The restitution ceremony, held in Abuja, was presided over by Mohammed Hammajoda, Secretary to the Commission, and attended by representatives of the affected countries, including Federal Bureau of Investigation Assistant Law Enforcement Attaché Mike Fukuda and Lindi Mminele, Acting High Commissioner of South Africa to Nigeria.
During the event, Fukuda received recovered funds on behalf of American victims of fraud, which included $15,000 for Drago Boskovic, $7,440 for Anh Ngoc Nguyen and three others, and $175,895 and N62.79 million for Holly Ngo.
Similarly, Mminele, South African Acting High Commissioner, alongside Elisha Sunday, victim company’s lawyer, received $50,000 on behalf of Ennis-Flint Africa Limited, a South African firm affected by fraud.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hammajoda described corruption as a global threat that requires sustained international collaboration.
He emphasised that financial crimes increasingly cut across national borders, making joint action between law enforcement agencies essential.
“Corruption is like a cancer that eats into every fabric of our lives. It is cross-border in nature; therefore, we must join hands collectively to defeat it,” he said.
He also reiterated the EFCC’s commitment to ensuring that recovered proceeds of crime are returned to their rightful owners, whether individuals, corporate organizations, governments, or international victims.
Hammajoda urged international partners across America, Europe, Asia, and Africa to respond promptly to requests for cooperation in asset recovery and investigations, noting that reciprocity is essential when Nigerian assets are traced abroad.
Foreign representatives at the event praised the EFCC’s efforts. Fukuda commended the agency’s dedication to securing justice for victims of fraud and strengthening global law enforcement collaboration.
“Your organisation is truly a world-class agency, and we are honoured to collaborate with you,” he said on behalf of the FBI and the United States Department of Justice.
Mminele expressed gratitude to the EFCC for recovering funds on behalf of the South African firm, highlighting the tangible results of the Commission’s work and the value of its longstanding relationship with South Africa.
Meanwhile, Sunday, lawyer for the South African company, praised the EFCC for restoring confidence among international partners engaging in business with Nigerians and for reinforcing Nigeria’s reputation in the global financial system.
