The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has returned a total of $127,892.43 and N70,602,841.46 recovered from Nigeria to fraud victims in the United States, Spain, and Switzerland.
The assets were officially handed over to representatives of the affected countries at the EFCC headquarters on Friday. Charles Smith, the legal attaché of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), received $26,581 and N40,602,841.46 on behalf of victims from the U.S.
Additionally, the EFCC returned two luxury cars a Mercedes Benz E550 4Matic and a Mercedes Benz C450 AMG as well as a residential bungalow located at 17/19 Seaman Street, Unguwar Maigero, Kaduna State, for onward transfer to the affected individuals.
Switzerland’s ambassador to Nigeria, Andreas Baum, accepted $100,011.43 for a Swiss national who was defrauded in Nigeria. Similarly, Maria Velasco, the acting Spanish ambassador to Nigeria, received $1,300 and N30,000,000 for a Spanish victim.
Speaking at the event, EFCC chairman Ola Olukoyede reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to fighting financial crimes and ensuring justice for victims.
He emphasized that the federal government remains dedicated to good governance and international cooperation in tackling fraud.
“Our being here is a demonstration of the commitment of the federal government of Nigeria and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the fight against corruption and financial crimes,” Olukoyede stated.
He also warned that anyone who knowingly holds onto proceeds of crime is considered an accessory under the law.
