EFCC calls for review of laws, decries Real Estate, internet crimes

INDEPENDENT NG

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it would function better if its laws are reviewed.

The Commission has listed setbacks such as trial within trial, frivolous filling of applications and multiple defendants and counsels in cases as frustrating the cause of justice against financial crime offenders in the country.

The appeal was handed down at the media workshop for Journalists on “Effective Reporting of Economic and Financial Crimes”, in Uyo at the weekend.

Speaking on the “Challenges of Prosecuting Economic and Financial Crimes”, DCE T. N. Ndifon, Head, Legal and Prosecution Department, Uyo Zonal Command of the EFCC, noted other challenges the Commission encounters in Courts to include elevation or transfer of judges and delays in securing fiat to prosecute certain cases, among others

In his opening remarks at the workshop, EFCC Zonal Commander, Uyo, Assistant Commander, Bawa Hamidu Saidu decried the rising cases of real estate and internet crime, assuring that the commission was working to eliminate the problem.

Bawa who called on the media to focus its search light on the identified sectors to tackle the sharp practices said only the collective fight against financial and economic crime by all Nigerians will help to nip the situation in the bud.

“The rising incidences of real estate and internet related cases have become worrisome. The real estate sector has been identified as a strong money laundering practices in Nigeria,” he said.

The Zonal Commander mentioned that the commission has both the backing of the law and qualified personnel to tackle financial and economic crimes in the country, adding that its efforts have so far helped reduced cybercrime which is the third highest in the world.