The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said it is not unaware of the reported unsavoury experiences of some Nigerians who participated in the just concluded public auction of forfeited vehicles conducted by its accredited auctioneers.

Some participants had complained of not having access to the websites of the auctioneers. Others lamented that they were shut out from the platforms after submitting bids, adding that they also saw outrageous bid prices, among others.

Reacting, the Head, Media and Publicity, EFCC, Dele Oyewale, said relevant departments of the commission monitored the exercise and could confirm that there were glitches.

"This observation was communicated to the auctioneers for remedial action. The commission could, however, not directly intervene while the exercise was ongoing because the process had been assigned to duly accredited and licensed auctioneers in line with provisions of Sections 4(a)(b) of the Proceeds of Crime ( Recovery and Management) Act, 2022 and Section 55 of the Public Procurement Act, 2007.

"The complaints arising from the exercise are rather unfortunate and detract from the plan of the Commission in settling for online auction which was designed to provide a platform for seamless and transparent participation by millions of Nigerians interested in purchasing the forfeited assets," Oyewale said.

The EFCC spokesperson said it is possible that the sheer number of participants in the exercise (over four million) perhaps stretched the carrying capacity of the online facilities of the auctioneers, while unstable internet service in parts of the country exacerbated the challenge.

He said the EFCC is currently awaiting the report of the auctioneers, just as he assured that genuine complaints by members of the public will be reviewed to ensure that no one is short-changed in the exercise.

Oyewale said those who followed through without glitches and emerged winners will certainly be allocated their vehicles.

"The commission’s only interest in the public auction is to ensure that the assets are disposed of most transparently and the nation gets value for the assets. This cannot be compromised under any circumstance," he concluded.