EFCC Directs Zonal Commands To Audit Exhibits Following Theft Of Over $400,000, Jewellery From Lagos, Kaduna Offices –Sources
Following the theft of exhibits, the agency announced that 10 officers in Lagos State Command had been detained over theft of operational items they could not account for.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has directed all its commands to audit the exhibits in their possessions, SaharaReporters has learned.
It was gathered that the directive followed the reports of recent theft cases in Lagos and Kaduna states.
SaharaReporters reported earlier on Wednesday that the Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency had launched a manhunt for an officer who allegedly stole over $30,000 and other valuable exhibits from Kaduna Zonal office.
The officer involved, identified as Polycarp, reportedly fled when he could not account for the money and other exhibits.
According to Daily Nigeria, among other exhibits missing are gold bars worth over N1 billion as well as over $180,000 and about GBP 140,000.
SaharaReporters reported earlier in January reported that a significant amount of cash and valuables had disappeared from the Lagos Zonal Command of EFCC.
It reported that between $350,000 and $400,000 had gone missing, along with expensive jewellery and other valuable items.
Prior to the reports, the commission had dismissed 27 officials for misconduct and fraudulent activities.
According to a statement issued by the agency, the dismissal followed recommendations from the EFCC Staff Disciplinary Committee, which were ratified by Chairman Ola Olukoyede.
Following the theft of exhibits, the agency announced that 10 officers in Lagos State Command had been detained over theft of operational items they could not account for.
Sources, however, told SaharaReporters that following the recent theft cases, the authorities of the commission have directed all zonal commands to carry an extensive audit of the exhibits in their care.
“All zonal heads have been directed to carry out an evaluation of exhibits in their custody and report back to the National Headquarters,” one of the inside sources told SaharaReporters on Wednesday.
The source revealed that some properties recovered from a suspect in Enugu had been stolen at the state zonal office of the agency.
“For instance, EFCC operatives seized vehicles and money from one Mr Patrick Shanchi Nwokike, owner of Let’s Partner With You, a financial institution. He was accused of operating without a license. After confiscating his property and money, sued him at the Federal High Court.
“Sometime last year, the court discharged and acquitted him but up till today, EFCC could not produce the cars seized from him. EFCC took some money. They even went to people who had some money from him based on records they have and took away the money but did not record same when they (EFCC) sued.”
“The EFCC operatives also went to his in-law and collected several millions of naira from him and some other people. They even went to the bank and forced the bank to give them money. At the end of the day, the money and vehicles disappeared,” the source said.
“That’s how bad EFCC operatives have become. I hope someday the man would be able to muster the courage to tell his story. I am not holding brief for him.”
Efforts to reach the EFCC spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, on his mobile phone for comment failed as his line suggested it was not available to receive calls.
