Difference between EfCC And ICPC and Similarities.

Many people has been asking this question as they want to know the difference between EFCC and ICPC in Nigeria. Firstly let’s understand what these two bodies meant and their functions.

First let’s look at the meaning of EFCC.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is a law enforcement agency in Nigeria which is also part of the Paramilitary Organization in Nigeria that investigates financial crimes such as advance 419 (fee fraud) and money laundering. Not just that, The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of Nigeria are also in charge of prosecuting senior political leaders who are into some sort of corruption.

EFCC was established in the year 2003, during the time of former president, Olusegun Obasanjo. EFCC was created to serve as a response to the pressure from the FATF (Financial Action Task Force).
This happened because FATF included Nigeria as one of the twenty-three countries who were not co-operative in the efforts of the international community in fighting money laundering. EFCC headquarters can be located in FCT Abuja, Nigeria.

Now let’s see the meaning of ICPC

ICPC which means Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission is an apex body vested by law with the responsiblity to fight corruption and other related offenses in Nigeria. ICPC reconstitutes ACTU of Federal Ministry of Information and Culture.

ICPC receives and investigate complaints from members of the public on allegations of corrupt practices and in appropriate cases, ICPC can also prosecute the offenders.

Now what is the main difference between EFCC and ICPC

Difference between EFCC and ICPC

ICPC are in charge of fighting corruption in the public sectors, especially bribery, gratification, graft, and abuse or misuse of office, while the EFCC investigates people in all sectors whether private or public who appear to be living above their means. EFCC is also empowered to investigate and prosecute money laundering and other financial crimes anywhere in the country.

This is simply means that there is a limit of crime and corruption which ICPC can fight while EFCC is unlimited.