EFCC, bidders clash over disputed car auction
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has responded to allegations from bidders who protested the recent car auction, which took place at various locations across Nigeria.
The auction, held from January 20 to January 27, 2025, has sparked controversy, with some bidders sharing screenshots of unusually high bid amounts on social media, leading to confusion and claims of fraud.
Bidders reported seeing bids for mid-range Lexus jeeps and SUVs soar to levels as high as ₦1 billion to ₦330 billion, which raised suspicions of irregularities. One frustrated user, Daniel Momoh, shared his experience on X.com, claiming that after winning four vehicles – including a Toyota Venza and three Lexus models – his name was replaced on the auction site, preventing him from accessing the account he had registered for the auction.
Another bidder, known as #Kennylekel, reported that the official auction website displayed an error message just before the auction closed, raising doubts about whether the system was tampered with to favor certain bidders.
There were also accusations from users alleging that the EFCC had rigged the auction to benefit insiders. One commenter suggested that cars were sold at significantly lower prices to EFCC staff and cronies, and others speculated that high bids were intentionally placed to eliminate competition.
READ ALSO: EFCC to auction forfeited vehicles online
One user, Baron El’Sama, expressed concern over what appeared to be an intentional manipulation of the auction, pointing out that a bid of N350 billion for a Lexus RX 350 seemed designed to block other bidders. Another commenter claimed that a car they had won at ₦5,570,001 had mysteriously disappeared from the auction site.
On Facebook, Aromeh Joshua criticized the website’s functionality, alleging that the auctioneers were unprepared and that some listings were hurriedly created. Hafiz Bawa, another bidder, reported a possible scheme where high bids were placed to inflate prices, benefiting a “short bidder” who won at an inflated amount.
Despite these allegations, the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, denied any wrongdoing, explaining that the auction process was managed by government-licensed auctioneers, not the EFCC itself. He suggested that some bidders may have intentionally placed inflated bids to sabotage the process, but insisted the EFCC did not interfere with the auction.
Oyewale challenged anyone with evidence of wrongdoing to come forward, emphasizing that even his closest associates would not have been able to use his influence to secure a vehicle in the auction.
The auction was conducted as part of the EFCC’s efforts to sell over 850 vehicles that had been forfeited to the government in connection with various financial crimes, including corruption, money laundering, and cybercrime. The cars, which ranged from luxury vehicles to more affordable models like the Toyota Camry, were listed for sale in multiple locations, including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano.
The EFCC had assured the public that the auction would be transparent and fair, with the process overseen by appointed auctioneers.
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