The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has handed over $225,895 and N62.79m recovered from fraud-related cases to victims from the United States and South Africa.
The development was disclosed in a statement released in Abuja on Friday by the commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale.
According to the statement, the restitution exercise was overseen by the Secretary to the commission, Mohammed Hammajoda, and attended by representatives of the affected countries, including the Assistant Law Enforcement Attaché of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Mike Fukuda, and the Acting High Commissioner of South Africa to Nigeria, Lindi Mminele.
Addressing those present at the event, Hammajoda described corruption as a global problem that requires coordinated efforts among nations to tackle effectively.
He explained that corrupt practices often cut across national boundaries, stressing the need for international collaboration in the fight against the menace.
Hammajoda also reaffirmed the EFCC’s commitment to ensuring that funds recovered from criminal activities are returned to their legitimate owners, whether individuals, companies, governments or foreign victims.
He further urged international partners across the United States, Europe, Asia and Africa to respond promptly to requests for cooperation, especially in matters relating to asset recovery and restitution.
According to him, Nigeria also expects similar cooperation whenever funds belonging to its citizens or institutions are recovered abroad.
During the handover, Fukuda received $7,440 on behalf of Drago Boskovic and $15,000 for Anh Ngoc Nguyen and three other victims. He also collected $175,895 and N62.79m for Holly Ngo and others affected by the fraud.
In the same vein, Mminele, accompanied by the legal representative of the victim company, Elisha Sunday, received $50,000 on behalf of Ennis-Flint Africa Limited, a South African firm.
Speaking at the event, Mminele commended the EFCC for its efforts in recovering stolen funds and ensuring that they are returned to victims.
She stated that South Africa recognised the commission’s work and that the affected company had witnessed the tangible results of its intervention.
Mminele added that the South African High Commission values its longstanding partnership with the EFCC and hopes to deepen collaboration in tackling financial crimes.
Also commenting, the lawyer representing the South African company, Sunday, praised the commission for its consistent efforts in combating economic and financial crimes.
Fukuda similarly lauded the anti-graft agency for its dedication to securing justice for victims of fraud.
