The Nigerian Auctioneers Association (NAA) has raised the alarm over what it described as the impersonation of its leadership during the ongoing auction of forfeited assets by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), warning government agencies and members of the public not to recognise statements made by a man it said is falsely claiming to represent the association.
The association said one Benjamin Abhulimen Isibor is not its president and has no authority to speak or act on behalf of the organisation in matters relating to the EFCC’s auction of recovered assets.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the President of the NAA, Alhaji Musa Kurra, described Isibor’s actions as impersonation, insisting that he remains the legally recognised president of the association.
According to Kurra, his election as president took place during the association’s National Delegates Conference held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on October 28, 2023.
He added that the outcome of the election was later affirmed by the court, making him the duly recognised leader of the association.
The NAA said anyone claiming to occupy the office of the association’s president without lawful authority was misleading the public and acting outside the law.
The association further disclosed that legal proceedings are already ongoing at the National Industrial Court sitting in Bauchi over the alleged impersonation by Isibor.
It said the court case is expected to determine issues surrounding the leadership dispute, but maintained that until any contrary decision is reached, Kurra remains the authentic president of the body.
The clarification comes amid the EFCC’s ongoing disposal of assets forfeited to the Federal Government through court orders obtained in corruption and financial crime cases.
The anti-graft agency regularly conducts public auctions of landed properties, vehicles and other recovered assets as part of efforts to ensure transparency in the management of proceeds recovered from criminal activities.
In recent years, the EFCC has introduced an electronic auction platform to improve transparency and widen access to prospective buyers across the country.
The online system allows interested members of the public to participate in auctions without physical contact, reducing opportunities for manipulation and making the process more open.
The Nigerian Auctioneers Association said it fully supports the EFCC’s decision to adopt the digital auction system.
The association commended the leadership of EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, for introducing reforms aimed at making the disposal of forfeited assets more transparent, accountable and efficient.
According to the NAA, the electronic auction platform has significantly reduced the sharp practices that were often associated with public auctions in the past.
It also noted that the platform has expanded public participation by giving qualified bidders across the country equal opportunities to compete for forfeited assets.
The association said the reforms have also improved accountability and ensured better value for money in the disposal of assets recovered by the Federal Government.
“The e-auction platform has helped eliminate sharp practices, broaden participation and ensure value for money in the disposal of forfeited assets,” the association stated.
The body explained that its members have actively participated in EFCC auctions conducted in different parts of the country and have continued to work closely with the commission to improve the process.
According to the statement, some operational challenges were noticed when the electronic auction system was first introduced.
However, it said the association engaged the EFCC through constructive discussions and offered professional recommendations to address those concerns.
The NAA expressed satisfaction that the commission had accepted many of its recommendations and implemented necessary improvements to strengthen the auction process.
It praised the EFCC for remaining open to professional advice and maintaining its commitment to transparent asset disposal.
The association stressed that comments and allegations made by Isibor regarding the EFCC auction do not reflect the official position of the Nigerian Auctioneers Association.
It therefore urged government ministries, departments and agencies, financial institutions, prospective bidders and members of the public to disregard any statement issued by him in the name of the association.
The NAA also reminded the public that only auctioneers who are duly licensed and certified by the association are authorised to conduct public auctions in Nigeria.
According to the association, using qualified and licensed auctioneers helps to protect the integrity of the profession and ensures compliance with established standards.
It warned that individuals who falsely present themselves as officials of the association could undermine public confidence in government auctions and create unnecessary confusion.
The association disclosed that it has already reported the alleged impersonation to the appropriate security agencies and regulatory authorities for investigation and possible legal action.
It also appealed to journalists and media organisations to verify the identity of anyone claiming to speak on behalf of the Nigerian Auctioneers Association before publishing statements attributed to the body.
The NAA advised the media to confirm such information through its National Secretariat to avoid giving publicity to individuals it described as impostors.
The latest development highlights the importance of credibility and transparency in the auctioning of public assets, especially as the Federal Government continues efforts to recover and dispose of properties linked to corruption and other financial crimes.
Under Nigerian law, assets recovered through final forfeiture orders are transferred to the Federal Government and may be sold through public auction in accordance with existing regulations. The proceeds are paid into government accounts and are expected to support public finance and anti-corruption efforts.
The EFCC has in recent years intensified the recovery of assets from individuals convicted of corruption, money laundering and other economic crimes. To improve public confidence, the commission has increasingly relied on technology-driven auction systems designed to make the disposal process more transparent and competitive.
Against this background, the Nigerian Auctioneers Association said it remains committed to supporting reforms that promote professionalism, accountability and fairness in public auctions.
It maintained that while legal proceedings over the alleged impersonation continue, the public should recognise only statements issued through its officially recognised leadership and National Secretariat.