The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has assured Nigerians that it will ensure that the remaining part of the $3billion loot linked to the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, is recovered.
The Federal Government has already retrieved about $2.550billion of the $3billion from the late Abacha’s accounts and his family.
At a briefing in Abuja on the agency’s activities in 2013, Head of Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, said the EFCC secured 117 convictions of 533 cases during the period.
Giving a breakdown, Umujaren disclosed that loot recovered from Abacha’s accounts and family are: voluntary surrender($750m); Switzerland ($570m); Jersey ($380m); UK($150m); Luxembourg ($300m); and Liechtenstein ($400m).
Another £22.5m (N6.18billion) stashed in the Island of Jersey was recovered in 2011, while an additional £20million is being investigated as part of the outstanding $450million.
“We have done substantial work on the Abacha loot, but we have not totally closed the matter. In investigating financial crime of this nature, a case of this nature is not totally closed,” he said.
“If there are issues on Abacha’s loot, we will still investigate them. But we have not concluded the probe of the loot.”
He further confirmed that the Commission was investigating the N255millon bullet proof cars scam, involving the immediate past Minister of Aviation, Ms. Stella Oduah.
The spokesman stated that: “I think the issue is not whether or not we are going to invite Oduah, we are on that matter.
“The Commission is on top of that bulletproof cars’ case, and in due course, we will update you. As you know, no responsible anti-graft agency will give you insight into what it is doing at the investigation stage. But we will let you know the outcome of our investigation very soon.”
Continuing, “As most of you are aware, the rate of conviction is the global benchmark for assessing the effectiveness of a law enforcement agency.
“It is my pleasure to announce to you that considerable progress was made by the commission in this area in 2013.
“In 2013, the commission charged a total of 533 cases to court and recorded 117 convictions. This conviction figure represents an improvement over the 105 convictions recorded in 2012.
“These figures indicate a steady progression in convictions return which is encouraging in the light of the well publicized encumbrances that the EFCC contends with in the prosecution of economic and financial crimes case.
“99% of these convictions was secured by lawyers from the Legal and Prosecution Department of the EFCC. This has buoyed the determination of the leadership of the commission to strengthen the department and de-emphasize the use of private solicitors for the prosecution of economic and financial crime cases.
“In recent weeks, the commission has had to re-arraign many of the suspects undergoing trial at the Federal High Court and some state high courts due to the transfer or elevation of members of the bench in these courts.
“Resources and time have been wasted in the process, but the commission is not deterred. We remain committed to bringing these matters to logical conclusions within the ambits of the rule of law.
“Going forward, we are encouraged that the performance for 2014 should be better than what was witnessed in 2013. This optimism is informed by the new practice directive by the Chief Justice of Nigeria on the expeditious handling of corruption cases in court.
“Let me use this opportunity to appeal to all stakeholders within the justice system to cooperate with the EFCC to ensure that the objective of the new practice is achieved.
“The fight against corruption and financial crimes calls for a concerted effort. I enjoin members of the public, including the media, to be part of this effort by reporting cases of corruption to the EFCC.” he said.
Among those convicted in 2013 were, Pastor Glory Abrefera, Reverend Vincent Okpogo and their company, Mustard Seed Micro Investment Limited.
The duo were found guilty of carrying out banking practice without licence and collecting over N1billion from different individuals and organizations as deposits in an illegal investment scheme.
Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court, Asaba, Delta State convicted and sentenced the accused persons to 10 years imprisonment on each count and a fine of N2million on each of the counts.
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