‘EFCC recovers N2bn in Rivers in 2017’

THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has disclosed that the commission recovered N2billion in 2017 alone over 60 per cent more than its highest ever recovery of about N400- million within 12 months.

Disclosing this yesterday in Port Harcourt Ishaq Salihu, Zonal Head of the  Commission explained that the increase in the fund recovery is not what to celebrate but something to cry about due to the rising crime in the country.

Salihu who spoke during a road walk by the Commission in Port Harcourt yesterday to commemorate the 2018 United Nation’s Anti- Corruption Day added that the commission also recovered several houses which were used to perpetuate crimes, expressing hope that as the anti-graft corruption fight intensifies, criminality and fraudulent acts would reduce.

He said, “We recovered over N1.9billion this year alone and about N400 million was recovered and paid to the Federal government account direct. Cumulatively, we recovered N2 billion.

Before now, it used to be N400 million yearly but it is now N2 billion. Though it is big it is not what to celebrate, it is something to cry about because of the rising corruption in the country but the Commission led by Ibrahim Magu is ridding it out.”

Salihu said, crimes are usually high during festive periods, assuring anyone with information about stolen phones, gadgets or misconduct that impact negatively on Nigerians and government to report it as he would have a handsome reward that might serve as his/her Christmas package.

He said, “There is no small crime, there is sinister between stolen phones and other crimes, if you allow it, it builds up and escalates then become a big challenge to the country ”

“But if we team up and do the fight individually and collectively, we will rid corruption out of the country, let the whistleblowing be part of your new year resolution and you will certainly get your reward”.

In response, some residents of Rivers State expressed joy over the anti-graft policy that provides up to five per cent for whistleblowers that expose frauds in both private and public sectors.  The residents, mostly market men and women expressed the delight after the Zonal Head of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ishaq Salihu, emphasized on the reward.

The residents jubilated and promised to watch out to report any crime and fraudulent activities.