The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Consumer Protection Council, CPC to bring fraudulent mortgage, and other scammers of consumers to book.
Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, and the Director General of the CPC, Mrs. Dupe Atoki signed the MoU on Wednesday, an event which was witnessed by the Director, Legal and Prosecution, EFCC, Mr. Chile Okoroma and the Director, Legal Services, CPC, Emmanuel Ataguba.
Lamorde said, “It is very important that the EFCC partners with the CPC particularly in the areas of intelligence sharing, investigation, prosecution and engaging in campaigns to educate consumers.”
He urged the CPC to cooperate with the EFCC in investigating and prosecuting financial crimes and consumer abuse.
He also commended the efforts of the Director General of CPC, adding that her dedication to her work got her awarded US citizenship by the State of Georgia.
Atoki noted that the MoU between the two agencies will “ensure that consumers and victims will receive appropriate redresses, restitution and compensation in a competent court of law.”
Atoki stressed the need for joint investigation and enforcement cooperation between the two agencies of government, particularly on matters affecting consumers’ economic and financial well-being.
“The collaboration is aimed at protecting consumers and combating scams using a three-pronged approach: Complaint data analysis to establish patterns, trends and hotspots; consumer education and sensitization campaigns across the country, and case investigations, prosecution and redress,” she said.
She further disclosed that the two agencies signed a tripartite MoU with the United States, Federal Trade Commission, which was aimed at enforcing the law in cross-border cases.
She thanked the Commission for accepting to partner with the Council in strengthening consumer protection and consumer education.