The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday handed over a total of $225,895 and ₦62,790,000 to foreign victims of fraud from the United States and South Africa.
The handover ceremony, presided over by the Secretary to the commission, Mohammed Hammajoda, was attended by representatives of the victims’ nations, including the Assistant Law Enforcement Attaché of the FBI, Mike Fukuda, and the acting High Commissioner of South Africa to Nigeria, Lindi Mminele.
Hammajoda described corruption as a global menace that demands collective action.
“Corruption is like a cancer that eats into every fabric of our lives. It is cross-border in nature; therefore, we must join hands collectively to defeat it. Corruption has no borders, and if we do not fight it together, it will consume us all,” he said.
He further emphasized the EFCC’s commitment to returning recovered proceeds of crime to their rightful owners.
“Whatever we recover, we return to the victims, whether individuals, corporate organisations, governments, or international victims.
“We also expect the same gesture from our sister agencies and collaborators across the world,” Hammajoda said.
The EFCC secretary also called on international partners in the United States, Europe, Asia, South Africa, and beyond to respond promptly to cooperation requests, stressing reciprocity in asset recovery efforts.
During the ceremony, Fukuda received $7,440 on behalf of American victims, including Drago Boskovic ($15,000), Anh Ngoc Nguyen, and Holly Ngo ($175,895), along with ₦62,790,000.
Meanwhile, Lindi Mminele and the victim company’s lawyer, Elisha Sunday, accepted $50,000 on behalf of Ennis-Flint Africa Limited, a South African company.
Mminele expressed gratitude to the EFCC for its efforts, highlighting the positive impact of the Commission’s work on South Africa-Nigeria relations.
“The victim company has seen firsthand the results of the EFCC’s work. We value our longstanding relationship with the Commission and look forward to continued cooperation,” she said.
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Elisha Sunday commended the EFCC’s relentless fight against economic and financial crimes, noting its role in restoring international confidence in doing business with Nigerians.
“The EFCC’s dedication is helping to strengthen Nigeria’s reputation in the global financial system,” he said.
On behalf of the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice, Fukuda praised the commission for ensuring justice for fraud victims.
“I have seen the effort the EFCC has made in securing restitution for victims, and it is inspiring. Your organisation is truly world-class, and we are honoured to collaborate with you,” he said.
