Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, has stressed the need for the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), to cooperate with the anti-graft agency in the fight against corruption, especially in its investigations of companies involved in suspicious activities.

Magu gave the charge through the Zonal Head, EFCC Maiduguri Zonal Office, Lawrence Iwodi, who paid a courtesy visit to the CAC Head Office, Borno State, on August 28, 2019.

“The Corporate Affairs Commission is doing a very good job in responding to requests put to it by the EFCC, but we want to urge you to speed up the response time, in order not to delay our investigations and possible prosecution,” he said.

He further stressed the need for the CAC to ensure that due diligence is carried out when registering any company, as part of efforts to check the prevalence of companies set up to perpetrate fraud.

“While we urge you to respond promptly to our requests, it is necessary for you to carry out due diligence, especially as it relates to Know Your Customer, KYC, and when there is need for update on a company’s address.”

He observed that some proxy companies were being set up in Borno and Yobe states, with the sole aim of siphoning public funds, and affirmed that the EFCC remains unrelenting in its efforts to go after such companies.

He further noted that as stipulated in the EFCC Establishment Act 2004, the CAC was a member of the EFCC Board, and so was an essential partner with the anti-corruption agency in the fight against corruption.

Responding, the CAC Manager, Nazir Sani, assured the EFCC of its continued support for the EFCC.

“We will continue to give the EFCC topmost priority in responding to requests sent to the Corporate Affairs Commission,” he said.

In another development, an Ibadan-based popular radio station, Fresh 105.9 FM, has promised to collaborate with EFCC in its campaign against graft and other forms of corruption.

The Station’s Head of Operations, Abolade Salami, made the pledge on Wednesday, August 28, 2019 when the Head of EFCC’s Ibadan zonal office, Friday Ebelo, led a team of the Commission’s officers to its corporate head office along Lagos-Ibadan Road, Challenge, Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

Salami, who represented his Chairman, Yinka Ayefele, reiterated the station’s resolve to always promote activities that will benefit the general public.

“As a member of the fourth estate of the realm, we know we are duty-bound to collaborate with government agencies especially the EFCC and the ICPC. We are aware that enough needs to be done to strengthen the fight against corruption, and at our end, we are ready to support you to rid the nation of economic and financial crimes,” he noted.

He identified the mandate of the EFCC as one which serves the interest of the larger society, adding that the agency deserves the cooperation of all Nigerians to succeed.

Salami apologised for the proprietor’s inability to receive the EFCC team personally, explaining that he had an urgent call that took him to their Abeokuta branch to address a pressing challenge.

While explaining the reason for the visit, Ebelo stated that the EFCC has found a reliable ally in the press in the discharge of its mandate.

He said the Commission is always willing to enter into partnership with any individual or organisation interested in joining the anti-graft war for the betterment of our country.

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