EFCC secures 3,440 convictions in 11 months in renewed push against graft
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Renewed push against greed and graft led to 3,440 convictions in the first 11 months of the year by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
But the sleaze buster says this is 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.
EFCC Chairman Abdulrashid 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 will 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, 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.
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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, per reporting by The Guardian.
“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 in the country.
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.
