EFCC is an acronym for Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The Commission is charged with the responsibility of enforcing all economic and financial crimes laws in Nigeria.

A Nigeria Free Of Economic and Financial Crimes

To Eradicate Economic And Financial Crimes Through Prevention, Enforcement And Coordination.

Integrity, Courage, Professionalism and Collaboration.

Upon obtaining an order of court, the EFCC instructs a bank to PND the account of a customer who is under investigation for financial crimes or money laundering offences in order to protect evidence that may aid prosecution.

An economic crime is an act of sabotage that affects the economy of a state or nation. For example, pipeline vandalism, illegal oil bunkering, tax evasion, etc.

A financial crime is an act that involves the illegal use of cash or financial instruments such as cheques, drafts, money orders, etc. For example, bank fraud, issuance of dud cheques, etc.

April 10, 2003

The EFCC Establishment Act was first enacted in December, 2002 and amended on June 4, 2004.

The EFCC was established to combat the menace of economic and financial crimes in Nigeria

The structure of the Commission consists of:

• Board
• Management
• Directorates and Units

The Board provides policy direction for the operations of the Commission and it is composed of the Executive Chairman, Secretary to the Commission and members representing various interests and institutions.

The Management of the Commission has the Executive Chairman as the Chief Executive, assisted by the Secretary to the Commission. Others are Heads of Departments and Units. The Departments and Units are established to ensure the smooth running of the Commission.

The EFCC board consists of twenty-two (22) members, including the Secretary to the Commission, who is also the head of administration.

By Section 7(2) of the Establishment Act 2004; EFCC is charged with the responsibility of enforcing the provisions of laws relating to economic and financial crimes, including:

• The Money Laundering (Amendment) Act 2004 and 2011 as amended
• The Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006
• The Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 (ICPC Act, 2000)
• The Failed Banks (Recovery of Debts) and Financial Malpractices Banks Act, 1994
• The Banks and other Financial Institutions Act 1991; and
• Miscellaneous Offences Act, 1985;
• Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 and 2013, as amended
• Any other law relating to economic and financial crimes including the criminal code and the penal code

Advance Fee Fraud (popularly known as “419”) refers to offences relating to obtaining cash or property by false pretence, forgery and misrepresentation with intent to defraud using financial instruments.

The term ‘419' is commonly used to describe the crime of obtaining by false pretence (OBT). It is derived from Section 419 of the Cri?</strong>minal Code Act which states, ‘Any person who by any false pretence, and with intent to defraud, obtains from any other person anything capable of being stolen, or induces any other person to deliver to any person anything capable of being stolen, is guilty of a felony ...’.

Money Laundering is a process whereby ill-gotten wealth is transformed so that it appears legitimate.

Terrorism is an act of violence and/or threats to intimidate another, to attain goals that are political and/or ideological in nature.

This is the act of an individual or organization, directly or indirectly providing funding or material support with the intention or knowledge that it will be used for the perpetration of act(s) of terrorism.

(Ref: Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013)

Cyber Crime is the use of a computer or other electronic device to perpetrate criminal acts for instance, cyber terrorism, phishing etc.

Cyber Cafe have to register with the EFCC so that the Commission can monitor their operations and enforce operating standards that eliminate internet crimes.

Cyber Cafes Operators can register online at www.operators.efccnigeria.org. 

KYC = Know Your Customer

STR= Suspicious Transaction Reports

CTR= Currency Transaction Reports

The NFIU is Nigeria’s national center for receiving financial information including Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs) and Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs); analyzing the information and disseminating intelligence derived therefrom to competent law enforcement agencies.

Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is the inter-governmental body that sets standards for countries to adopt in the fight against money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. It was established in 1989 and has its headquarters in Paris, France.

The Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML) was established in 2005 as a specialized Unit to monitor, supervise and regulate the activities of Designated Non-Financial Institutions in Nigeria. 

DNFIs in Nigeria include: dealers in jewelry, cars and luxury goods, hotels, chartered/professional accountants, audit firms, tax consultants, legal practitioners, supermarkets, casinos (betting pools) and hotels. Others include estate surveyors and valuers, precious stones and metals dealers and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or such businesses as the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment or appropriate regulatory authorities may from time to time designate.

Operations of SCUML include:

• Registration of DNFIs
• On-site and off-site inspection of all DNFIs
• Collection, evaluation, and escalation of CTRs and STRs
• Filing CTRs and STRs resulting from their operations.
• Establishment of database on DNFIs and their financial transactions for use in combating money laundering and terrorism financing

DNFIs can register by taking required documents to SCUML’s offices across the country. Registration may also be done online via SCUML’s website, www.scuml.org. 

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Article and Memorandum of Association
• Tax Clearance Certificate (Not applicable to NGOs)
• Audited Financial Report
• Authorized Operational License (Not applicable to NGOs)
• Company/Organization Profile
• Constitution (for NGOs only)
• Agreement signed between the NGO and the National Planning Commission (for international NGOs only).

Yes. SCUML’s website is www.scuml.org.

Furthermore, SCUML Registration may be done online.

The EFCC receives its funding from the Annual Federal Budget of Nigeria. The Commission occasionally receives technical support from international partners and donor agencies.

Since its Inauguration on April 10th 2003, the Commission has recorded tremendous achievements.

• Several convictions on Money Laundering, Advance Fee Fraud, Bank Fraud and other economic and financial crimes
• Recovery of stolen money and illegally acquired properties worth hundreds of billions of naira and other foreign currencies.
• Through EFCC’s rigorous awareness and sensitization, Nigerians are have become more informed about economic and financial crimes.

For more information on the achievements of the Commission, please visit www.efccnigeria.org, facebook, follow on twitter, Youtube, Instagram etc.

The eagle represents strength, vigilance and tenacity; the coat of arm represents the sovereignty of the nation while the red colour represents vigour and zero tolerance for corrupt practices

An EFCC staff is governed by a strict code of conduct. An EFCC staff will not demand for any form of gratification or invite you to a location outside the Commission's office.

Yes. There is the Directorate of Internal Affairs that investigates all suspicions of internal corruption and those found wanting are punished. Punishment for internal corruption in EFCC include: dismissal and prosecution

A complainant can write to the Director, Internal Affairs; call the following number, +234-9-460-4628 or send an email to

No. The EFCC Chairman is insulated from interference from the presidency through the constitutional requirement of confirmation by the National Assembly. The relevant committees of the national assembly also discharge their oversight responsibilities on the Commission. Furthermore, the EFCC is compelled by law to annually report on its activities to the National Assembly on or before 30th September.

The Academy is the arm of the EFCC saddled with the responsibility of training and research that borders on the mandate of the Commission. It organizes trainings for staff of the Commission, other law enforcement agencies and stakeholders in the fight against economic and financial crimes.

No. Section 2 (a) (ii) of the EFCC Act 2004 clearly states that the Commission's Chairman must be a serving or retired member of any government security or law enforcement agency not below the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police or its equivalent; and (iii) possess not less than 15 years cognate experience.

Staff are seconded to the EFCC on a need basis.

The EFCC is an equal opportunity employer. Vacancies in the Commission are normally advertised in the media and the Commission’s website and social media platforms.

• Intimidation, Harassments, Death threats to officers
• Public misconceptions, cynicism
• Delay in conclusion of cases.
• Paucity of funds to carry out corruption prevention programmes

The EFCC does not stipulate any threshold to investigate a case when elements of economic and financial crimes are established.

Yes. When a case is not within the mandate of the EFCC, such is referred to other law enforcement agencies.

The Executive Chairman holds office for a period of four years. He may be re-appointed for a second term of four years and no more.

(Ref: EFCC Establishment Act 2004, Section 3(1).

The Secretary to the Commission holds office for a period of five (5) years. He may be re-appointed for a second term of five years and no more.

The functions of the EFCC include:

• The investigation of all financial crimes including advance fee fraud, money laundering, counterfeiting, illegal fund transfers, futures market fraud, contract scam etc.;
• The coordination and enforcement of all economic and financial crimes laws.
• Adoption of measures to identify, trace, freeze, confiscate or seize proceeds derived from terrorist activities
• The adoption of methods to eradicate the commission of economic and financial crimes
• Collaborating with government bodies both within and outside Nigeria to ensure the eradication of economic and financial crimes
• Engaging in education and enlightenment campaign against the evil of economic and financial crimes within and outside Nigeria.

• The EFCC may cause investigations to be conducted as to whether any person, corporate body or organization has committed any offence under the EFCC Act or other laws relating to economic and financial crimes
• The EFCC may cause investigations to be conducted into the properties of any person if it appears to the Commission that the person’s lifestyle and extent of the properties are not justified by his source of income; 

Yes. See Q 47.

The EFCC engages in public enlightenment and sensitization programmes with an emphasis on transparency, probity and accountability.

Regulatory agencies like Central Bank of Nigeria, Securities and Exchange Commission and National Lottery Regulatory Commission do not have prosecutorial powers, hence they transfer offenders to the EFCC for prosecution. Besides, EFCC is the coordinating agency for the enforcement of all economic and financial crimes.

The Commission may invite suspects for questioning on cases being investigated. Where a suspect refuses to appear before the Commission and there exists incontrovertible evidence of a crime committed, the arrest of such a suspect is ordered. 

No. This is based on the powers and immunities conferred on an officer of the EFCC in Section 41 of the EFCC Establishment Act, 2004. 

A person is declared wanted after failure to honour repeated invitations.

Monies recovered are returned to the rightful owners. It could be individuals, organisations or the state. In the case of the state, the money is paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation.

The mandate of the Commission does not include the monitoring or disbursement of recovered funds.

Interim Forfeiture Order is an order of a court to confiscate the assets or properties of a suspect pending the determination of the case by the court.

Where a person is convicted of an offence by the court, assets or properties that have been under interim forfeiture which have been proven to be proceeds of crime may on the order of a court beforfeited. This is referred to as final forfeiture of such assets or properties.

You can report a case to the EFCC;

• When you suspect that an economic or financial crime has been committed, with facts to support your claims.
• When you discover intent to commit an economic or financial crime.

Complaints bordering on economic sabotage and financial crimes such as;

• Financial malpractices of all types- bank fraud, advance fee fraud, money laundering, and other financial crimes.
• Miscellaneous offences such as identity fraud and forgery
• All suspicious economic activities, illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism, fraud in the oil, and gas and & power sectors, land fraud, tax evasion, pension fraud, etc.

A petition should:

• Be addressed to the Executive Chairman, EFCC.
• Have the following:
• Name, Telephone Number & Address (for contact)
• Title of petition
• An introduction
• A body of the complaint, having facts, documents and sources of information
• A conclusion.
• End with Name & Signature.

Petition submitted is evaluated, and if the case falls within the Commission's mandate, it is assigned, investigated, and where necessary, prosecuted.

Petitions that do not fall within the purview of the Commission are sent to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Enquiries can be made via social media platforms but petitions should be made in person OR via email, to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via the newly launched App, Eagle Eye.

A whistle blower is a person who exposes dishonest or illegal activities occurring in a company, a government or a private organization with the hope of stopping it.

Whistle blowers:

• Do not report frivolous or malicious complaint
• Allegations must be based on facts; avoid slander
• Report in confidence

An individual can contribute to the fight against economic and financial crimes and all forms of corruption by:

• Refusal to take or give bribe
• Reporting requests for bribe from public officials;
• Reporting all fraudulent practices
• Avoidance of all forms and invitations to illicit gains
• Development of virtues of honesty and integrity
• Being a role model
• Educating others against economic and financial crimes.
• Forming community or neighborhood watchdogs against economic and financial crimes.
• Sending articles and other information on economic and financial crimes including corruption to the media.
• Forming anti-corruption clubs in schools/colleges and stimulating group discussions on corruption matters.
• Holding government officials accountable to citizens’ entitlements

The EFCC acts upon petitions as soon as they are received.

A petitioner may choose to remain anonymous. This should be indicated within the petition. However, full details of the petitioner must be made available to the Commission as this will be required to during investigations.

Yes

Yes. By the provision of Section 39(1) of the EFCC Act, officers of the Commission cannot be compelled to disclose the identity of their informants, except by a competent court.

By means of public lectures; media sensitization campaigns among others.

The President, Governors and their deputies are covered by the immunity clause enshrined in Section 308 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, FRN, 1999. They are not precluded from investigation. However, they can be prosecuted after their tenure in office.

The cases are on-going in various courts across the country.

The EFCC investigates and prosecutes all forms of economic and financial crimes cases.

A PEP is a politically exposed person. This refers to an individual who is or has been entrusted with a prominent public function, or who has considerable connections with such highly placed individuals.

No. The EFCC Establishment Act 2004 does not empower the Commission to retain recovered funds or any percentage thereof.

No. Such a claim is often made by accused persons and their sympathizers to win public sympathy. The Commission is under statutory obligation to keep the public informed of its activities.

No. The EFCC does not ignore corruption at any level of government. The Commission's mandate empowers it to investigate and prosecute cases of economic and financial crimes at all levels of governance, including the local government.Several cases of graft have been investigated and prosecuted at the Local Government level.

No. The EFCC does not charge fees to investigate and prosecute cases.

The EFCC collaborates with diverse agencies in its operations depending on the nature of interest at hand. The EFCC is also a member of the Inter Agency Task Team (IATT), a coalition of government agencies with anticorruption mandate. 

• The EFCC can investigate offences committed before its establishment, while the ICPC cannot.
• The EFCC has the power to investigate and prosecute all economic and financial crimes, while ICPC’s mandate focuses on government/public service related corruption.

Extradition is the procedure by which one jurisdiction, upon receipt of a formal request turns over an individual charged with or convicted of a crime to another jurisdiction.

The EFCC applies for extradition when there is sufficient evidence that a crime has been committed by a run-away suspect or when there is a demand for an accused person to be extradited to face trial.

The EFCC writes to the CCB to authenticate the claims made by political office holders.

The EFCC makes contributions to draft bills and suggestions that have been utilized in the enactment of some acts.

The EFCC does not have officers stationed across embassies abroad, but it collaborates with other intelligence agencies stationed in those embassies.

The Commission does not station its operatives in all MDAs, but there is an inter-agency relationship between it and the MDAs.

Yes, the EFCC works with the Metropolitan Police, Interpol, FBI, Australian Police, and German Police etc.

There are no limits to the number of counts in charges that may be filed by the EFCC. It depends on the complexity of the transactions, number of persons involved, the period covered by the criminal activities, etc.

Such claims are borne out of ignorance. The EFCC exercises its power of prosecution by delegation and by the instrumentality of its Act

Section 174 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, FRN, 1999 empowers the Attorney General of the Federation to discontinue (Nolle-Prosequi)or take over any matter filed by any agency before final judgement.

Section 175 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, FRN, 1999 empowers the President to grant any person concerned with or convicted of any offence created by an Act of the National Assembly a pardon.

Plea bargain is a process of mutually working out the acceptable disposition of a case between the defendant and the prosecution subject to the Court’s approval.

The Nigerian criminal jurisdiction provides for the application of plea bargain. It helps to reduce the time and resources spent in protracted litigation.

Section 36(9) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, FRN, 1999 guarantees that a person cannot be tried twice for the same offence. However, the EFCC may prosecute a convict for another offence.

Federal High Court, State High Court and High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.

The EFCC will not invite you to a location other than a known EFCC office. Do not honour any EFCC invitation outside the EFCC office.

• The Head Office is located at:
  EFCC HQ: Plot 301/302, 
  Institution and Research, 
  Cadastral District, Jabi Abuja.
• The Commission also has a website:
  www.efcc.gov.ng
• Get connected to the EFCC through the EFCC social media platforms:
  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialefcc
  Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/officialefcc
  Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/officialefcc
  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/officialefcc
• For complaints or enquiries, please call the hotline:
  +234-8093322644 

The mandate of the EFCC is to investigate and prosecute all cases of economic and financial crimes. It is the judiciary that has the powers to adjudicate over the case and make judicial pronouncement of guilt or otherwise. And a man/woman remains innocent until pronounced guilty by a competent court of law.

Yes. A Legislator at the National or State level or even a Local Government Chairman can be prosecuted by the EFCC. The only persons that cannot be prosecuted following the immunity clause as contained in Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) are: the President, Vice President, governors and deputy governors.