The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has returned $132,362.43 and N78,566,324.81 to victims of fraud from the United States, Spain, and Switzerland.
The restitution, which also included vehicles and real estate, was carried out as part of the commission’s commitment to combating financial crimes and ensuring justice for victims.
According to a statement from the EFCC, the handover took place on Friday at the commission’s headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, and was overseen by its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
Speaking at the event, Olukoyede remarked that, “The event is a demonstration of the commitment of the federal government of Nigeria and that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the fight against corruption and financial crimes.”
He further emphasised that the EFCC’s actions reflected “a commitment to good governance, a commitment to stimulating the economy and a commitment to prove to the entire world that Nigeria is not a safe haven for financial crimes, a commitment to international cooperation and international synergy in the fight against financial crimes, which you will agree with me, has become a global crime.”
The EFCC disclosed that the restitution included funds, vehicles, and a residential property. Maria Higon Velasco, the Acting Ambassador of Spain to Nigeria, received $1,300 and confirmation of N30 million already transferred to the Spanish Embassy for a victim, Maria Del Rosario San Jose.
Similarly, Florent Geel, Senior Political Officer at the Swiss Embassy, accepted $100,011.43 on behalf of a victim, Chantai Helene Lavancy.
For the United States, Charles Smith, Legal Attaché at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), received $7,344, N7,963,483.35, and Bitcoin cryptocurrency valued at $4,470 for victim Maria Jesus Brockell.
Also, he collected a Mercedes Benz E550 4Matic, a Mercedes Benz C450 AMG, and a residential bungalow in Kaduna for onward transmission to the victim. Smith also received $7,527 for Michael Smith, $11,710 for Cheryle Williams, and N32,639,358.11 for Marva Marrow.
Expressing gratitude, Velasco described the development as “a sign of the collaboration between Nigeria and Spain.”
Smith, on behalf of the US government, noted that, “This gives them complete closure and it allows them to feel whole again. So we really do appreciate and we thank the EFCC.”
Geel also commended Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts, stating, “Today’s restitution of money obtained from a Swiss citizen demonstrates the effectiveness but also integrity, professionalism, courage and collaboration that occur between Nigeria and Switzerland.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Umar Ahmed, lauded the EFCC’s efforts, stating that the restitution enhances Nigeria’s international credibility and investor confidence.
“It demonstrates the support of our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the fight against corruption and also in strengthening the EFCC in carrying out its mandate,” he added.
