EFCC lies in wait to arrest corrupt Governors, Ministers
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Corrupt Governors whose tenures will end on May 29 will be arrested between May and June, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has disclosed.
EFCC Chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa told Daily Post that “God willing, come May and June, we are going to make some huge arrests and commence huge prosecutions of people.
“And for those people that are not going to be leaving in May, whenever they are leaving, we will be waiting for them to ensure that justice is done.”
Bawa confirmed two Ministries are also being investigated over misappropriation of funds.
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EFCC secures 3,440 convictions but admits ‘there is still a lot to be done’
Renewed push against greed and graft led to 3,440 convictions in the first 11 months of 2022 by the EFCC.
But the sleaze buster said it was like a drop in the ocean of bribery and financial corruption that thrives in all segments of the Nigerian society, from Aso Rock to lawmakers, Governors, council Chairmen, city dwellers, and rural folk.
Bawa disclosed the convictions between January and November were for financial and cyber crimes when he delivered a goodwill message to a workshop on financial crime reporting organised by the Commission.
He pledged the EFCC would enforce the Electoral Act during the 2023 election to deliver a transparent and credible result, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
“In terms of prosecution of cases in court, I am glad to inform you that, between January and November 25 this year [2022], the EFCC recorded 3,440 convictions.
“The potential for improvement is good as more ongoing cases are concluded in the remaining four weeks of the year,” he said.
A lot still to be done
“Remarkable as this feat is, we are not resting on our laurels. We believe there is still a lot to be done, which is why we are actively seeking the support of all stakeholders, including the media,” said Bawa, represented by EFCC Kano Zonal Commander Farouk Dogondaji.
“On our part, we are working in close collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders to preserve the integrity of the electoral process.
“We will ensure that the Electoral Act is fully enforced and those who seek to influence voters through financial inducement are brought to justice.”
Bawa described journalists as critical allies who were at the workshop to improve their capacity to help in the fight against cyber and financial crimes.
EFCC Deputy Director (Legal and Prosecution) Aisha Habib presented a paper which broke down both civil and criminal convictions achieved by the Kano zone.
She said the zone recorded 160 criminal convictions losing only two, and 180 civil convictions losing only one.
This puts the conviction rate at over 90 per cent, Habib added.