The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has attributed the difficulties experienced by some Nigerians during its recent public auction of forfeited vehicles to the overwhelming number of participants and unstable internet service in some parts of the country.
The auction, which was conducted by accredited auctioneers on behalf of the EFCC, saw over four million participants, which may have strained the online facilities of the auctioneers.
In addition, unreliable internet access in certain regions further complicated the process.
Among the complaints received were difficulties accessing the auctioneers’ websites, sudden disconnections after submitting bids, and concerns over excessively high bid prices.
The EFCC confirmed that its relevant departments monitored the process and observed the glitches, which were reported to the auctioneers for necessary corrections.
However, the commission clarified that it could not directly intervene during the exercise, as the auction was carried out by duly accredited professionals under the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022, and the Public Procurement Act, 2007.
In a related development, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has made significant progress in recovering stolen vehicles through its electronic Central Motor Registry (e-CMR) platform.
The system, designed to assist in police investigations and curb vehicle-related crimes, has facilitated the recovery of 1,519 stolen vehicles in the past year.
According to Force Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Muyiwa Adejobi, the police have already recovered 52 stolen vehicles in January 2025 alone, with ongoing investigations into additional cases.
The police urged vehicle owners to register their automobiles on the e-CMR platform to aid in crime prevention and recovery efforts.
The NPF emphasized that its achievements in combating vehicle theft were made possible through public cooperation and the efficiency of the digital registry system.
