The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over $132,362.43 and N78,566,324.81 to victims of fraudulent activities in the United States, Spain, and Switzerland.
The restitution was conducted at the EFCC’s corporate headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, on Friday, February 21, 2025, by the Executive Chairman of the commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede.
Speaking at the event, Olukoyede reiterated the Nigerian government’s dedication to eradicating financial crimes and upholding international cooperation in law enforcement.
He noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to good governance and transparency.
“We are here to demonstrate that the federal government of Nigeria, through the EFCC, is ready to do everything possible to prevent financial crimes from being perpetrated in our system.
“When a crime has been committed, we investigate, trace assets, recover them, and, where necessary, prosecute. The most responsible thing to do with recovered proceeds of crime is to restitute the victims,” Olukoyede said.
Among the restituted assets were vehicles and real estate handed over to citizens of Spain, the United States, and Switzerland.
Acting Ambassador of Spain to Nigeria, Maria Higon Velasco, received $1,300 and evidence of N30 million already transferred to the Spanish Embassy in Nigeria for a victim, Maria Del Rosario San Jose.
Florent Geel, Senior Political Officer and First Secretary at the Embassy of Switzerland received $100,011.43 on behalf of a victim, Chantai Helene Lavancy.
Similarly, Charles Smith, Legal Attaché at the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Nigeria, collected $7,344, N7,963,483.35, and Bitcoin valued at $4,470 for victim Maria Jesus Brockell. He also received vehicles and real estate for onward transmission to affected U.S. citizens.
Additionally, Smith accepted $7,527 on behalf of Michael Smith, $11,710 for Cheryle Williams, and N32,639,358.11 for Marva Marrow.
Expressing gratitude for the EFCC’s efforts, Velasco lauded the collaboration between Nigeria and Spain, stating, “This is a sign of the partnership between our two countries, and we are very grateful for this cooperation.”
Smith noted that the restitution on victims provides closure and reaffirms Nigeria’s role in global financial crime enforcement.
“Many may not understand the significance of this, but for the victims, this is life-changing. The EFCC is not just operating in Nigeria; it is a major global contender in the fight against financial crime,” he said.
On behalf of the Swiss government, Geel praised Nigeria’s dedication to combating fraud.
“Today’s restitution shows the integrity, professionalism, and collaboration between Nigeria and Switzerland. We appreciate the EFCC’s efforts in making the digital world safer,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary at Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, Umar Ahmed, also commended the EFCC’s work and noted how the initiative enhances Nigeria’s international credibility. He said the restitution will boost investor confidence and facilitate diplomatic relations.
“This is truly unprecedented. It enhances Nigeria’s credibility on the international scene and makes our work in the ministry much easier.
“It also demonstrates the unwavering support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in strengthening the EFCC to carry out its mandate,” Ahmed said.