The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is the body in Nigeria responsible for investigating and prosecuting financial crimes, fraud, and corruption. It was established on April 13, 2003, and has since been regarded as an “eagle” in the identification and tackling of fraudulent activities.

One of the key ways EFCC operates is by acting upon petitions submitted by the public. For example, if you encounter fraudulent activities in a business deal, you can petition the EFCC to investigate and possibly prosecute the offending party. The EFCC headquarters is located in Abuja, with operational offices in Lagos, Rivers, Ibadan, Enugu, Kano, Gombe, Kaduna, Borno, and Edo States.

This guide is meant to give a proper breakdown of the steps to write and submit a petition to the EFCC.

A petition must be addressed to the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The complete address for the EFCC headquarters is as follows:

The Executive Chairman

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission

301/302 Institutions and Research District, Jabi, Abuja

Opposite the National Open University, Jabi, Abuja, Nigeria

If it were to a zone, make it through the Head of Operations in that particular zone. Sample addresses will now look like:

Sample 1: Headquarter Petition

The Executive Chairman

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission

301/302 Institutions and Research District, Jabi, Abuja

Opposite National Open University, Jabi, Abuja, Nigeria

Sample 2: To Lagos Zonal Office Petition

The Executive Chairman

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission

Through the Head of Operation, Lagos

No. 15A, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos

Your petition should carry as much information as is relevant. Give your petition a clear, descriptive title that captures the purpose of the petition. For example:

“Fraudulent Misappropriation of Funds”

In the body of the petition, state the facts in a clear and concise manner. Include all the specifics, like dates, times, places, and the people involved. Chronologically organize the facts to make your case easy to follow.

Remember, the petition should give the EFCC an adequate basis on which it may decide to investigate. One does not need to provide all the evidence but the information must be relevant and credible.

Evidence is very crucial in a petition to EFCC. Attach all available documents, such as:

• Receipts

• Photographs

• Financial records

• Correspondence (emails, messages, etc.)

Ensure your claims are based on actual fraudulent activities. A petition can be considered malicious or baseless, and in such a case, there is a possibility of facing legal action for defamation or malicious falsehood.

Your petition must be:

•Written

•Dated

•Signed by the petitioner

This enables the EFCC to identify the source of the petition and follow up when more information is needed.

You may submit your petition to any EFCC zonal office, headquarters in Abuja, or by email.

To have a well-packaged petition, it is advisable to involve a lawyer. Lawyers are more familiar with the drafting of petitions and how to present the legal issues clearly. This would help the EFCC to easily understand the case for necessary action.

These steps will ensure that your petition to the EFCC is professional, well-structured, and able to comprehensively address the fraudulent acts.