Auction or Scam? Nigerians Question EFCC as Anti-Graft Agency Blames Internet Glitches

Nigerians have raised concerns over the transparency of the recently concluded online auction of forfeited vehicles by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging manipulation and irregularities. However, The anti-graft agency has responded, attributing the challenges to internet glitches and technical issues the appointed auctioneers face.

The auction, which took place on Monday, was conducted electronically by licensed auctioneers on behalf of the EFCC, following the provisions of the EFCC Act (2004), the Public Procurement Act (2007), and the Proceeds of Crime Act (2022). The exercise was meant to be open to the general public, with EFCC staff and those who forfeited the vehicles barred from participating.

However, several Nigerians took to social media platforms after the auction to express their dissatisfaction. Many alleged that the process lacked transparency, with claims of bid manipulation, website shutdowns, and arbitrary alterations of winning bids after the auction closed.

An X user, @Charles_Dezeal, lamented: I bidded for a car yesterday at the PSC International auction conducted for EFCC. I was the highest bidder at 4:10 PM, as evidenced by my screenshot taken at 4:15 PM. However, I saw on their website today that another bidder has been placed over me. PSC, EFCC, pls correct this.

Similarly, @AustinDakor accused the auctioneers of outright manipulation:

Dear @officialEFCC, the manipulation in the recent car auction by Areogun Resources Nig Ltd is blatant! Winning bids were altered on their website after bidding closed. Follow thread for screenshots. Transparency is demanded.

Other users used the auction controversy to highlight broader concerns about systemic corruption in Nigeria. @lollypeezle wrote:

EFCC auction is showing us how corrupt the Nigerian system is everywhere… ‘Go out and vote’, INEC will also do what they want. When people say you need connections to work for NNPC, NDIC, DPR, and other big parastatals in Nigeria, APC boys will cry for days but it’s the fact.

Amidst the public backlash, the EFCC released a press statement acknowledging the complaints and pledging to review genuine grievances. The statement, signed by EFCC’s Head of Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale, noted several issues during the auction, including website access difficulties, bid submission shutdowns, and suspected pricing irregularities.

Relevant Departments of the Commission monitored the exercise and can confirm that there were glitches. This observation was communicated to the auctioneers for remedial action, the statement read.

The EFCC attributed the problems to a possible overload on the online auction platforms, citing that over four million participants participated in the exercise. Additionally, the commission pointed to Nigeria’s unstable internet infrastructure as a factor that may have contributed to the challenges.

However, the EFCC distanced itself from direct involvement in the execution of the auction, stating that the process had been legally assigned to accredited auctioneers, as stipulated in the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022, and the Public Procurement Act, 2007.

The agency assured the public that it was awaiting a report from the auctioneers and would take appropriate action where necessary.  Despite the EFCC’s response, many Nigerians remain sceptical, questioning why such an important auction lacked adequate oversight and technological preparedness.

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Oluwasegun Sanusi

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