ICPC says it recovered N166.5billion in 30 months

08 Feb ICPC says it recovered N166.5billion in 30 months

The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) says it “recovered and restrained” cash and assets valued at N166.51 billion from corrupt persons in the last two and half years.

This, according to the Commission, represents an increase of 378 per cent over the assets recovery target of N44 billion under its Strategic Plan 2019 – 2023.

A statement by ICPC’s spokesperson, Azuka Ogugua, stated that the achievement was disclosed in the Commission’s Mid-Term Performance Report (2019 -June 2021).

Ms Ogugua said the report was presented at the ICPC Board and Management retreat held in Abuja recently.

“Recovery of proceeds of corruption through seizures and forfeiture of assets is an enforcement activity of the ICPC,” the statement said.

According to the Mid-Term Performance Report, assets worth N81.23 billion were seized and recovered in 2019; N82.57 billion in 2020 and N2.71 billion between January and June 2021.

The recovered assets include houses, vehicles, electronics, jewellery, items of clothing and accessories, plots of land and farms.

The recovered assets include houses, vehicles, electronics, pieces of jewellery, items of clothing and accessories, plots of land and farms.

In his remarks, the ICPC chairman, Bolaji Owasanoye, commended the board, management and staff of the Commission for ensuring that the Commission remained strong.

He added, “Lead with fresh impetus from the front and not from behind. Be proactive in leadership, pull your weight and the effects will surely be seen. Be prudent with public funds and be firm with staff who are not adding value”.

While acknowledging efforts of the Commission in the fight against corruption, Mr Owasanoye, enjoined the management and staff not to rest on the achievements.

“We need to walk the talk. You know the problem and you have the solution so just implement it and produce results,” he said.