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Nigerian Criminal Law

EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission)

Nigeria's EFCC investigates and prosecutes financial crimes — fraud, money laundering, advance fee fraud, and corruption. It can freeze accounts, seize assets, and prosecute before the Federal High Court.

Legal Definition

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is established under the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004. It is the primary agency for combating financial and economic crimes in Nigeria. The EFCC's mandate covers: advance fee fraud (419 scams), cybercrime, money laundering, tax evasion, subsidy fraud, bribery and corruption. It has power to: investigate, arrest suspects, apply for court orders to freeze bank accounts and seize assets, and prosecute offenders before the Federal High Court. You can report financial crimes to the EFCC through its website (efcc.gov.ng), by email, telephone, or by visiting any EFCC zonal office. Whistleblower reports can be made anonymously. The EFCC also operates the Eagle Eye Initiative for online fraud reporting. Common consumer fraud — e.g. being defrauded by a company — may also be reported to the EFCC alongside the FCCPC.

📖 Constitutional / Statutory Basis: EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004; Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006; Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022

Practical Example

A victim of an online investment scam loses ₦500,000. She reports to the EFCC with bank transaction records. The EFCC traces the account, freezes it pending investigation, and files charges against the suspects.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I report fraud to the EFCC in Nigeria?
Report via efcc.gov.ng (online petition), call the helpline 08008220220, or visit any EFCC zonal office. Bring all evidence: bank statements, receipts, screenshots, phone numbers of suspects.
Can the EFCC help me recover money I lost to a scam?
The EFCC can freeze and seize proceeds of crime and apply for forfeiture orders. Where assets are recovered, courts can order restitution to victims. Recovery is not guaranteed but the EFCC does return funds in some cases through court-ordered restitution.

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