The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has expressed concern over the challenges faced by some Nigerians who participated in the recent public auction of forfeited vehicles. The auction, which was conducted by accredited auctioneers on behalf of the Commission, was marred by complaints of website access issues, participants being shut out after submitting bids, and outrageous bid prices.

Relevant departments of the Commission monitored the exercise and confirmed that there were glitches, which were communicated to the auctioneers for remedial action. However, the Commission could not directly intervene due to the process being assigned to duly accredited and licensed auctioneers in line with relevant laws.

The EFCC acknowledged that the sheer number of participants (over 4 million) may have stretched the carrying capacity of the online facilities, while unstable internet services in some areas exacerbated the challenge. The Commission is currently awaiting the report of the auctioneers and has assured that genuine complaints will be reviewed to ensure that no one is short-changed.

The EFCC’s only interest in the public auction is to ensure that the assets are disposed of in the most transparent manner, and the nation gets value for the assets. “This cannot be compromised under any circumstance,” the Commission stated. Those who successfully navigated the process without glitches and emerged winners will be allocated their vehicles.