By Iduozee Paul , Benin
The Benin Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in charged of Edo, Delta and Ondo States, asserted that the agency has received 1,246 petitions, secured 88 conviction, recovered thousands and US of dollars within the past twelve months.
Addressing journalists in a press conference the Head , Benin Zonal Office, EFCC, Adamu Danmusa, added that, a total of 125 cases were filled in court and appealed to the media to help them spreads the message to the public.
Danmusa speak further ” the Benin Zonal office, which is in changed over Edo, Delta and Ondo States received 1,246 petitions, out of which 788 were found worthy and approved for probes. A total of 132 cases, were forwarded to the Nigerian Police Force, and other sister agencies, as the matters raised in the petitions, were not within our jurisdiction. ”
” A total of 125 cases were filled in court, due to our diligent investigation and prosecution. We secured 88 convictions, while the zone recovered the sum of Three Hundred and Three Million, Eight Hundred and Twenty Eight Thousand, Six Hundred and Forty One Naira ( N303,828,641.00), and Seven Thousands US Dollars ( $7000).”
” Out of that amount the sum of N274,507,723.00, has been returned and restituted to the victims of the crime. We secured the final forfeiture of a 4- bed room bungalow, at Ughelli and a petroleum Filling Station, in Udu, Delta state. We secured the final forfeiture of 14 exotic cars and ten (10) laptops and 28 phones, were recovered from fraudsters. ”
Offering an answer during questions asked by the journalists, the Head Legal and Prosecution Department EFCC, Benin Zonal office, Ahmedu Imo- Ovba Arogha, explained that the essence why their Case take time during trial is because of the long process of procedure.
Ahmedu begged the media to help them to disseminate their achievements to the society.