EFCC recovers N500bn assets under Tinubu – Shettima

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Monday said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has recovered assets worth over ₦500 billion in the past two years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Shettima made the disclosure while declaring open the 7th edition of a three-day capacity-building workshop for judges and justices, jointly organised by the EFCC and the National Judicial Institute in Abuja, as reported by Channels TV.

According to the Vice President, the administration’s policy of non-interference in the operations of anti-graft agencies has strengthened the fight against corruption and enhanced institutional accountability.

“As an administration, we have prioritised public accountability by strengthening the anti-corruption agencies and giving them the needed independence to execute their statutory mandates,” Shettima who represented President Tinubu at the event, said.

“This enabling environment is evident in the impact that has been made in the last two years. The EFCC, for example, has recorded over 7,000 convictions and recovered assets in excess of ₦500 billion.”

He added that proceeds of recovered assets are being channelled into developmental initiatives, including the students’ loan and consumer credit schemes.

“Recovered proceeds of crime by the agency (EFCC) are being brought back into the economy to fund critical social investment programs, including the students’ loan and consumer credit schemes.

“We are equally working within the boundaries of separation of powers to support the judiciary in improving the working conditions of judicial officers.

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“The remuneration of judges has improved, and we are committed to further enhancement of their welfare and facilities,” he said.

Reaffirming Tinubu’s commitment to the rule of law, Shettima stressed that the administration does not shield political allies from investigation or prosecution.

“There is no person or group who can accuse this administration of protecting political actors. We have allowed both the judiciary and the anti-corruption agencies to exercise their powers to restore sanity,” he said.

The VP urged members of the judiciary to discharge their duties with patriotism and integrity, warning that corruption spares no segment of society.

“Corruption is no respecter of persons. Judges are not insulated from its consequences. There are no special roads, hospitals, or communities for judges—we all face the same risks from the effects of corruption.”

He called for collective commitment among all arms of government to strengthen the fight against graft.

“A Nigeria free of corruption is possible if we all commit to doing what is right and ensuring that those who deviate from the norm are held accountable,” Shettima added.