President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to publicly release details of all high-profile petitions it has investigated and found to be frivolous.
According to Akpabio, such openness would help counter the common perception among Nigerians that every petition against public officials, especially politicians, automatically indicates guilt.
The Senate President made the call during deliberations on a motion titled “Urgent Need to Commend the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its Significant Gains Made in Recent Times, Particularly in 2024 Despite the Challenges It Has Encountered,” sponsored by Senator Emmanuel Udende (APC, Benue North East).
Describing the EFCC’s recent performance as “a revolution,” Akpabio credited the agency’s renewed effectiveness to the leadership of its Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, and commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing “the right person for the job.”
“What we have now is a revolution in the EFCC,” Akpabio said. “They should publish reports of all petitions investigated, especially politically motivated ones found to be frivolous, because Nigerians always assume petitions mean conviction or crime—particularly for politicians.”
He further emphasized that the EFCC’s mission goes beyond prosecution, serving as a deterrent to crime. “For every conviction recorded, at least ten other crimes are likely prevented,” he added.
Akpabio also clarified that the EFCC cannot retain any percentage of recovered funds without the Senate’s approval as stipulated by law, directing relevant committees to confirm whether such requests had been made by the President.
During the plenary, the Senate commended the EFCC for its outstanding achievements in 2024, highlighting record recoveries and convictions despite limited resources.
According to official data, the Commission recovered ₦364,597,370,151.35; $214,513,439.55; €54,318.64; £31,265; CAD $2,990; AUD $740; CFA 7,821,375; UAE Dirham 170; Riyal 5,115; W 73,000; Yen 105; Ghanaian Cedi 225; and Rand 50 during the year.
It also secured 4,111 convictions—the highest in its history—after investigating 12,928 out of 15,724 petitions and filing 5,081 cases in court.
Senator Udende, while presenting the motion, said the EFCC’s performance had significantly enhanced Nigeria’s global image and strengthened public confidence in its anti-corruption framework.
“Despite limited resources and growing complexity in financial crimes, the EFCC has shown resilience and professionalism,” Udende said. “Its achievements in 2024 represent the highest operational success since its establishment in 2003.”
He also detailed assets recovered during the year, including 173 vehicles, 378 electronic devices, one hotel, two gold Cuban chains, 14 lands, 784 estates, and cryptocurrency assets worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi (APC, Ebonyi North) hailed the EFCC’s efforts as “a revolution,” noting that for the first time, the agency was delivering results “without media trials.”
“They have recovered over ₦500 billion in 2024 alone. This is commendable,” Nwebonyi remarked.
However, Senator Saliu Mustapha (APC, Kwara Central) raised concerns about the EFCC’s retention of a statutory percentage of recovered funds, calling for stronger parliamentary oversight.
“The EFCC is entitled to a percentage under the law, but has this chamber ever received a request or communication on this? We must ensure proper oversight,” he noted.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) also moved a motion commending President Tinubu for his “strategic leadership” and “consistent support” for the EFCC through the appointment of capable leadership and improved funding.
“The President deserves credit for ensuring the EFCC is properly funded and empowered,” Bamidele said. “His leadership has directly led to more recoveries, deterrence, and convictions, marking a bold step in Nigeria’s anti-corruption war.”
The Senate unanimously resolved to continue providing legislative and oversight backing to the EFCC and other anti-corruption institutions to further strengthen their effectiveness in promoting transparency and accountability.
What You Should Know
Godswill Akpabio’s remarks underscore the Senate’s growing interest in ensuring transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions.
His call for the EFCC to publish frivolous petitions is aimed at restoring public confidence and protecting officials from politically motivated allegations.
