The Nigerian Auctioneers Association, NAA, has alleged impersonation of the organisation amid the ongoing auctioning of some forfeited assets by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC.
The organisation, in a statement on Thursday, said one Benjamin Abhulimen Isibor is not representing them in any capacity.
Alhaji Musa Kurra, President of the NAA said Isibor allegedly presenting himself as the organisation’s President was an act of impersonation, adding that no authority to speak on behalf of the association.
According to the NAA, Kurra remains the duly elected President of the association having emerged victorious at the National Delegates Conference held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on October 28, 2023.
The NAA stated that Kurra’s election was subsequently recognised by the court, adding that any individual claiming to hold the office of the association’s president was doing so unlawfully.
It noted that proceedings are currently ongoing at the National Industrial Court in Bauchi against Isibor over the alleged impersonation of the office of the association’s president.
The association also reaffirmed its support for the EFCC’s electronic auction system, commending the anti-graft agency under the leadership of its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, for adopting a transparent and digitised process for the disposal of forfeited assets.
According to the NAA, the e-auction platform has helped eliminate sharp practices, broaden public participation, and promote accountability in asset disposal.
The body noted that its members have actively participated in EFCC auctions nationwide and that concerns raised during the early stages of the process were resolved through collaboration between the association and the commission.
It stressed that the views expressed by Isibor do not represent the official position of the Nigerian Auctioneers Association.
The association advised government agencies, financial institutions, prospective bidders, and the general public to disregard any statement issued by the alleged impostor.
It maintained that only auctioneers duly licensed and certified by the NAA are authorised to conduct public auctions in Nigeria.
The NAA also disclosed that it has reported the alleged impersonation to the appropriate security and regulatory authorities for further investigation and urged the media to verify the identities of individuals claiming to speak on behalf of the association through its National Secretariat.
On the EFCC auction process, the association said it has helped “eliminate sharp practices, broaden participation, and ensure value for money in the disposal of forfeited assets.”
The statement added: “NAA acknowledges and commends the EFCC leadership under Barr. Kayode Olukoyede for its consistent efforts in conducting public auctions in a transparent, accountable, and digitised manner through the e-auction platform.
“Where certain operational challenges were observed in the initial phases, NAA, in collaboration with the EFCC, engaged constructively and proffered professional recommendations. We are pleased to note that the necessary remedies have since been implemented by the Commission to strengthen the process.”
EFCC forfeited assets Auction: Nigerian auctioneers alleges impersonation