Segun Atanda/
Public auction of vehicles by Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency, EFCC, recorded a huge turnout Wednesday, December 7, as 435 cars were offered to a surging crowd of about 2000 bidders.
Policemen and soldiers battled to restore order following a stampede at the scene of the auction on Cameron Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Accordingly to EFCC, the auction of the cars followed final forfeiture orders in Lagos, 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, started on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, in Lagos with an inspection of items by members of the public, while the auction exercise began on Wednesday, running through Thursday, December 8, 2022.
EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren disclosed in a statement: “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 yesterday, Dr.George Ekpungu, Secretary to the Commission and Chairman, EFCC Asset Disposal Committee, ADC, said: “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 his 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.
The nine auctioneers who 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 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, which pictures were 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,” says Uwujaren.
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