The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has returned a total of $132,362.43 and N78,566,324.81 to American, Spanish, and Swiss nationals who fell victim to financial fraud in Nigeria.
The restitution, which took place at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, was overseen by the commission’s Chairman, Ola Olukoyede. Speaking at the handover ceremony, Olukoyede reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to combating financial crimes and restoring Nigeria’s reputation on the global stage.
“This event is a demonstration of the commitment of the federal government of Nigeria and that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the fight against corruption and financial crimes,” Olukoyede stated. “It proves that Nigeria is not a safe haven for financial criminals and highlights our dedication to international cooperation in tackling economic crimes.”
The EFCC clarified that beyond recovering stolen assets, its mandate includes ensuring that victims receive due restitution. “We don’t just recover; we restitute the victims,” Olukoyede emphasized. “Once proceeds of crime are recovered, the responsible thing to do is to return them to those affected.”
Among the restituted assets were cash, real estate, and luxury vehicles. Spanish Acting Ambassador to Nigeria, Maria Higon Velasco, received $1,300 and confirmation of a N30 million transfer to the Spanish Embassy for onward transmission to a victim, Maria Del Rosario San Jose.
Florent Geel, Senior Political Officer at the Swiss Embassy, received $100,011.43 on behalf of Chantai Helene Lavancy. Meanwhile, Charles Smith, Legal Attache at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), took custody of various assets on behalf of multiple American victims, including:
$7,344, N7.96 million, and Bitcoin valued at $4,470 for Maria Jesus Brockell.
A Mercedes Benz E550 4Matic, a Mercedes Benz C450 AMG, and a residential bungalow in Kaduna for another victim.
$7,527 for Michael Smith, $11,710 for Cheryle Williams, and N32.6 million for Marva Marrow.
Expressing gratitude, Velasco commended the collaboration between Spain and Nigeria. Smith, representing the FBI and the US government, highlighted the emotional relief for victims, stating, “This gives them closure and allows them to feel whole again. The EFCC is not just operating in Nigeria; it is a major global contender in the fight against financial crimes.”
Geel, representing Switzerland, also lauded the EFCC’s efforts, describing the restitution as proof of Nigeria’s integrity and effectiveness in tackling fraud.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Umar Ahmed, hailed the EFCC’s achievement, noting that it enhances Nigeria’s international credibility and investor confidence. “This is an unprecedented development, and its impact on our ministry’s mandate is significant,” he said.
