The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has expressed deep concern over the sudden surge in the circulation of counterfeit dollars and the prevalence of cyber crimes in the Benue axis. In a recent workshop on ‘Effective Reporting of Economic and Financial Crimes’, attended by 30 journalists from major media organizations in the country, EFCC acting chairman Abdulkarim Chukkol emphasized the agency’s commitment to addressing this pressing issue.
Mr. Chukkol reiterated that the primary objective of the anti-graft agency is to significantly reduce corruption in the country and ensure the effective and professional execution of its responsibilities. He highlighted the substantial recoveries, amounting to billions of naira, achieved through the commission’s enforcement activities, along with the strengthening of the country’s anti-money laundering framework. There is now a more stringent regulation of entities susceptible to money laundering, as a result of the EFCC’s efforts.
In a stern warning, Mr. Chukkol cautioned individuals against sharing their bank details with anyone, to prevent them from being exploited for illicit financial transactions. He urged the media to educate their families, friends, politicians, and others about the legal ramifications of allowing their company or bank accounts to be used for money laundering. Under the Money Laundering Act 2022, family members and close associates of politicians, public officeholders, and high-ranking civil servants are now categorized as politically exposed persons.
Mr. Chukkol emphasized the EFCC’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that those who embezzle public funds and all those who aid them, regardless of their pretext, face justice. Ignorance of the law will not be deemed an excuse. In a notable accomplishment, the EFCC recorded its highest number of convictions, totaling 3,785, in 2022 since its establishment.
