Tinubu administration remained committed to tackling money laundering, cybercrime, and other financial crimes, Says Onanuga

• Nigeria won’t be destination for illicit wealth from foreign countries, says President
• EFCC praised for returning $180,000, 53 vehicles to Canada
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed security and law enforcement agencies to scale up efforts at cracking down on individuals or organisations involved in cybercrime and transnational car theft.

A statement yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information on Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the President also sent a strong message to the global community, affirming that Nigeria would not be a haven for illicit wealth from foreign countries.

The President hailed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its recent handover of 53 vehicles and $180,300 to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to be returned to two Canadian citizens who were victims of cybercrimes perpetrated by some Nigerians.

“Nigeria will continue to work with its international partners to ensure that cyber criminals and organised crime groups involved in transnational car theft are deprived of the benefits of their illegal activities.

“To this end, President Bola Tinubu has directed security and law enforcement agencies — including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) — to intensify efforts in cracking down on individuals in possession of and trafficking in stolen vehicles.

“He acknowledges the recent handover of 53 vehicles and $180,300 by the EFCC to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on behalf of two Canadian citizens who were victims of cybercrimes perpetrated by Nigerian nationals.

“Expressing concern over the involvement of transnational organised criminal groups in exporting stolen vehicles to Nigeria, President Tinubu commends the commission for collaborating with partners to ensure a coordinated and professional repose to this menace.

“The President further directs all relevant agencies, particularly the anti-corruption agencies, to protect Nigeria’s economic and financial integrity from organised crime infiltration.

“He also demands that the value of seized and confiscated moveable assets be preserved for the state, society, and victims in line with existing legislation and international conventions,” the statement said.

The President emphasised that “Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles and a haven for illicit wealth from foreign countries”.