EFCC Abuja Office Recovers N745m, Secures 42 Convictions

The Abuja Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday said it recovered a total sum of N745 million and secured 42 convictions within the year.

Speaking at a briefing to review its activities and achievements, the Head of the Abuja Zonal Office of the Commission, Mr. Aminu Ado Aliyu, said part of the recoveries, which include exotic cars, laptops and phones, were proceeds of crime.

He said some recoveries were forfeited to the federal government while others were returned to the victims based on the outcome of the investigation and court directive.

Aliyu stated that the Commission received 615 petitions of which 305 are already under investigation.

He disclosed that 164 are with the legal unit of the Commission for advice and possible prosecution while 74 are in court.

The head of the Commission, Abuja unit,  said the agency has accommodated emerging trends in financial crime  notably crypto currency fraud, Ponzi scheme, business email compromise and identity theft.

The Commission noted that its cybercrime strategy paid off with the recent collaboration with the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

According to him, “Our intensified efforts in fighting cybercrimes led to our collaboration with FBI and other international agencies to investigate cases traced to Nigeria.

“This collaboration has also contributed to our successes within the year.”