In a significant move to combat financial crimes and uphold justice, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has returned a total of $132,362.43 and N78,566,324.81 to victims of fraud from the United States, Spain, and Switzerland.
This act underscores Nigeria’s dedication to tackling economic and financial crimes while ensuring restitution for those affected by fraudulent schemes.
The official handover took place at the EFCC’s corporate headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, and was presided over by the Commission’s Chairman, Ola Olukoyede. Addressing the audience, Olukoyede emphasized that the event was a testament to the federal government’s unwavering commitment to fighting corruption and economic crimes.
“This initiative reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to good governance, economic revitalization, and international cooperation in combating financial crimes,” Olukoyede stated. “It also sends a strong message to the world that Nigeria is not a safe haven for fraudulent activities.”
“A commitment to good governance, a commitment to stimulating the economy and a commitment to prove to the entire world that Nigeria is not a safe haven for financial crimes, a commitment to international cooperation and international synergy in the fight against financial crimes, which you will agree with me, has become a global crime.
“We are here to demonstrate that the federal government of Nigeria, through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC is ready to do everything possible to prevent financial crimes from being perpetrated in our system. And when one has taken place, to investigate where assets are involved, to trace, to recover and where necessary, prosecute.
“We don’t just recover, we restitute the victims. We are here this morning to restitute those who were victimized through the perpetration of economic and financial crimes. It is important to know that once the proceeds of crime are recovered, the most responsible thing to do is to restitute the victims.
“Handed over in addition to money are vehicles and real estate to citizens of Spain, the United States of America and Switzerland. Acting Ambassador of Spain to Nigeria, Maria Higon Velasco received the sum of $1,300 and evidence of N30 million already transferred to the Embassy of Spain in Nigeria for onward transmission to a victim, Maria Del Rosario San Jose.
“Florent Geel, Senior Political Officer, First Secretary, Embassy of Switzerland received $100,011.43 (One Hundred Thousand, Eleven Dollars and Forty-three Cents on behalf of a victim, Chantai Helene Lavancy, formerly known as Chantai Helene Maeder. Charles Smith, Legal Attache, Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, Embassy of the United States received the sum of $7,344 (Seven Thousand, Three Hundred and Forty-Four Dollars); N7,963,483.35 (Seven Million, Nine Hundred and Sixty-three Thousand, Four Hundred and Eighty-three Naira, Thirty-five Kobo), and Bitcoin cryptocurrency valued at $4,470.00 (Four Thousand, Four Hundred and Seventy Dollars) on behalf of the United States Embassy in Nigeria for onward transmission to a victim, Maria Jesus Brockell.
“Also received by Smith was Mercedes Benz E550 4Matic Chasis No: WDDHF9AB6AA111112, Mercedes Benz C450 AMG with Chasis No: WDD20J0641F282467, and one residential bungalow, located at 17/19 Seaman Street, Unguwar Maigero, Kaduna, Kaduna State on behalf of the United States Embassy in Nigeria for onward transmission to the crime victim.
“Additionally, Smith received the sum of $7,527 (Seven thousand, Five Hundred and Twenty-seven Dollars) on behalf of the United States Embassy in Nigeria for onward transmission to the victim of the crime, Michael Smith. He also received the sum of $11,710.00 (Eleven Thousand, Seven Hundred and Ten Dollars) on behalf of the United States Embassy in Nigeria for onward transmission to the crime victim, Cheryle Williams.
“Lastly, Smith received the sum of N32,639,358.11 (Thirty-Two Million, Six Hundred and Thirty-nine Thousand, Three Hundred and Fifty-eight Naira, Eleven Kobo) on behalf of the United States Embassy in Nigeria for onward transmission to the crime victim, Marva Marrow.”
The EFCC’s gesture highlights the importance of global partnerships in the fight against financial crimes, as fraud has increasingly become a transnational issue. By returning the stolen funds, Nigeria reinforces its stance on accountability and its determination to restore trust in the system.
Dignitaries from the United States, Spain, and Switzerland lauded the EFCC’s efforts. Her Excellency Velasco from Spain expressed gratitude, highlighting the strong collaboration between both nations.
FBI Legal Attaché Smith acknowledged the profound impact of the restitution, emphasizing how it provides victims with much-needed closure. Representing Switzerland, Geel commended the EFCC’s integrity and professionalism, noting that the restitution demonstrated the strength of international cooperation in fighting financial crimes.
Additionally, Umar Ahmed, Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, emphasized the positive impact of this development on Nigeria’s global credibility. He reiterated the ministry’s support for the EFCC’s mission, acknowledging its role in boosting investor confidence and strengthening the nation’s anti-corruption stance.
With financial crimes posing a persistent threat to economies worldwide, the EFCC remains steadfast in its mission to apprehend perpetrators, recover stolen assets, and provide justice for victims. This latest restitution effort is yet another step towards achieving a more transparent and corruption-free society.