Senate moves to probe EFCC over 2% deductions from recovered loot without approval

By Omodele Adigun

The Nigerian Senate has launched a probe into how the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been allegedly deducting 2% from recovered looted funds without the required legislative authorization.

The move followed a motion raised by Senator Emmanuel Memga Udende (APC, Benue North East), who had initially commended the EFCC for its impressive performance despite operational challenges.

Udende revealed that in 2024 alone, the EFCC received 15,724 petitions, investigated 10,928 cases, filed 5,081 suits, secured 4,111 convictions, and recovered billions of naira; significantly boosting the country’s revenue.

However, Senator Saliu Mustapha (APC, Kwara Central) questioned the legality of the 2% deductions, asking whether the anti-graft agency had obtained legislative or presidential approval for such withdrawals.

In response, Udende stated that although the law requires presidential approval followed by National Assembly ratification, that procedure had not been followed recently.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the session, directed the relevant committees to investigate the legal basis for the deductions and determine whether the EFCC ever sought the President’s consent before making them.

The Senate further tasked its committees with strengthening oversight and accountability mechanisms for anti-corruption agencies to maintain public trust and transparency.