The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has established a regional office in Awka, the capital of Anambra State, to serve both Anambra and Imo States. EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, stated that the office was not created to harass the people of the two states but to help them safeguard their funds and protect their legitimate economic activities from financial crimes. The office was officially inaugurated in the presence of Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma.
During the inauguration, Olukoyede emphasized that the EFCC's presence in Awka is integral to the commission's expansion, made possible by the National Assembly's appropriations and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's interventions. He noted that Anambra and Imo states are known for their enterprise, innovation, commerce, and industry, and that the EFCC's role is to protect these economic activities from fraud, cybercrime, money laundering, and other forms of economic and financial crime.
Olukoyede highlighted that the EFCC's mandate goes beyond arrest and prosecution, encompassing prevention, enforcement, and coordination to eradicate economic and financial crimes. He stressed the importance of identifying vulnerabilities before financial crimes occur, preventing fraudulent transactions, and strengthening procurement systems to prevent public resource diversion. The chairman also mentioned that the regional office has received 393 petitions since its operation began in February 2024, investigating 311 cases, securing 58 convictions, and recovering 111 plots of land worth N323 million.
In addition to the recoveries, Olukoyede disclosed that the EFCC has recovered a total of N835.9 million, $1,135, and €400. The chairman emphasized that the EFCC's goal is to take its mandate closer to the people and closer to the economic activities it is meant to protect. He noted that the commission's presence in Awka is not just about geographical expansion but about providing effective and responsive institutional presence to the people of Anambra and Imo states.
Governor Soludo praised the EFCC's professionalism and the enormous work it does, and revealed that the commission had absolved him of complicity in the controversy surrounding the minting of polymer notes during his tenure as Governor of the Central Bank. Soludo expressed his appreciation for the EFCC's efforts in combating financial crimes and pledged his administration's support for the commission's activities in Anambra State.
The establishment of the EFCC regional office in Awka is expected to boost the fight against financial crimes in Anambra and Imo states. The office will provide a closer and more effective institutional presence to protect the legitimate economic activities of the people in the two states. The EFCC's efforts to prevent financial crimes, recover stolen funds, and prosecute offenders are expected to yield positive results with the new office.
The inauguration of the EFCC regional office in Awka marks a significant milestone in the commission's efforts to combat financial crimes in Nigeria. With its expanded presence, the EFCC is poised to make a greater impact in the fight against economic and financial crimes, and to provide more effective support to states in protecting their funds and resources.
Key points
- The EFCC has established a regional office in Awka to combat financial crimes in Anambra and Imo states.
- The office has received 393 petitions and secured 58 convictions since its operation began in February 2024.
- The EFCC has recovered a total of N835.9 million, $1,135, and €400 in addition to 111 plots of land worth N323 million.
