The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa today presented Nigeria’s statement at the ongoing first ministerial meeting of Anti-corruption and Law Enforcement Authorities of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, OIC, to endorse the Makkah Al- Mukarramah Convention, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, calling on Member States to prioritize intra-OIC cooperation based on common values, culture and joint action.

According to him, “Corruption has no borders. As a national and transnational crime, it affects all countries who must also strengthen their collaboration to counter its negative effects such as weakening of state institutions and governance, deepening poverty, undermining the economy, peace and sustainable development”.

Bawa who spoke on behalf of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, told the gathering that the Nigerian administration of President Muhammadu Buhari came to power based on commitment to fighting corruption. “The current Government in Nigeria, since assuming office, mounted a vigorous anti-corruption campaign which today, I am proud to say, has achieved significant successes, through the recovery and return of stolen assets to our country as well as jailing and prosecuting many officials accused of corruption.

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“Through our anti-corruption drive, which also entails the use of ethical and moral tools, Nigeria has introduced a number of policies and legal measures including the whistle blower policy which has encouraged patriotic citizens to provide valuable information on suspected cases of corruption and corrupt practices. This policy contributed to the arrest, prosecution and recovery of stolen public funds”, he said.

The EFCC boss said the government was committed to adopting a holistic anti-corruption approach that includes prevention and enforcement by empowering all relevant agencies, such as the EFCC, ICPC, the Police, legislature, the judiciary, the media as well as the civil society.

In addition, he said Nigeria was committed to sustaining high-level diplomacy, and has developed international and partnerships in support of our anti-corruption enterprise. “We are ready to share our experiences with the OIC Member States in this regard”, he further stated.

He commended the initiative by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to elaborate the draft Convention seeking to provide the legal framework for institutionalized cooperation between the OIC Member States through their Anti-corruption agencies, describing it as “apt and timely”.

Finally, Bawa thanked the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting the conference and the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Ambassador Hissein Brahim Taha, for his leadership and efforts to promote intra-OIC- cooperation in all domains.

The two-day meeting which began on Tuesday December 20, 2022 will end tomorrow, Wednesday, December 21, 2022.

Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 auctioned seven cars, which are subjects of final forfeiture orders in Ilorin, Kwara State.

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The process started on Monday, December 19, 2022 with the display of the cars for public inspection at No 11, Catchment Road, Adjacent Noktel Hotel, GRA, Ilorin to provide opportunity for bidders to view and indicate interest in any car of their choice.

The exercise, which is a continuation of the auction taking place across the Commands of the Commission, was done in line with the EFCC (Establishment) Act 2004; Public Procurement Act 2007 and the Proceeds of Crimes (Recovery and Management) Act 2022.

The auctioned vehicles are Lexus IS350 2007 model, Toyota Venza 2010 model, White coloured Mercedes Benz 2007 model, Gold Porche 2005 model, Red coloured Toyota Camry 2008 model, Grey coloured Honda Accord 2007 model and Ash coloured Toyota Camry 2009 model.

In a remark before the auction, the Commander, Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC, ACE II Michael Nzekwe, appealed to bidders to listen carefully to the auctioneers and comply with all stipulated guidelines for a seamless auction.

He reiterated the integrity of the arrangement as well as the Commission’s determination to ensure the exercise was transparent.

Speaking at the end of the auction, Agbetola Ismail who won a Mercedes Benz 2007 model expressed happiness for emerging a lucky winner in the auction. He thanked the EFCC for making the process open and transparent.

A Secretary of Auctioneers in Kwara State, Joshua Bamidele Afolayan, said, “I was here yesterday during the inspection and today we came back for the auction exercise and it was really well organized”.

He expressed satisfaction with the EFCC for handling the auction process in a most professional way and urged other Agencies of Government to emulate it.

Also, a representative of Civil Society Organisations, Musa Aliyu, described the process as “flawless and transparent” urging other Government Agencies to emulate it.

“It was transparent and the auctioneers gave equal opportunity to all to bid publicly. Nobody was intimidated. I must also commend the EFCC for the publicity because the turnout today was a clear indication of a well-publicized exercise”, he said.

Wilson Uwujaren
Head, Media & Publicity
20 December, 2022