EFCC denies sharing forfeited assets with ministers, aides

By Matthew Denis

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied a report by Sahara Reporters alleging that N54 billion forfeited by associates of a former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, was shared among certain ministers and aides of President Tinubu, in collaboration with EFCC officials.

The EFCC described the report as false and misleading, stating that no official of the commission was involved in the “sharing” of any proceeds of forfeited assets. The commission emphasised that the notion of “sharing of proceeds of forfeited assets” is strange and contrary to the existing asset recovery and management framework.

The EFCC Act, 2004, and the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022, clearly specify the accounts into which proceeds of forfeited assets are to be paid, leaving no room for “sharing” or discretion.

The commission criticised Sahara Reporters for promoting a sensational report without providing evidence or specifics about when and how the alleged sharing took place and who benefited from it.

The EFCC urged the public to disregard the report, emphasising that it is a fiction designed to defame the commission’s reputation.

The commission warned that it will not tolerate any attempt to tarnish its image and vowed to continue to discharge its duties with integrity and professionalism.