The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed allegations of irregularities in its recently concluded nationwide car auction, following protests from bidders who claimed the process was flawed.
The auction, which took place from January 20 to January 27, 2025, sparked controversy after participants shared screenshots showing bids reaching outrageous amounts—ranging from ₦1 billion to ₦330 billion for mid-range Lexus SUVs and other vehicles.
Several disgruntled bidders took to social media to voice their frustrations. A user identified as Daniel Momoh on X.com alleged that despite winning bids on four vehicles—including a Toyota Venza and a Lexus ES350—his name was mysteriously replaced, preventing him from accessing his auction account.
Another bidder, #Kennylekel, claimed the official EFCC auction website crashed 43 minutes before the auction ended, raising suspicions of possible manipulation to favor select bidders. Similarly, a user named CIA suggested that most vehicles had been pre-allocated to insiders, warning that purchasing them later could lead to scrutiny from the EFCC.
Baron El’Sama criticized the auction, calling it a “sham,” alleging that a bid of ₦350 billion was deliberately placed on a Lexus RX 350 to block genuine bidders. Others reported winning bids disappearing from the platform without explanation.
On Facebook, Aromeh Joshua observed that several auctioneer websites crashed or became “temporarily unavailable,” fueling concerns about the transparency of the process.
As public outcry grows, the EFCC has yet to provide a detailed response addressing the allegations, leaving many bidders demanding clarity on the auction’s legitimacy.
