EFCC Recovered N409bn, $69.5m in eight months – Magu

 

THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has recovered about N409 billion and secured 137 convictions nationwide between January and August 2017.
The acting chairman of the anti-graft agency, Mr Ibrahim Magu, made the disclosure on Wednesday at an interactive meeting with media executives in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
“Between January and August 30, 2017, the EFCC recovered N409,270,706,686.75; $69,501,156.67; 231,118.69 Pounds; 610,816.20 Euros; Dirham 443,400.00; and 70,500.00 Saudi Riyal,” Magu said in statement signed by the EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren.
“Over a month ago, the Commission recovered over N329billion from a group of oil marketers for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).”
According to the statement, the session provided media editors from the print, online and broadcast media platforms an avenue to engage with the EFCC boss.
Magu also seized the opportunity to inform the journalists of the resolve of the commission to remain unrelenting in the fight against corruption.
“In the area of prosecution of cases in court, we are also making progress despite the antics of some persons accused of grand corruption to delay trial.”
The EFCC boss stressed the important role of the media in the anti-corruption fight and sought more support from members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm.
He also urged them to see themselves as partners in progress, noting that the EFCC cannot win the war against corruption on its own.
“We believe there is still a lot to be done which is the reason why we are actively seeking the support of all stakeholders, including the media.
“From what we read in the papers these days, it is either somebody is fighting Magu or Magu is fighting other people. But seriously speaking, instead of fighting ourselves, we should be united in fighting the common enemy, which is corruption,” he said.
Magu said he has no personal grouse with anyone, saying, “I am not after anybody and have no issues with anybody.”
“Those who think they have issues with me will soon discover that I mean no harm. What drives me is the passion to do what is right by ensuring that we fight corruption to a standstill in this country.”
He, however, assured Nigerians that the anti-graft agency remains committed to the anti-corruption drive of the Federal Government.
(Channels)