The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa on Thursday, September 23, 2021 disclosed that the Commission has so far recorded 978 convictions in 2021.
He made this disclosure during a courtesy visit to the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Salisu Garba Abdullahi at Jabi, Abuja.
Bawa, who said he was visiting to promote the cordial relationship between the NJI and the Commission, noted that, “the NJI has been with us in our capacity building for judges, justices, investigators and prosecutors in the areas that we feel we need to develop ourselves for the betterment of administration of criminal justice system”.
He expressed delight at the level of support from the judiciary in the fight against corruption.
According to the EFCC boss, the Commission has secured hundreds of forfeiture orders leading to the recoveries of billions of Naira for various state governments and individuals. “At the last count, we have 978 convictions this year, which is a testament to the fact that the judiciary is cooperating with us.”
Highlighting some of the achievements of the Commission, Bawa stated that the EFCC has embraced the use of technology in all its mandate areas and is working on several policy documents that will improve its effectiveness.
Responding, Justice Abdullahi assured that the Institute will continue to partner with the EFCC in the area of capacity building. “We must complement each other, so that our country can be corrupt-free. The relationship and collaboration which has been consummated by my predecessor will not only be continued under my watch but will be strengthened,” he assured.
Meanwhile, Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Command of the EFCC, on Thursday September 23, 2021 arrested 26 internet fraud suspects in Asaba, Delta State.
The suspects include Ezeabia Lucy, Ossai Chioma, Okoh Ekene, Okoduwa Bright, Jefferey Nwabunike, Egonu Ikechukwu, Onwudiachi Martins, Ofili Junior, Ejimofor Celestine, Joseph Diamond Olisa, Frank Sunday, Calvin Emmanuel Ojara, Afoye Powede Joshua, and Chima Bright Ojara.
Other are Micheal Emmanuel Chukwuka, Okonkwo Chukwuemeka Promise, Iyoha Oseiwe Frankie, Ezeabia Prince Chinedu, Ohuhwai Charles, Adudu Nonso, Jude Omonike Akon, Chibuike Nnanna Ife, Bieni Collins, Ebuka Ekechi, Ossai Okey and Chukuma Paul. They were all arrested, according to a statement by Wilson Uwujaren, Head, Media & Publicity, based on verified intelligence by the EFCC.
They were picked up at locations in Chiemeke Onochie IV Street, Parkacin and Jonathan Monye Street in the Delta State capital.
Preliminary investigation has established an alleged case of impersonation, possession of fraudulent documents and defrauding unsuspecting foreign nationals against the suspects.
Items recovered from them include, one Lexus RX350 SUV with registration number ASB-436-AM, one Toyota Camry SE with registration number BKW-132-MT, one Lexus RX350 with the registration number KTU-126- FP , one Toyota Corolla with registration number EYC- AMB-3 and one Toyota Venza , land document, several phones, laptops and other incriminating items.
The suspects will be charged to court as soon as the investigations are concluded.
