NIGERIA: EFCC To Review Complaints Over Public Auction Of Forfeited Vehicles

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has acknowledged complaints from Nigerians regarding issues encountered during the recent public auction of forfeited vehicles.

The announcement was made via a press statement signed by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media & Publicity, and released on Twitter on Thursday.

According to the EFCC, participants reported several challenges, including difficulties accessing the auctioneers’ websites, being locked out of bidding platforms after submitting bids, and excessively high bid prices.

The Commission noted that its relevant departments monitored the auction and observed technical glitches, which were communicated to the auctioneers for corrective action.

The EFCC explained that while it could not directly intervene during the auction process—since it was handled by duly accredited and licensed auctioneers, it remains committed to ensuring transparency in the disposal of forfeited assets.

The auction was conducted in accordance with the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022, and the Public Procurement Act, 2007.

The statement further suggested that the sheer volume of participants, over four million, may have overwhelmed the auctioneers’ online platforms, exacerbated by unstable internet service in some parts of the country.

In response to the complaints, the EFCC is currently awaiting a report from the auctioneers and has assured the public that all genuine concerns will be reviewed to prevent any participant from being unfairly disadvantaged.

Meanwhile, those who successfully completed the process and emerged as winners will receive their allocated vehicles.

Reaffirming its commitment to a transparent and fair auction process, the EFCC stressed that its primary goal is to ensure national value is derived from forfeited assets, adding that it will not compromise on accountability.