Prior to the 1st International Anti-Corruption and Climate Change Conference, HEDA Resource Centre, led by its. Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, alongside international anti-corruption stakeholders, paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Mr. Ola Olukoyede, at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja.
HEDA Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, commended Mr. Olukoyede for his leadership and the EFCC’s achievements, including the disbursement of recovered looted funds to victims of corruption.
The HEDA delegation included Nicholas Hildyard (Co-founder CornerHouse), Antonio Tricarico (Recommon), Simon Taylor (Co-founder Hawkmoth), Cecilia Ogwuche (HEDA Program and Legal Officer), and Tonye Dappa. Each shared their insights and support for the EFCC’s mission.
Nicholas Hildyard commended the EFCC’s relentless fight against corruption, referencing the OPL245 case. He highlighted its importance and suggested regular updates on such cases via the EFCC website.
On his part, Antonio Tricarico echoed Nicholas’s sentiments, stressing the obligations of OE D member states and the growing interest of the U.S Department of Justice in Corruption cases.
Simon Taylor raised concerns over lawyers’ fees deducted from recovered funds, urging more transparency in the disbursement process.
In response, EFCC Chairman Mr. Olukoyede acknowledged the challenges and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to partnering with CSOs. He emphasized a new directive to maintain detailed records of cases and ensure timely prosecution.
The Chairman expressed his displeasure with paying lawyers from the proceeds of crime and highlighted the issue at the recent Nigeria Bar Association’s Annual General Conference.
The meeting wrapped up with a presentation of souvenirs and a group photograph, marking another step forward in strengthening the fight against corruption.