World Anti Corruption Day: Sokoto EFCC causes 4 convictions, received 236 petitions, prosecutes 20 cases, secure forfeitures

By Ado Hassan, Sokoto
THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Sokoto Zonal Office has said that it has secure four convictions out of 20 prosecutions from 236 petitions received by the anti graft agency in the zone. 
Similarly, the zone disclosed that it had made over N910 million monetary recoveries from its operations between January to date.
Speaking in commemoration of the annual world anti corruption day with the theme” Zero Tolerance to Corruption”, the Zonal Head of Operations, Mr Abdullahi Lawal Monday said that corruption was a demon that is endemic and has to be faught head on for the economic prosperity of Nigeria.
According to him, the country joined in the vehicle of campaign against the demon way back in 2003 and has been doing remarkably well to reorient  and create awareness among citizens, stressing that the fight against corruption is real and dear to the heart of the commission and all well meaning patriots to tamp it out of our lives.
He described the fight as a collective effort which every patriot must join hands to bring it to an end, noting RHA the danger was enormous and negative to national development.
” The Commission is supported by the responsive political will and determination in driving its mandate to success “, he pointed out.
He further stated that the zone had made tremendous impact in the course of its operations over time while disclosing  that 151 cases were still under investigation with 49 in its legal department.
Lawal disclosed that two cases were civil while 10  were returned on no case basis.
Other recoveries made in vehicles and properties included four vehicles and 53 tricylcles while two houses were under interim and final forfeiture stages” we have 5 houses and two shops already marked”, Lawal said.
Accordingly, the Zonal Head further reeled out par of the monetary recoveries as thus; N228, 965, 410, N289,464,000, 392,546,373 including $84,333.1 respectively on behalf of victims, outside the commission as well with banks on PND at different operations.
He however, stressed the need for Nigerians to strive towards realising a corrupt free nation where positive and legitimate sources of earnings would vindicate the system through leaving legacies worthy of emulation.
Meanwhile, the zone took to a campaign rally from its Sama road office through  Sokoto North local government, Sultan’s palace, Kofar Marke, Kofar Rini, Aliyu Jodi road and terminated at the Sokoto central motor park where lectures sensitization campaigns were held with Dr. Murtala Aminu of Usamanu Danfodoyo University, Sokoto describing corruption as evil with adverse economic effect on citizens and nation as a whole.
” It cripples human and national development as well grossly affects the survival of humanity with attendant poverty consequences.
” Therefore, we must desist from it and say no to corruption. If you see something, say something  and it will mean something in the fight against corruption. Nigerians must collectively join hands in the drive”, he urged.
Others who also spoke included the state NBA chairman , Almustapha YusufAbubakar and representative of NAPTIP and representative of NURTW, stressing that corruption had eaten deep into the fabrics of Nigerians and across all spheres of the economy which must be stamped out in earnest.