We’ve Recovered $2.9bn in Two Years, Says EFCC
$43m recovered from Deziani Alison-Madueke
Nigeria, through its anti-graft agency, Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), has been commended for its determination and zeal in tracing and recovering criminal assets.
This commendation was made at a meeting between the acting Chairman of the E FCC, Ibrahim Magu, and Head of International Collaboration, National Anti-Corruption Commission, Saudi Arabia, Dr. Nassar Abaalkhail.
Sequel to the meeting, Magu also delivered a paper on November 8, 2017, at the ongoing seventh Session of Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption taking place in Vienna, Austria.
The 10-page paper entitled: ‘International Cooperation in Relation to Technical Assistance: The Nigerian Experience’ which he delivered, gave a detailed account of efforts by the commission at tracing and recovering all stolen treasures from the country’s coffers.
According to a statement made available to THISDAY by the commission Head, Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, the Head ofInternational Collaboration, National Anti-Corruption Commission, Saudi Arabia, Abaalkhail, who lauded the commission’ s efforts said :“From what I have heard, Nigeria’s effort at asset tracing is remarkable. Nigeria is indeed a role model for countries, including developed countries. We have so much to learn from Nigeria.”
While commending Nigeria, the Commissioner, Sierra Leone Anti-corruption Agency, Ady Macauley, also said: “The EFCC, capably represented by Magu, is not only formidable but a pride to the African states. My men were in Nigeria a fortnight ago to understudy your operations, and I must confess, we have a lot to learn in investigation, prosecution and asset recovery.”
In his presentation, Magu, who was a panelist at the Implementation Review Group attended by over 100 delegates, detailed the Nigerian efforts in asset recovery, including the progress made in the specific cases related to late Sani Abacha’s loot, Malabu oil, Diezani Alison Madueke and associates as well as arms procurement scandal.
He said these efforts cut across Switzerland, US, United Kingdom, UAE, Jersey Island and Panama.
According to him, “EFCC monetary recoveries from May 2015 to October 20, 2017, were in excess of N738.9 billion which is equivalent to over $2.9 billion. This does not include smaller currencies like Durham, CRA and British Pound.”
He stated that “within this year alone, the commission recovered stolen assets running into several millions of US dollars and billions in naira. These include the sum of $43 million recovered from Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum, Deziani Alison-Madueke, and N2 billion spread in seven accounts within three Nigerian banks laundered from the Federal Capital Territory Police Command salary accounts.”