Over N52 billion and $966,900.83 and other assets have been recovered in the last one year by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Chairman of the anti-graft agency, Dr Musa Aliyu, SAN, who made the disclosureattributed the significant milestone achievement to the steadfast commitment to the rule of law.

He spoke on Tuesday in Abuja at an event marking his one-year anniversary as the chairman of ICPC.

The ICPC boss also tied the success of the commission to adaptation to evolving trends and equipping its workforce with digital strategies in the fight against corruption.

“The current administration’s anti-corruption agenda and my own policy thrust encapsulated in the acronym “CARE” for impact, have further motivated the Commission to enhance its tools, approaches, and engagements.

“I am therefore bold and proud to reflect on the modest progress we have made and the challenges we have overcome so far”, he said.

“These accomplishments include notable asset recoveries, enforcement actions, and initiatives promoting transparency and good governance. For instance, through its Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative (CEPTI), the Commission continues to ensure accountability in government funds and deliver tangible benefits of democracy to citizens across Nigeria”, he added.

In the area of asset recovery, Aliyu stated that “N29.700 billion in cash” was recovered and presently domiciled in ICPC recovery accounts.

“N10.986 billion VAT recovered and remitted to FIRS.

“N10 billion covid-19 vaccine fund meant for production of vaccine remitted to the treasury.

“Value of asset through final forfeiture – N2.5 billion”.

In the area of foreign currency recoveries, the Commission stated that the sum of $966,900.83, was retrieved and kept secured in the ICPC-CBN account balance brought forward.

Similarly, the anti-graft body noted that it has just completed the tracking of 1,500 projects, valued at N610 billion, nationwide under CEPTI Phase 7.

Meanwhile, Aliyu disclosed that the Commission in the last one year processed 851 petitions, with 342 assigned for investigation, 95 fully investigated, 72 cases filed in court, and 16 convictions secured.

“In this regard, we are streamlining our processes to ensure faster and more effective prosecution of cases, leading to the resuscitation of 10-15-year-old cases in courts”, he said.

Speaking further the chairman disclosed that as part of its commitment to institutional accountability, the Commission assessed 323 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) through its Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS).

He added that 80 Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs) were also established across MDAs to reinforce its anti-corruption efforts, adding that “while doing these, the Commission stopped the diversion of public funds to the tune of N5.882 billion”.

The international community has raised concerns over a controversial aircraft which was recently smuggled from Nigeria to Iran. The two Nigeri­an registered aircraft were smuggled to Mahran Air by Azman Air.

BusinessDay’s findings show that these aircraft were sold without the knowledge of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA). Michael Achimugu, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA, said that the regulatory agency was planning to write the Civil Aviation Authority of the Islamic Republic of Iran (CAA.IRI), for clarity on the status of the two aircraft.

Achimugu also said that NCAA would write Azman Air to investigate the alleged turning off of the transponder of the aircraft, but said it didn’t “happen in our jurisdic­tion.” He said that the agency was not aware of the sale of any aircraft, insisting that the aeroplanes had not been deregistered in Nigeria.

The controversial air­craft are Airbus A340-600 with the registration num­ber: 5N-AAM and Boeing 737-300 with the registra­tion number: 5N-YSM. The two aircraft, A340- 600 and B737-300 are presently stored in Teram Imam Khomeini (IKA) and Tehran and Mehrabad (THR), Iran, respectively, and sold to the Iranian air­line in violation of inter­national sanctions against Iran.

According to foreign media, the Middle East Forum Observer stated that Azman Air is one example of the many companies involved in Mahan Air’s recent sanction evasion operations in Africa.

According to the platform, Macka Invest in Gambia and PT Asia Global Airlines from Indonesia also have helped Mahan Air and other Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-linked Iranian airlines to acquire aeroplanes, registering them in countries like the Republic of Congo, Burundi, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, and Gambia before smuggling them into Iran.

By imposing sanctions on these companies, the U.S. Department of the Treasury can also impede the Iranian aviation smuggling networks.

“The A340-642 series is the largest of the Airbus A340 variants, with a capacity of 308 passengers. The use of Rolls Royce Trent 556-61 engines makes it easier for Mahan Air to maintain these aircraft, compared to the smaller A340 variants powered by American-made General Electric CFM56-5C4 engines.

“This ease of maintenance is a key factor driving Mahan Air’s e#orts to acquire more of these aircraft through Nigeria.The Nigeria example highlights how the U.S. intelligence community must better monitor aircraft movements in African countries, particularly in the sub-Saharan region, to identify planes that Iran may seek as part of its sanctions evasion operation,” the media platform stated.

United Bank for Africa (UBA) through UBA Foundation, its corporate social responsibility arm, has donated the sum of N500 million to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), as part of its continued commitment to secure environment for individuals and businesses.

The N500m cheque was presented to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, by the UBA Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, who was accompanied by the bank’s Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Muyiwa Akinyemi, at the State House, Marina, Lagos on Sunday.

Speaking during the presentation, Elumelu reiterated the bank’s dedication to supporting initiatives that ensure the safety and prosperity of communities across Nigeria adding that “At UBA, we understand that security is critical for economic growth and societal well-being. Our donation to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund is a reflection of the bank’s belief in building safer communities to enhance the quality of life for all. We are proud to partner with the Lagos State Government to achieve this shared vision of a secure environment conducive to investment and development.”

While receiving the N500m cheque, the Lagos State Governor expressed appreciation to the UBA Group and UBA Foundation for the significant contribution and commended Mr. Tony Elumelu for its unwavering commitment to impactful projects, state’s progress and well-being.

He said, “we are grateful to the UBA Group for their significant contribution to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund. This donation will strengthen our efforts to enhance security and protect our citizens. Together we are building a safer Lagos for all”

This latest gesture aligns with UBA Foundation’s Special Projects initiative, which focuses on addressing pressing societal issues through strategic partnerships and impactful interventions. Over the years, UBA Foundation has actively contributed to enhancing education, the environment, and economic empowerment and special projects such as these critical donations across Africa. The Foundation’s commitment to security as a driver of sustainable development is evident in its support for programs like the LSSTF.

Group Chairman, United Bank for Africa (UBA), emphasised the bank’s role as a leader in giving back to society. He explained that in pledging its support to the state’s efforts at improving security, UBA recognizes the vital link between safety and economic stability.

He said, “This partnership with the Lagos State Government reinforces the Bank’s belief in collaborative efforts as the key to addressing security challenges and creating environments where individuals and businesses can thrive. We believe that a secure Lagos State is integral to a secure Nigeria. UBA Foundation will continue to support transformative initiatives that uplift lives and drive development.”

UBA Foundation, the CSR arm of the UBA Group, is committed to the socio-economic betterment of the communities in which the bank operates, focusing on development in the areas of Education, the Environment, Economic Empowerment and other Special Projects.