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…
Author: Adewale 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,…