The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has listed a series of challenges that stalled financial crimes prosecutions amongst which are unwarranted frivolous acts of defendant counsels, constant cases adjournment and elevation or transfer of judges.
Speaking while conducting Financial Crime Reporting Workshop for some selected journalists, the commission’s Deputy Director of Legal and Prosecution, Aisha Taha Habib, said one of the difficulties they face while prosecuting financial crime is also unavailing of the identity of individuals behind some criminal transactions.
Aisha hinted that although Section 6 of the Commission’s laws empowered them to investigate and prosecute persons suspected to be holding illegal money and properties, it is, however, highly difficult to get the original person behind illicit transactions.
Speaking, the commission’s chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa declared that the EFCC recorded 3, 440 convictions on financial and cyber crimes across the country from January to November 2022.
The chairman, who was represented by the Kano Zonal Commander, Farouk Dogondaji, also stated that the commission will work to ensure the enforcement of the Electoral Act as the 2023 general elections approach.
“In terms of prosecution of cases in court, I am glad to inform you that, between January and November 25, this year, EFCC recorded 3440 convictions. The potentials for improvement are good as more ongoing cases are concluded in the remaining four weeks of the year.
“Remarkable as this feat is, we are not resting on our oars. 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,” he stated.
He also said: “On our part, we are working in close collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other stakeholders to preserve the integrity of the electoral process. We will ensure that the Electoral Act is fully enforced and those who seek to influence voters through financial inducement are brought to justice.”
He described journalists as critical allies who are at the workshop to improve their capacity to be able to help in the fight against cyber and financial crimes in the country.
Delivering her paper at the workshop on “Challenges of Prosecuting Economic and Financial Crimes in Nigeria,” the Deputy Director, Legal and Prosecution, Aisha Tahar Habib gave a breakdown of both civil and criminal convictions achieved by the Kano Zone.
She stated that they have had 160 criminal convictions losing only two and 180 civil convictions losing only one in Kano State. She added that this put the conviction rates at over 90 per cent.
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