The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission says it plans to file 800 cases in court in the coming weeks.
This is even as the commission arrested a total of 1,502 suspects for internet fraud and related crimes between January and June, this year.
The Executive Chairman of EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, disclosed this to newsmen in Abuja.
Giving an evaluation of his 100 days in office at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the EFCC boss said much had been accomplished in the process of actualising some of the promises he made to Nigerians during his confirmation by the Senate.
He said the milestones recorded so far included the restructuring of the commission for improved performance, with the establishment of a new directorate as well as the reorganisation and upgrade of a couple of others.
He said in line with his vision to run an intelligence-driven agency, a Directorate of Intelligence was created, whose impact was already being felt through the provision of intelligence that led to a major recovery.
In terms of the improvement of processes, Bawa said the commission commenced the codification of Standard Operating Procedures for all units and departments, adding that the measure will void use of discretion by the commission.
“I want an institution that works with rules and regulations. We will launch the SOPs soon and the EFCC can run on auto pilot,” he said.
He noted that other measures already rolled out by the commission include development of policies on Document Classification, Healthcare, Sexual Harassment and Bullying, Staff Welfare, Training, Communication, New Staff Ranking, Use of Firearms and Retirement, among others.
The EFCC helmsman said the commission took steps to improve its operational capabilities through the modification of Assets Declaration forms in line with the commission’s enabling laws.
“Added to these are strategies to prevent corruption through fraud risk assessment for MDAs, monitoring of procurement process and extensive public enlightenment, including the resuscitation of the interfaith dialogue,” he stated.
Other measures to prevent corruption, he said, include the development of a property ownership database with the ultimate objective of determining the beneficial owners of properties. Additionally, Bawa disclosed that the commission was developing an application that will facilitate the seamless reporting of complaints to the agency by citizens eager to assist the fight against corruption.
He said the agency, in the last 100 days, had strengthened its partnership with local and international partners, knowing that it cannot fight corruption alone.
Expressing worry about youth involvement in internet fraud, Bawa said the commission was working with stakeholders to discourage them and appealed to the media to assist in sensitising the youths against cybercrime.
