By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A total of 3,785 convictions were recorded across the country by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in 2022, higher than the 2,220 convictions recorded in the previous year by 70.5 per cent.
In a statement on Wednesday, the anti-money laundering organisation disclosed that its performance last year represents a 98.93 per cent success rate in prosecution as it only lost 41 cases, representing 1.07 per cent, within the period.
A breakdown showed that the Lagos Command of the EFCC recorded the most convictions at 765, closely followed by the Ibadan Command with 573 convictions and the Port Harcourt Zonal Command at 567, while the headquarters recorded 314 convictions.
The agency said the conviction secured in 2022 was the highest since inception.
Recall that in 2015, EFCC recorded a total of 103 convictions which rose to 195 convictions in 2016, and 312 in 2018, 1,280 in 2019, but dropped slightly to 976 convictions in 2020 before moving up to 2,220 in 2021.
Commenting on the performance, the Chairman of the EFCC, Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa, commended the personnel of the commission for their industry and dedication despite the challenges of criminal prosecution in court.
He assured that the EFCC would continue to motivate all categories of staff for greater efficiency through capacity development and other incentives.