EFCC Parleys Media, Seeks Support For Fight Against Corruption

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said the commission is currently investigating investments, business and forex scam cases worth over N328billion.

The EFCC’s Acting Chairman, Abdulkarim Chukkol, stated this while addressing the media at a press conference held at their zonal office in Lagos.

The event was organized to sensitize the media and the general public on the new criminal laws.

EFCC Chairman who was represented by the Lagos Zonal Commander, Michael Wetkas, said that the fraudulent activities involved the sums of N317, 908,343,469 (three hundred and seventeen billion, nine hundred and eight million, three hundred and forty-three thousand, four hundred and sixty-nine naira), N11, 686, 499, 431.79 (eleven billion, six hundred and eighty-six million, four hundred and ninety-nine thousand, four hundred and thirty-one naira, seventy-nine Kobo) and $3,205, 648 (three million, two hundred and five thousand, six hundred and forty-eight dollars).

He stated that many of these cases are under investigation while recoveries running into billions of Naira and millions and thousands of other currencies have been made.

According to him, a total of 512, 876 petitions have been received in the state, all pertaining to investment and forex scams.

He said the scams also involved foreign currency totaling $3.2 million and others in euros and pounds.

“This is where your professionalism and collaboration are needed. We need the media to help in educating citizens to be circumspect in embracing investment opportunities, especially where the return on investment seems too good to be true.” he added.

Chukkol , who commend the media for reporting the activities of the Commission since inception over 20 years ago, stated that decision of the Commission to sponsor the workshop underscored the importance the management attaches to the role of the media in the fight against economic and financial crimes, including corruption.

“All over the world, the watchdog role of the media promotes transparent and accountable leadership.

“In the particular instance of the EFCC, the media has proven to be a critical stakeholder and ally in the difficult task of sanitizing our environment.

“This partnership is functional and rewarding. We can only wish that the synergy gets stronger and stronger.

“I admit that the task of placing our works on daily focus and scrutiny is both engaging and arduous. It is engaging because the Commission has been profoundly impactful in combating the menace of corrupt practices in our midst, going by its impressive records of convictions, asset forfeitures and other tangible proofs of accomplishments over the years.

“The reporting has also been arduous because our works are not static and you have been keeping pace with our speed and energy. “