Anambra, Imo EFCC Regional Office not to hound but help states’ finances – Olukoyede

Ola Olukoyede, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has announced that the establishment of a regional office in Awka, serving Anambra and Imo States, is aimed at aiding the states, rather than targeting their citizens. During the inauguration of the office, Olukoyede addressed the governors of Anambra and Imo, as well as other dignitaries.

Olukoyede emphasized that the expansion of the EFCC is a result of increased funding from the National Assembly and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's interventions. He stressed that Anambra and Imo States, known for entrepreneurship, innovation, and a strong work ethic, need a local presence to safeguard their economic activities from fraud, cybercrime, and other financial crimes.

The EFCC's primary mission, Olukoyede explained, is not just about arresting and prosecuting offenders, but also preventing financial crimes from occurring in the first place. Within its first year of operation, the regional office has received 393 petitions, investigated 311 cases, secured 58 convictions, and recovered 111 plots of land worth N323 million. Additionally, N835.9 million, equivalent to $1,135 and €400, have been recovered.

Representing President Tinubu, Anambra State Speaker Tajudeen Abbas urged the states to welcome the zonal office, seeing it as a step toward promoting transparency and accountability at the local level.