Emefiele’s assets not shared, EFCC speaks

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has debunked allegations that it shared N54 billion in forfeited assets linked to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele.

In a statement revealed on Wednesday by the EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale described the allegations as false and infantile, stating that no official of the commission was involved in the sharing of forfeited assets.

Oyewale explained that the EFCC Act 2004 and the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act 2022 clearly outline the framework for asset recovery and management, leaving no room for “sharing” of forfeited assets.

The EFCC’s denial came after an online news portal alleged that the commission colluded with government officials to share the N54 billion in forfeited assets.

However, the EFCC has reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability, stating that all forfeited assets are paid into designated accounts and managed in accordance with the law.

Oyewale said, “The EFCC denounces as false the report by the online news platform, Sahara Reporters, alleging that N54 billion forfeited by some associates of a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, was ‘shared’ among certain ministers and aides of President Bola Tinubu, in collaboration with EFCC officials.

“No official of the Commission was or has ever been involved in the ‘sharing’ of any proceeds of forfeited assets. The notion of ‘sharing of proceeds of forfeited assets’ is strange to the Commission.

“The sensational report which was promoted ostensibly to scandalise the agencies mentioned, betrays the author’s ignorance of the existing asset recovery and management framework. There is no ‘platform’ for the ‘sharing of forfeited assets’; the notion itself being infantile.

“The truth is, it simply did not happen! Dishing fiction to the public as news is the height of irresponsibility and EFCC will not tolerate any attempt to defame its hard-earned reputation.”