The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been praised for its exceptional efforts in recovering more than N9 billion owed to the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF). The commendation came from the NLTF’s Executive Secretary and CEO, Tosin Adeyanju, during a courtesy visit to EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede on Friday, 23rd August 2024, at the Commission’s headquarters. Adeyanju hailed the recovery as a significant achievement that has enabled the NLTF to fulfil its mandate of supporting the federal government in delivering critical social and physical infrastructure across Nigeria. He attributed the successful recovery to the strong collaboration between the…
Author: Adewale A.
In a significant legal development, a court has ruled that Yahaya Bello must appear in court for his arraignment, dismissing claims that the case against him was an attempt to shield him from prosecution. The ruling, delivered on August 20, 2024, emphasises the importance of accountability and transparency in high-profile corruption cases. The court’s decision came after Yahaya Bello’s legal team argued that the case against him was intended to infringe upon his fundamental rights. However, the court described these claims as “scandalous” and emphasised that the true aim of the legal proceedings was to ensure that Bello faced justice…
The Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA) has called for the creation of detailed guidelines to ensure the full implementation of the ECOWAS Protocol in the fight against corruption. This resolution was announced in a communique issued in Abuja on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, following a three-day Annual General Assembly. The communique, adopted and signed by all NACIWA member states, emphasised the importance of developing guidelines that align with international frameworks such as the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and the African Union (AU) Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption. These guidelines are seen as critical for…
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has categorically dismissed a report by Sahara Reporters that alleged N54 billion forfeited by associates of former Central Bank Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, was “shared” among certain ministers and aides of President Tinubu, alongside EFCC officials. The Commission has labelled the claims as false and irresponsible. In its official statement, the EFCC firmly denied that any of its officials had participated in the so-called “sharing” of proceeds from forfeited assets, branding the very notion as nonsensical. The Commission made it clear that it operates under strict guidelines established by the EFCC Act of…
In a decisive crackdown on cybercrime, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Benin City arrested 22 suspected internet fraudsters on Tuesday, 20th August 2024. The suspects were apprehended in multiple locations across the city following actionable intelligence reports linking them to online fraud activities. During the operation, the EFCC seized an array of valuable items, including 10 luxury vehicles, laptops, and mobile phones believed to have been used in the commission of their illegal activities. These assets are now in the custody of the EFCC, pending further investigations. The suspects are currently under investigation and are…
In a significant win against cybercrime, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured the conviction of four internet fraudsters in Abuja on Wednesday, 21st August 2024. The convictions were handed down by Justice M. Adamu of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, following a series of cyber fraud cases that rocked the city. The convicted fraudsters, identified as Abdulrashid Umar, Ekemini Godwin, Anozie Emmanuel, and Freedom John, faced charges related to obtaining money by false pretence. All four pleaded guilty to the charges and were sentenced accordingly by the court. Godwin’s charge stemmed from an elaborate…
In a breakthrough against cybercrime, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested 35-year-old Hyginus Nkwocha in Abuja on Wednesday, 21st August 2024. Nkwocha is suspected of being heavily involved in internet fraud and money laundering activities, reportedly amassing a fortune through illicit means. The arrest took place at Ever Green Estate, located behind Millennium Estate in Lugbe, Abuja, following intelligence reports that linked Nkwocha to a string of fraudulent online operations and suspicious financial transactions. During the raid, EFCC operatives confiscated a variety of luxury items, highlighting the scale of Nkwocha’s alleged criminal activities. The items recovered…
In a resounding call to action, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has urged Nigerian youths to champion the fight against corruption, particularly at the grassroots level. Speaking during the “Head to Head” debate programme held at the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Training Facility in Abuja on Wednesday, 21st August 2024, Olukoyede emphasised the crucial role young people play in shaping the future of the nation. The event, which aimed to instil strong moral values among secondary school students, drew attention to the importance of integrity and responsibility in building a…
In a strategic move to enhance its workforce’s capabilities and promote digital learning, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched a state-of-the-art electronic learning management studio at its Academy in Karu, Abuja. This initiative marks a significant step in advancing the fight against financial crimes through technology-driven education. The studio was officially commissioned on Wednesday, 21st August 2024, after the 6th Annual General Meeting of the Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions of West Africa (NACIWA). The event attracted a distinguished group of anti-corruption experts from across West Africa, reinforcing regional cooperation in the fight against corruption. During the…
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has reiterated that the pursuit of transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s public affairs is not only possible but essential for the country’s future. His remarks came on Thursday, 22nd August 2024, during a courtesy visit by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Samuel Ogbuku, and his delegation to the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja. Olukoyede expressed optimism about the potential for change in the country, particularly in government institutions like the NDDC. His comments followed a brief but…
In a targeted operation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested 14 suspected internet fraudsters in Makurdi, Benue State, on Wednesday, 21st August 2024. The arrests were made during a sting operation conducted by the Makurdi Zonal Directorate, following credible intelligence linking the individuals to cyber fraud activities. The operation took place at the Federal Low-Cost Housing Estate in Makurdi, where the suspects were apprehended. The EFCC acted on specific information pointing to their alleged involvement in internet-based financial crimes, commonly referred to as “419” or “Yahoo Yahoo.” The individuals arrested during the operation include Austine Okwori, Osita Idoko…
The Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APPFLON) has officially sought a strategic partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to tackle fraudulent activities and promote transparency in Nigeria’s burgeoning blue and green economies. This collaboration aims to bolster the fight against corruption within these vital sectors and to ensure ethical practices prevail, fostering growth and sustainability. The President of APPFLON, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, made the call for collaboration during a courtesy visit to the Lagos Zonal Office of the EFCC on Thursday, 22nd August 2024. The meeting was seen as a pivotal moment…
We are witnessing yet another ritual of handing over the Judicial baton with the swearing-in of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. But it’s not about swearing in!! It’s about whether we will see radical reforms finally. The last great reform Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) was the Late Dahiru Musdapher. I was his consultant on Speed of Justice. Unfortunately, CJN Musdapher only had 6 months in office. He set up a high-powered 29-person committee that produced a transformational report. The Late CJN led a team to the then president of the senate, David Mark, to present far-reaching reforms to the constitutional structure…
As the Nigerian bench and bar prepare for new leadership with the retirement of Justice Ariwoola as Chief Justice of Nigeria and the scheduled inauguration of Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN as President of the Nigerian Bar Association, one critical area that demands immediate attention is the speed of justice delivery. Nigeria’s justice system is notoriously slow, with available statistics indicating that simple cases can take between 6 to 10 years to conclude. This glacial pace has far-reaching implications, deterring potential investors and negatively impacting revenue for both legal professionals and the nation as a whole. The antics of lawyers, judicial…
The Rivers State House of Assembly through its Committee on Power, Wednesday, conducted a Public Hearing on the Rivers State Electricity Market Bill, 2024. A statement signed by Martin Wachukwu, Special Assistant on Media to the Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly and circulated to news outlets noted that the Rivers State Electricity Market Bill, 2024, which is “a bill for law to repeal the Rivers State Electricity and Gas Board Law CAP 50, Laws of Rivers State 1999, and to enact the Rivers State Market Law to provide for electricity supply, its power generation, transmission and distribution within Rivers…
On Monday, August 19, 2024, Ayodele Toyosi faced charges at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, accused of orchestrating a massive investment fraud. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought Toyosi, alongside his companies Reaprite Global Limited and Agrorite Limited, before Justice A.M. Lawal on multiple counts of fraud. The charges allege that Toyosi defrauded investors of approximately N600 million and $50,000 under the guise of promising lucrative returns from agricultural exports. The court heard that Toyosi is accused of deceiving investors by falsely claiming he would transfer their funds to importers in China. Instead, the funds…
Emerging from the remnants of the old Imo State in 1991, Abia State once bore the illustrious moniker of “God’s Own State.” Yet, the passage of time witnessed a gradual erosion of its splendour, courtesy of a legacy of lacklustre governance. Despite a heritage steeped in the legacies recorded by eminent past leaders and distinguished indigenes of Abia State, such as the pioneer premier of the defunct Eastern Region, Dr Michael Iheonukara Okpara, inaugural civilian governor, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, Sir Alvan and S.G. Ikoku, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, Major-Gen Omar Sanda Ike Nwachukwu, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Lt-Gen Onyeabor Azubuike Ihejirika,…
The Chairman of the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) in Enugu State, Engr. Samuel Onyinye Okoro has called for a robust collaboration between his committee and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to tackle the growing menace of illegal mining in the state. This appeal was made during a courtesy visit to the EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Director, DCE Mohammed Shuaib Bello, on Friday, August 9, 2024. Engr. Okoro, who also serves as the Special Adviser to the Governor of Enugu State on Solid Minerals and Mining, highlighted the critical role of the EFCC in combating economic crimes,…
In a significant legal victory against cybercrime, the Edo State High Court in Benin City has convicted and sentenced five internet fraudsters to various prison terms. The convicts – Terry Ekhator, Sydney Momoh, Paul Obi, Celab Ndubuisi, and Idahosa Eghosa—were brought to justice by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The convicted individuals were charged with offences related to obtaining false pretence and possession of fraudulent documents. The charges stemmed from their involvement in computer-related fraud, a growing concern that has attracted increased scrutiny from Nigerian authorities. One of the charges, specifically against Terry…
In a landmark series of judgements, the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured convictions against 59 individuals involved in internet fraud. The verdicts, delivered by five State High Court Judges and a Federal High Court Judge, underscore Nigeria’s intensified efforts to combat cybercrime and its associated ills. The convicted individuals faced charges spanning impersonation, cheating, possession of fraudulent documents, and obtaining money by false pretence. These offences contravene the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, reflecting the gravity with which the Nigerian legal system treats such transgressions. One illustrative case involves Mr…