The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recorded successes in the fight against corruption as data reveals the Commission secured a total of 2,220 convictions in 2021.
The EFCC is Nigeria’s major anti-corruption agency empowered to combat financial and economic crimes in the country. It was established in 2003 and its establishment Act empowers it to prevent, investigate, prosecute and penalise economic and financial crimes in Nigeria.
Although the nature of cases for the prosecution was not disclosed, the agency, however, stated that it won 2,220 cases in the year ended 2021 and lost 34 cases.
A six-year review of the Commission’s conviction data shows that it secured its highest conviction last year. This is an increase of 127.46% from 2020 and 73.44% over its 2019 record which was its highest prior to 2021.
According to the EFCC, the 2021 convictions were its highest since its inception.
A Breakdown of the Convictions by Zonal Commands
The EFCC has 14 zonal commands across the country, with a corporate headquarters at the Federal Capital Territory.
In the year under review, Lagos zonal command recorded the highest convictions with 481 cases won. The Ibadan command came next with 324 convictions, while the Port Harcourt zonal office recorded 230 convictions.
At the bottom, with the least convictions, are Sokoto, Maiduguri and Makurdi zonal commands with 38, 26 and 22 convictions, respectively.
While the successes recorded by the EFCC is commendable, it may have to do more to build public trust and carry out its duties with unquestionable non-partisanship because Nigerians believe that the Commission is selective in its fight against corruption.