Arts and Life

PRESIDENT TINUBU ORDERS CRACKDOWN ON CYBERCRIMINALS, TRANSNATIONAL CAR THIEVES …Commends EFCC for returning $180,000, 53 vehicles to Canada

Published

1 year ago

September 22, 2024

Nigeria will continue to work with its international partners to ensure that cyber criminals and organised crime groups involved in transnational car thefts are deprived of the benefits of their illegal activities.

To this end, President Bola Tinubu has directed security and law enforcement agencies — including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) — to intensify efforts in cracking down on individuals in possession of and trafficking in stolen vehicles.

The President notes that one of the most effective tools available to law enforcement agencies is depriving criminals of the proceeds from their illicit activities.

He acknowledges the recent handover of 53 vehicles and $180,300 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), on behalf of two Canadian citizens who were victims of cybercrimes perpetrated by Nigerian nationals.

While expressing concern over the involvement of transnational organised criminal groups in exporting stolen vehicles to Nigeria, President Tinubu commends the Commission for collaborating with partners to ensure a coordinated and professional repose to this menace.

See also Gov. Ododo Joins FG to Flag Off Historic Dualization of Benin-Ajaokuta Road By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh February 19, 2025 The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, today, graced the flag-off ceremony of the construction of the four sections of the Benin-Ekpoma-Auchi-Okpella-Okene-Ajaokuta junction road in Ekpoma, Edo State by the Federal Ministry of works. The project is to be executed by BUA Group, CBC Nigeria Limited, CCECC Nigeria Limited, and CGC Nigeria Limited. The Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor Mr Unubi Emmanuel in a Press statement issued, revealed that the he flag-off ceremony was conducted by the Honorable Minister for Works, Senator Dave Umahi, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. The distinguished guests in attendance included the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who served is the Chief host, Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Former Governor of Edo State, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, members of the National Assembly from the State, as well as all members of the state executive council and state house of Assembly. Governor Ododo was represented at the event by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, accompanied by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Kogi State Government, Hon. Hilary Ojoma Egwudah, the Member representing Ofu State Constituency at the House of Assembly, Hon Shehu Seidu Amodu, Engr. Mohammed Ahovi Yusuf, the Kogi State Commissioner for Works, DG Protocol Government House, Alhaji Suleiman Ibrahim, DG Kogi Community Watch and Ancillary Matters, Hon Muhammed Nasiru Alfa, Adviser to the Governor on Federal Government Project Implementation, Mr Obasi Emmanuel Ikechukwu, Security Adviser to the Governor for Idah Federal Constituency, Hon Onojah James, Chairmen of Dekina, Ofu, Lokoja, Okene and Okehi Local Government Areas, Olamaboro LGA former Chairman, Hon. Adejoh Nichodemus, the Kogi State Treasurer of the NUT, Comrade Tijani Oricha, and the SSA to the Governor on Ethics and Values, Sheikh Sani Momoh Musa, among other aides. The flag-off of the dualization of the Benin-Ajaokuta Road marks a significant milestone in the federal government's efforts to revamp the country's infrastructure. With Governor Ododo's participation, it is clear that the project has the full support of the state government, paving the way for a smoother and more efficient execution. As the project progresses, it is expected to bring about improved connectivity, enhanced economic opportunities, and a better quality of life for the people of Kogi State and beyond.

The President further directs all relevant agencies, particularly the anti-corruption agencies, to protect Nigeria’s economic and financial integrity from organised crime infiltration.

He also demands that the value of seized and confiscated moveable assets be preserved for the state, society, and victims in line with existing legislation and international conventions.

The president strongly affirms, “Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles and a haven for illicit wealth from foreign countries. ”

President Tinubu affirms that his administration remains committed to tackling money laundering, cybercrime, and other financial crimes.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy)

September 22, 2024