The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has returned $120,548.43 and N70,602,841.46 to victims of fraud from the United States, Spain, and Switzerland. The restitution, which also included luxury vehicles and real estate documents, was handed over to representatives of the victims at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
Speaking at the event, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to combating financial crimes and ensuring justice for victims. “We don’t just recover; we restitute. Once proceeds of crime are recovered, the most responsible thing to do is to return them to the victims,” he said. He also called on foreign countries holding Nigeria’s recovered assets to expedite their return.
Among the restituted items were $1,300 and N30 million handed to Maria Velasco, Spain’s Acting Ambassador to Nigeria, for a Spanish victim; $100,011.43 given to Florent Geel of Switzerland for a Swiss national; and funds alongside property transferred to Charles Smith of the FBI for American victims.
The EFCC emphasized that this action demonstrates Nigeria’s dedication to international collaboration in fighting financial crimes while restoring confidence in its anti-corruption efforts.
