Former South-East spokesman to President Bola Tinubu, Josef Onoh, has commended the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, over what he described as the Commission’s record asset recoveries and intensified anti-corruption campaign.

Onoh, who is also Chairman of the Forum of Former Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, said the EFCC’s recent recoveries demonstrate a renewed commitment to transparency, accountability and the rule of law.

He cited the recent final forfeiture of 52 terrace and maisonette housing units at Mercyville Estate, Lekki, Lagos, to the Federal Government as one of the Commission’s major achievements.

According to him, the properties, linked to Fielddreams Limited, Ifeanyi Nweke and Amex Savings and Loans Limited, were forfeited after the Federal High Court in Lagos ruled that they were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

Onoh also listed other high-profile recoveries involving assets linked to businesswoman Aisha Achimugu, former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami and former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele.

He said that since Olukoyede assumed office in October 2023, the EFCC had recovered more than ₦566.32 billion, $411.57 million, over £71,000 and more than €182,000, alongside other foreign currencies.

According to him, the Commission has also secured the forfeiture of 1,502 non-monetary assets, including the 753-duplex estate in Lokogoma, Abuja, and Nok University, Kaduna, which has since been converted into a Federal University.

“While former chairmen such as Ibrahim Magu recorded significant recoveries over longer periods and pioneers like Nuhu Ribadu laid the institutional foundation for the Commission, Olukoyede’s stewardship has delivered remarkable results within a comparatively short period. On a per-year basis, this represents the most intensive recovery drive since the establishment of the EFCC in 2003,” he said.

Onoh said some recovered assets had been deployed to support government programmes, including the Student Loan Scheme and consumer credit initiatives.

He also praised President Bola Tinubu for providing what he described as the political support needed for the EFCC to operate independently against corruption, cybercrime and financial crimes.

According to him, the Commission’s crackdown on internet fraud, cryptocurrency scams, investment fraud and transnational criminal networks has improved Nigeria’s international reputation.

Onoh further linked Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List to stronger anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing efforts, saying the EFCC contributed significantly to the achievement.

Reflecting on Olukoyede’s appointment, Onoh said early doubts about his emergence had been dispelled by the Commission’s performance.

“His appointment has proved to be a masterstroke. Despite the inevitable challenges associated with institutional reforms, the EFCC under Ola Olukoyede has demonstrated professionalism, transparency in asset management, and a balanced approach that combines enforcement with preventive measures. These achievements have strengthened the Commission’s credibility both within Nigeria and internationally,” he said.

He urged Nigerians and the international community to continue supporting the Commission.

“The EFCC’s work is restoring faith in our institutions and reinforcing the principle that no individual is above the law. The Commission has demonstrated that integrity, professionalism and determination can produce measurable results. I congratulate Chairman Ola Olukoyede and the entire EFCC workforce on these remarkable milestones and encourage them to remain steadfast. Greater achievements lie ahead,” Onoh added.