That since its inception, this year, 2016, has been the most active for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is almost undeniable. From former political office holders to corporate entities, EFCC has been shining its light into practically every deal that has gone down in the past 10 years. The fear of EFCC has now become the beginning of wisdom.
However, in case you are wondering what it takes to escape prosecution by the EFCC, look no further, you already have it. Just return the money back! This is the case with Mr. Tunde Ayeni, a well-known business and lawyer, who is currently in detention at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Abuja in relation with the ongoing investigation of former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Bala Mohammed.
Since his detention on Thursday, the EFCC has asked him to refund one billion Naira his bank, Aso Savings and Loans, an Abuja-based Primary Mortgage Institution, allegedly passed to Mr. Bala Mohammed in yet unclear circumstances.
“We will release him once he pays back the money, we want to give the money back to the bank.” Premium Times reports an EFCC official as saying. The N1 billion is supposedly part of a land swap deal with the FCT administration when Mr. Ayeni was vice chairman of the bank.
The statement of the commission gives the impression that once the money is returned, all is well. What about the crime that was committed? Does that not warrant prosecution? In fact, should the criminal act not be the primary focus of the investigation, rather than the money involved? These questions need answering by EFCC. For now though, just return any EFCC-suspected funds in your possession to escape prosecution.
