The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has returned a total of $225,895 and N62,790,000 to foreign victims of fraud.
The disclosure was made in a statement on the EFCC’s official X account on Friday, March 13, 2026.
The recovered funds were handed over to victims from the United States and South Africa as part of ongoing efforts to trace and restitute proceeds of cross-border financial crimes.
The commission said the handover reflects its continued focus on international cooperation in fighting fraud and recovering illicit funds. Returning money to victims is intended to restore individual losses and strengthen trust between Nigeria and foreign partners.
The handover ceremony was presided over by EFCC Secretary Mohammed Hammajoda and attended by representatives of the victims’ countries, including FBI Assistant Law Enforcement Attaché Mike Fukuda and Acting South African High Commissioner Lindi Mminele.
The EFCC emphasized that the initiative is part of broader efforts to engage international law enforcement and restore confidence in cross-border business transactions.
During the handover, Hammajoda described corruption as a global issue that requires collective action.
He also emphasized that the EFCC aims to ensure recovered funds are returned to their rightful owners, whether individuals, corporate organizations, governments, or international victims.
Fukuda described the EFCC as a “world-class agency” committed to justice and international cooperation.
Over the years, there have been several cases where the EFCC returned funds to foreign victims of fraud.
These cases show the EFCC’s role in restitution for cross-border fraud incidents over time.
The return of funds coincides with ongoing EFCC prosecutions and enforcement actions in recent months.
In March 2026, Obiajulu Emeka Emmanuel was convicted for obtaining $850,000 through fraud, sentenced to one year imprisonment, fined N1 million, and had three properties forfeited to the victim.