In a bold move to tackle the growing threat of financial crimes in Nigeria, Warien Rose Foundation, in collaboration with the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), organized a high-level stakeholder training on asset recovery and anti-money laundering in Lagos.
Dr. Efe Anaughe, President of Warien Rose Foundation, said, “Corruption thrives where values are lacking. As part of our work, we’re also calling for moral instruction in schools and more deliberate parenting to counteract the culture of glorifying unexplained wealth,” she added.
She emphasized the urgency of combating financial crimes, highlighting the Foundation’s role as a leading voice in the Anti-Money Laundering/Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) space.
“We are committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance. Through this partnership with GIABA, we are equipping stakeholders with the tools and knowledge needed to tackle financial crimes head-on,” she said.
The one-day training, held at Festival Hotel, Festac, Lagos, brought together government officials, Lagos State House of Assembly Hon. Stella Foluke Osafile representing Labour Party Amuwo-Odofin Constituency 1, business owners, representatives from civil society, anti-corruption agencies, law enforcement, financial institutions, and advocacy groups to discuss sustainable solutions to illicit financial flows and the recovery of stolen assets.
Dr. Anaughe explained that the Foundation has held similar meetings across four states—Delta, Abuja, Imo, and Lagos—both in-person and online, providing technical support and training for law enforcement, financial intelligence units, and community groups.
According to her, money laundering fuels criminal activity, weakens governance, and damages the economy. “From drug trafficking and kidnapping to fraud and extortion, these crimes rely on the ability to clean illicit funds. We must disrupt those channels.”
“The consequence of neglecting our children—and by extension, our values—is grave,” Dr. Anaughe warned. “Let us be deliberate in raising a generation that values integrity, not just affluence.”
Mr. Timothy Melaye, Head of Information Management at GIABA Nigeria, charged participants to demand accountability from public officials and be vigilant about suspicious wealth.
“Why do people steal in public office? The answers—greed, poverty, desire for luxury—are no excuse. We must ask the hard questions and create systems that discourage corruption while enabling asset recovery,” he said.
Melaye detailed GIABA’s mission, which includes institutional development, compliance monitoring, research, and technical assistance to help ECOWAS member states combat money laundering and terrorist financing effectively.
He encouraged stakeholders to report suspicious activity and use the GIABA platform to facilitate cooperation across sectors and borders.
Barrister Yvonne William-Mbata of the ICPC Legal Unit in Lagos clarified the legal distinctions between seizure and forfeiture under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act (2000).
“Seizure is temporary for investigation purposes (Section 37), while forfeiture is permanent—either conviction-based (Section 47) or non-conviction based (Section 48),” she explained.
She also emphasized ICPC’s commitment to education and grassroots awareness campaigns, particularly among school children and youth.
“We take the anti-corruption message to schools, universities, and communities. It’s not just about laws—it’s about building a culture of integrity,” she said.
Prof. Bola Akinterinwa, of Achievers University and former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, called on civil society to rise to its responsibility.
“Money laundering distorts our economy and damages Nigeria’s global image. Civil society must become more proactive. This isn’t just a legal battle—it’s a battle for our national psyche and future generations,” he said.
Akinterinwa stressed the importance of international collaboration and mental reorientation in tackling systemic corruption and strengthening Nigeria’s institutions.
He concluded with a unified call for collective responsibility. From parents and teachers to religious leaders and policymakers, all stakeholders were urged to play active roles in restoring ethical values and safeguarding public resources.
The training featured breakout sessions led by industry professionals, including Abiodun Adebayo (Custodian Investment Plc), Olusegun Kulayo (Senior Accountant, FCSC Finance), and Gbenga Salau (media professional), who shared practical strategies for both local and cross-border asset recovery.
Participants developed action points on improving inter-agency collaboration, boosting community awareness, enhancing whistleblower protection, and leveraging technology for asset tracking.
