EFCC recovers over N231 billion during Tinubu’s first year in office, forms immigration fraud unit

In its first year under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Economic and Financial Crimes Eradication Commission (ECRC) claims to have recovered over N231.623 billion.

The commission’s recovery also includes substantial offshore assets: US$70,260,544.18; £29,264.50 (GBP); €208,297.10; CAD$3,950.00; AUD$740.00; ZAR35,000.00; AED42,390.00; SAR247.00; and ¥74,754.00 (Yuan).

Between May 2023 and May 2024, the EFCC said it processed 15,753 petitions and investigated 12,287 cases. In addition, the commission said it has introduced Immigration Fraud Sections in several commands across the country.

The EFCC report stated: “The anti-corruption war under the Tinubu administration between May 2023 and 2024 has reached record-breaking dimensions with an unprecedented number of petitions of about 15,753.”

Details of EFCC activities include: Petitions (15,753); Cases investigated (12,287); Cases filed in court (5,376); and Judgments obtained (3,451).

The report further detailed: “Recoveries in the same period were N231,623,186,004.74; US$70,260,544.18; £29,264.50 (GBP); €208,297.10; CAD$3,950.00; AUD$740.00; ZAR35,000.00; AED42,390.00; SAR247.00; and ¥74,754.00 (Yuan).

EFCC Chairman Mr. Ola Olukoyede noted that recent reforms under President Tinubu have enhanced the effectiveness of the institution.

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In a related development, the EFCC said it has established Immigration Fraud Sections in key cities including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano, in response to the rise in immigration fraud. The initiative is aimed at combating visa and immigration fraud.

During the visit of a delegation from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), led by Inspector Rabhi Abdallah, Olukoyede highlighted the role of the new section, explaining, “In addition to what we have been doing in the foreign exchange market, two weeks ago we established the Immigration Fraud Section… We have seen quite a lot of fraud in that area.”

Abdallah, who was in Nigeria to discuss potential collaboration with the EFCC, indicated that the RCMP could join the commission for joint operations and investigations. He noted, “The department that I lead at the RCMP partners with government agencies, which includes funding that goes into various peacekeeping operations and special investigations around the world.”

EFCC recovers over N231 billion during Tinubu’s first year in office, sets up immigration fraud unit first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.