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…
Author: Adewale A.
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…
The Managing Director of Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited, Mr Ibrahim M. Onoja, has expressed his commendation for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), highlighting the Commission’s pivotal role in fostering hope and development across the nation. This accolade was delivered during the closing ceremony of a three-month specialised training on Petroleum Product Quality Analysis for five EFCC officers, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Mr. Onoja praised the EFCC’s efforts in combating various forms of fraud and corruption, which he believes are instrumental in building national strength and hope. “I thank the EFCC for their tireless work in…
As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the professional capabilities of its staff, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) launched a four-day training programme for officers associated with its radio station on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. The training at the EFCC’s corporate headquarters in Abuja underscores the Commission’s dedication to fostering excellence and professionalism in its media communications. In his opening remarks, the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, emphasised the importance of staff training as a means of empowerment. He highlighted that the development of EFCC Radio is crucial for achieving the Commission’s objective of…
On July 31, 2024, Justice A.Y. Yakubu of the Gombe State High Court sentenced two individuals, Vanna Henry Nguna and Morgak Peter, to two years in prison for their involvement in internet fraud. The convictions highlight the ongoing efforts of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to combat cybercrime and fraud in Nigeria. Vanna Henry Nguna, also known as Emily Enoch, and Morgak Peter faced separate one-count charges of impersonation. They were prosecuted by the Gombe Zonal Directorate of the EFCC. The charge against Nguna detailed her actions between January and February 2024. She impersonated a female American national,…
The Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, an agency under the Ministry of Youth Development, has called for an intensified partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to enhance leadership and value orientation among Nigerian youth. This request was made during a courtesy visit by the Centre’s management team to the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, August 1, 2024. Leading the delegation, Director General Adesoji Eniade highlighted the existing collaboration between the Centre and the EFCC, which has facilitated the training of EFCC cadets at the Centre’s Shere Hills Institute in Jos, Plateau State. Eniade emphasised the importance…
The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully secured the conviction and sentencing of 24 internet fraudsters, marking a significant victory in the fight against cybercrime in Nigeria. Justice G. O. Imadegbelo of the Edo State High Court in Benin City delivered the verdicts, sentencing the convicts to various jail terms and fines. The Convicted Fraudsters The individuals convicted include: Azubuike Godwin Ejike Prince Ebeli Onyeishi Precious Uboh Nelson Henry Frank Aizeyosagbov Jeremiah Osazuwa Bright Aigbovibosa Osarumwense Destiny Osagie Monday Kindrick Ugochukwu Daniel Kenedy Evun Orobosa Elvis Nosakhare Eleadi Nice Chibueze Edidiong Ndifreke Stephen…
The political landscape in Bangladesh has reached a boiling point, as protests against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina intensified dramatically on August 4, 2024. What began as a student-led movement against a contentious job quota system has erupted into widespread violence, resulting in over 70 deaths and numerous injuries. The government’s handling of the situation, marked by the mobilisation of its supporters and stringent measures, has drawn sharp criticism and heightened international scrutiny. The unrest in Bangladesh traces its roots to grievances over the job quota system, which many students and young professionals believe is unfair and discriminatory. The system, designed…
President Bola Tinubu’s bold decision to remove fuel subsidies and float the naira has ignited a heated debate across Nigeria. The move, aimed at stabilising the economy and addressing long-standing financial mismanagement, has been met with both criticism and support. This polarising decision has raised questions about the government’s transparency, the effectiveness of these economic policies, and the overall impact on the average Nigerian. The removal of fuel subsidies has long been a contentious issue in Nigeria. President Tinubu’s administration, inheriting the assets and liabilities of the previous Buhari government, chose to fully implement the subsidy removal, a policy initially…
In the wake of today’s address by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the reactions on social media reflect a broad spectrum of sentiments about the current state of Nigeria. Citizens have taken to various platforms to voice their frustrations, concerns, and hopes for the future. These posts reveal a nation grappling with numerous challenges, with many Nigerians yearning for significant improvements in their daily lives. Social media has become a vital space for Nigerians to express their views, and the recent outpouring of opinions following the presidential address is no exception. A common thread running through many posts is a deep…
In a significant and controversial shift, the 33 local government chairmen in Oyo State have announced their decision to sever ties with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON). Instead, they have opted to form a new association that supports Governor Seyi Makinde’s position against local government autonomy. This development has stirred a vigorous debate among citizens, raising questions about the implications for the state’s governance and financial transparency. The decision to break away from ALGON is a bold and unprecedented move by the Oyo State local government chairmen. Historically, ALGON has served as the collective voice for local…
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed the nation on August 4, 2024, shedding light on the recent violent protests and his administration’s efforts to steer Nigeria towards economic prosperity. In a detailed and candid speech, Tinubu emphasized the necessity of unity, dialogue, and comprehensive reforms to achieve a better future for Nigeria. President Tinubu began by expressing his deep sorrow over the turmoil and loss of lives caused by the protests. He acknowledged the legitimate aspirations of young Nigerians for a better future but condemned the violence and destruction that accompanied the demonstrations. Tinubu stressed the importance of peaceful dialogue and…