to vote wisely and shun the corruptive influences of Anti-democratic  forces.”

He further said the EFCC was working in close collaboration with the  Independent National Electoral Commission and other stakeholders to preserve the integrity of the electoral process.

(Punch)