By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday, March 13, 2026, handed over a total sum of $225,895 and ₦62.79 million recovered from fraudsters to victims from the United States and South Africa.
The restitution ceremony was presided over by the Secretary to the Commission, Mohammed Hammajoda, and attended by representatives of the affected countries, including the Assistant Law Enforcement Attaché of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Mike Fukuda, and the Acting High Commissioner of South Africa to Nigeria, Lindi Mminele.
Speaking during the event, Hammajoda described corruption as a global menace that requires collective action to combat. He stressed that the cross-border nature of financial crimes makes international cooperation essential in tackling the challenge. He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that all recovered proceeds of crime are returned to their rightful owners, whether individuals, corporations, governments or international victims.
He also urged the EFCC’s international partners across the United States, Europe, Asia and Africa to respond promptly to requests for collaboration, noting that Nigeria expects reciprocal cooperation in the recovery and repatriation of assets linked to financial crimes.
During the ceremony, Fukuda received $7,440 on behalf of some American victims, while other recoveries included $15,000 for Drago Boskovic and $175,895 alongside ₦62.79 million for Holly Ngo and others.
Similarly, Mminele, alongside the victim’s lawyer, Elisha Sunday, received $50,000 on behalf of Ennis-Flint Africa Limited, a South African company defrauded in Nigeria.
On behalf of the victims, Mminele expressed appreciation to the EFCC for its efforts in recovering and restituting stolen funds, noting that the Commission’s work demonstrates tangible progress in the fight against financial crimes. She added that the South African High Commission values its longstanding relationship with the EFCC and looks forward to sustained collaboration.
Sunday also commended the anti-graft agency for its dedication, stating that its efforts are helping to restore confidence in Nigeria’s business environment and strengthen the country’s reputation within the global financial system.
Fukuda, in his remarks, praised the EFCC’s commitment to securing justice for victims of fraud and reaffirmed the readiness of the FBI and the United States Department of Justice to continue working closely with the Commission.
