The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is facing a social media backlash on X (formally Twitter), following allegations of fraud in the auction of cars conducted by the anti-corruption commission.
The commission announced an upcoming e-auction of vehicles, planned for January 27, 2025, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, which will be managed by EFCC-approved auctioneers.
Although the commission emphasized its commitment to transparency in accordance with relevant laws, including the EFCC Act and Public Procurement Act, accusations of fraud have surfaced on social media.
A participant in the auction, @Chizytelu on his X handle, claimed that a car he bid on, identified by lot number ADC/BEN/AU/98—vanished from the auction site after being won for N5, 570, 001.
He recounted that when he contacted the auctioneer, demanding an explanation, he was referred to the EFCC as the issue was beyond their control.
“I called the auctioneer, and he straight up told me it’s out of his hands; that if I can’t find it on the website, I should contact the EFCC,” he wrote.
Another X user, @Bankeyee alleged that the auction website shut down its server 30 minutes before the auction was concluded, leading to suspicions of manipulation.
“The website called Aregun. They put off their site server 30mins to the end of the auction and then put it on one minute to the end of auction. Everyone told me it’s all scam but I cease to believe. So disgraceful @officialEFCC,” he wrote.
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Others have expressed skepticism about the integrity of the bidding process, suggesting that the commission’s staff might be manipulating bids to benefit a select few.
Commenting on his X handle, @Spintunde43 said: “I think the system does self- bidding; the bidding company staff manipulate the system perhaps to suit those in their buying list. I am forced to allegedly believe so.”
Additionally, there were comments about the challenges posed by inexperienced bidders driving up prices, which the EFCC reportedly sought to capitalize on by selling to the highest bidder, regardless of the bid amount.
“The problem is that there were many inexperienced bidders who kept increasing the prices of the items. As far as EFCC is concerned, they want to sell to the highest bidder. So, if someone bids for a car for N1billion, he should come and pay or be blacklisted from future auctions,” @herbet_gana said.
Some comments painted a grim picture of the EFCC, describing the agency as ineffective, and its agents as akin to “rogues in government uniform,” who cannot be trusted to handle public assets responsibly.
“Scrap off the @officialEFCC they’re the highest fraud in this country. They’re looting from the looters and the loots the arrested and seized items. They’re not in any way reliable, majority of their personnel are nothing but rogues in government uniform. They’ve no value to offer!!” @pepperbitcoins said.
