Nigerian anti-graft commission EFCC and it’s look-alike Independent Corrupt Practices And Other Related Offences Commission ICPC have been stripped off their freezing power as they can no longer free or forfeit their suspects’ assets.
According to the gazette, Vol. 106, No 163, titled, “Asset Tracing, Recovery and Management Regulation 2019’’, dated October 29, 2019 the forfeiting powers have been transferred to the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
“All non-conviction based forfeiture shall be conducted by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation. Where a non-conviction based forfeiture procedure arises, the LEA (Law Enforcement Agency) and ACAs (Anti-Corruption Agencies) shall transfer the matter to the Office of the AGF,’’ the gazette states. Read also: EFCC Set To Arrest Doctors Who Issue Fake Medical Reports
In addition, all seized assets shall be registered by all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government while all final forfeited assets recovered by agencies shall be handed over to the AGF within 60 days from the commencement of the regulations of management.
