‘3,175 convictions, over N156bn recovered’ — EFCC lists achievements under Tinubu’s one year administration

• The Chairman stated that the EFCC put up impressive performance within the year.

Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), says the anti-graft agency has secured 3,175 convictions since President Bola Tinubu assumed office.

He said the agency has also recovered N156, 276,691,242.30 within one year the president has spent in office.

Olukoyede spoke on Wednesday during the launch of zero tolerance club held at the University of Abuja, Gwagwalada campus area of Abuja.

In a statement on Wednesday, Dele Oyewale, spokesperson of the EFCC, said Olukoyede spoke through Mohammed Hammajoda, the secretary to the commission.

Highlighting the achievements of the anti-graft agency, the chairman said the funds were recovered from May 29, 2023 to May 29, 2024.

He said the EFCC also recovered $43,835,214.24, £25,365.00, €186,947.10, ₹51,360.00, C$3,750.00, A$740.00, ¥74,754.00, R35,000.00, 42,390.00 UAE Dirhams, 247.00 Riyals and 21,580,867631 crypto currency.

Speaking further, the EFCC chairman expressed concern that despite the agency’s successes, youth involvement in internet fraud remains a significant challenge in the fight against corruption.

“In spite of this commendable performance, the commission is deeply worried about the increasing involvement of young people, including students, in cybercrime, popularly called yahoo yahoo. Hundreds of suspects are arrested monthly, with many of them ending up in jail,” he said.

He called on students of the university to stay away from internet fraud, stressing that conviction for fraud “is a burden that will leave a life-long scar on the fortunes of these youths.”

He added that there was no justification for cybercrime anywhere.

“There is no justification that will make yahoo yahoo acceptable. Contrary to the impression in some quarters, being a fraudster is not synonymous with creativity or being smart.

“As students, you are expected to channel your creative energies into useful engagements and not get entangled in cheating others of their resources.”