By Ndahi Marama

MAIDUGURI – THE Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN)  has said that the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) since its establishment in the past seven years has convicted over 600 persons and confiscated properties worth 9 billion US Dollars.

The Minister who was represented by the Chairman of the EFCC , Mrs Farida Waziri stated this,Tuesday, at the commissioning of the Zonal office of the commission in Maiduguri .

The legal luminary said “it is gratifying that the EFCC has continued to grow from strength to strength since its establishment in 2003.  I understand that from  a one-room office in 2003, the commission is now commissioning its 7th zonal office in Maiduguri . This signifies its commitment to ensuring efficient and strategic operations of its activities.”

Adoke stated that the zonal office established in Borno is dictated by the location of the state to neighboring countries of Chad , Niger and Cameroon republic, this he said predisposed Borno to smuggling activities, trans border cash transportation, which are economic crimes that inimical to the economy of Nigeria .

He said the commission therefore, deserved the support and cooperation of all to enable it fight economic crime in the country.

Also speaking at the event, the executive chairman of the EFCC Mrs Farida Waziri commended the Federal government for supporting the commission in its fights against economic crime, adding that the commission is poised  eradicate corruption in the country.