“We recovered billions of dollars, secured 140 convictions in 6 months” – EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said that in the last six months, it has secured more than 140 convictions and recovered billions of dollars in stolen funds from unscrupulous individuals.

The Commission Chairman,   Mr Ibrahim Magu, revealed this on Thursday at a rally organised by the organisation to sensitise Nigerian school children and teenagers on the perils of corruption to national development.

In a statement signed by EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, Magu said the agency also blocked several channels that people of questionable character used to launder their ill-gotten wealth.

He said: ‘‘in just six months, we have secured over 140 convictions, including some elusive ‘high profile’ criminals. We have recovered billions of dollars worth of stolen funds and blocked numerous avenues of money laundering,’’

Magu revealed this while speaking on a theme: ‘‘We Must Win The War on Corruption and Impunity.’’

‘‘Citizens are now more disposed to pre-emptively act against corruption; and where the act has been committed, they are willing to work with EFCC to fish out the criminals. However, in order to ensure that justice is fully served to the victim, the perpetrator and the society, it is important for us all to continue to hold everyone in the justice delivery chain accountable.”

He urged the citizens to increase their scrutiny of the nation’s judiciary. “Nigerians must also take more seriously their watchdog role over the judiciary to meet the yearnings of Nigerians for justice,’’ Magu advised.