THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission began the auction of seven cars today in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, these vehicles were the focus of final forfeiture orders.
The vehicles auctioned are the Lexus IS350 2007 model, Toyota Venza 2010, white Mercedes Benz 2007, gold Porsche 2005 model, red Toyota Camry 2008, grey Honda Accord 2007, and ash Toyota Camry 2009 model.
Pictures of the vehicles were prominently exhibited with their assigned lot numbers for public inspection at No. 11, Catchment Road, Next to the Noktel Hotel, GRA, Ilorin to give potential bidders the chance to view and express interest in any vehicle of their choosing.
Michael Nzekwe, the EFCC’s Ilorin Zonal Commander, spoke briefly before the inspection to explain that the auction was being held in partnership with the Bureau of Public Procurement to guarantee adherence to all relevant laws.
He said the exercise, which was a continuation of the auction that was planned to occur throughout the Commission’s Commands, was carried out in accordance with the EFCC (Establishment) Act of 2004, the Public Procurement Act of 2007, and the Proceeds of Crimes (Recovery and Management Act) of 2022.
He said the vehicles would be sold at auction on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, based on estimated prices and an open bidding system.
“The exercise is going to run for 2 days, that is today and tomorrow. We have seven vehicles for auction as you can see. The process is that you inspect the items to make a choice and then come back tomorrow for the bidding. The item goes for the highest bidder, and the winner will have to make payment within 48 hours.
“Let me also add that, you don’t have to know anybody to participate in the auction. The EFCC has no interest in this process. That is why we brought auctioneers from Bureau for Public Procurement, BPP, and we are on ground to supervise what they are doing, while Nigerians also supervise what we are doing as EFCC, to check the process and make sure that everything is transparent,” Michael stated.
He urged anyone who were interested in the auction to pay close attention to the auctioneers’ instructions and follow all set rules to ensure a smooth transaction.
The public was told by the auctioneer, Jerome Itepu, Executive Director of Trevamtech K & G Limited, that the procedure would be open and transparent.
He urged the bidders to exercise restraint and adhere to the established rules to ensure a smooth auction.
A sizable crowd attended the inspection procedure, which was carried out under extremely tight security, and was seen by members of the public, including NGOs and the press.
