Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Abdulrasheed Bawa, emphasizes the pivotal role played by the passage of three critical legislations in 2022 in bolstering Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts. These legislations include the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022; the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022; and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Speaking at the passing out parade of 115 detective inspector cadet course 6/2022, held at the Police Training College in Nasarawa State, Bawa acknowledges that these legislations have eliminated obstacles that previously hindered the commission’s operations.
Bawa proudly announces that, with the aid of the new legislations, the EFCC achieved a remarkable 3,785 convictions in 2022 alone. Encouraged by this success, he expresses optimism that the conviction rate will continue to soar by the end of 2023. He applauds President Muhammadu Buhari for his unwavering commitment to the anti-corruption cause.
The EFCC chairman extends his gratitude to the Nigeria Police Force for their collaborative support throughout the commission’s journey. He specifically commends the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, for making the Police Mobile Force Training College accessible to the EFCC. He also acknowledges the invaluable contributions of Commander Ayo Peter Olowonihi, the Commandant of the EFCC Academy, and his training team.
Bawa underscores that, despite the EFCC’s enforcement and prosecution successes, the commission remains devoted to its prevention mandate. To achieve this objective, the EFCC actively engages with the public every Wednesday through virtual townhall meetings on the EFCC Twitter handle. Furthermore, the commission establishes integrity clubs in secondary schools and zero tolerance clubs in tertiary institutions nationwide, aiming to educate and deter young people from engaging in financial crimes, especially cybercrime and advance fee fraud.
The EFCC’s efforts to combat money laundering are further reinforced by the reinvigorated Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUM), which operates within the EFCC. This initiative intensifies the commission’s supervision, enforcement, and public enlightenment campaigns targeted at designated non-financial businesses and professions.