Report suspicious transactions to EFCC, Adeleke charges motor dealers

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called on members of the Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria in the state to protect their business by complying with all laws guiding their operations.

Adeleke told members of the association to see compliance as not bureaucratic hurdles but shields to protect their livelihoods and the state’s economy.

He made the call at a one-day sensitisation programme organised by the association in collaboration with the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibadan Zonal Office, held in Osogbo, Osun State, on Tuesday.

Adeleke, whose speech was read by the state Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Bunmi Jenyo, also charged the businessmen to always cooperate with anti-graft agencies, adding that they would never be treated as adversaries.

“Our government will not tolerate bad actors that tarnish the reputation of hardworking motor dealers. We will reward compliance with incentives but for those who persist in illegal practices, be it forgery, tax evasion, or money laundering, will face the full wrath of the law.

“I want the Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria (AMDON) Osun State members to know that compliance is not optional. Register your businesses and get the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering certificate.

“Keep meticulous records. Report suspicious transactions. Avoid cash payments for high-value vehicles. These steps are not bureaucratic hurdles; they are shields to protect your livelihoods and our state’s economy.

“The EFCC’s presence here today underscores their commitment to support, not stifle, legitimate enterprises. Cooperate with them, and you will never be treated as adversaries,” Adeleke said.

Earlier, the EFCC Zonal Coordinator, Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering, Ibadan Zonal Directorate, Toyin Ehindero-Benson, said the sensitisation programme is part of the effort by the organisation to strengthen collaboration with stakeholders and promote compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regulations.

“Today’s topic, ‘The Importance of Know Your Customer (KYC) and Customer Due Diligence (CDD)’ – is vital, as these practices help prevent criminals from using legitimate businesses for illegal activities.”

She urged participants to pay close attention, ask questions, and apply the knowledge gained from the events to their daily business operations.

In his goodwill message, AMDON National Vice President, Adeniyi Ibrahim, admonished members of the association to cooperate with the EFCC by complying with laid down rules and regulations.

He further said, “To avoid the mistake of logging money into accounts, all that they told us, they should follow it accordingly.

“They need to follow the instructions EFCC gave us in order to avoid embarrassment and harassment.”

Sensitisation and engagement with various categories of people in the country is proving a new measure through which the anti-graft agency under the current leadership is approaching its duty of preventing financial crimes.