The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Lagos commenced the auction of 435 cars which were forfeited by the courts to the Federal Government on Wednesday.
Nine auctioneers were allocated to the Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC to dispose of the 435 cars at the designated Centre on 14 Cameron Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.
They are Rihanna Auction Limited; Kamyus Consult Limited; Areogun Resources Limited; BIS N JEG; Integrated Services Nig.Ltd;Mau & Sons Ltd.; Langar Aghaji & Co.; Fagobe Company Ltd and Musa Kira and Co.
The cars, whose pictures were conspicuously displayed with allocated lot numbers for public inspection, were allocated to auctioneers based on assessed values and an open ballot system.
The display was to provide an opportunity for interested bidders to view and indicate interest in any car of their choice.
The agency, in a statement by its Head, Media & Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, explained that the move was in line with the EFCC (Establishment) Act 2004; Public Procurement Act 2007, and the Proceeds of Crimes (Recovery and Management) Act 2022.
The exercise, scheduled to take place across the Commands of the Commission across the country, started on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, in Lagos with an inspection of items by members of the public.
The auction exercise proper began Wednesday and continues till Thursday.
The items are available in four locations: 40, Bourdillon Road, Ikoyi, Lagos; 15A Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos; 14 Cameron Road, Ikoyi Lagos and CVU Obalende, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Speaking during the opening ceremony on Tuesday, Dr. George Ekpungu, Secretary to the Commission and Chairman, EFCC Asset Disposal Committee, ADC, confirmed that “the exercise, which is the first of the planned auction of forfeited properties across EFCC Zonal Commands and EFCC Headquarters, is being carried out in accordance with the (Establishment) Act, 2004, Public Procurement Act, 2007 and Proceeds of Crimes (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022.
“It is being conducted in conjunction with the Bureau of Public Procurement to ensure compliance with all extant laws”.
While welcoming the auctioneers to the Centre, he expressed gratitude to sister agencies, including the Nigerian Army, who were invited to provide adequate security and ensure orderliness.
Ekpungu also appealed to the members of the public present at the auction to listen carefully to the auctioneers and comply with all stipulated guidelines. (Nation)