Witness tells court how Ex DG of NIMASA, others laundered billions of Naira

Posted on October 18, 2016 by Staff Reporter

An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) witness, Kanu Idagu, in the ongoing trial of former Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Patrick Akpobolokemi, and nine others yesterday told a Federal High Court in Lagos how the defendants set up some committees to launder billions of naira belonging to the agency.

Akpobolokemi is standing trial alongside nine others on a 40-count charge bordering on conspiracy, fraud and money laundering.

Others facing the same charge are: Captain Bala Agaba; Ekene Nwakuche; Felix Bob-Nabena; Captain Warredi Enisouh; Governor Juan; Ugo Frederick and Timi Alari.

Also charged are two companies; Al-kenzo Ltd and Penniel Engineering Services Ltd.

They had all pleaded not guilty to the charge and were granted bail by the court.

Idagu, an operative of EFCC, while being led in evidence by the prosecutor, Festus Keyamo, told the court that as head of the EFCC Special Task Force, he co-ordinates investigations, as well as carries out searches and arrest.

The witness also informed the court that the force received a petition in the last quarter of 2015, of some activities in NIMASA, during the period when Akpobolokemi was DG.

According to him, his team embarked on investigation and in the process, discovered that NIMASA had set up various committees some of which were used to launder monies through companies and bureau de change.

Idagu further testified that a committee on intelligence was set up and headed by the second accused, with an Access bank account number 0688939609 opened for the receipt of monies.

He said, “Between Dec. 20, 2013 and July 7, 2015, the committee received money in tranches running into 1.5 billion.

“The chairman of the committee raised several internal memos to the director of finance and accounts, wherein it was claimed that the funds were to be used for intelligence based security activities.

“The companies used in furtherance of these activities were either owned or nominated by NIMASA staffs for their personal use,” he said.

He told the court that one of such companies was Aler Integrated Services Ltd, whose alter ego was one Uche Obilor.

“Another company is Kofa Fada Ltd, a bureau de change company which the second accused instructed Obilor to transfer the sum of N10 million into.

“The sum of N2 million was also transferred into the account of one Al-Kenzo Logistics.”

Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia shuns EFCC invitation

Posted on October 18, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, justice of the federal high court, Lagos, on Tuesday, failed to honour an invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

But Musa Haruna Kurya, another judge of the federal high court, reported at the commission’s Lagos office at 10 am on Tuesday in order to react to some findings in an ongoing investigation.

Kurya, accompanied by his lawyer, was attended to by the operatives of the commission on arrival.

However, Ofilli-Ajumogobia, who was also supposed to be at the commission’s office on a similar invitation, dishonoured the call and refused to show up at all.

On Monday, two federal high court judges, Mohammed Nasir Yunusa and Nganjiwa Hyledzira, reported to the EFCC Lagos office, where they were quizzed for hours.

The National Judicial Commission (NJC) had placed Ofili-Ajumogbobia on its “watch-list,” and had barred her from being elevated from her present position, owing to gross misconduct.

No Peace For Corrupt Judges…You Can’t Jail Small Thieves & Be Covering Big Thieves- Prof. Itse Sagay

Posted on October 18, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), has justified the recent arrest of judges on allegations of corruption, categorizing acts of corruption by judicial officers as a serious crime against humanity.

Also on his part, Executive Secretary of PACAC, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, called for the suspension of the judges arrested by the Department of State Services on allegations of corruption pending when they would clear their names.

The spoke at PACAC’s interaction with reporters on the first anniversary of the committee’s activities.

Responding to various criticisms from some quarters against the raids on the houses and the arrest of seven judges, Sagay said those critics failed to understand the implications of corruption.

He said an ordinary man could be guilty of corruption, but a judge should never be otherwise the system will collapse.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria stated, “Ordinary man like you and me can be guilty of corruption; a judge should never be guilty of corruption.

“Once a judge does that, he brings himself to our level and so, cannot complain if he is treated like you and me are treated. That is what has happened. Let us be objective and be fair to this country in our commentary and not be narrow-minded.”

Sagay said because of its tendency to inflame, resorting to self-help and ultimately breakdown of law and order, judiciary corruption could be described as a crime against humanity.

“Those who have criticized the DSS have not looked at the implications of judicial corruption. This is because at the end of the day, when there is corruption, who do they take the matter to, to the judge? The judge is the ultimate and if the buck stops at his table and that judge is complicit in corruption, then, that is the end of the fight against corruption. That is how awful it is.

“So, any judge who is corrupt is committing what I can even call a crime against humanity because it just destroys our confidence and the system, which will sustain the state in law and order.

“It encourages people to resort to self-help because there is no hope in taking the crime to court.

“Today, we have some governors who are sitting there who we know did not win an election. And because they killed on their way to the office, people are still dying to sustain them in office.

“Yet, some courts at the highest level gave approval to the process that brought those people to what I call their bloody seats on which they are sitting.

“If the judiciary is corrupt, if the only body, in fact, the only arm of government that has the power of life and death over Nigerians, is corrupt, then it is sad.”

He said people should be sad that “Billions” that were supposed to be meant for the construction of roads, building and equipping schools and hospitals were found in private residences.

“Isn’t it enough that billions of naira are found in private residences? Don’t we associate these billions of naira with the fact that our roads are in a state of disrepair; that our hospitals are under or ill-equipped; that schools are dilapidated; and that it affects your daily life? What of those whose salaries are not paid in the public service? All this money came from the public purse.

He blamed the arrest of the judges on what he described as the loss of moral authorities on the part of current Supreme Court Justices.

He said in the era of Justices of the “golden Supreme Court” such as the late Justice Kayode Eso, no government agency would dare to arrest them even when they delivered a lot of judgments against the then military administrations, including that of the Head of State, Gen. Buhari (now President).

“We need the judiciary, but we need an upright judiciary. Without that, all arms of government will collapse, democracy will collapse.”

Leave my family alone, Fani-Kayode tells EFCC.

Posted on October 18, 2016 by Staff Reporter

A former Minister of Aviation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Federal Government to leave his family alone and face him.

Fani-Kayode said this in reaction to the detention of his wife, Precious, at a bank in Ado Ekiti for hours on the instruction of the EFCC.

Fani-Kayode, who is a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, condemned the move in a telephone interview with one of our correspondents.

He said, “This government is sick and cowardly and so is the EFCC. If you have a problem with me, face me and leave my family alone.

“My wife travelled to Ado Ekiti to see my friend and brother, Governor Fayose, and his family. They were on their way out of town when they went to Access Bank in Ado Ekiti to get some money.

“They were illegally detained, brutalised and put under arrest on the orders of the EFCC at a bank in Ado Ekiti today.

“She has never had any business with me; she has never been formally invited by the EFCC or asked any questions about her transactions and neither has it written to her on any issue even though it is always sending letters to my house and sending people there.

“If Buhari wants to deal with me, why doesn’t he face me like a man instead of trying to harm and hurt my eight-month-old son and wife.

“Had it not been for the intervention of Governor Ayo Fayose, they would have taken them away and subjected them to all manner of harm and indignity simply because she is married to me.

“This is Buhari’s Nigeria and we will resist his wickedness and tyranny.”
Fani-Kayode said he intended to sue the bank and the EFCC for this “illegal and wicked action.”

He added, “They have no right to do this. If they want to see my wife, all they need to do is to invite her. We have nothing to fear. They do not need to be so primitive and barbaric to people.

“In an attempt to starve and harass me and my family, all my accounts and wife’s accounts have been frozen.

“Now, they are resorting to arresting people’s wives and children for no just cause.”
Mrs. Fani-Kayode, who was a guest of Governor Ayodele Fayose, had gone to a branch of Access Bank in Ado Ekiti around 3pm for a transaction, but was detained by officials of the bank.

The bank officials told her she was being held on the instructions of the EFCC.
The EFCC, however, denied detaining her.

In a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, on Monday night, the anti-graft agency said the ex-minister’s wife attempted to withdraw money from an account which the agency had frozen.

The statement read in part, “Contrary to the spin about the purported arrest of mother and child, a certain Chikwendu Sonia today attempted to withdraw money from an Access Bank account that had been placed on ‘Post No Debit’ Category, following the discovery of illicit cash flows into the account.

“She was intercepted by the bank while the commission was notified, but because it was late, the EFCC advised that the suspect be taken to the police station for processing and release on bail.

“They were arranging to take the suspect to the police station when Governor Ayo Fayose stormed the bank with thugs and his personal security and forcefully secured the release of the suspect, with claims that the EFCC had no power to detain anybody in his state. He also vowed to close down the branch of the bank.

“The said account, which had a balance of N2,307,712.82, was flagged following investigation into the PDP Joint Trust Fund when the commission traced N1.1bn to the Zenith Bank account of Fani-Kayode.

“It was discovered that the account had two biometric identification numbers, one for Fani-Kayode and the other (with BVN 2205597283) for Sonia Chikwendu. The same BVN is linked to two other accounts in Diamond Bank and 15 accounts in Guaranty Trust Bank.”

EFCC Arraigns Edo Deputy Governor’s Brother For Fraud

Posted on October 18, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has arraigned Joseph Odubu and his company, Even Handed Services Limited in a Federal High Court, Benin.

A statement by Mr Wilson Uwujaren, EFCC spokesman made this known in a statement to newsmen in Abuja on Monday.

Uwujaren Odubu was arraigned on a three-count charge bordering forgery, uttering and obtaining money by false presence to the tune of N9, 36 million.

The EFCC´s spokesman said Odubu, a brother to the Deputy Governor of Edo, Mr Pius Odubu, is also the Managing Director of Even Handed Services Limited.

He said the accused used forged documents to obtain a loan facility of N9,36 million on Sept. 5, 2014, from a first generation bank to facilitate the supply of chairs and desks in Edo State.

He added that Odubu also with intent to defraud and to facilitate fraud, forged a document which he claimed was received by Edo State Oil and Gas Producing-Areas Development Commission.

Uwujaren said the offence contravened section 1(2)(c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17 of the Revised Edition Act, 2007 and punishable under section 1(2) of the same Act.

Odubu pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Prosecuting counsel, C. A. Okoli, applied for the date of commencement of trial and that the accused be remanded in prison.

Odubu’ counsel, Osama Idehen, applied his client’s bail and the court refused it, remanded the accused in prison and adjourned the case till Nov. 22.

Credit: NAN

Two Federal High Court Judges Report To EFCC (Photos)

Posted on October 18, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Two Federal High Court judges Mohammed Nasir Yunusa and Hyeladzira Ajiya Nganjiwa today, 17th October, 2016, reported to the Lagos Office of EFCC. The judges arrived at the Commission’s Lagos Office following an invitation letter the EFCC extended to them.

Their invitation is sequel to the bribery and money laundering allegations the Commission discovered during investigations in an ongoing case in which two senior lawyers have already been arraigned in court.

It would be recalled that the EFCC had on March 9, 2016, arraigned two senior lawyers Rickey Tarfa SAN and Joseph Nwobike SAN, before a Lagos High Court on allegations of bribery and offering gratification to a public official. Nwobike and Tarfa are facing criminal prosecution for allegedly offering gratification to Federal High Court judges to refrain them from exercising the duties of their office.

Subsequent investigation revealed that the two Judges allegedly received sums of money from the two senior lawyers severally.

The judges are presently being attended to by operatives of the commission.

FLASH: Former Minister Obanikoro, Has Been Arrested By The EFCC.

Posted on October 17, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Former Nigeria Minister of State for Defense, Musiliu Obanikoro, who returned to Nigeria from the United States on Saturday, has been arrested by the EFCC.

Obanikoro, also a former ambassador to Ghana, fled Nigeria in 2015 after former President Goodluck Jonathan lost his bid for re-election. He was smuggled into Nigeria with the help of some Nigerian government officials with whom he had engaged in a negotiation to turn himself in. He had previously sworn not to return, implying he would be protected by the United States.

SaharaReporters sources say he is expected to remain in detention to face interrogation over allegations of corruption relating to bribery of army officers, electoral fraud and money laundering involving some N4.7billion that was taken from the office of the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Rtd. Col. Sambo Dasuki. Mr. Dasuki is himself undergoing trial and is currently in detention.

Earlier today, Obanikoro flew to Abuja as early as 8:00 am but refused to show up at the EFCC headquarters as promised. When it became clear that EFCC was going to declare him wanted, he finally arrived at its premises at about 1p.m. Nigerian time

An EFCC source told SaharaReporters that the former minister, who had on several occasions dismissed the work of the anti-graft agency, started making contacts about returning to the country when his daughter, Shalewa, was arrested and made some damning revelations about her father.

The source said Mr. Obanikoro confessed to officials involved in negotiating his return to taking money from the NSA to win the 2014 Ekiti State gubernatorial election at all cost for Ayodele Fayose, but conceded that only N800million made it into his private pockets. He also revealed that out of the money allegedly from the NSA, N1.7million was given to former Senator Iyiola Omisore, while now-Governor Fayose stole the rest.

Since last week some of Obanikoro’s aides, including Kayode Bwalla, have stated to return to Nigeria but his two sons who were also involved in engaging in massive money laundering have not returned to Nigeria.

Obanikoro departed the US for the United Kingdom last week, first traveling to the Netherlands. He then arrived in Lagos on Saturday evening and immediately went into hiding.

Accused of corruption, Obanikoro arrives Nigeria, to present self to EFCC.

Posted on October 17, 2016 by Staff Reporter

A former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, has arrived Nigeria in an apparent move to submit himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC

Mr. Obanikoro has been having a running battle with the anti-graft agency on allegations bordering on financial crimes.

He left for the United States shortly after his party lost the 2015 elections and he ceased being a minister.

The EFCC accused him of using his children to take out government contracts that were never executed.

Mr. Obanikoro, on a separate charge, was also implicated in the Ekiti elections scandal. It is not immediately clear if he was prepared to answer questions about that, too.

He had initially vowed not to return to the country alleging persecution by the government as a means to discredit him.

It is not immediately clear when he planned to submit himself to the EFCC, but Demola Olarewaju, an associate of the politician confirmed his arrival.

Mr. Olarewaju said Mr. Obanikoro had moved to Abuja from Lagos and could visit the EFCC headquarters on Monday.

Corruption: EFCC Moves Against More Judges, Court Registrars

Posted on October 14, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Eight more judges and two court registrars are now under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over corruption-related cases.

Those who have been implicated in the investigations are to be arrested and charged to court in due course, an official disclosed yesterday.

The commission, which denied any rift with the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, said that only one of the judges recently arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) featured in its investigations.

EFCC described as untrue a story in a national daily which suggested that the AGF was uncomfortable with how the commission handled petitions sent to it, as such, the resort to the DSS.

“In this regard, EFCC is currently investigating eight judges and two court registrars. Some of the suspects who have been invited have made statements that have been of great assistance to the investigations. In due course, those who have cases to answer would be arrested and charged to court,” the commission said.

The Head, Media and Publicity of EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, said: “EFCC wishes to put on record that there is no friction with the office of the AGF and the Commission is not involved in inter-agency squabbles with the DSS.”

And as the controversy over the arrest of judges continues, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Samson Uwaifo yesterday called for the strengthening of the National Judicial Council (NJC) to redeem the image of the third arm of government.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has affirmed its earlier position that the arrests and detention of the judges was unlawful and unconstitutional.

The Bar cautioned that the judiciary should not be exposed to ridicule, shame and intimidation by security operatives under the guise of fighting corruption.

President of the Association, Abubakar Mahmud (SAN), who spoke yesterday evening, insisted that the invasion of the houses of justices and judges in the middle of the night by masked security operatives was improper and uncivilised.

According to Mahmud, the NBA is engaging stakeholders on how to win the war against corruption in the judiciary. The reason, he said, a task force, which would be announced today was set up to come up with details on how to deal with erring judges.

The task force is headed by former presidents of the association, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) and Olisa Agbakoba (SAN).

It also comprises former attorneys general of the federation and other former presidents of NBA, including Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, Joseph Daudu, Chief Kanu Agabi and Chief Akin Olujimi.

The committee is expected to make recommendations for stronger disciplinary action against erring judicial officers, which will be passed on to the NJC for strengthening.

And after three days of silence, the National Judicial Council (NJC) yesterday came out openly to condemn the clampdown on some judicial officers.

In a statement issued late yesterday, the body expressed grave concern about the invasion of the residences and arrest of some serving and suspended judicial officers by the Department of State Services (DSS) and condemned the action in its entirety.

The Council also unanimously agreed to recommend Justice W. S. N. Onnoghen, as the most senior, suitable and competent Justice of the Supreme Court to President Muhammadu Buhari, for appointment as the next Chief Justice of Nigeria to succeed Justice Mahmud Mohammed GCON who retires from office on November 10.

NJC said it viewed the action “as a threat to the independence of the judiciary, which portends great danger to our democracy; and also considered the action as a clear attempt by the DSS to humiliate, intimidate, denigrate and cow the judiciary”.

The judicial council said that contrary to the claim by the DSS and as published in the electronic and print media, “Council has never received any petition against the aforesaid judicial officers: Hon. Justices Ngwuta and Okoro of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, by the DSS.”

In the statement, the NJC states: “That the National Judicial Council is a creation, by virtue of Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, with its powers specified in Paragraph 21 of Part One of the Third Schedule whereof;

“That by virtue of Section 160 of the 1999 Constitution, council fashioned out judicial discipline regulations; revised NJC guidelines and procedural rules for the appointment of judicial officers of all superior courts of record; code of conduct for judicial officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; and national judicial policy to inter-alia, regulate its own procedure while exercising its constitutional Powers; and

”That Section 158 (1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, has unequivocally provided for the independence of the National Judicial Council vis-à-vis directing or controlling it by any authority or person while exercising its powers.”

The council “reiterated its absolute confidence in President Muhammadu Buhari administration and its unwavering determination to uphold the principles of democracy, separation of powers and the rule of law enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, as amended and the United Nations Charter, which Nigeria is a member.”

NJC pledged to continue to support the President Buhari administration in its fight against corruption in all its ramifications in the federation; and in cleansing the judiciary of corrupt judicial officers.

Patience Jonathan won’t go scot-free – EFCC

Posted on October 12, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Wednesday vowed that the wife of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Patience, would not go scot-free if its investigation uncovers evidence of corruption against her.

The Deputy Director of Operations, EFCC, Mr. Iliyasu Kwarbai, made this vow after receiving a petition against Patience and the ruling All Progressives Congress from a group of protesters, under the aegis of Human Rights Defenders and Advocacy Centre, who marched to the EFCC office in Ikoyi Lagos.

The group submitted a petition entitled, ‘Demand for arrest, prosecution of Patience Jonathan, probe of APC campaign fund and no more sacred cow in the anti-corruption crusade.’

In the said petitioned signed by its President, Queen Ameh, and Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Innocent Agbo, HRDAC accused the EFCC of being selective in its anti-graft war, wondering why Patience was still walking freely in spite of the evidence, which they said the EFCC had against her.

The group asked the EFCC to change its slogan from ‘Nobody is above the law’, since it had found it difficult to go after the likes of Patience, and ex-Presidents, including Ibrahim Babangida, Abdusalam Abubakar, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.

The protesters also challenged the EFCC to probe the source of the election campaign fund of the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2015 election, while also demanding a probe the national leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and ex-Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi.

Addressing the EFCC, Agbo said, “You have found evidence incriminating Patience Jonathan but we are surprised that Patience Jonathan is still allowed to be walking freely, and even had the audacity to take the EFCC to court to release same money to her.”

Illegal polytechnic uncovered in Ekiti by EFCC

Posted on October 11, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Ibadan Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday arraigned in a Federal High Court, Ado-Ekiti an illegal polytechnic operator.

The alleged illegal operator, Johnson Babatola, was arraigned before Justice Taiwo Taiwo on a seven-count charge bordering on Advance Fee Fraud and operation of illegal Polytechnic.

Babatola, a former Principal Manager of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Ado-Ekiti branch, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The EFCC said that the suspect was arrested following a petition from the National Board for Technical Education in Kaduna, alleging that he was operating an illegal Polytechnic named Teedek Polytechnic at Ilogbo, Ekiti State.

The board said that the accused had allegedly extorted gullible students, who were not aware of the status of the institution.

The petitioner further alleged that some of the students of the Polytechnic had earlier reported the institution to the board and they had published the school as an illegal institution in some National Dailies.

It said that the accused failed to stop the fraudulent act and as such continued to fleece innocent students through the Polytechnic.

The petitioner said that Babatola had sometime between August, 2013 and March 2015 intended to defraud Adakeja Thomas Olusola at Ilogbo Ekiti within the jurisdiction of the court.

The accused had intended obtaining the sum of N118,000 from Adakeja, having falsely represented that the money was tuition fees.

The EFCC said that the accused had told the victim that money was for the award of National Diploma Certificate by Teedek Polytechnic.

The offence contravened section 1 and punishable under section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006.

His counsel, Clatus Nachata, applied for his bail, which the prosecuting counsel, Sanusi Galadanchi, opposed.

The Judge after listening to the argument of both counsel, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N2 million with two sureties in like sum.

Taiwo said that one of the sureties must be the traditional ruler of Ilogbo-Ekiti and the second surety must be one of those sureties during the administrative bail earlier granted him by the EFCC.

He said that both sureties shall depose to an affidavit of means and all the documents verified by the EFCC during his administrative bail shall be deposited with the registrar of the court.

The accused person shall deposit his international passport with the court and be remanded in prison custody pending the perfection of his bail conditions.

Taiwo adjourned the case till October 18, October 24 and October 27 for hearing.

EFCC is making life hard for me – Patience Jonathan

Posted on October 10, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Former first lady Patience Jonathan has denied being the owner of additional $25m traced to her accounts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Vanguard reports that Patience popularly known as ‘Mama Peace’ when her husband Goodluck Jonathan was president issued the denial through a statement from her media aide Chima Osuji at the weekend.

Patience described the fresh allegations by the EFCC as ‘falsehood aimed at hoodwinking the public’ and tainting the ex-first lady’s image, thereby making life tough for her because people talk about her in unfriendly terms everywhere she goes.

The statement read: “The allegation that Mrs Jonathan is laying claim to ownership of the sum of $31.7 million fund recovered by EFCC is a complete fallacy. Mrs. Jonathan does not own and has never owned such amount of money. The reason for this lie is best known to EFCC. “That another sum of $20 million had been traced to Mrs. Jonathan is, again, another falsehood aimed at hoodwinking the public against her person. That a further sum of $5 million has again been traced to another account of hers is also a fallacy. That Mrs. Jonathan opened accounts in the names of cooks, drivers and artisans is perhaps the biggest falsehood to the knowledge of EFCC.”

It continued: “We have a lot of respect for the sanctity and integrity of the judiciary where this matter, particularly the trial, is currently pending but we are surprised to observe that EFCC, the prosecutor of this matter, does not have the same measure of respect for the judiciary, the bastion of hope for every citizen of this country. EFCC boss Magu and Patience Jonathan EFCC boss Magu and Patience Jonathan.

Patience Jonathan scandal EFCC boss Magu “We have been inundated with calls, text messages and news items including radio/TV commentaries against the person of Mrs Jonathan regarding false and malicious statements issued daily by EFCC in the court of public opinion so as to malign the person of Mrs. Jonathan. “We are constrained, to respond to the tissues of lies being churned out by the EFCC in respect of the matter.

The purpose for these tales by moonlight is to malign Mrs. Jonathan in the eyes of the misinformed and unsuspecting members of the Nigerian Public and beyond and give a semblance of a picture of a hardworking agency bent on fighting corruption and indeed winning the war.

“It is unfortunate that the EFCC, which belongs to all Nigerians, will rather than conduct a painstaking and thorough investigation of cases brought to it, resort to a greater disposition and propensity to engage in media trials, built on outright falsehood and give to innocent persons, including Mrs. Jonathan, the toga of a “thief” or “corrupt” person even before any proper trial.

“There is absolute injustice and unfairness in this case relating to Mrs Jonathan and we would like to remind Nigerians that ‘injustice to one, is injustice to all’ for on whom next the bell would toll. It is important to emphasize that EFCC needs to desist from media trials of innocent citizens before trial in a court of law as provided under the Constitution.”

Judges arrests: Lawyers trade words on DSS raid

Posted on October 10, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Some Abuja-based lawyers have condemned the arrest and invasion of homes of judges by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The lawyers spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews in Abuja on Sunday.

While some decried the invasion of the homes of the judges at night, others described it as a step in the right direction.

The critics said that the DSS had no right to invade the houses of the judges because the allegations had nothing to do with national security.

Mr Auta Maisamari said that the constitution provided ways to deal with erring judicial officers.

According to him, if there is any allegation of professional misconduct it is the duty of the National Judicial Council (NJC).to investigate and discipline such erring judges.

“When the NJC establishes case against them it is either they are dismissed or forced into retirement and the judicial immunity will have been removed in this regard.

“I am in support of President Muhammadu Buhari’s fight against corruption, but the fight must follow due process.

Another lawyer, Mr Audu Mammah, said that there were better ways to handle cases of corruption and professional misconduct as alleged by the DSS.

He said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should have been the one to come into this matter and not the DSS as this had nothing to do with breach of national security.

“This is very bad for the current leadership of the DSS and does not speak good of the administration at all in this democratic era.

“Government institution should adhere strictly to their core mandate,

“DSS has no business in invading the justices’ houses based on the allegations they got because that is not their core mandate,” Mamman said.

Mr Ikubanni Oluwayomi, said the appropriate and constitutional procedure where any judge was alleged to have committed wrong while sitting as a judge was to petition the NJC.

He said “NJC is a body recognised by the constitution to investigate such judicial officers and determine the veracity or otherwise of the allegations.

“If the mode of arrest is wrong, including if arrest was effected by a wrong security agency, it may defeat the interest of justice as we are not in the military era where rule of law may be thrown over board.

“The houses of the justices were broken into at about 2 a.m. in the night; how can a warrant of arrest be executed at 2 a.m?

“And there is no evidence to show that the justices were first summoned but they refused to obey the summon.

“The alleged offence among others of the justices is one of corruption and the duties of the DSS does not extend to making of arrest in corruption, ” Oluwayomi said.

But, some female lawyers said that there was nothing wrong in any endeavour to sanitise the sector.

They told NAN that if there must be fundamental change in the country, the starting point should be the judiciary.

Mrs Chinelo Eruchalu said that the rot in the judiciary should be cleansed, adding that it must start from somewhere.

“In handling this, it must be within the ambit of the law, it is long overdue and I support the move.” she said.

Eruchalu said that the judiciary had allowed itself to be used by both the politicians and the influential in the society.

“Our society should be healed from the cancerous sore called corruption, which has eaten deeply into the fabric of our society.

“What is now going on in the judiciary is a step in the right direction which should be encouraged and supported by all well meaning citizens of this country,” she said.

Another lawyer, Mrs Jumoke Idowu, who described the sanitisation as a step in the right direction, said the fight against corruption in the judiciary should not be selective.

“Let this fight against corruption in the judiciary be fought with honesty and sincerity of purpose. Let it not be another vendetta or witch hunt.

“Everyone involved in corruption must pass through the sword of justice and if found wanting should be treated in accordance with the dictates of the law.

“This calls for an upright disciplinary mechanism which cannot be easily compromised,” she said.

EFCC quizzes FUTA VC, bursar for alleged fraud

Posted on October 6, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Prof. Adebiyi Daramola, Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology (FUTA) Akure and the Bursar, Emmanuel Oresegun were on Wednesday quizzed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the duo were quizzed at the Ibadan office of the anti-graft agency on allegation of abuse of office and misappropriation of funds.

Mr Ayo Oyewole, Head of Public Affairs, EFCC, Ibadan Office, told NAN on Wednesday that the commission quizzed the two men based on the petition it received against them.

He said that the duo were alleged to be involved in corruption, fraud, criminal breach of trust, unlawful enrichment, conversion of millions of naira belonging to the university.

Oyewole said that the Vice Chancellor allegedly received furniture allowance annually instead of once in four years as approved.

He added that Daramola was also accused of paying himself housing allowance while residing in the University’s Vice Chancellor’s Quarters.

He said that the petition also alleged that the VC diverted funds from various unrelated subheads to finance other projects without the appropriate approvals for such virement.

NAN reports that the duo are still being interrogated at the time of this report.

Meanwhile, a Federal High Court, sitting in Jos, Plateau State, has ordered for the arrest of a former Governor of Gombe State, Senator Danjuma Goje, for refusing to show up in court. In reaction, EFCC has threatened to arrest the Senator anytime soon.

Court Adjourns Fraud Trial of Former NAF Chief Amosu And 10 Others

Posted on October 5, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Rtd. Chief of Air Staff Adesola Amosu and 10 others, who are under trial for a N22.8bn fraud, say they are still in plea bargain talks with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Defence counsel Norrison Quakers said this on Tuesday before Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court in Lagos.

At the resumed proceedings on Tuesday, EFCC lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo told the court that he was ready to open his case against the defendants and had already brought two witnesses to court for trial to commence.

Mr. Oyedepo said the EFCC had discharged its obligations by serving the proof of evidence on the defendants.

But responding,Bolaji Ayorinde told the court that the matter was only adjourned till Tuesday for mention, citing court records, and that the case could not be heard.

In his own submission, Mr. Quakers aligned himself with Ayorinde, pointing out that the defendants were still in plea bargain talks with the EFCC.

In a short ruling, Justice Idris said he confirmed from the court’s record that the matter was adjourned only for mention and not for trial.

He consequently granted the prayer of the defence counsel for an adjournment, and adjourned till October 20, 21 and 24, 2016 for trial.

Air Marshal Amosu and three others: Air Vice-Marshal Jacob Nola Adigun and Air Commodore Gbadebo Owodunni Olugbenga, were arraigned onJune 29th on a 26-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and money laundering to which they pleaded not guilty.

The defendants were also accused of indirectly converting the sum of N3.6bn, property of the Nigerian Air Force to their own.

Reports have it that some of the trio’s properties have been confiscated by the EFCC and the sum of N2.8bn recovered has been returned.

The trio are standing trial alongside eight companies, namely: Delfina Oil and Gas Limited, Mcallan Oil and Gas Limited, Hebron Housing and Properties Company Limited, Trapezites BDC, as well as Fonds and Pricey Limited.

They are accused of conspiring among themselves in March 2014 to convert N21.5bn belonging to the Nigerian Air Force into their personal use in contravention of Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012.

Justice Idris admitted Amosu, Adigun and Olugbenga to a bail of N500m each with two sureties in like sum.

But on July 8, 2016, the defence counsels Bolaji Ayorinde, Quakers, Kemi Balogun and A. Etuokwu, informed the court of their clients’ intention to enter into a plea bargain, and requested an adjournment to work on their bail to smoothen their talks with the EFCC.

In another charge, the EFCC alleged that Amosu and the others stole N323,319,283.81 from the accounts of the Nigerian Air Force between the March 2014 and March 2015 to purchase for themselves a property situated at No.1, River Street, Wuse II, Abuja.

Alleged N25bn Fraud: Court Orders Arrest Of Gombe Ex-Gov, Danjuma Goje

Posted on October 5, 2016 by Staff Reporter

A Federal High Court, sitting in Jos, Plateau State, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of a former Governor of Gombe State, Senator Danjuma Goje, for refusing to show up in court.

The EFCC said in a Facebook post that Goje, who is being charged with an alleged N25bn fraud, might be arrested on Wednesday (today) if he failed to show up in court.

The statement read, “A Federal High Court, sitting in Jos, Plateau State, on October 4, 2016 (Tuesday) issued a bench warrant against former Governor of Gombe State, Danjuma Goje, for refusing to show up in court. The warrant is, however, to take effect by 8 am on October 5, 2016, if he fails to show up in court again.”

Among several charges, Goje, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, is accused of illegally awarding a N1bn contract for the supply of dictionaries to secondary schools while he was governor of the state.

At the last sitting, a prosecution witness, Salisu Abaji, said the ex-governor awarded a contract for the supply of dictionaries for over N1bn to Gombe State Universal Basic Education Board without following procurement process.

He was also alleged to have paid 85 per cent of the contract sum upfront to the supplier, Real and Integrated Hospitality Company, as against the prescribed 15 percent as contained in the UBEB guidelines when he was the governor.

The prosecution witness, who is a former secretary to UBEB, made this testimony against his former boss.

He further submitted that one Aliyu el-Naffty, former UBEB chairman, also an accused person standing trial along with Goje, awarded the contract the same day and ordered the advance payment based on the directive of the then governor.

Another prosecution witness and former storekeeper to Gombe State Government House, Mr. Mohammed Aliyu, concluded his testimony by tendering receipts of all payments made to the food contractor to the government during the eight-year administration of Goje from 2003 to 2011.

However, Abaji admitted that he played a role in the award and payment of the said amount as upfront to the contractor.

This he did under cross-examination by the defence counsel, Mr. Adeniyi

Meanwhile, the Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, said enforcement alone could not stop corruption, adding that the commission would also focus on preventive measures in the fight against corruption.

The EFCC boss said this at the unveiling of the EFCC Creative Youths Initiative against Corruption in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said, “We are the first to recognise that enforcement alone cannot win the war against corruption. Prevention is an effective and necessary weapon that must be employed in conjunction with enforcement, and there is no group of Nigerians better equipped to wield that weapon than the youth.

“Let us bear in mind that the task to rid the nation of the corruption cankerworm cannot be left to the EFCC and other anti-corruption agencies alone. We are all stakeholders in the war and cannot let the future generations down; it is for their future that we must sacrifice our today. Let us work together for our dear nation; let us join hands to build for our children the future we desire.”

Magu said the EFCC would not relent in its efforts to rid the nation of corruption. He added that the commission would continue to recover stolen assets and funds.

“Let me clarify that EFCC will continue to vigorously enforce its mandate alongside engaging in preventive initiatives such as this. Therefore, even as we appeal to the old and the young to shun corruption and other forms of fraud, expect to see more investigations, more arrests, more trials, more convictions and more recovery of stolen assets,” Magu said.

The event attracted pupils from several schools across the country.

Expect more arrests and trials – EFCC Boss

Posted on October 5, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The war against corruption is heating up according to the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ibrahim Magu. On Tuesday, October 4, he asked Nigerians to expect more arrests and trials of corruption suspects and recovery of looted funds.

He also pointed out that the enforcement of laws against corruption alone could not win the war against corruption. Prevention of corruption he explained is an effective and necessary weapon that must be employed to support enforcement.

While speaking at “Unveiling of the EFCC Creative Youths Initiative against Corruption” in Abuja, he also said that the “EFCC Women Against Corruption initiative” would be launched in November by the Nigerian first lady, Hajiya Aisha Buhari.

During his speech, he said: “Ladies and gentlemen, as we know, the people most impacted by the mindless looting of our commonwealth, are women and children.

These are the most vulnerable in our society and must not only be protected, but armed with the necessary tools to fight a sustainable and winnable war against corruption.

“Our children must see that there is a future away from corruption and be encouraged to take that path of honour, moral rectitude and creative employment of their talents, which had been shunned by so many of our corrupt leaders.

“Let me clarify that EFCC will continue to vigorously enforce its mandate alongside engaging in preventive initiatives such as this.

“Therefore, even as we appeal to the old and the young to shun corruption and other forms of fraud, expect to see more investigation, more arrests, more trials, more convictions and more recovery of stolen assets.”

He then went on to assure the audience that EFCC will do its best to prevent corruption in the country, asking Nigerians to support the body to make the war against graft successful. “We are the first to recognize that enforcement alone cannot win the war against corruption.

“Prevention is an effective and necessary weapon that must be employed in conjunction with enforcement and there is no group of Nigerians better equipped to wield that weapon than the youths. “Let us bear in mind that the task to rid the nation of the corruption cankerworm cannot be left to EFCC and other anti-corruption agencies alone. “We are all stakeholders in the war and cannot let the future generations down; it is for their future that we must sacrifice our today.

“Let us work together for our dear nation; let us join hands to build for our children the future we desire,” he concluded. Meanwhile, the EFCC is set to commence the prosecution of about 100 staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over an alleged bribery scandal totalling over N23.29 billion.

EFCC Opposes Fayose’s Request For N5 Billion Damages

Posted on September 30, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged a Federal High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti to reject Governor Ayo Fayose’s request for N5 billion damages over the freezing of his personal bank accounts at Zenith Bank.

The anti-graft agency through its counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, at the resumed hearing of the suit on Friday urged the court to strike out Fayose’s further affidavit in response to its (EFCC’s) affidavit filed without leave of the court.

The EFCC contended that “it is visible to the blind and audible to the deaf that the Applicant (Fayose) is extremely out of time and there is no extension of time to file a further affidavit.

Fayose had through his counsel, Mike Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate, urged the court to award him N5 billion damages against the EFCC for freezing his two personal bank domiciled at Zenith Bank.

Ozekhome, argued that the Interim Order obtained by the EFCC on June 24 and granted by Justice M.B. Idris upon which the action was based was “fundamentally irredeemably wrong.”

Fayose sued the EFCC and Zenith on the freezing of his personal bank accounts following Account Numbers: 1003126654 and 9013074033 on May 24 seeking an order to de-freeze the accounts.

The EFCC alleged that the accounts were used to launder funds from the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) for the purpose of financing Fayose’s campaign in the 2014 governorship poll in Ekiti.

Ozekhome described the EFCC action of freezing or blocking Fayose’s accounts as illegal, irregular, wrongful, unlawful, unconstitutional, null and void.

Fayose’s counsel told the court that he had filed an Originating Summons dated 23rd June and filed the following day having 16-paragraph affidavit attached with Exhibit A, which is a letter from Zenith Bank freezing Fayose’s account.

EFCC opposes Fayose’s request for N5 billion damages

N600m Fraud: Ex-Naval Chief Granted N100m Bail

Posted on September 29, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Justice A. S. Umar of the FCT High Court sitting in Maitama on Wednesday granted bail to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Usman Jibrin, and two others for an offence bordering on criminal conspiracy brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Others are retired rear admirals, Bala Mshelia and Sheu Ahmadu.

They were arraigned alongside Harbour Bay International Limited by the anti-graft agency on Tuesday, September 27, 2016.

The former naval chiefs, whilst in office, allegedly bought a house worth N600million from the account of Naval Engineering Services without the said purchase contract being captured in the
budget. The EFCC said that the documentation for transfer of ownership of the property was done such that a private company owned by the family of the first defendant (Vice Admiral Jubrin) became the buyer.

Justice Umar, after taking their pleas, adjourned to Wednesday for hearing on the bail application.
Moving the bail application at the resumed sitting, Mr Jibrin’s counsel, Y. C. Maikyau, prayed the court to admit his client to bail pending trial. Mr. Maikyau argued that “the offence for which the 1st defendant is charged is bailable by virtue of Section 42 (1) and (2) of the Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Act 2000.”

He further stated that the defendant is a retired Rear Admiral of the Nigeria Navy and former Chief of Naval Staff who voluntarily honoured the invitation of the EFCC and remained cooperative throughout the investigation leading to his charge.

According to him, Mr Jibrin complied with the conditions upon which he was granted bail by the EFCC and did not in any way interfere with the investigation.

On his part, Olatunji Salawu, who stood in for A. M. Kayode, representing Mr. Mshelia, urged the court to admit his client to bail on “a very liberal term”.

He pleaded that the accused person if granted bail, would be available to stand his trial.

Similarly, Ahmadu’s counsel, A. G. Duku, aligned himself with the arguments of the other two counsels to seek bail for his client, adding that “the second defendant will not be able to adequately prepare his defence while in custody as the circumstances surrounding his charge occurred in the course of his obeying instructions of his superior”. Counsel to EFCC, Faruk Abdullahi, opposed the bail of the first and third accused (Jibrin and Ahmadu), while raising no objection to the second accused prayer.

He said Mr Jibrin had the financial muscle and status to interfere with the prosecution witness if admitted to bail.

After listening to the arguments for and against the application, Justice Umar, who consolidated the three applications, ruled that the defendants were entitled to be granted bail as it was their constitutional right. He granted the accused person bail in the sum of N100 million each and two sureties each in like sum.

One of the sureties must not be below salary grade level 16. The sureties must have landed properties within the jurisdiction of the court which must be verified by the registrar of the court and the EFCC.
The judge also ordered that the accused persons be remanded in the EFCC custody pending the fulfilment of their bail conditions.

The case has been adjourned to November 14 and 15 for the commencement of trial.

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EFCC Docks Ex-Naval Chief, Others for N600m Fraud

Posted on September 28, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The EFCC has arraigned a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman O. Jibrin and two others: Rear Admiral Bala Mshelia (rtd) and Rear Admiral Shehu Ahmadu (rtd) before Justice A. S Umar of the FCT High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja on a 4-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy. They were docked alongside Habour Bay International Limited. The naval chiefs whilst in office allegedly bought a house worth N600million from the account of Naval Engineering Services without the said purchase contract being captured in the budget. It was also alleged that, the documentation for transfer of ownership of the property was done such that a private company owned by the family of the first defendant (Vice Admiral Jubrin) became the buyer. The case is on going.

Nigerians Believe Corruption is Not a Crime – EFCC chairman Magu

Posted on September 28, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim Magu made the statement during a press conference on Tuesday September 26 2016.

His words:

“You can’t make everybody to key in because some people don’t believe corruption is wrong; you should not expect 100 percent acceptance but I’m sure a greater number of Nigerians are with us.

“The fact that I’m acting gives me more determination. You never know, when I’m there. I’ll crush it.

“That’s why sometimes I put EFCC on 24 hours basis so that we can do what we can within the available time. I think I have more determination to clear the ground as much as we can.

“The evil of corruption affects everybody so it is our duty to put our house in order. It is not only for us as we cannot claim monopoly of knowledge of fighting corruption; everybody is a stakeholder. If we work together, we are going to record tremendous success.

“When I’m wrong, tell me. It is easier for you to correct my wrong doings so I want to hear the wrongs so that we can correct them, there’s nothing like perfection.”

Anambra State Police Declares Ex-419 Kingpin Chief Emmanuel Nwude (Owelle Abagana) wanted

Posted on September 27, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Anambra State Police Command has declared wanted, Chief Emmanuel Nwude, (Owelle Abagana) over involvement in a case of conspiracy, malicious damage, murder, act of terrorism and attack on policemen. Chief Nwude, from Umudunu, Abagana is a convicted Advance-Fee fraudster. He and his accomplices were in 2005 convicted by a federal high court for pulling the biggest 419 fraud in history.

Before his conviction, Nwude was the biggest shareholder in Union Bank Plc, and had controlling shares in several banks and blue chip companies. In a plea-bargain handled by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chief Nwude agreed to forfeit cash and property to the tune of 120 million US dollars.

The agency seized several of his properties, including the popular Febson Mall, Abuja, a glass tower in Ikoyi and choices cars. He is believed to have tens of millions of dollars stashed in the accounts of fronts in Nigeria and overseas.

Patience Jonathan To Drag EFCC Before West African Court

Posted on September 26, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Former first lady, Mrs Patience Ibifaka Jonathan has concluded plans to drag the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the African Commission of Human and Peoples Right in Gambia.

Sources close to the legal team said they took the decision to seek legal redress in a court free from manipulation.

Already a new group, The Rebranded Indigenous People of Biafra (TRIPOB) has thrown its weight behind the decision to drag the EFCC before the African Commission of Human and Peopless Right over its case Mrs Jonathan.

The group, in statement by its spokesman, Chima “Phillip Effiong” Osuji, condemned what it called the “the undue harassment and campaign of calumny masterminded by the EFCC against Patience Jonathan.”

The group insisted Mrs Jonathan “cannot get fair trial in a Nigerian court commended and Mr Timipa Jenkins Okonipere for his decision to drag the EFCC before the West African Court.

“TRIPOB believes that under the current political dispensation in Nigeria, Mrs. Jonathan cannot obtain fair and impartial judgment. Furthermore, by virtue of the enviable political height which the Goodluck Jonathan family has attained, it would be most advisable if Mrs. Jonathan tgoes outside for relief…”
because, we strongly believe that, there is a premeditated plot to humiliate and disgrace the former First Lady.

We therefore commend international lawyer and human rights activist, Mr. Timipa Jenkins Okponipere for the wise decision to drag the EFCC before the African Commission of Human and Peoples Rights based in Banjul, The Gambia, if the EFCC failed to stop the harassment of Mrs. Jonathan within 14 days. It is a welcome decision.

Accordingly, TRIPOB advises the Goodluck Jonathan Family to remain calm and put their trust in God Almighty; as they shall surely be vindicated.”

EFCC Probes Diezani Over N4b Hotel Deal With Ex-MILAD

Posted on September 26, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Detectives have uncovered another multi-billion naira transaction believed to have been carried out by former Petroleum Resources Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is probing a N4billion hotel deal between Mrs. Alison-Madueke and a former military administrator, whose identity is yet to be released “so as to protect the investigation”. The hotel may be placed under Interim Forfeiture as soon as the preliminary investigation is concluded, The Nation learnt.
But detectives of the anti-graft agency have secured the relevant papers on the hotel valued at N4billion

Also, it was gathered at the weekend that some business associates of Mrs Alison-Madueke were yet to refund to the EFCC about $1.85billion traced to them.
They would rather follow through the case than make a refund, a source said.
According to the anti-graft agency, the hotel was one of the five being investigated in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

The Nation reported on September 13 that a special team of operatives was drafted to Port Harcourt to locate five houses suspected to be the ex-minister’s.

It was learnt that the interim report of the team indicated “a strongly suspected hotel purchase deal” between the ex-minister and the former military administrator.
An EFCC source said: “We have been able to link the N4 billion hotel in Port Harcourt to the ex-minister. We are probing alleged sales deal between her and a former military administrator.
“We have been able to ascertain the value of the hotel. But we are gradually tracking how the deal was carried out including verification of bank details and transactions by all those involved.
“Some of these deals we are unearthing were carried out in layers in order to shield them away from anti-corruption agencies. But we are cracking them all.”

The source added: “For strategic reasons, we will not reveal the identities of the ex-MILAD and others connected with the deal at this stage of investigation.
“But very soon, the transactions will be made known to the public. Do not forget, we have four other properties under surveillance.”

Patience Jonathan: EFCC places witnesses against under security watch

Posted on September 23, 2016 by Staff Reporter

As the trial of former aides of ex-First Lady, Patience Jonathan, begins on Tuesday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has placed its 13 witnesses in the case under security watch.

The witnesses, including a banker and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) are expected to tell the court how four slush accounts were opened for the former First Lady.

It was gathered that the accounts were opened by the ex-First Lady’s former Senior Special Assistant (Domestic/Household and Social Events to the former President), Dr. Dudafa Waripamo-Owei Emmanuel.

Dudafa and six others were last Thursday, September 15 arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos.

The others are a lawyer Amajuoyi Briggs, a banker, Adedamola Bolodeoku; Pluto Property and Investment Company Limited; Trans Ocean Property and Investment Company Limited; Globus Integrated Service Limited; and Seagate Property Development and Investment Limited.

A document attached to the charge sheet indicates that 12 witnesses, including an account officer, will tell the court how the current and VISA Platinum Credit Card ( USD) accounts were opened.

The document lists the accounts in Skye Bank Plc as follows: 1771420773 and 2110002238 ( Pluto Property and Investment and Company Limited); 1771420797 and 2110002245(Trans Ocean Property and Investment and Company Limited); 1771421299 0and 2110002269 (Globus Integrated Services Limited) and 1771420780and 2110002207 (Seagate Property Development and Investment Limited).

A source with the EFCC said: “We are set for the trial on how the slush accounts were opened for the former First Lady. We have filed a list of 13 witnesses along with our Proof of Evidence to show that we conducted due diligence.

“The Account Officer, who managed the slush funds, will tell the court the remittances into the accounts and how the ex-First Lady operated them. I think Nigerians have not heard the last on these slush accounts. This is not a case of witchhunt.

“We have also taken adequate measures to protect all the witnesses in order to enable them to testify against encumbrances. We know some of the witnesses have been under pressure but we will ensure their safety.

“It is imperative to protect these witnesses because we have availed the defence their names in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. This may expose the witnesses to some risks which are being taking care of.”

The former First Lady is said to have sued the EFCC, demanding that her accounts be defrozen.

But the EFCC said: “We are still investigating her and she cannot operate all these accounts until she is able to give the details of the sources of funds remitted into the accounts,” the source said, adding: ”Our findings showed that the remittances were products of gratification. It is left for her to prove otherwise.

“Already, the team which investigated the case has declared that she has a case to answer. But we need to dig more before determining her fate.”

The report of the investigative team said in part: “Investigation so far carried out has revealed that the four VISA Platinum USD Card accounts used by Mrs. Patience Jonathan has a cumulative balance of $14,029.881.79 which has been swept Post No Debit Card category.

“Again, her personal account, different from the four VISA Platinum USD card accounts, bears the balance of $5,841,426.17.

“Considering the above stated findings, we can safely conclude that a prima facie case of conspiracy to retain proceeds of unlawful activities, retention of the proceeds of unlawful activities, money laundering, contrary to Section 15(3) and 18(a) of the Money Laundering ( Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and forgery contrary to Section 1(2) (c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap M17, Laws of the Federation, 2004 have been established against the aforementioned suspects.”

Stop persecution of Jonathan’s family, IYC tells EFCC

Posted on September 23, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The umbrella body of Ijaw youths, the Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide, has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to stop the persecution of former President Goodluck Jonathan and his family members.

The IYC advised the anti-graft agency to carry out its duties through due process instead of engaging in media charade and blackmail.

The President of IYC, Mr. Udengs Eradiri, who spoke at a news conference in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on Thursday, expressed sadness at the manner the EFCC was denigrating the former first family.

He wondered at how the EFCC had yet to learn from its poor handling of the alleged graft case involving former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo.

Eradiru said instead of the EFCC to focus on facts and do their job via due process, they quickly went to the media and that incident had led the country to its current economic mess, noting that the country had lost about N2trn.

He called on the anti-graft agency to stop blackmailing Dame Patience Jonathan, saying that the call on her to explain how she made her money was a witch-hunt.

He said, “First Ladies in Nigeria do not do any work. You know what it is; a woman naturally attracts a lot of gifts from men, let alone the First Lady who has the power to recommend people for something.

“They receive a lot of ‘Thank you’ and gratification because in most cases they recommend people. Those they recommended usually come back and say thank you ma. Even when they do not recommend, people can go and say thank you with a million dollars.

“The scenario did not start with Dame Patience Jonathan. We know how influential the former First Lady before her was and other first ladies – how powerful, how rich, how wealthy they were as a result of gratification because they were Presidents’ wives. That is how they amass their wealth.

“If you say Patience Jonathan should go and show how she made her money, then, you must first start with all the other former First Ladies before her, otherwise it is a witch-hunt.”

Ex-Army Chief Ihejirika Denies Sponsoring Boko Haram

Posted on September 23, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Former chief of army staff, retired Lt.-Gen Oyeabo Ihejirika, on Thursday denied any links with terrorist group, Boko Haram.

Ihejirika told an FCT High Court that he rather fought the Boko Haram sect using his commanders in the field contrary to insinuations in some quarters that he was the group’s sponsor.

The former army chief therefore sued Nduka Obaigbena, Leaders and Company Limited, and Stephen Davis, an Australian who claimed to be a hostage negotiator working for the release of Nigerian women taken hostage by the Boko Haram sect at Chibok, Borno State, in 2014.

According to the Punch, the former army boss is claiming N100bn for damages from the defendants for defamation in the interview granted by Davis to Arise TV and then published in ThisDay newspaper.

Ihejirika is also asking the court for a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from further making defamatory comments concerning him.

The former army boss equally wants the defendants to publish a full retraction and apology in the front page of ThisDay newspaper for the said false and libellous publication.

Under cross-examination, Ihejirika admitted that he had heard the tape of the interview and that his name was not mentioned. He, however, said he was the only chief of army Staff that retired in January 2014 as mentioned in the tape and the defendants could not have been referring to anyone else.

He also said he had never granted ThisDay newspaper any interview but had read the said publication when his attention was drawn to it.

When asked if the claim of the defendants as published in ThisDay newspaper was true, Ihejirika’s lawyer, A.B. Anachebe (SAN) raised an objection that his client would not answer the question.

The presiding judge, Justice Valentine Ashi, adjourned the case till November 2 and 3, 2016, for continuation of cross examination and defence.

EFCC Freezes Patience Jonathan’s Personal Account

Posted on September 22, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has frozen Patience Jonathan’s personal account, titled ‘Patience Ibifaka Jonathan’, which is domiciled in Skye Bank Plc.

Impeccable sources within the agency told our correspondent on Wednesday that the move had become necessary due to the prima facie case established against the former President Goodluck Jonathan’s wife.

As part of investigations into alleged diversion against a former Special Adviser to ex-President Jonathan on Domestic Affairs, Waripamowei Dudafa, the anti-graft agency had frozen four companies’ accounts in Skye Bank with a balance of $15,591,700.

However, before the EFCC could arraign the four companies in court, Jonathan’s wife deposed to an affidavit, claiming that the money belonged to her.

Despite Patience’s claims, however, the EFCC arraigned the four companies –Pluto Property and Investment Company Limited; Seagate Property Development and Investment Company Limited; Trans Ocean Property and Investment Company Limited; and Globus Integrated Service Limited.

How ‘doctor’ duped woman of N66.9m – EFCC

Posted on September 21, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, has remanded a self-styled doctor, Innocent Chukwu and a woman, Mrs. Obiageli Anachebe, who allegedly defrauded a businesswoman of a total sum of N66,900,000.00.

Justice Ipaye made the order following the defendants’ not guilty plea and adjourned till October 14, for hearing of their bail applications.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Chukwu, alias Dr. Ohamadike, and Anachebe on a five-count charge with No. ID/1332C/2015, bordering on conspiracy to obtain money by false pretences, stealing by fraudulent conversion and concealment of deed.

It said the defendants, with intent to defraud, obtained N50,000,000.00 from a businesswoman, Mrs. Vivian Amadi, “under the false pretence that they were capable of solving all her problems by spiritual means,” knowing the representation to be false.

The Commission also alleged that Chukwu dishonestly obtained and concealed title documents of a building situated at No. 4, Nteje Street, New Haven, Enugu, valued at N35, 000,000.00 property of Amadike.

The anti-graft agency, represented by its counsel, Mr. Kunle Fayanju, said both alleged offences were committed between October and December 2013, in Lagos.

It added that Chukwu, on or about February 14, 2014, dishonestly converted the sum of N16, 900,000.00 property of Amadike and Pamela Ihediwa of Bluebeam Capital Ltd, Lagos.

Chukwu, the Commission said, obtained the sum by claiming to have for sale, a United States dollar equivalent of the N16.9m “which representation he knew to be false and dishonest.”

According to the Commission, the offences contravened Section 8(a) and 1(3) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act No. 14 of 2006 and Sections 285(9)(c) and 288 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

EFCC Seizes Three Mansions Owned By Shema

Posted on September 20, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Detained former Katsina State Governor Ibrahim Shema’s three mansions have been seized over his alleged involvement in a N74.6billion fraud. The houses remain seized until the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) concludes its probe of the allegation.

Shema was subjected to another round of grilling yesterday by the commission.

Operatives of the anti-graft agency stormed Katsina on Monday following preliminary interaction with the ex-governor.

The detectives sealed off the ex-governor’s houses at 1 GRA Modoji Road, Barhim Estate, Madachi Road and Makera Estate, Kirni Road.

A source in the EFCC, who pleaded not to be named because he is not authorised to talk to the media, said: “Our investigative team on Monday grilled the ex-governor for some hours on more contracts executed during his tenure.

EFCC seizes three mansions from Shema

“Defreeze my accounts in 14 days”, Patience Jonathan warns EFCC

Posted on September 19, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Former first lady of Nigeria, Mrs. Patience Ibifaka Goodluck Jonathan, has given the Economic and Financial Commission, EFCC, 14 days with effect from September 18 to defreeze her accounts and tender a public apology to her or face a legal action.

Mrs. Jonathan gave this ultimatum through an open letter to the EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Magu by her solicitor and Senior Partner, First Law Associates, Timipa Okponipere Esq.

In the letter, Okponipere urged the anti-graft agency to leave Mrs. Jonathan alone, adding that if the Commission fails to adhere to this warning then: “We shall file an action at the African Commission on Human Rights at the Gambia demanding N5 billion in exemplary and punitive damages.”

The letter reads: “There is no established legal or political precedent for what the EFCC is currently doing to our client. How many former First Ladies in Nigeria have received the Patience Goodluck Jonathan Treatment (PGJT) to have warranted the EFCC to engage in the effrontery to freeze our client’s accounts and subject her to public opprobrium, ridicule and disgrace? This nonsense must stop forthwith.

“Our client is a respected senior citizen of international repute, a retired Permanent Secretary and the immediate past First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Our Client is a law-abiding citizen who has never or at all been the subject of any criminal and/or financial investigation, whether at home or abroad. Accordingly, she has not been found guilty of any criminal conduct throughout a sparkling public service career spanning over 35 years.”

“During the 5 years our client served as First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria between May, 2010 and May, 2015; she was the Initiator/Founder of the A. ARUERA WOMEN FOUNDATION as well as the WOMEN FOR CHANGE INITIATIVE; both of which Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) substantially contributed to the 35 per cent affirmative action for women in the country. Our Client is the recipient of numerous local and international awards in recognition of her untiring commitment towards uplifting the living standard of women, children and the aged in Nigeria.

“Sir, it is against this sterling and meritorious background of our client that we most respectfully, write to draw your attention to the numerous breaches of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act 2004 committed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in cause of the Commission’s illegal and unlawful investigation of our client for alleged money laundering. These investigations have reportedly led to the freeze of our client’s accounts and led to untold consequences to our client’s health and wellbeing.

“The EFCC must realize that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004 is inferior in content and quality to both the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As amended) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, 2004.” The solicitor asserted.

EFCC Traces 3 Properties In Lekki, 1 In Bayelsa To Jonathan’s Ex-Aide, Dudafa

Posted on September 19, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has traced properties worth N1.5bn to a former Special Adviser to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Domestic Affairs, Waripamowei Dudafa.

It was learnt on Sunday that as part of investigations into an alleged case of money laundering, the EFCC discovered some properties, which Dudafa had not been able to explain where he got the money to buy them.

The commission discovered a mansion in the Agungi area of the Lekki-Epe Expressway, allegedly belonging to Dudafa, said to be worth over N300m.

The anti-graft agency also traced a plot of land around the Chevron Estate, off the Lekki-Epe Expressway and a twin duplex within the same area said to belong to Dudafa.

Apart from the Lagos properties, an edifice in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, was also traced to Dudafa.

A source in the EFCC said, “When we are probing a person, we usually investigate his lifestyle and see if he or she is living above his means. Since Dudafa has already been arraigned for money laundering, we decided to launch further investigations into his lifestyle.

“We found a white mansion in the Agungi area of Lagos, very close to Lekki. He has about four exotic cars in the compound. We did not seal it off because people live there. So, we just placed a sticker on the fence to indicate that the property is a subject of investigation.

“Dudafa also has a twin duplex around the Chevron Estate. We did not seal it off because he has rented the property out. However, he has a parcel of land around the place, which we have sealed off.

“We have arraigned Dudafa and if he is found guilty, he will forfeit the properties.”

Dudafa first became a subject of EFCC investigation when a former Aide-de-Camp to Jonathan, Col. Ojogbane Adegbe (retd.), told detectives that he handed over N10bn (converted to foreign currency) to Dudafa on the eve of the 2014 Peoples Democratic Party presidential primary in which Jonathan was the sole aspirant.

The money given to Dudafa was allegedly used in bribing PDP delegates.

The money was allegedly diverted by the Office of the National Security Adviser under Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.) from a Signature Bonus Account in the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The N10bn is believed to have been diverted from oil receipts as follows: $5m (November 14, 2014); $47m (November 27, 2014); €4m (December 3, 2014) and €1.6m (December 24, 2014).

While Adegbe was arrested but later released, Dudafa was said to have fled to either Dubai or a Caribbean country where he stayed for several months.

Dudafa was finally arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services upon arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on April 18, 2016.

The anti-graft agency said the former presidential aide returned N900m to the Federal Government.

Dudafa is also believed to be a front for Dame Patience Jonathan, the wife of the former President.

Patience had said in a sworn affidavit two weeks ago that she gave Dudafa some money to help her open an account at Skye Bank.

She, however, stated that Dudafa used the money to open five accounts of which only one bore her name while the other four were opened in the names of Pluto Property and Investment Company Limited; Seagate Property Development & Investment Co. Limited; Trans Ocean Property and Investment Company Limited and Avalon Global Property Development Company Limited.

The current balance of the four accounts is $15,591,700 while the money in Patience’s personal account stands at $5m.

The four companies last week pleaded guilty to money laundering.

Patience risks losing the $15m to the government.

One Sammie Somiari, who deposed to an affidavit on behalf of Patience, claimed that the former President’s wife was the rightful owner of the $15m and that Dudafa helped her to open the bank accounts in 2010.

The deponent claimed that Patience was the sole signatory to the accounts.

Source : Punch

$15m Scandal: EFCC Summons Patience Jonathan’s Security Aides

Posted on September 17, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has summoned some officials of the Department of State Services, who were attached to Dame Patience Jonathan, the wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, for interrogation.

It was learnt on Friday that the invitation was part of investigations into the $15m frozen in four company accounts, which Patience had laid claim to.

Sources in the EFCC told said that a letter had been written to the DSS, requesting that the officials be allowed to honour the anti-graft agency’s invitation.

A detective told said that the commission had evidence that the DSS officials had, on several occasions, deposited money into some of the accounts in Skye Bank between 2013 and 2015.

The source said, “The $15m, which we have frozen in the four company accounts was not paid into the accounts at once. The money was paid into the accounts over a two-year period.

“However, we have evidence that it was DSS officials attached to Jonathan’s wife that deposited the money. We have gathered bank documents and we have invited them for interrogation.”

When asked why Patience had not been invited by the EFCC, even after she had openly laid claim to the money and dared the anti-graft agency to invite her for questioning, another source told our correspondent that it was because the commission was trying to build a solid case.

http://punchng.com/15m-scandal-efcc-summons-patience-jonathans-security-aides/

Wanted Former Governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shema Turns Himself in to EFCC

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The immediate past Governor of Katsina state, Ibrahim Shema, who was declared wanted on Wednesday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly diverting N18billion of the state government’s fund to his private account has turned himself in.

According to a report by Vanugard newspaper, the former governor who is a chieftain of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), reported to EFCC office in Abuja around 9:30 a.m. on Friday.

His spokesperson, Oluwabusola Olawale, the ex-governor turned himself in because “he is a law abiding citizen who has absolutely nothing to fear.”

He added that Shema “went to submit himself to the EFCC even though the agency has not been fair to him in handling his case.”

This is a developing story, we’ll be bringing you more details soon…

EFCC wants to take my hard earned money – Patience Jonathan

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The former first lady of Nigeria, Patience Jonathan has alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) hired mercenaries to implicate her.

Mrs. Jonathan said the anti-graft agency is plotting to take her hard earned money, adding that those who pleaded guilty to the fraud allegations were not authorised by the companies.

This is coming as four companies accused of allegedly laundering $15m for the former first lady, pleaded guilty.

A statement issued by her media aide, Chima Osuji, reads: “This is a clear evidence of the desperation of the prosecution to pull down the former First Lady and confiscate her hard-earned money.

“It is an irony that it was the former First Lady who went to court for the repatriation of her confiscated money when she realised that the EFCC and its co-travellers were playing politics with this issue after she had come out publicly to say that the said money belongs to her and that she has all evidence to prove the sources of her money. Up till this very moment, the EFCC has refused to interrogate or invite her for questioning.

“The biggest twist in court on Thursday was that the fourth to seventh defendants pleaded guilty to all the 15 counts. It is clear that these unknown faces were agents of the EFCC, who have been stage-managed and tutored to come to court to complicate the case as a strategy to confiscate her money.”

Mrs. Jonathan had earlier asked the EFCC to lift the restrictions on her bank account, so she can take her $31.4m.

She said the money was for her medical bills and other expenses.

There are reports that the former first lady might sue the EFCC for freezing her bank accounts

Patience Jonathan Must Forfeit $15m – EFCC

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission says it is heading to court to file an application seeking the total forfeiture of $15,591,700, belonging to former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan.
The money is currently lodged in the Skye Bank account of four companies: Pluto Property and Investment Company Limited; Seagate Property Development & Investment Company Limited; Trans Ocean Property and Investment Company Limited and Avalon Global Property Development Company Limited.

The EFCC had frozen the four accounts, which were linked to a former Special Adviser to the President on Domestic Affairs, Waripamowei Dudafa.

However, Jonathan’s wife had claimed in a sworn affidavit that the money in the four accounts
belonged to her even though there is no paper evidence to establish a link between her and the companies.

She also urged the court to compel the EFCC to lift the restriction on the accounts.

The EFCC had arraigned the four companies on Thursday and the companies pleaded guilty to money laundering charges.

Punch quoted a senior EFCC official as saying that the commission would subsequently apply for the total forfeiture of the funds.

“The four companies, in whose accounts the monies were lodged, have pleaded guilty to money laundering. We are therefore filing an application, seeking the complete and total forfeiture of the money to the Federal Government.

“The $15,591,700 should go (be deposited in) into the Treasury Single Account of the Federal Government of Nigeria,” Punch quoted the EFCC source as saying.

On Thursday, the four accused companies pleaded guilty to conspiring with Dudafa; a lawyer, Amajuoyi Briggs; and a banker, Adedamola Bolodeoku, to launder the sum of $15, 591,700 on or about November 13, 2013.

The EFCC, while arraigning the seven accused persons before a Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday, admitted to the court that the $15.6m were proceeds of theft.

Though Dudafa, Briggs and Bolodeoku pleaded not guilty to the amended 15 counts pressed against them by the EFCC, the four companies, charged along with them, owned up to committing the offence.

The guilty plea was entered on behalf of Pluto, Seagate, Trans Ocean and Avalon by one Friday Davies, Agbo Baro, Bioghowri Frederick and Taiwo Ebenezer, respectively.

The EFCC had since frozen the $15.6m found in the four companies’ accounts with Skye Bank Plc by placing a ‘No Debit Order’ on the four accounts.

But Patience had filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit against the EFCC and the bank, claiming that the money, which the EFCC said were proceeds of theft, belonged to her.

Patience is also seeking damages against Skye Bank in the sum of N200m for what she termed a violation of her right to own personal property under Section 44 of the 1999 Constitution.

But Patience’s suit against the EFCC and Skye Bank has yet to be heard by any judge.

However, the EFCC arraigned Dudafa, Briggs, Bolodeoku and the four companies before Justice Babs Kuewumi on Thursday for money laundering and conspiring to retain proceeds of theft.

The EFCC also alleged that the seven accused persons conspired to forge Skye Bank mandate cards, purporting that they were signed by Friday Davies, Kola Fredrick, Taiwo Ebenezer and Agbo Baro, to prejudice Skye Bank in their bid to launder the $15.6m.

They were also accused of forging a Wema Bank Corporate Account mandate card, purporting that it was signed by Taiwo Ebenezer and Chima John to prejudice Wema Bank.

BREAKING: Companies plead guilty to laundering “Patience Jonathan’s $15m”

Posted on September 15, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The four companies charged alongside a former Special Adviser on Domestic Affairs to ex-President Jonathan, Waripamo Dudafa, and two others with money laundering have pleaded guilty to the offence.

The four companies pleaded guilty to conspiring with Dudafa and the two others to launder a sum of $15, 591,700 before a Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday.

The companies are Pluto Property and Investment Company Limited; Seagate Property Development & Investment Co. Limited; Trans Ocean Property and Investment Company Limited and Development Company Limited and Avalon Global Property Development Company Limited.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had since frozen the $15.6m found in the four companies’ accounts in Skye Bank.

But wife of ex-President Jonathan, Patience, has sued the EFCC and Skye Bank, laying claims to the money.

Details later…

EFCC Declares Former Katsina State governor, Ibrahim Shema, Wanted

Posted on September 15, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The antigraft agency has declared the former state governor wanted for criminal conspiracy, inflation of contracts, abuse of office, diversion of funds and embezzlement running into billions of naira.

A top source in the commission narrated to Vanguard how the operatives went to Shema’s home in the highbrow Asokoro District to pick up the top PDP politician but missed him by the whisker. “We have been monitoring him with a view to bringing him for interrogation but by the time our operatives arrived his compound, he was not there.

“The truth is that we had run out of patience with the former governor’s numerous excuses and had to declare him wanted because he has been inventing reasons to avoid honouring our invitations,” a top EFCC official told Vanguard.

He was governor of the state from May 2007 to May 2015.

Source :

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/09/n18-b-fraud-efcc-declares-ex-katsina-gov-shema-wanted/

Malabu oil deal: EFCC to grill ex-minister, others over $1.092bn cash

Posted on September 15, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Former Petroleum Resources Minister Dan Etete is set to visit the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to answer questions on the controversial Malabu Oil Block (OPL 245).

The EFCC is searching for $1,092,040 billion paid by Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Nigeria Limited (SNEPCO) and Nigeria Agip Exploration Limited (NAE) into an escrow account.

The anti-graft agency has raised a team to grill the ex-minister and all those implicated in the deal.

Those implicated are six former ministers in the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, a former Permanent Secretary, a former Head of State, a former Senate President, a former National Security Adviser (NSA), some senators, and some serving and former members of the House of Representatives.

The EFCC may also interact with Mohammed Abacha, who has raised issues on the oil block.

Etete, who was central to the auctioning of the oil block, has notified he EFCC of his readiness to explain his own side of the deal.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “We have made significant headway on the ongoing probe of the oil block. The former oil minister is set to state his own side.

“Etete sent his lawyer to inform the agency of his plans to return to Nigeria for interaction with our team.

“This is a good development because Etete is central to the auctioning of the oil block and he is a stakeholder in Malabu Oil Limited.”

The source, who pleaded not to be named so as not to jeopardise the probe, added: “This leg of investigation will enable us to track and address how to recover the $85 million in a NatWest Bank account.

“The cash is said to be part of the $1,092,040 billion remitted into an escrow account by Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Nigeria Limited (SNEPCO) and Nigeria Agip Exploration Limited (NAE).

“The Federal Government is interested in recovering the $85 million but we must follow the due process. The UK government a few weeks ago, expressed its willingness to return funds but we have to submit substantial proof, beyond reasonable doubt, that such money is ours.”

Etete’s coming may lead to the invitation of Mohammed Abacha.

The source added: “We may invite Mohammed Abacha for interaction if Etete lives up to his pledge to meet our team. He is one of those who have raised issues on the Oil Block (OPL 245).

“The Abachas said they have a lot of documents relating to the deal. You will also recall that OPL 245 was allocated to Malabu on behalf of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources by Mr. Dan Etete in his capacity as the then Presidential Advisor on Petroleum and Energy.”

The Abacha family-owned firm, Pecos Energy Limited, and Mohammed Sani (aka Mohammed Sani Abacha) had vide a letter dated 20th January 2010 from A.A Umar & Co., claimed that they had bought OPL 245 from Malabu Oil and Gas Limited for US$ 1.3 billion and that Malabu had without their knowledge, disposed of their interests in OPL 245 to Shell Nigeria Ultra Deep Limited (SNUD).

It was gathered that the ruling of a judge in London last December had created new grounds for investigation.

Justice Edis of the Southwark Crown Court, London, on December 14, 2015 stopped the payment of N17 billion to Malabu Oil and Company.

The judge said he was “not sure that the Goodluck Jonathan administration acted in the interest of Nigeria by approving the transfer of the money to Malabu.

He said: “I cannot simply assume that the FGN which was in power in 2011 and subsequently until 2015 rigorously defended the public interest of the people of Nigeria in all respects.”

By the terms of Block 245 Resolution Agreement, Shell agreed to the release of the outstanding Signature Bonus and to appoint an escrow agent for the purpose of paying $1,092,040 billion to the Federal Government.

It was learnt that $982,040,000 was the total contribution of NAE to the settlement but SNEPCO contributed $110,000,000 to make up the required $1,092,040 billion for the Federal Government to settle all claims and or issues over OPL 245 in accordance with the agreement.

There are fears that the $1,092,040 billion in an Escrow Account was “used for the settlement of the FGN-Malabu Oil Limited agreement on OPL 245”.

The EFCC has been trying to unravel whether or not the cash was paid to the government or if the appointed escrow agent managed the $1,092,040 billion and shared it to some beneficiaries for the settlement of disputes between the government and Malabu Oil Limited.

A memo submitted to International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes by SNUD gave further details. Shell said: “In 1998, during the President Abacha military regime, OPL 245 had been allocated to Malabu on behalf of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources by Mr. Dan Etete in his capacity as the then Presidential Advisor on Petroleum and Energy. Malabu was an indigenous Nigerian company, incorporated on 24 April 1999, with Nigerian shareholders, apparently for the purpose of petroleum prospecting.

“In March 2000, Malabu approached Shell within a farm-in proposal. Malabu was looking for an international oil company to take a 40 per cent equity stake in the OPL 245 licence itself and ‘carry’ Malabu in developing the block i.e. the international oil company would take all the exploration and development risk by funding Malabu’s share of the costs (including the acquisition, exploration and development costs of the block) as well as its own.

“Those costs would then be recovered by the international oil company from Malabu’s share oil production.”

N68bn scam: I am not running from EFCC – Shema

Posted on September 15, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The ex-governor of Katsina state, Ibrahim Shema, has responded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission , EFCC’s move to declare him wanted.

Recall that the EFCC had declared the ex-governor wanted over alleged diversion of funds running into N68 billion.

Mr. Shema in response to the latest development has denied the allegations levelled against him by the anti-graft agency.

Speaking to an online medium, Shema denied acknowledging the agency’s letters through his lawyers.

Shema who spoke through his spokesperson, Oluwabusola Olawale, said: “The EFCC sent another invitation and Mr. Shema agreed to honour the invitation with his lawyer, Wole Olanipekun.

“But the meeting with the EFCC could not hold because the officials were engaged elsewhere.

“Subsequently, Mr. Olanipekun wrote EFCC in July this year requesting for a date to be given and up till date, no date has been fixed by EFCC for the meeting.”

Shema’s spokesman further alleged that his boss was being victimized by the incumbent state governor, Aminu Masari.

“From all indications, it appears like the same issue which Governor Bello Masari had petitioned EFCC about.

“He has equally set up a Commission of Inquiry to investigate which is underway in Katsina and there’s also a pending court case on the matter.

“The allegations made by Mr. Masari are false, malicious and targeted to tarnish the image of Mr. Shema who served creditably well under the platform of PDP.”

Unfreeze My $15M Account, Dame Patience Begs EFCC

Posted on September 14, 2016 by Staff Reporter

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The wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Dame Patience Jonathan, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to lift the restriction on her $15m accounts, which was frozen in four companies’ accounts by the anti-graft agency.

She claimed that she uses the account to settle medical bills outside the country.

Patience disclosed this in a letter (reference number GA/Abibo/00226/2016) written by her lawyers, Granville Abibo (SAN) and Co, which was addressed to the Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu.

The letter read in part, “It is noteworthy to emphasise that the said accounts, which were in US dollar denomination, were card-based accounts and our client is the sole signatory to these accounts.

“However, our client has been operating the said accounts using the cards for her medical bill payments and purchases for her private purposes without any let or hindrance.

“Our client was therefore surprised when the said cards stop functioning on July 7, 2016, or thereabout. Our client immediately, thereupon, contacted Skye Bank Plc through our solicitors.

‘‘It was only then that the bank officials informed our client that the said accounts were placed on a ‘No Debit Order’ following investigations and instruction from your commission and this is without notice to our client by either the bank or the commission.

“It is in the light of the foregoing that we urge you to use your good offices to vacate the ‘No Debit/Freezing Order’ placed on the said accounts.”

“Despite the foregoing, our client, who is a law-abiding citizen, has watched with surprise how efforts are being made surreptitiously to indirectly harass or harangue her and short-change her of her personal funds in breach of her fundamental human rights.

“We urge you sir, to kindly intervene to stop the untoward and wrongful actions of your officials to embarrass, inconvenience and short-change our client.”

FRESH: EFCC quizzes Jonathan’s ex-chief of staff, ex-BPE DG over N27bn scam

Posted on September 8, 2016 by Staff Reporter

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Jones Arogbofa, a retired brigadier and former chief of staff to ex-president Goodluck Jonathan, has been detained and quizzed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), TheCable understands.

Also detained and quizzed are Benjamin Dikki, former director-general of the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE), and Godknows Igali, former permanent secretary in the ministry of power.

They were detained on Friday, September 2, by the anti-graft agency. They are being investigated over the payment of “phantom” insurance premiums totalling N27 billion for cover allegedly not provided to the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

Arogbofa was also questioned over an Abuja mansion he allegedly bought for N150 million. His role in the premium payment could not be ascertained.

Investigations in June 2015 had uncovered retrospective payments of the insurance premiums in suspicious circumstances.

In insurance parlance of “no premium, no cover”, there can be no insurance cover if premium is not paid ab initio.

Sources at the ministry of power said that the N27 billion payments were made for covers not provided but memos were initiated, backdated and secretly executed.

The premiums were ostensibly made to insurance firms thought to be fronting for powerful figures in the ministry and at BPE.

Eventually, the money was shared among senior government officials, with some getting as much as N1 billion in the dying days of the last administration, insiders informed.

A director at the ministry had said then: “The secrecy that accompanied the development shows that the individuals involved know that when it comes to the open, it will be greeted with outrage. I doubt if the regulators in the power and insurance industries, the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), diligently looked into these transactions which have ethical and criminal dimensions.”

In December 2015, a former BPE director wrote to Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo alleging fraudulent practices at the agency.

In a letter dated November 2, 2015, Ibrahim Muhammad Kashim, who retired in June 2015, alleged N27bn premium payments for a “non-existent insurance cover”. Kashim also alleged that a phantom N1.5bn contract was awarded to a “prominent PDP lawyer” by Dikki to wind up PHCN even when there was no work for the lawyer to do.

It was learnt that the detained trio have been released pending further investigations. No EFCC official was willing to comment on the development.

Source: The Cable

Alleged N2.3b Diversion: Orubebe, Others Get N50m Bail

Posted on September 7, 2016 by Staff Reporter

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama, Abuja has granted bail at N50million to former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godsday Orubebe and two others arraigned before it Wednesday morning.

Godsday Orubebe, Oludare Lawrence Alaba an Assistant Director, Ministry of Niger Delta Affiars), Ephraim Tewolde Zeri (Director of Contracts in Gitto Costruzioni Generali Nigeria Limited) and the company were arraigned on a six-count charge marked: CR/265/2016.

They are, in the charge filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), accused among others, of diverting about N2.3b meant for the compensation of property owners to be affected by the Federal Government’s dualisation project of Section IV of the East West Road.

Orubebe and others pleaded not guilty to the charge, following which Justice Kayode Adeniyi granted the ex-Minister bail at N10m and one surety, who must be a responsible Nigerian, resident in Abuja and must show evidence of regular tax payment.

The judge granted Alaba and Zeri bail at N20m and one surety each, who are to be residents in Abuja. He said Alaba’s surety must be an Assistant Director in any Federal Government’s agency, while Zeri’s surety must own property in Abuja and show evidence of ownership.
Justice Adeniyi ordered the defendants to be kept in ICPC’s custody pending when they are able to process the bail granted them.

He adjourned to November 10 for commencement of trial.

Edo PDP candidate, Ize-Iyamu is still under investigation – EFCC

Posted on September 6, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has said the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, is still under investigation for his alleged role in the disbursement of N23bn campaign funds, which emanated from a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

The N23bn was alleged to have been part of stolen crude oil funds and kickbacks from contractors.

Part of the money was allegedly used in bribing officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission during the 2015 general elections.

Ize-Iyamu had told journalists that as the campaign director for the Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organisation in Edo State during the 2015 presidential election, he handled N700m for the party.

He was quizzed by the EFCC in May 2016, whn he was asked to return some money to the commission but was not detained, thereby fuelling speculations that he had been cleared by the anti-graft agency.

The EFCC spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, however, said on Monday that the PDP candidate was still under investigation.

“I can confirm to you that he (Ize-Iyamu) is still under investigation,” Wilson said.

Ize-Iyamu had told reporters that he indeed handled N700m for the PDP during the last presidential election but added that the party still owed him some money.

He had said, “I told them (EFCC) who got what: that we needed money for transportation; mobilisation of our people; some of them that had to leave Benin to their polling units in the rural areas, and that the state chairman of the party worked out a realistic budget.

“And that by the time we looked at what they brought and what we had in mind, it became clear that the N700m would not be enough. Our leader volunteered to make up the difference, which he brought from his house.”

The EFCC has grilled about 16 former governors and ministers over the alleged N23bn Diezani scam.

Some of them included the immediate past Governor of Kebbi State, Saidu Dakin Garin; former Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State; former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano State; former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff of Borno State; former Governor James Ngilari of Adamawa State; a former Governor of Zamfara State, Mamuda Shinkafi; a former Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke; and a former Minister of State for Finance, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda.

During the election, each state was said to have received at least N450m from the fund, which was handled by ministers or governors who were members of the PDP.

Some states, however, received more than N450m.

EFCC Probes N8bn Counter-Insurgency Funds

Posted on September 2, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has begun investigations into the utilisation of N8bn released by the Office of the National Security Adviser for multi-national operations, it was learnt yesterday.

It was gathered on Thursday that the funds were released in March, 2014 and January, 2015 for counter-insurgency operations across the Nigerian borders.

It was learnt that the investigations were based on the third report of the Presidential Committee on Audit of Defence Equipment in the Nigerian Armed Forces, which was submitted to President Muhammadu Buhari in July.

A source in the commission said the commission had started tracing how the funds were spent with a view to recovering it.

The Air Vice-Marshal John Ode-led panel had, in its report, stated, “In March 2014, the ONSA made a case for the release of N1,000,000,000 to sustain offensive operations against Boko Haram insurgents across Nigerian borders. Although the amount was approved and released, the committee could not establish the utilisation of the funds.

“Additionally, in January 2015, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs requested N7,000,000,000 to urgently fund operations of the Multi-National Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad, which was approved and released from ONSA. However, the committee could not ascertain the utilisation of the funds from ONSA and the Defence Headquarters.”

The source stated that one of the mandates of the EFCC was to recover all funds diverted in the guise of fighting insurgents.

The source added, “I can assure you that the commission is doing that and those who got funds and could not account for how the money was used for counter-insurgency operations will be quizzed. They have to provide documents to prove that the money was used for what it was meant for. The report is not a final indictment, but if they cannot provide documents besides being taken to court, they will refund the money.”

It was learnt that those being investigated on how the funds were spent included a former NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.); an ex-Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nurudeen Mohammed; and a former Director of Finance in the ONSA, Alhaji Salisu Shuaibu.

It was also gathered that the EFCC was investigating the abuse of end-user certificates and payments of withholding tax.

According to Wikipedia, an end-user certificate is a document used in international transfers, including sales and arms provided as aid, of weapons and ammunition to certify that the buyer is the final recipient of the materials, and is not planning on transferring the materials to another party.

“EUCs are required by many governments to restrict the flow of the materials to undesired destinations such as embargoed states or rebel groups, governments with bad human rights records or states, which are considered a threat by the original supplier of the arms.”

The presidential committee had stated in its report, The Nigerian Army issued several EUCs for the procurement it undertook within the period under review. The authority to issue or raise EUCs is exclusively vested in the NSA.

“The Nigerian Army also made provision for payment of VAT in several of its contract agreements for procurement of military hardware which are exempted from the payment of VAT. On the other hand, the Nigerian Army failed to deduct WHT from source on most of the payments and where made, there were no evidence of remittance to FIRS.’’

It was reported that the EFCC had begun investigations into 20 companies indicted in the third arms probe report.

No fewer than six of the companies would pay a total of N2.4bn as withholding tax in connection with defence contracts awarded between 2007 and 2015.

Halliburton Scandal: EFCC Traces N13.5b To Private Account

Posted on September 1, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered how $32.5million of about $200million fines from Halliburton Energy Services was allegedly paid into a private account.

The cash was said to be missing because the anti-graft agency could not ascertain whether or not it was remitted into the Federal Government’s account.

A top shot with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation(NNPC), Mr. Roland Ewubare, who was one of the lawyers involved in the Settlement Agreement with Halliburton, has been given up to September 15 to submit a letter authorising him by the Federal Government to open the private escrow account.

Ewubare told the EFCC that, as the then Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), he acted in national interest in opening the escrow account.

He is in the United States to retrieve the relevant documents relating to the account for the EFCC.

The EFCC has grilled the Managing Director of Halliburton Energy Services in Nigeria, Henry Oki.

Oki gave the details of how agreements were signed between the Federal Government and Halliburton in London.

About five companies have paid fines in line with a Settlement Agreement with the Federal Government .

The breakdown of the remittances by the five companies is as follows: Julius Berger ($35m); Siemens (Euros 30m); Snamprogetti ($30m); Halliburton Energy Services ($32,500,000); and Japan Gasoline Corporation ($26, 500,000).

Top Nigerian lawyers who oversaw the agreement are a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Joseph B Daudu (SAN), Mr. E.C Ukala (SAN) Chief Godwin Obla (SAN), Mr. Roland Ewubare and Damian Dodo (SAN).

Some members of the legal team were conferred with national honours for the recovery.

EFCC detectives have discovered that the missing $32.5million was transferred by Halliburton into FGN JP Morgan Chase New York Swift BIC Code CHASUS 33, Account No. 000742501406865.

Halliburton scandal: EFCC traces N13.5b to private account

Extradition: Justice Abang Refuses Kashamu’s Fresh Application To Stop DSS, Police

Posted on August 31, 2016 by Staff Reporter

A Federal High Court in Abuja has refused an application by Senator Buruji Kashamu to stop the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police from going ahead with his arrest and extradition to the United States.
Kashamu is the Senator representing Ogun East in the National Assembly.

Justice Okon Abang in his ruling on Wednesday held that the application was incompetent.

He added that the security agencies deserved to be served notice to show cause before the order was granted.

Kashamu’s counsel, Godswill Mrakpor, had asked the court to grant urgent hearing to the application, insisting that there were moves to arrest and transport Kashamu to the US to face drug-related charges.

Tension as EFCC Arrests Ebonyi State Governor Umahi’s Brother

Posted on August 31, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Austin Umahi, the brother to the current governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The man was arrested along with two others Chinyere Egwuche and Mabel Dikibo over a N400m slush fund linked to the 2015 presidential campaign of the Peoples Democratic Party.

According to PM News, the suspects, all staff of Brass Engineering & Construction Nigeria Limited and Osborn La-Palm Royal Resort, were arrested for refusing to honour invitations by the EFCC over an ongoing investigation of both companies.

While Austin Umahi doubles as chairman of both companies, Chinyere Egwuche and Marbel Dikibo are also signatories to the companies’ accounts.

EFCC investigators alleged that the Director of Finance of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, Nenadi Usman released N400m to the Ebonyi State chapter of the PDP for the 2015 presidential election.

The said fund, the investigators said, was moved from Fidelity Bank Abakaliki on March 27, 2015, to an Access Bank, Abakaliki, account, where one Maxwell Umahi further moved N100, 000,000 and N300, 000,000 respectively into the accounts of Brass Engineering & Construction Nigeria Limited and Osborn La-Palm Royal Resort respectively.

One of the suspects, Chinyere Egwuche, subsequently withdrew the N300 million paid into the account of Osborn La-Palm, which according to her, was used to finance the construction of Osborn La-Palm Hotels in Abakaliki, Uburu and Port Harcourt, while the N100m paid into the account of Brass Engineering and Construction Nigeria Limited was transferred to a certain David Umahi Faith Foundation.

Although investigation is still ongoing, EFCC operatives said the companies to which the funds were transferred were traced to the Ebonyi State governor.

Funds Diversion: Orubebe’s Arraignment Stalled Again

Posted on August 30, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The absence of former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godsday Orubebe, stalled his arraignment for alleged involvement in the diversion of about N2.3 billion public funds on Tuesday.

Orubebe, Oludare Lawrence Alaba (an Assistant Director, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs), Ephraim Tewolde Zeri (Director of Contracts in Gitto Costruzioni Generali Nigeria Limited and the company are listed in the six-count charge marked: CR/265/2016, filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

They are accused of diverting the N2.3 billion meant for the compensation of property owners to be affected by the Federal Government’s dualization project of Section IV of the East West Road.

This is the second time Orubebe and others’ arraignment will be shifted to a later date.

They were initially scheduled to be arraigned before Justice Olukayode Adeniyi of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on August 18.

It was shifted to August 30 when prosecution lawyer, Osuobeni Akponimisingha told the court that the ICPC was yet to effect service of the charge on all defendants.

Akponimisingha told the court again on Tuesday that two of the defendants – Alaba and Zeri – were in court.

He noted that Orubebe was not in court despite the fact he had been properly served with the necessary court documents.

Orubebe’s lawyer, F. Zimuan, told the court that his client was absent in court because he is indisposed.

“His (Orubebe’s) absence is not deliberate. He suddenly took ill. He had domestic accident, which affected his ankle and wrist,” Zimuan said.

He said the development had cumulative effect on his hypertensive client, who had since been rushed to the hospital.

NBA Demands Apology From EFCC

Posted on August 30, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), is demanding an apology from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the withdrawal of a statement it has described as unacceptable.

A statement from the General Secretary of the NBA, Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, on August 29th 2016, said The NBA condemns in the strongest terms the use of abusive and uncivil language of ‘rogues and vultures’ by a public authority.

He added that: “It is unacceptable. The NBA demands unequivocal withdrawal of this statement and an unreserved apology from the EFCC.”

Olagunju explained that NBA president during his inaugural address in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State on Friday 26th August, 2016, commended the achievements of the EFCC but called for the reform of the Agency to enhance its capabilities to deliver on its mandate on a ‘consistent and sustainable’ basis devoid of political interference.

He said the call for reform was made on the basis of well-established institutional safeguards that demand the proper regulation of the wide discretionary powers involved in the investigation and prosecution of criminal matters.

He pointed out that combining investigative powers with prosecutorial powers in one single agency, (called the Roskill Model in England), is the exception rather than the norm.

Olagunju noted that: “In the UK only the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) enjoys such combined powers. But given the institutional safeguards, both within the SFO and the maturity that characterizes the UK Criminal Justice Institutions, the abuse of such powers will be highly unlikely.”

He added that the NBA Constitution demands that it promotes law reform and legal development. It, therefore, commits itself to promoting healthy public debate about our institutions and interrogating their capabilities and performance, including all criminal justice agencies such as the EFCC.

He said the NBA President Mr. Mahmoud, SAN has over the years supported the work of the EFCC in many ways and acted as counsel in a number of matters on behalf of the organization.

However, the EFCC in a statement by its spokesman Wilson Uwujaren also on 29th August 2016 said: “For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission Did Not say the whole of the NBA is populated by rogues and vultures.”

Group Urges EFCC To Probe NASS Over Budget Padding

Posted on August 29, 2016 by Staff Reporter

A group named ‘Conscience Nigeria’, on Monday in Lagos, urged the EFCC to investigate the leadership of the House of Representatives over alleged N40 billion budget padding.

The Executive Director of Conscience Nigeria, Mr Tosin Adeyanju, made the plea during a peaceful protest at the Lagos office of the EFCC.

He called for the immediate interrogation of the principal officers of the House fingered in the allegation.

The former Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Abdulmumin Jibrin, had named himself and some Principal Officers of the House as beneficiaries of illegal running costs amounting to billions of naira.
Till date, none of the Principal Officers directly fingered in the budget padding scandal has been invited, investigated or prosecuted.

“For the ongoing anti-corruption war to be successful, our nation must ensure that there are no sacred cows and no stone is left unturned in the fight against corruption.

“We call on the commission to immediately commence investigation into the allegation of padding of the 2016 Budget by the leadership of the Federal House of Representatives,’’ Adeyanju said.

He said that the consequences of the lawmakers’ actions would become a burden on the average Nigerian, “hence our opposition against making the issue a family affair’’.

The EFCC Deputy Director (Operations), Mr Iliyasu Kwarbai, who received a petition on behalf of the commission, commended the group for the peaceful protest.

“We have received petitions from some other persons on this same issue of budget padding. Our men are on ground already for the investigation.

“EFCC has no sacred cows. Whoever is involved in budget padding will be prosecuted.

“The President has said so before that no corrupt person will go unpunished. We call on all with facts that would help us prosecute the case to come to us,’’ Kwarbai said.

INEC REC Returns N20m Poll Bribe After EFCC Grilling

Posted on August 29, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Abia State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Sylvester Ezeani has refunded N20million to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The cash is part of the N23.29billion bribe given to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials to change the results of the 2015 election.

Three RECs have been named in the scandal. One of them is dead.

The EFCC has seized two choice shopping malls from a REC Gesil Khan.

Besides, the account of the REC with about N59million has been frozen by the anti-graft agency.

A retired INEC official, Sani Isa, was questioned for N406,206,000 bribe allegedly collected on behalf of the deceased REC in Kano State, Alhaji Mukaila Abdullahi.

The number of INEC staff invited and questioned by the EFCC has risen to 100.

INEC is awaiting a comprehensive brief from the anti-graft agency on the affected staff, it was learnt that only President Muhammadu Buhari can determine the fate of the RECs.

Ezeani’s N20million came from the $115m(N23.29billion) which former Minister of Petroleum Resources Diezani Alison-Madueke is said to have provided.

A source in EFCC, who spoke in confidence, said: “Faced by overwhelming evidence from our team, Ezeani has refunded to the commission N20million, which was traced to him.

“About N241million was allocated to INEC when Ezeani was the REC in Cross River State during the 2015 poll.

“We are working on other INEC staff to refund the cash credited to them from the slush funds. So far, about N503million has been recovered from INEC staff and politicians involved in the poll bribery scandal in Port Harcourt Zone alone.

“We are determined to retrieve a huge chunk of the N23.29billion bribe.”

INEC REC returns N20m poll bribe after EFCC grilling

“Goodluck Jonathan Told Anenih To Transfer N100M To Me,” Falae Confesses.

Posted on August 29, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Olu Falae has said that Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Chief Tony Anenih transferred N100 million to him on the orders of former president, Goodluck Jonathan.

Falae is being investigated for money laundering by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after he was accused of benefitting from the arms deal fraud.

The former SGF made the disclosure to the EFCC by submitting email correspondence between him Anenih to the agency, Punch reports.

“In the email, Anenih told Chief Falae, who is the Chairman of the SDP that N100m had been approved by President Jonathan as part of the agreement between the PDP and the SDP ahead of the presidential election,” a source said.

“He further urged Falae to provide an account which the money would be paid into,” the source added. The submission of the email thread as evidence has been confirmed by Falae’s spokesman, Alfa Mohammed.

“We had a letter of agreement between the PDP and the SDP regarding cooperation between the two parties for the election. There was an email from Anenih stating that Mr. President (Jonathan) told him to transfer the money to that effect,” Mohammed said.

Mohammed also said that it was unrealistic to demand a refund of the money from Falae as he had no idea where the funds were sourced from.

He also said that the PDP was still owing Falae N70 million out of the money in question.

Several members of the PDP have been accused of money laundering by the EFCC and the funds are alleged to have been used in a bid to secure a re-election for Jonathan in the 2015 polls.

EFCC Doesn’t Torture Suspects- Magu

Posted on August 26, 2016 by Staff Reporter

the first time in 13 years, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), yesterday opened the doors of its interrogation rooms and its cells to reporters to inspect.

Chairman of the anti-graft agency Ibrahim Magu said the Commission does not torture suspects because it is investigating non-violence crimes.

He added that the anti-graft agency had always put the interest of the country above any other consideration.

Magu, who personally conducted reporters round the EFCC cells and clinics for about an hour, asked Nigerians or organisations to feel free to go and inspect any detention facility of the commission in all parts of the country without notice.

He said: “I am telling you that our detention facility is one of the best in this country. I will be modest to say it is the best. You can look at the comfort we have provided for suspects, including state of the art toilet facilities.

“If you have any doubt, you can walk in to inspect our detention facility in Abuja or in any of our zonal offices at any time and without notice. We have nothing to hide at all.

“We did not tell all these suspects that you were coming for inspection, we wanted you to meet them in a natural state and form your opinion.

“We don’t torture people or suspects. Our kind of investigation is non-violence crime; we have no basis to torture people.

“We investigate financial crimes in line with international best practices. If the EFCC invites you, we must have done a lot of background check and all we will ask you is to corroborate our findings.

“After conducting the initial part of our investigation, we make sure we give bail to suspects. It is now left to these suspects to meet the conditions attached to the bail.”

He, however, said the commission was not opposed to criticisms.

EFCC doesn’t torture suspects, says Magu

EFCC Arrests Man Over $145,000 Love Scam

Posted on August 26, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, said it arrested Iwuchukwu Uche for obtaining money under false pretence to the tune of USD145, 000.

Mr. Uche, who said he was a military officer working for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO, in Kabul, Afghanistan, allegedly collected the money from his victim, H. Uyen, a Vietnamese woman, after promising to marry her.

The suspect, who also claimed to be a property agent operating in Nigeria and Ghana, allegedly told the victim that he needed the money to procure some documents for the planned wedding.

The money was allegedly wired to the suspect’s Diamond Bank account number: 0028998256.

The suspect will soon be charged to court, after investigation is concluded, a statement signed by EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren.

Credit:

http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/209321-efcc-arrests-man-145000-love-scam.html

EFCC To Grill 25 Suspects Over N5bn Army Vehicles Scandal

Posted on August 25, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched investigations into how the Army spent a N5billion vehicles purchase grant received from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The grant was provided by ONSA to purchase vehicles onstensibly for the monitoring of the 2015 general elections.

But sources said the purchase of the vehicles allegedly carried out by the Department of Training and Operations was bogged with fraud and illegalities. There were no award letters, contract agreements, technical assessment reports, delivery notes and receipt vouchers.

The Department of Army Logistics became aware of the quantity and types of vehicles on October 29, last year — about seven months after they were bought.

Besides, the EFCC team is looking into alleged spending of $5,938,897.18(N2, 369,619,903) between September 3 and 13, 2014 on the procurement of Counter Improvised Explosive Device Equipment (CIED) for the Defence and Security Services without a needs assessment.There were no award letters, contract agreements, technical assessment reports, delivery notes and receipt vouchers.

The $5,938,897.18 (N2, 369,619,903) contracts were awarded and paid for within 10 days.

The panel has shortlisted 25 of the 54 suspects for interrogation.

The suspects, who are to be interrogated “any time from now”, include some serving and retired officers, ex-permanent secretaries and directors of Finance.

EFCC Acting Chairman Ibrahim Magu last night mandated the task force “not to spare any suspect implicated in the deals”.

It was learnt that issues surrounding the N5billion and the $5,938,897.18 formed the major aspects of the preliminary investigation concluded by the EFCC team.

It was learnt that the preliminary investigation corroborated the report of the Presidential Committee on Audit of Defence Equipment, which was headed by Air Vice Marshal JON Ode.

After Ode panel submitted its third interim report to President Muhammadu Buhari, the 54 people for probe were shortlisted.

The EFCC raised the Special Task Force when the report was sent to Magu.

A source, who spoke in confidence last night, according to TheNation said: “The Task Force has virtually completed its preliminary investigation. Very soon, we will start inviting about 25 suspects in the first batch for interrogation.

“On Wednesday, the EFCC chairman mandated the Task Force ‘not to spare anybody implicated in the procurement scandal in the Nigerian Army. Magu said there should be ‘no sacred cows’ and we are sticking to that.”

The source, who pleaded not to be named because of the “sensitivity” of the matter, said: the task force had gone far in probing the curious N5billion grant.

It was gathered that the panel discovered irregularities in the purchase of the vehicles in line with the initial findings of Ode’s committee.

A document made available to the press said reads in part: “In the wake of preparations for the 2015 general elections, the ONSA released N5,000,000,000.00 to Nigerian Army on 16 March 2015 to meet its requirements for the exercise.

“The Committee established that out of the amount, Nigerian Army procured 155 units of Toyota Hilux and 50 units of Isuzu trucks, a procurement that was carried out in total disregard of the Public Procurement Act 2007.

“There were no procurement documents, such as award letters, contract agreements, technical assessment reports, delivery notes and receipt vouchers to support the acquisition. “Consequently, the unit cost of the vehicles and tax payable could not be ascertained.

“Moreover, the procurement was carried out by Department of Training and Operations instead of the Department of Army Logistics.

“The distribution of the vehicles showed that 15 were allocated to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) without specifying the purpose.

“Sadly, the Department of Army Logistics became aware of the quantity and types of vehicles on 29 October 2015, about seven months after they were procured, thereby jeopardising accountability. The Committee is of the view that the procurement process was fraudulent.”

A source in the Task Force said: “Those to be quizzed on the purchase of the N5billion vehicles are a Lt.-Gen, a Major-General, a Brig.-General and an auto firm .

“We will release their names whenever we are ready to interrogate them. We do not want to jeopardise investigation.”

The EFCC source also claimed that the task force was looking into alleged purchase of CIED for the Defence and Security Services by ONSA without due process.

The two contracts, which were said to be worth $5,938,897.18 (N2, 369,619,903), were awarded and paid for within 10 days.

The document added: “ONSA awarded and funded two other contracts totalling $5,938,897.18 between3 and 13 September 2014 for the procurement of CIED for the defence and security services.

“There were no need assessments from the beneficiary Services and security agencies prior to the procurement and ‘donation’ of the items by ONSA.

“Furthermore, there were no traces of award letters, contract agreements and proof of payment of WHT amounting to $296,944.86.”

Three suspects out of the 25 short-listed have been recommended for quizzing on the $5,938,897.18 for the CIED.

EFCC To Arraign Olu Falae Over N100m Dasuki Money

Posted on August 24, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Olu Falae.

Falae admitted receiving N100m from the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Tony Anenih.

The money is said to be part of the funds meant for the purchase of arms for soldiers waging war against Boko Haram.

Falae has been visiting the EFCC office in Lagos state, to shed more light on the money which he received from Anenih.

His spokesman, Alfa Mohammed said the former SGF is ill, and is sometimes grilled for eight hours without food.

According to Punch, the former SGF would be charged with “conspiracy to indirectly retain the sum of N100m, which he ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: stealing, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012, and punishable under Section 15(3) and 4 of the same Act.”

An EFCC source also revealed that “Chief Falae has been reporting to our office every week to answer questions on the N100m he received from the Jonathan campaign organisation. We have told him to refund the money.

But he said he received the money through Anenih and it was meant for campaign. However, investigations revealed that he deposited N60m into SDP’s account while he kept N40m.

“We told him that he should return the N40m, but he has not been forthcoming. We have no other option but to charge him to court.”

Funds meant for the purchase of arms for the military, was allegedly diverted by the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki.

EFCC Re-Opens 2011 Fuel Subsidy Scandal

Posted on August 23, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has reopened investigations into alleged N10.9 billion 2011 subsidy scam, Daily Trust reports.

Reports have it that the anti-graft body has already been grilling some top officials of the IPMAN Investment Company Limited, a company incorporated by some independent marketers to participate in the importation of refined products into the country in 2011.

This has helped in giving a direction to the probe with invaluable leads currently being gathered to prosecute the case which has questioned the anti-graft war of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Vice Chairman of IPMAN Investment Company Ltd, who is also the president of IPMAN, Elder Chinedu Okoronkwo, confirmed that he received a letter from the Police Special Fraud Unit, Department of Criminal Investigations, requesting him to release some of his members including the former president, Alhaji Aminu Abdulkadir, and Obasi Lawson for scrutiny.

He a reporter that: “We at the IPMAN secretariat are happy that the authorities are re-opening this case, because as a vice chairman of this company, we are kept in the dark.

“We don’t know when and how the IPMAN Investment Company Ltd imported any product, but all we saw was the release of N10.9 billion as subsidy reimbursement, that is why we started asking questions.

“Let’s keep IPMAN politics aside, this is national issue, let them provide the information and details of how much product was imported, who lifted it, which bank account the marketers paid the money to lift such product, and which bank opened the LC for them to import such product for which they deserved N10.9 billion reimbursement.

“These are the questions we asked Aminu and co but they rather tried to shift attention to another issue,” Okoronkwo said.

Benue Lawmakers Refunding N317m Car Loan To EFCC – Ortom

Posted on August 23, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Gov. Samuel Ortom has said that 22 state legislators have started refunding car loans they collected for personal vehicles to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) .

Ortom, who said this when he received youths of Turan in Kwande Local Government, said they were expected to refund N317million to the anti-graft agency in Abuja.

He said the refund was necessitated by the shoddy manner in which the loans were disbursed to the lawmakers.

The governor said that the process fell short of best practices required in such financial transactions.

Ortom explained that out of the number, 12 legislators were from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) while 10 were from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He expressed regrets that due process was jettisoned, which led to the lodgments of cash into the accounts of the legislators for the purchase of the cars.

“After the Executive Council approved the contract for the procurement of Prado Jeeps for the assembly members, only eight were procured.”

He said the contractor blamed his inability to purchase the remaining 22 vehicles on the high cost of the dollar.

“Instead of the contractor to get back to the government, he decided to meet the members directly, who opted for cash.

“The EFCC after studying the contract document ordered the 22 members, who collected cash to refund the money to the commission as due process was not followed”.

The EFCC had over the past one month, played host to Benue legislators, including its leadership, in their role in the loan disbursement saga.

Ortom also assured that his former amnesty boss, Terwase Akwaza, who was fleeing from arrest over his alleged role in the killing of his security aide would be arrested and brought to book.

He said more than 60 of his gang members had been arrested for various crimes in the state.

Governor Fayose Loses Bid To Stop EFCC Investigations.

Posted on August 19, 2016 by Staff Reporter

An ex parte order sought by Governor Ayo Fayose administration to stop the investigation of the finances of the state by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been declined by an Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti.

The court, presided over by Justice Cornelius Akintayo refused to grant the order on grounds that all the defendants in the case should be put on notice to prepare for their defence at the court.

The judge consequently adjourned the suit to August 23 and ordered all parties in the suit to appear before him when the Motion on Notice would be heard.

The Ekiti State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, OwoseniAjayi, had filed the suit to stop the anti-graft-agency from investigating the accounts of the state government.

The plaintiffs also sought the relief on an order stopping the arrest of the Commissioner for Finance, Accountant General and the managers of the affected banks.

EFCC Arrests Man For Duping Wife Of N6.7m

Posted on August 19, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, has arrested one Chike Nnaemeka, for allegedly tricking an official of the Federal Road Safety Corps into marrying him and paying for the wedding.

Nnaemeka, aka Dr. Justified, was said to have duped his victim, Nkechi Ani, of N6.7m.

The EFCC, in a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said Nnaemeka, who claimed to be a gynaecologist, allegedly collected the sum under different requests. The victim was reportedly introduced to him by one of her classmates at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State.

The suspect was also said to have tricked Ani into marrying him and they were joined in a traditional wedding on June 6, 2015, without informing her that he was married with three children.

In her petition, the complainant said, ‘‘During the wedding preparation, Justified brought up so many stories bordering on cultural issues that I or anyone from my family is not supposed to visit his home town until after my marriage. He also said that the tradition of his place as a lone prince demanded that I sponsored every financial aspect of the traditional marriage, but that he would refund me to the last one naira I spent.”

According to the commission, the suspect continued to deceive his victim and even claimed to have property that both Zenith Bank Plc and Diamond Bank Plc were purportedly interested in buying.

The suspect was said to have shown the complainant some documents of the property, and requested her to raise some money to enable him to complete the process.

The complainant allegedly transferred some amounts to the suspect, after being assured that he would refund her.

But on December 23, 2015, the suspect allegedly left the house on the pretext that he was going to sign the agreement papers with the banks to finalise the transaction. Ani also alleged that the suspect stole the sum of $3000 belonging to her boss.

http://punchng.com/efcc-arrests-man-duping-wife-n6-7m/

EFCC Detains Former Imo Governor Achike Udenwa

Posted on August 18, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) rearrested former Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa on Wednesday in connection with an alleged campaign scandal committed during the 2015 presidential election.

Mr. Udenwa, as a State coordinator for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential campaign organization in Imo State, was said to have collected the sum of N3.5m from the former senator representing Kaduna South and Director of Finance for the PDP presidential campaign organization, Nenadi Usman.

The suspect, in his statement to the commission, admitted receiving the money via Diamond Bank with account numbers 0058805692 and 005950791 on January 14 and 28, 2015, respectively, in three separate installments. He added that the money came from a company named Joint Trust Dimension Limited.

This same company was charged alongside Mrs. Nenadi Usman and the media director of the PDP presidential campaign organization, Femi Fani-Kayode, before a Federal High Court in Lagos on a similar allegation.

An investigation, however, revealed that Achike Udenwa and Viola Onwuliri, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs and State Minister for Education, who was his deputy at the presidential campaign organization, were the two signatories to the Diamond Bank account that received the money.

Upon his arrest, Mr. Udenwa was immediately granted administrative bail by the commission on the condition that he reports himself to the commission at an appointed time. But while enjoying his administrative bail, Mr. Udenwa chose to deliberately skip reporting, thereby compelling the EFCC to revoke his administrative bail pending his arraignment soon.

Achike Udenwa was a governor of Imo State under the flagship of the PDP between 1999 and 2007 and became Minister of Commerce and Industry between 2008 and 2010 under President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

EFCC Detains Ex-gov Udenwa For Failing To Refund N350m

Posted on August 18, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested a former Imo State Governor, Achike Udenwa, for allegedly receiving N350m from the Director of Finance of the Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organisation, Senator Nenadi Usman, during the build-up to the 2015 presidential elections.

The money was said to have been part of the N4bn that emanated from the imprest account of the Office of the National Security Adviser domiciled in the Central Bank of Nigeria.

According to the EFCC, Udenwa who was the Imo State coordinator of the campaign organisation, had admitted in his statement of oath that he received the money via Diamond Bank account 0058805692 and 005950791 respectively on January 14 and January 28, 2015 in three separate instalments.

Udenwa explained that he and a former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Viola Onwuliri, who was his deputy at the presidential campaign organisation, were the two signatories to the Diamond Bank account that received the money.

Onwuliri has since left the country.

Investigations revealed that the money came from a company named Joint Trust Dimension Limited which is said to be owned by Usman.

This same company was charged alongside Usman and the Media Director of the campaign organisation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, before a Federal High Court in Lagos on a similar allegation.

Fani-Kayode had also admitted receiving N840m through the account while the Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, Chief Olu Falae, received N100m through his company, Marecco Nigeria Limited.

A source at the EFCC said, “Upon his arrest, Udenwa was immediately granted administrative bail by the commission with condition that he should be reporting to the commission at an appointed time. But while enjoying his administrative bail, Udenwa chose to deliberately skip reporting, thereby compelling the commission to revoke his administrative bail pending his arraignment soon.”

http://punchng.com/efcc-detains-ex-gov-udenwa-failing-refund-n350m/

EFCC Quizzes University Vice-Chancellor For Alleged Corruption

Posted on August 17, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Olusola Oyewole, has been invited for questioning by the anti-graft commission, EFCC.

Mr. Oyewole and the institution’s bursar, Moses Ilesanmi, were invited for questioning based on allegations of corruption levelled against them.

The duo are to appear at the EFCC’s Zonal Office in Ibadan on August 17 by 10:00 a.m., according to an invitation letter signed by Akaninyewa Ezima.

“The office is currently investigating an alleged case of corruption and abuse of office involving your institution,” the EFCC invitation letter obtained reads.

The university officials were told to come along with certified true copies of documents including those of capital projects executed in their tenure.

While Mr. Oyewole, a Professor of Food Science and Technology, was appointed in 2012, Mr. Ilesanmi was appointed in September 2011 and is scheduled to leave office in a month.

The EFCC is also investigating payments made by the university to the governing council of the institution led by a former senator, Adeseye Ogunlewe.

The invited officials were asked to come with records of all payments made to Mr. Ogunlewe and other members of the governing council since their appointment in 2013.

Mr. Ogunlewe, who represented Lagos State in the Senate, was appointed pro-chancellor of the university by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/208722-efcc-quizzes-university-vice-chancellor-alleged-corruption.html

FG To Probe Alleged Death In EFCC Custody

Posted on August 16, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami, has called for an independent inquiry into how a former Chief Protocol Officer to the Minister of State for Defence, Mr Desmond Nunugwo, allegedly died in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to his family, Mr Nunugwo died on June 9, 2016, after he was arrested by the EFCC for his alleged role in a 91 million Naira fraud.

The lawyer to the family, Mr Paul Edeh, led relatives of the victim to the Ministry of Justice, where they had a private meeting with the Justice Minister.

Mr Edeh said that the Minister gave a directive that the issue be investigated and promised to get back to the family in a matter of days.

$15bn Arms Deals: Panel Traces Funds To Five Children Of Ex-Army Chief

Posted on August 13, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Presidential Committee on Audit of Defence Equipment Procurement (CADEP) has traced about N2billion, meant for the purchase of vehicles for the Nigerian Army, to the accounts of five children of a former Chief of Army Staff.

The accounts were said to have been frozen as at the time of filing this report.

Also, the panel discovered that about 42 units of Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) rejected by Iraq were resold to Nigeria to fight Boko Haram insurgents.

It said the poor equipment accounted for the loss of lives and soldiers in the North-East.

The panel’s findings are contained in a brief which was obtained by The Nation.

The outcome of the panel’s investigation suggested that the children of the ex-Chief of Army Staff allegedly used two companies for the deal.

The panel said: “The committee reviewed the procurement carried out by Chok Ventures Ltd and Integrated Equipment Services Ltd, two companies that shared the same registered office, had one name as common controlling shareholder and sole or mandatory signatory to the various banks accounts of the companies.”

The committee further established that between March 2011 and December 2013, the two companies exclusively procured various types of Toyota and Mitsubishi vehicles worth over N2, 000,000,000.00 for the Nigerian Army without any competitive bidding.

Most of the contracts awarded to the companies were also split, awarded on the same date or within a short space of time at costs and mobilization higher than the prescribed thresholds.

For instance, on February 13 and 15, the two companies were awarded contracts worth N260, 000.000.00 and N315, 000,000.00 respectively for supplies of various vehicles. The Nigerian Army could not justify the exclusive selection of these vendors against other renowned distributors of same brands of vehicles procured.

More seriously, the committee found no credible evidence of delivery of the vehicles by the two companies as there were no receipt vouchers, but only unauthenticated delivery notes, invoices and waybills that were purportedly used for the deliveries.

Nevertheless, the vendors were fully paid based on job completion certificate authenticated by the then Chief of Logistics, Maj Gen D.D. Kitchener (rtd). The payments were also made without deduction of Withholding Tax (WHT). Furthermore, analyses of the various bank accounts of the two companies showed transfers to individuals , some of who are believed to be children of the army chief.

“Thus, the committee recommends further investigation to determine delivery of the vehicles and relationship of funds beneficiaries with the former COAS and the two companies. Furthermore, the panel said that Lt Gen O. A. Ihejirika (rtd), Maj Gen D. D. Kitchener (rtd), Col A. M. Inuwa and Mr Chinedu Onyekwere should be held accountable for the issues arising out of the contracts.”

The panel observed that the award of contracts in the Nigerian Army was fraught with irregularities.

It said a company was registered on November 17, 2014 and awarded $125,179,299.10 on the same day.

It said: “The Nigerian Army, between April and August 2014, entered into four contract agreements with Societe D’Equipmenteux Internationale (SEI Nig Ltd) for procurement of Cobra Armoured Personnel Carriers, Shilka Self-Propelled Artillery Guns, Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) as well as various ammunition and spares funded by the ONSA.”

The contracts for the Cobra APCs and Shilka Guns were not executed as they were not funded. However, the costs for procurement of the AFVs; ammunition and spares were $398,550,000.00 and $484,765,000.00 respectively totalling $883,315,000.00.

In November 2014, the ONSA awarded contract to Conella Services Limited for procurement of 72 various arms and ammunition that included MRAP vehicles, Mi-17 helicopter at the cost of $125,179,299.10.

The committee observed that the company was registered in Nigeria on 17 November, 2014 and awarded the contract on the same date, while the EUC for the procurement was issued a day later on 18 November, 2014. Furthermore, the ONSA paid $36,996,530.00 and N2,209,582,296.00 to the vendor between November 2014 and 15 April, 2015.

However, the Nigerian Army denied receipt of any procurement from Conella Services Ltd.

Similarly, the committee tried in vain to reach officials of the company to confirm execution of the contract. There is, therefore, the need for further investigation of Conella Services Ltd.

The committee observed that SEI and its two associated companies, APC Axial Ltd and HK-Sawki Nig Ltd, were incorporated in May 2014 with two Nigerien brothers, Hima Aboubakar and Ousmane Hima Massy as the only directors.

Between May 2014 and March 2015, the ONSA mandated CBN to release various sums totaling $386,954,000.00 to SEI and the two associated companies for ‘procurement of technical equipment’, without tying the money to particular items of procurement.

Thus, the allotment of the funds was left at the discretion of the vendor without input or consultation with ONSA or the Nigerian Army.

“Furthermore, some of the funds transferred preceded the formalization of SEI contracts with the Nigerian Army. There was also no evidence of any contract to justify the payments made by ONSA to the SEI associate companies. Consequently, it had been difficult for the ONSA, the Nigerian Army and SEI to reconcile the accounts vis-a-vis the equipment delivered.”

The panel also uncovered that 42 units of Armoured Personnel Carrier(APC) which were rejected by Iraq were later sold to Nigeria to fight Boko Haram insurgents.

It claimed that some of the APCs were either expired or unsuitable leading to loss of lives.

It added: “The committee observed that one of the new equipment SEI procured for the Nigerian Army from Ukraine was BTR-4E APC.”

However, according to the Ukraine’s state enterprise, Lviv Armour Repair Plant, the designers of the equipment, “some of the products sold to Nigeria in 2014 were actually among 42 units designed for Iraq which subsequently rejected them due to poor performance rating”.

The Nigerian Army did not also undertake the mandatory pre-shipment inspections provided for in the contract agreements. Instead, the NA deployed an infantry officer, who lacked the technical knowledge to assess the capabilities and shortcomings of the equipment, to oversee the shipment of the items for the Nigerian Army from Ukraine.

Additionally, the two-week training availed the technicians and operators was inadequate for them to comprehend the technical workings of the newly introduced equipment.

The committee’s interactions with the field operators revealed that although the platforms and ammunition procured by SEI were deployed for the NE operations, some of them were aged or expired, lacked spares and prone to breakdown without immediate recovery equipment.

“Therefore, failure to carry out pre-shipment inspection and inadequate training resulted in procurement of some unreliable equipment that reduced the capacity of the Nigerian Army in the North East operations and resulted in the loss of lives and equipment.”

On some payments to SEI on T-72 Tanks, the panel said the company made about $93,000,000.00 profit without paying the mandatory 5 per cent Withholding Tax(WHT).

It said: “SEI submitted a document to the committee reconciling the items it delivered to the Nigerian Army vis-a-vis the payments made to it by ONSA.”

According to SEI, the total value of the contracts it executed amounted to $909,065,824.00 and not the $883,315,000.00 reflected in the two contract agreements it signed with Nigerian Army.

Furthermore, SEI claimed that it delivered goods worth $697,718,168.00 whereas only $198,289,672.00 was paid to it by ONSA.

Credit: TheNation

EFCC Investigates ‘Missing’ N3b Military Operation Cash

Posted on August 11, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The MDAs were said to have funded the Nigerian Army procurement through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

A document obtained by The Nation said ONSA collected various sums from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), among others for military operations, but the Defence Headquarters and the Services denied receipt of the money.

The document said: “The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on 13 May 2013 requested funds for the conduct of Operation BOYONA aimed at dislodging terrorists camps along the common borders with Cameroun, Chad and Niger.

“Consequently, the government released N1,340,000,000. 00 from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which were disbursed to DHQ and the Services accordingly.

“In August 2013, ONSA requested and got approval for additional N2,000,000,000.00 for logistics requirements and sustenance of troops, which was credited to ONSA’s account.

“However, DHQ and the Services confirmed non receipt of any additional funds for Operation BOYONA.

“The Committee is of the view that the then NSA, Lt Col MS Dasuki (rtd) should be made to account for the N2,000,000,000.00.

“The Committee also noted that between 3 September 2014 and 30 April 2015,

NIMASA funded accounts of the Joint Task Force Operation Pulo Shield with various sums totalling N8,542,586,798.58 purportedly to enhance operations of the JTF in the Niger Delta. Neither the need assessment that warranted the release of funds nor the details of the expenditure was made available to the Committee.

EFCC investigates ‘missing’ N3b military operation cash

N16M Scam: EFCC Arrests 3 For Impersonating Magu

Posted on August 10, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested three members of a syndicate for allegedly impersonating the Commission’s acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu.

According to the EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, the suspects were arrested in a sting operation by operatives of the Commission.

The suspects – Anokwuru Miriam Iheoma, Chukwuma Charles Eze and Ogechi Emeka Okwuosa – had allegedly attempted to obtain the sum of N16,0000,000.00 (Sixteen Million Naira) from Prince Casmir I. Ajulu, Secretary, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Anambra State.

According to Ajulu, the suspects allegedly sent a text message to his mobile phone on March 26, 2016, requesting a list of the names of House of Representatives designates who wanted their Certificates of Return for the last election held in the state.

The suspects also allegedly sent some text messages to Ajulu, assuring him that Magu had contacted the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmud Yakubu, over the matter.

Given Ajulu’s reluctance to meet their demand, the suspects, however, allegedly threatened to ‘‘deal with him.’’

AGF Directs EFCC, Others To Submit High Profile Criminal Cases To Him

Posted on August 10, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN) has directed prosecuting agencies to compile list of “high profile criminal cases” they are prosecuting for transfer to a special committee.
Malami, a few months ago, constituted the National Prosecution Coordination Committee (NPCC) with a brief to assume prosecution of some identified “high profile criminal cases” being handled by prosecuting agencies.

The minister said the committee was constituted to ensure “smooth and prompt” prosecution of such cases.

The directive for the agencies to compile the list of such pending cases was announced yesterday in Abuja at a meeting with heads of the prosecuting agencies and representatives of the AGF.

N16m Scam: EFCC Arrests 3 For Impersonating Magu

Posted on August 10, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested three members of a syndicate for allegedly impersonating the Commission’s acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu.

According to the EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, the suspects were arrested in a sting operation by operatives of the Commission.

The suspects- Anokwuru Miriam Iheoma, Chukwuma Charles Eze and Ogechi Emeka Okwuosa, had allegedly attempted to obtain the sum of N16,0000,000.00 (Sixteen Million Naira) from Prince Casmir I. Ajulu, Secretary, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Anambra State.

Given Ajulu’s reluctance to meet their demand, the suspects, however, allegedly threatened to ‘‘deal with him.’’

http://leadership.ng/news/545422/n16m-scam-efcc-arrests-3-for-impersonating-magu

EFCC Releases Blogger, #Abusidiq

Posted on August 9, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has released popular blogger, Mr. Abubakar Sidiq Usman, otherwise known as Abusidiq, who it arrested on Monday.

Friends of the blogger, whose controversial arrest attracted criticism, confirmed that he regained his freedom about 30 minutes ago.

Credit:

http://punchng.com/breaking-efcc-releases-blogger-abusidiq/

#FreeAbusidiq: OPAN Berates EFCC For Illegal Arrest Of Blogger

Posted on August 9, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Abubakar Sidiq Usman, publisher of abusidiqu.com is still in custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), despite the announcement made by the anti-graft agency that it has released the blogger.

Wilson Uwujaren, spokesman for EFCC on Monday ? said, “the suspect (Usman) has already been offered administrative bail and would be released to his elected sureties.”

The details of the administrative bail, which was read to our correspondent on phone, demanded that the two sureties must be Directors in the civil service.

Family sources informed that Abubakar Sidiq Usman has not been able to meet the bail condition.

The blogger was arrested Monday morning in his home in Kubwa, Abuja for exposing shady dealings involving Ibrahim Magu, EFCC chairman.

The EFCC in a statement, said, Abubakar Sidiq Usman was arrested for cyber stalking; which is the repeated use of electronic communications to harass, or frighten someone, for example by sending threatening e-mails.

However, Nigeria has no law on cyber stalking; consequently, the Online Publishers Association of Nigeria(OPAN) has condemned the arrest of Abubakar Sidiq Usman.

The body described his arrest as an attempt to stifle press freedom Nigeria and asked EFCC to release Abubakar Sidiq Usman immediately without conditions or bring him before a competent court.

OPAN pointed out that EFCC`s action was an abuse of its powers and demanded the anticorruption agency to cease and desist from acting as judge, jury and executioner.

Orubebe In Serious Trouble!! Accused Of Diverting N1.9bn Compensation Money

Posted on August 4, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has filed new charges against former Minister of Niger Delta, Godsday Orubebe, before an Abuja High Court, alleging that he diverted close to N2 billion naira meant for the dualisation of Section IV of the East-West Road.

He is charged alongside Oludare Lawrence Alaba, Ephraim Towelde Zaki and Gitto Construction Limited on a five-count charge bordering on alleged corruption, diversion of funds and perjury.

ORUBEBE

He was accused of circumventing a Federal Executive Council, (FEC) approval for the dualisation of the Eket – Oron Road, part of the East-West Road which runs from Edo to Bayelsa states, by allegedly instructing the contractor, Gitto Construction, to rehabilitate it instead.

Orubebe and the co-accused ?persons are also charged with conferring undue advantage on the construction firm when they caused the money meant for compensating residents whose properties were marked for demolition paid to Gitto.

Court papers stated that the sum of N2,320,686,826.00 approved for payment of compensation to owners of properties that were to be demolished to make way for the dualisation of the road was paid to the contractor instead of the beneficiaries.

Budget Padding Scandal: Police Invite Dogara, Others.

Posted on August 3, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, has raised a five-man special team to probe the alleged padding of the budget by House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara and some of his principal officers.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Amodu Ali-led Special Investigative Panel (SIP) has invited Dogara, his deputy Yusuff Lasun, Chief Whip Alhassan Ado Doguwa and Minority Leader Leo Ogor to appear before it on Friday.

The panel Tuesday had what was called “a preliminary session” with ousted House Committee on Appropriations chairman Abdulmumin Jibrin, who accused Dogara and others of padding the budget with N284 billion.

Last Monday, Jibrin petitioned the police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other anti-corruption agencies over the matter.

Jibrin was said to have “furnished the SIP with vital information and a heap of documents” at their meeting yesterday.

A highly-placed police source, who spoke in confidence, said Ibrahim has directed the SIP to conduct a “comprehensive investigation into Jibrin’s petition.”

We have commenced full investigation into the N284billion budget padding in the House of Representatives based on a petition from Hon. Jibrin.

A Special Investigative Panel (SIP), with a crack detective, AIG Amodu Ali as the chairman, is the one saddled with the responsibility of looking into the allegations in the petition.

The same Ali uncovered the lid on the $620,000 bribery scam in the House for which a former Chairman of the House Committee on Fuel Subsidy Management, Mallam Farouk Lawan, and the Clerk of the committee, Mr. Boniface Emenalo were indicted. The case is in court.

“You will recall that Ali was deeply involved in the investigation of the $180million Halliburton scam. So, the SIP is led by an officer who is tested.”

Asked of the preliminary work done by the SIP, the source added: “As I am talking to you (4pm yesterday), a letter of invitation has been addressed and sent to the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker, the Chief Whip and the Minority Leader.

“They will be interrogated by the SIP on Friday. As a prelude to the invitation of the principal officers, the SIP chairman and members had a session with Jibrin on Tuesday.

“It was not a grilling session. But Jibrin furnished the team with vital information and a heap of documents to back up the petition he submitted on Monday.

“We are going into the merit or otherwise of the petition on Friday by inviting Dogara and three others. It is going to be a gradual thing but we will crack the padding controversy.”

Jibrin confirmed on Tuesday that security has been beefed up around him by the Department of State Service (DSS) and the police.

He also asked the All Progressives Congress (APC) to prevail on Dogara to reconvene the House and step aside to face prosecution for alleged budget padding.

Jibrin, in a message on his Twitter handle, said: “My attention has been drawn to media reports that I have been summoned to appear before a disciplinary committee of our great party.

“That I received a letter yesterday evening (Monday) inviting me to a meeting in respect of the crisis in the House on Tuesday (yesterday) by 2pm at the party’s office.”

“The letter did not in any way indicate it as a disciplinary committee. And I have responded that I will attend the meeting despite my tight schedules shuttling between security and anti-corruption agencies to provide support and evidence against Speaker Dogara and nine others.”

“I am confident that the party will do the right thing by throwing its weight to support our resolve to wipe out corruption in the House and direct Speaker Dogara, Deputy Speaker Lasun, Whip Doguwa and Minority Leader Ogor to reconvene the House immediately and step down to face imminent prosecution and save the party and our dear country from further embarrassment.”

Budget Padding: Why I Revealed The Secret Late – Jibrin

Posted on August 1, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Erstwhile chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, yesterday admitted that his revelations over the alleged padding of the 2016 budget were late.

Jibrin explained that he could not expose the budget padding in good time, as it was difficult for him to stand against the institutionalised corruption in the House of Representatives.

He also said that allegation of corruption levied against the National Assembly by former president Olusegun Obasanjo could not be totally.

Jibrin, while speaking on the controversial insertions into the 2016 budget, on a Channels Television weekly programme, ‘Sunday Politics’ said although this revelations were coming late late, but as the chairman of the committee, he was made to believe that certain information were not to be disclosed.

“I fought the battle of my life, I didn’t help myself, I started speaking late,” he said.

He added that; “I am a product of the establishment, and now my mentors will now realize that I have gone out of the cycle. I am so glad that I am breaking away from the cycle.”

He however explained that the insertions did not affect the size of the budget, noting that the harmonisations committee chaired by the deputy speaker Yusuf Lasun took advantage of the committee to insert more items for personal aggrandizement.

Abdulmumini stated further that just 10 standing committees out of the 96 standing committees posted 200 projects which amounted to N284 billion were inserted into the budget.

“After collecting the reports of the various committees, we did the statistics and shockingly, I discovered that just about 10 standing committees out of the 96 standing committees of the House posted about 2000 projects, totaling about N284 billion,” he stated.

Although, he admitted that the insertions were constitutional that the insertions into the budget by the principal officers of the House were constitutional, and it is a usual practice in the national assembly, he maintained that the insertions were outrageous and above the limit.

“There is that unanimity in the national assembly, we all do not agree with the word padding, of course as I have explained that there are so many insertions from the angle of the National Assembly, even though the law allows it, internally, I raised an observation, of course, I discussed the matter with the speaker, that personally I believe that the insertions were too much. And it is also very important that the constitution gave us the power to appropriate, but the intention is what I question, those were the issues I fought until eventually I left,” he said.

He stated further that; There have been insertions in past budgets; I saw the insertions in budgets of 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. The only difference is that in 2016, the insertions went completely above the board.”

Abdulmumini maintained that there is Institutionalised corruption in the House, but members are quick to deny the fact.

“There is institutionalised corruption in the House, but we keep living in denial, it is my fifth year in the National Assembly, I have never been involved in corruption, I have never shared money.”

According to Abdulmumini, the size and quantity of insertions would always cause a rift between the executive and legislative arm of government. If the insertion into the budget is done from the executive arm of government, members of the national assembly refer to such insertion as padding, and when it is done by the National Assembly members, the executive arm of government also refer to it as padding.

When pointedly asked to explain the role of ministries, departments and agencies in the conspiracy, Jibrin said; “I don’t want to involve the executive arm of government in this, because the matter is already controversial, of course a lot transpired between the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Budget office on one hand and the Ministry of Budget and the Budget Office on the other hand.”

He noted that his mission was to force a revolution in the House of Representatives and a lot of issues ranging from corruption and conduct of members will be raised.

We Will Not Intervene In The Budget Padding Scandal – APC Governors

Posted on August 1, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The governors of the All Progressives Congress, APC, have said they would not intervene in the current budget-padding scandal rocking the House of Representatives.

The governors had last week met President Muhammadu Buhari and obtained permission from the president to mediate in the crisis.

Governor Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi State stated this during a chat with journalists in Abuja.

“I assure you that we are not going to delve into cases that are before the courts or tribunal. We are not going to delve into the current issue of the moment. We are only going to touch on the political issues pertaining to the National Assembly.

“What is before the court, those of us who are lawyers, know that it is subjudice and the current issue is just coming up and it is not politics.

“As far as I am concerned, if any proof is found to any of the allegations, these are criminal offences. So, there is no way any committee of governors can delve into that, I assure you,” he stated.

Nigerian Ringleader Of Global Network Behind Thousands Of Online Scams Arrested In Rivers State – Interpol

Posted on August 1, 2016 by Staff Reporter

A Nigerian suspected of being in charge of a network of internet scammers, stealing around $60m (£45m), has been arrested in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

According to the international police organisation, the 40-year-old Nigerian known as ‘Mike’, the head of an international criminal network behind thousands of online frauds was arrested in a joint operation by INTERPOL and the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).

The Nigerian national is believed to be behind scams totalling more than USD 60 million involving hundreds of victims worldwide. In one case a target was conned into paying out USD 15.4 million.

The network compromised email accounts of small to medium businesses around the world including in Australia, Canada, India, Malaysia, Romania, South Africa, Thailand and the US, with the financial victims mainly other companies dealing with these compromised accounts.

Heading a network of at least 40 individuals across Nigeria, Malaysia and South Africa which both provided malware and carried out the frauds, the alleged mastermind also had money laundering contacts in China, Europe and the US who provided bank account details for the illicit cash flow.

Following his arrest in Port Harcourt in southern Nigeria, a forensic examination of devices seized by the EFCC showed he had been involved in a range of criminal activities including business e-mail compromise (BEC) and romance scams.

The main two types of scam run by the 40-year-old targeted businesses were payment diversion fraud – where a supplier’s email would be compromised and fake messages would then be sent to the buyer with instructions for payment to a bank account under the criminal’s control – and ‘CEO fraud’.

In CEO fraud, the email account of a high-level executive is compromised and a request for a wire transfer is sent to another employee who has been identified as responsible for handling these requests. The money is then paid into a designated bank account held by the criminal.

‘Mike’ first came onto the law enforcement radar through a report provided to INTERPOL by Trend Micro, one of its strategic partners at the INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation (IGCI) in Singapore.

This, combined with actionable analysis and intelligence from Fortinet Fortiguard Labs in 2015, enabled specialists at the INTERPOL Digital Crime Centre, including experts from Cyber Defense Institute based at the IGCI, and the EFCC to locate the suspect in Nigeria, resulting in his arrest in June.

Abdul Chukkol, Head of the EFCC’s Cybercrime Section said the transnational nature of business e-mail compromise makes it complex to crack, but the arrest sent a clear signal that Nigeria could not be considered a safe haven for criminals.

“For a long time we have said in order to be effective, the fight against cybercrime must rely on public-private partnerships and international cooperation,” said Mr Chukkol.

“The success of this operation is the result of close cooperation between INTERPOL and the EFCC, whose understanding of the Nigerian environment made it possible to disrupt the criminal organization’s network traversing many countries, targeting individuals and companies,” added Mr Chukkol.

Noboru Nakatani, Executive Director of the IGCI warned that BEC poses a significant and growing threat, with tens of thousands of companies victimized in recent years.

“The public, and especially businesses, need to be alert to this type of cyber-enabled fraud” said Mr Nakatani. “Basic security protocols such as two-factor authentication and verification by other means before making a money transfer are essential to reduce the risk of falling victim to these scams,”

“It is exactly through this type of public and private sector cooperation that INTERPOL will continue to help member countries in bringing cybercriminals to justice no matter where they are,” concluded Mr Nakatani.

The 40-year-old, along with a 38-year-old also arrested by Nigerian authorities, faces charges including hacking, conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretences. Both are currently on administrative bail as the investigation continues.

Source: www.interpol.com

Bomb Shell: Dogara Gave Appropriation Committee Members $20,000 Bribe Each To Lie At Press Conference – Jibrin

Posted on July 30, 2016 by Staff Reporter

MY RESPONSE TO THE PRESS CONFERENCE ADDRESSED BY 9 MEMBERS OF THE 40-MEMBER APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

All the accusations they leveled against me are not in any way different from the bunch of lies contained in the shameless statement released by Speaker Dogara and the 3 other principal officers through Hon Namdas which I have fully provided response to. But to prove my innocence, I have resolved that I will respond to any accusation or allegation leveled against me, unlike the corrupt Speaker Dogara, who rather than respond to the 25 allegations I leveled against him and others, has resorted to use legal gimmicks to stall the allegations. Mr Speaker, you cannot sweep such hefty allegations under the carpet. You think Nigerians are not watching?

First, only 9 out of the 40 appropriation committee members agreed to participate in such a dishonorable press conference after shamelessly collecting $20,000 each distributed to them two days ago at the Speaker’s residence by his Deputy Chief of staff Hon CID Maduabum. My same Deputy Hon Chris Azubogu (you will remember his history with Hon Hembe in the 7th Assembly) who was used to organize the press conference was clearly on camera almost crying at the press conference where I announced my resignation. It took a couple of minutes before I could calm him down, get him seated for me to commence the event. See attached documents showing his greedy demands for insertions 111 projects into the budget which I turned down. You can imagine the pressure I went through. The 9 of them are a disgrace to their constituents.

On the lies that I never conferred with committee members or excluded them, here is the fact. The members of appropriation committee were fully carried along except those periods that the Quartet of Speaker Dogara and others took away the entire secretariat from me. When the appropriation bill passes second reading and is referred to the appropriation committee, a meeting with standing committee chairmen, their deputies and principal officers is usually held to discuss the guidelines for the committee work. We held that meeting on Wednesday January 27th 2016 With Mr Speaker in attendance. (see attached for document showing agenda of meeting and guide lines provided to standing committees).

The 40 members of the appropriation committee are grouped into sub-committees and allocated a number of standing committees to supervise. Their role is so important such that they must first agree with the report of the various standing committees they supervised before the report of such committees are considered, deliberated and adopted by the appropriation committee. The implication of that process is that every member participated and endorsed the reports. God so kind, the entire session was recorded publicly. I will release the videos so that my Hon colleagues and the general public will see videos of appropriation members in action. And the 9 members of the appropriation committee with short memory will be reminded.

No report of a standing committee of the house was received without the approval of members of appropriation committee. See attached for document showing full list of members of appropriation committee, distribution into sub committees, secretary of each subcommittee, contacts and meeting rooms. Interestingly, the distribution and allocations was done by this same Deputy chairman of mine! Where is his honour?

Again they tried to drag the entire house and body of principal officers into this matter. I have stated categorically clear several times that my allegations are not against the House as an institution or the entire body of principal officers but specifically on Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Deputy Speaker Yusuf Lasun, Whip Alhassan Doguwa and Minority Leader Leo Ogor and few other members.

It is also a blatant lie that I disappeared. I was always at home since we were on a short break. Even more shocking is the fact that my Deputy Hon Chris Azubogu who was regularly at my home during that period can go on national TV for a price of $20,000 to tell such shameful lies. Well, CCTV don’t tell lies. The period that my colleagues didn’t see me was the two occasions that Speaker Dogara and the others took away my secretariat. At least, now you know that your budget was with Mr Speaker not me.

On the issue of pressure by members against me, I have explained that countless times. Who can blame them when they do not have the facts of the matter. All they know and hear is Hon Jibrin. This is in addition to a well-orchestrated blackmail by Speaker Dogara and his cohorts to spread false hood and effectively block me from briefing members. The conspiracy of silence by the few committee chairmen who are culprits didn’t help my case. Well, now the whole members are getting to know what transpired.

The contradictions in all your statements are too much. Here you are talking about sack. What do we believe after the Speaker first admitted that I resigned? Again, on one hand you say Hon Jibrin padded the budget, on the other hand you say nothing like padding in the entire budget. Which do you want us to believe? Yes we have complete powers of appropriation but the intention of the constitution is not to say you should exercise that power in a senseless manner, okay?

The mother of all contradiction, is when you said no breach was committed so there must not be any external probe but internal. So if there has been no breach what so ever in the budget process, why are you accusing me of committing so many offence in that regard? And what do you intend to probe internally?

My dear colleagues, you all know me very well and my bluntness and anti-corruption stance in the House. We will all die and meet our God. Feel free to play politics but remember posterity will judge.

I urge you all to join hands and do the Honourable thing by asking Speaker Yakubu Dogara and the 3 other principal officers to reconvene the House and step down with immediate effect to face prosecution. They have all lost the moral grounds to call themselves presiding and principal officers of the House. The more they cling on to power, the further the image of the House will be battered.

I wish to inform you that I have officially approached the EFFC and the ICPC to come in and decisively deal with this matter and other corruption cases in the House. Kindly note that the allegations must be externally investigated.

This is a defining moment for the House of Representatives. It will never be business as usual.

Thank you

Hon Abdulmumin Jibrin PhD MBA

Kiru-Bebeji Federal Constituency

Kano (APC)

Budget Padding: EFCC, ICPC Must Investigate Allegations Against Dogara, Others – Jibrin

Posted on July 30, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Former chairman of the House of Representative Committee on Appropriation, Honourable Jibrin on Friday insisted that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) must probe the allegation of budget padding he levelled against the Speaker, Honourable Yakubu Dogara and three other principal officers.

He said that, “This is a defining moment for the House of Representatives. It will never be business as usual”.

To this end, he urged members “to join hands and do the honourable thing by asking Speaker Yakubu Dogara and the three other principal officers to reconvene the House and step down with immediate effect to face prosecution.

According to him, “They have all lost the moral grounds to call themselves presiding and principal officers of the House. The more they cling on to power, the further the image of the House will be battered.”

The statement reads in part: “I wish to inform you that I have officially approached the EFFC and the ICPC to come in and decisively deal with this matter and other corruption cases in the House. Kindly note that the allegations must be externally investigated.

He also questioned the rationale behind his former deputy, Honourable Chris Azibogu and few others’ decosopm to address a press conference where they claimed there was no budget padding.

He wondered why “only 9 out of the 40 appropriation committee members agreed to participate in such a dishonorable press conference after shamelessly collecting $20,000 each distributed to them yesterday at the Speaker’s residence by his Deputy Chief of staff, Hon CID Maduabum.

“My same Deputy Hon Chris Azubogu ( you will remember his history with Hon Hembe in the 7th Assembly) who was used to organize the press conference was clearly on camera almost crying at the press conference where I announced my resignation.”

Looters Will Return Their Loots, The Nation Needs The Money – President Buhari

Posted on July 29, 2016 by Staff Reporter

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that he was very much home with the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.

The president assured that government was taking deliberate steps to improve the lives of citizens.

Buhari stated this yesterday when he received the Council of Abuja Imams at the presidential villa, Abuja.

According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the president told the Imams that his government is acutely aware of challenges of life facing the average citizen.

He appealed to Muslim religious leaders to carry the message of hope to the people that things will improve.

Buhari also requested religious leaders throughout the country to keep calming the people.

“The leadership, at various levels, is trying to solve problems of poverty, unemployment and insecurity bedevilling the country,” the president said. He said the government chose to give priority to agriculture so as to create jobs for unemployed citizens and give the country food security.

Buhari noted that although efforts had begun, there was a bigger plan for the provision of fertilizers, insecticides and land preparations starting next year.

He further requested state governments and community leaders across the country to organise the population into cooperative societies, stressing that “extension services, not money will be provided.”

The president also addressed the religious leaders on the efforts to improve power supply in the country with on-going efforts to bring foreign investment from China and some friendly countries that indicated willingness in developing the proposed Mambila and other hydroelectric power projects in the country.

He assured that the steps the government was carefully taking on the crisis situation in the Niger Delta would lead to long-term peace and stabilise the oil-rich region.

On the war against corruption and the Boko Haram terrorism, the president said his government would remain resolute and relentless.

“We have no plan to humiliate or embarrass anyone through these actions. We are merely interested in instituting justice and fairness for all,” the president assured.

He reiterated that whoever was caught, as having stolen from the public, will be forced to return the loot to the treasury. “The nation needs the money,” he stated.

Earlier, the Chairman of Abuja Council of Imams, Dr. Tajudeen Mohammed Bello Adigun, on behalf of the delegation, commended the efforts of the Buhari administration in the war against corruption and terrorism.

Obanikoro’s Ex-Aide Reveals How He Helped Transport N4.7bn Election Funds

Posted on July 29, 2016 by Staff Reporter

An officer of the Nigerian Navy, Lt.-Cdr Olumide Adewale, has told the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission that he helped his former boss, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, to transport money, which was flown to Akure and later handed over to Abiodun Agbele on the instructions of Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State.

Adewale, who was the Aide-de-Camp to Obanikoro when the latter was the Minister of State for Defence, said this on Wednesday when he was grilled by detectives of the EFCC.

According to the anti-graft agency, the money was part of the N4.7bn that was paid into Obanikoro’s sons’ company account, Sylvan McNamara, on the instructions of the embattled former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.).

Adewale, who was in charge of Obanikoro’s security for about a year, told the EFCC that everything he did was under the strict instructions of his boss.

He told investigators that on June 16, 2014, barely a week to the Ekiti State governorship election, he, alongside Obanikoro, departed the ex-minister’s Park View home in Ikoyi, Lagos, and headed for the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

The naval officer told detectives that on getting to the airport, he met Obanikoro’s son, Gbolahan. He said Gbolahan and the former minister had a brief meeting after which a bullion van arrived at the private wing of the airport.

Adewale told the EFCC operatives that Gbolahan then directed some men at the airport to offload the money from the bullion van and load it unto the aircraft.

The entire activity was said to have been captured on CCTV.

A detective of the anti-graft agency quoted Adewale as saying, “The flight was delayed for about an hour. Later, a bullion van pulled into the hangar where the chartered flight was. Shortly after, Gbolahan ensured that some bags were offloaded unto the plane. I later boarded the flight with Obanikoro and his friend, Dr. Tunde Oshinowo (a PDP chieftain and a mutual friend of Obanikoro and Fayose).”

The EFCC detectives said that on getting to the Akure airport, Obanikoro was welcomed by Mr. Abiodun Agbele, Fayose’s ally, who had since been arrested by the commission.

Adewale confirmed that Obanikoro was welcomed at the airport by a politician.

He told investigators that he did not know the name of the person but could recognise the person.

The naval man was further quoted as saying, “On arrival at Akure, the minister had a discussion with political friends. A bullion van was driven to the tarmac. The bags were offloaded unto the bullion van and the minister directed that we escort the van to a Zenith Bank branch in Akure.

“On arrival, the bags were offloaded by bank workers under the supervision of a civilian who had come to meet the minister at the Akure airport. I don’t know the man facially but I can recognise him.”

Meanwhile, Fayose has said the EFCC is on a wild goose chase in Ekiti State.

The governor stated that the anti-corruption commission had shifted attention to the finances of Ekiti State after what he claimed to be the failure of the commission to link him with the diversion of arms funds at the NSA’s office under Dasuki.

Fayose, who spoke on Orange FM station in Akure, Ondo State, on Thursday, said the EFCC had started harassing banks in Ekiti State, seeking for records of government finances, on allegations that the contractors gave him (governor) kickbacks.

“They are on vendetta mission. They said I collected money from Dasuki and I have told them that I did not collect a dime from Dasuki. I have N300m in my fixed deposit account in Zenith Bank and I declared it in my Asset Declaration Form.

“I have challenged them to publish the statement made to the EFCC by Dasuki where he said he gave Senator Musiliu Obanikoro money to give me or where Obanikoro himself said he gave me money.’’

Fayose called for proper restructuring of the country in line with the report of the 2014 National Conference.

“Nigeria has not been properly structured and that’s why we are facing all these problems. Remember it was those in power now that clamoured for restructuring when they were in opposition. Now that they have the federal powers and they are using the powers to oppress the people, they are against the restructuring of Nigeria,” he said.

“EFCC Is After Me”, Fayose Cries Out.

Posted on July 29, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose alleged yesterday that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has shifted attention to the finances of the state.

According to him, this followed the failure of the agency to establish any link between him and the funds from the Office of the National Security Adviser under Col Sambo Dasuki (rtd).”

He said the EFCC had been harassing banks in Ekiti, seeking for records of government finances and chasing contractors, claiming that the contractors gave him kickback.

“They are on vendetta mission.They said I collected money from Dasuki and I have told them that I did not collect a dime from Dasuki. I have N300 million in my fixed Deposit Account in Zenith Bank and I declared it in my Assets Declaration Form.

“I have challenged them to publish the statement made to the EFCC by Dasuki where he said he gave Senator Musiliu Obanikoro money to give me or where Obanikoro himself said he gave me money.

“Since they have seen that the Dasuki money issue won’t offer them the implication of Fayose that they desperately needed, they are now harassing contractors in the State. But I can assure them that their efforts will come to nothing,” the governor said.

The governor, who declared that he had no personal scores to settle with President Muhammadu Buhari, said; “I am not attacking Buhari, I am only telling him the truth. I was 24 year old when Buhari became military head of state, we queued then before we could purchase essential commodities, this is the same way things were difficult.”

He reiterated his call to the federal government to declare emergency on agriculture, saying; “It is not enough to say people should go back to farming. The government must provide necessary farming equipment because you don’t expect the present day farming to be done with hoes and cutlasses.

“Again, apart from the north, where do we have functional irrigation system? If our people must go back to farming, especially in the Southwest, we need the federal government assistance on irrigation.”

Saraki, Akpabio, Daniel, Odili, Ladoja Included In AGF’s List For Fresh Probe, Trial

Posted on July 28, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Senate President Bukola Saraki, factional Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ali Modu Sheriff; and Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, are among 31 former governors whose alleged corruption cases investigated by the anti-graft agencies are likely to be reopened soon.

The PUNCH had exclusively reported on Tuesday that the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, had written to the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission, directing the reopening of the cases of the ex-governors.

It was learnt on Wednesday that the AGF had called for the case files of the former state governors.

The PUNCH obtained the list of the former governors, who were named in the AGF’s letter, on Wednesday.

The list contains the names of Saraki, a former Governor of Kwara State; Akpabio (a former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, and Sheriff (an ex-Governor of Borno State).

Other former governors include Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia); Chimaroke Nnamani (Enugu); Saminu Turaki (Jigawa); Sule Lamido (Jigawa); Joshua Dariye (Plateau); Ahmed Yerima (Zamfara); Gabriel Suswam (Benue); Martin Elechi (Ebonyi); Danjuma Goje (Gombe) and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa).

They also include Ikedi Ohakim (Imo); Obong Victor Attah (Akwa Ibom); Achike Udenwa (Imo); Abdullahi Adamu (Nasarawa); Gbenga Daniel (Ogun); Jolly Nyame (Taraba); Boni Haruna (Adamawa); George Akume (Benue); Rashidi Ladoja (Oyo); Attahiru Bafarawa (Sokoto) and Adebayo Alao-Akala.

Others are Usman Dakingari (Kebbi); Adamu Mu’azu (Bauchi); Peter Odili (Rivers), and Lucky Igbindedion (Edo).

Part of the AGF’s letter to the ICPC, sighted by our correspondent on Monday, indicated that the cases against some of the former governors were investigated some years ago, but charges were never filed against them.

The letter partly read, “It is clear that some of these governors and other politically-exposed persons have not been charged to court despite the fact that the ICPC has concluded their investigations, concerning allegations levelled against them, for one reason or the other.

“It is the position of the present administration that all ex-governors, who the ICPC had long concluded investigations into the various allegations levelled against them, should be immediately prosecuted.”

The letter also gave the Chairman of the ICPC a 14-day ultimatum to “remit the duplicate case files concerning the politically-exposed persons investigated by the ICPC over the years” to the office of the AGF.

Our correspondent confirmed on Wednesday that the AGF had sent a similar request to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission with the same list of former governors annexed to his letter.

The PUNCH had reported that some of the ex-governors, according to one of the sources, include some, who had been convicted on charges preferred against them by the EFCC.

Some of them also had their cases terminated before full-blown trial could begin.

Others are currently undergoing trial on charges initiated against them by the EFCC at either the various divisions of the Federal High Court or the High Courts of their home states.

There are about five of the former governors, who are now said to be serving senators.

The affected personalities, it was learnt, served as governors for either one or two terms between 1999 and 2015, and are from all the six geopolitical zones of the country.

It was also confirmed that the majority of those on the list belonged to the two dominant political parties, the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.

Another source also confirmed that a former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori, who was convicted in the United Kingdom for fraud-related charges and still serving his prison terms, was on the list.

Apart from Ibori, two former governors from the South-South, are said to be on the list.

Five of the former governors are from the South-East, and three from the South-West.

The PUNCH was informed that the ex-governors, whose cases would be reopened, included six from the North-West; six from the North-East, and eight from the North-Central.

The AGF letter defines high-profile cases as cases “involving alleged misconduct amounting to economic sabotage; involving complex financial transactions or property movement; involving any of the suspects, who is a politician, a public officer or judicial officer; and where the subject matter involves government or corruption of its official or involves the abuse of office.”

Such judiciary officers, it was learnt, would include judges allegedly involved in economic sabotage, including financial transactions.

The AGF’s letter to both the ICPC and EFCC indicated that AGF’s request for the case files was in the exercise of his powers vested in the AGF by Section 174(1) of the Constitution as well as sections 105 (3) and 106 (a) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

Our correspondent’s findings showed on Wednesday that ICPC and EFCC had yet to respond to the AGF’s request.

EFCC To Arraign Suspects For Duping Swiss National Of $530,000

Posted on July 27, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has secured the leave of a Kano High Court sitting Kano, to arraign Saminu Umar Ta’ambu and Ahmed Maiturare of the popular kantin kwari textile market, Kano, for offences bordering on obtaining by false pretence.

They allegedly used the name of Kano State government to induce a Swiss National, Mathias Hee, Owner of Okutex Ag, into supplying them with fabrics worth $530,000.

Justice Dije Aboki gave the nod after hearing argument on the application for leave to prefer charge against the suspects by EFCC Counsel A.T. Habib. The leave is pursuant to Section 185(b) of the Criminal Procedure Code.

The prime suspect, Ta’ambu, was alleged to have approached a Swiss national named Mathias Hee and owner Okutex Ag, a textile manufacturing company, around July, 2015, requesting for the supply of fabrics to the tune of $530,000, under the pretext that he acted on behalf of Kano State Government.

He reportedly forged a document titled “Authorization to transfer to foreign account” purported to have been issued and signed by the authority of the Government of Kano State.

After the items were supplied, Mr. Ta’ambu failed to honour his part of the bargain and refused to remit the amount as agreed.

Credit: PremiumTimes

Court Orders EFCC To Pay N5 Million Damages To Fayose’s Aide

Posted on July 21, 2016 by Staff Reporter

A Federal Capital Territory High Court has granted bail to Abiodun Agbele, an aide to the Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose.

Mr. Agbele was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on July 1 on allegations of fraud.

The EFCC said Mr. Agbele received huge public funds from a former defence minister, Musiliu Obanikoro, and delivered same to Mr. Fayose.

The judge, Olukayode Fadeniyi, declared that the failure of the EFCC to charge Mr. Agbele to court, since his arrest, amounted to an abuse of his fundamental rights.

He ordered the commission to pay a compensation of N5 million to Mr. Agbele.

The court also ruled that Mr. Agbele be admitted to bail with a bond of N50 million and a surety not below the cadre of a director in the civil service.

Alternatively, Mr. Agbele is required to provide a surety who is a responsible Nigerian citizen, with landed property in any part of Abuja.

“The surety shall depose an affidavit of means,” the court also ruled.

Mr. Fadeniyi also ordered Mr. Agbele to submit his international passport at the commission.

Credit: PremiumTimes

EFCC Grills Obanikoro’s Daughter Over N800m Transaction, Seizes Her Passport

Posted on July 16, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Friday grilled Shalewa Obanikoro, the daughter of a former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, over a transaction of N800m she allegedly made.

Investigators told our correspondent that Shalewa was grilled at the Lagos office of the EFCC for several hours alongside her mother, Moroophat.

An impeccable source at the anti-graft agency said as part of investigations into the N4.7bn allegedly paid into the company account of Obanikoro’s sons – Babajide and Gbolahan – by the Office of the National Security Adviser, the commission started investigating some other members of the family.

The detective said, “Obanikoro’s wife came to our office on Friday morning as part of investigations into the N4.7bn paid into Sylvan McNamara, a company owned by her sons. During investigation, we stumbled on the account of an oil company. We then discovered that Obanikoro’s daughter was a signatory to the account of the oil company and that millions of naira was paid into the account at different times.

“We then invited the daughter and she came to meet us at the office. During investigations, we found out that the daughter gave a standing order to the bank that N800m should be moved into another account. We wondered why such a young girl would have access to such funds so we started quizzing her.

“This is a whole new dimension to the case and we will continue to investigate to find out if it is related to the arms probe or not.”

Obanikoro and his sons, who are citizens of the United States, have remained in the US for over a year.

However, the EFCC swiftly seized the US passport of Shalewa to prevent her from towing the path of her father and brothers.

The investigator said, “We were told that she was planning on travelling to the US soon so we swiftly seized her passport because she is vital to our investigation. However, we told her to be coming from home.”

Credit: Punch

N1.299b Fraud: EFCC Grills Bullion Van Driver

Posted on July 15, 2016 by Staff Reporter

A bullion van driver has spoken of his role in evacuating N1.299 billion from the Akure airport for Ekiti State Governor Ayo Faose.

Omotoso Olaoluwa told Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) detectives that he got no tip for moving the cash even at night.

Also yesterday, it was learnt Zenith Bank’s management denied that the bank funded Fayose’s election in 2014.

The Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Peter Amangbo said neither himself nor the chairman ever met with Fayose.

Olaoluwa said: “On 17/6/2014 on the directive of the branch management of Zenith Bank, Akure, I went to Akure Airport to move cash to the bank. The cash could not be moved once for the first time. So we had to go to the airport the second time.

“ Some amount of cash was deposited in the state branch, some amount was moved to the Spotless Hotel in Ado-Ekiti together with Fayose’s aide, Mr., Abiodun Agbele.

“We moved the cash with three vehicles, including one bullion van and two Toyota Hilux vehicles. The two Toyota Hilux were filled with members of the Nigerian Army that provided the security.

“In my bullion van, nobody was with me but Abiodun Agbele was in the Hilux. That was the first time I went to Akure Airport around 12pm.

“But the second time was in the evening, very late but I don’t know the actual amount that we moved to Spotless.

“It was Biodun Oshode that instructed me to move the cash to Spotless Hotel. I mean the Zonal Head (around 7:30pm). We got to Ado-Ekiti Spotless around 7.30pm.

“The key to the vault in the bullion van was with one Mr. Abiodun Agbele. He was the one that later opened the vault. Mr. Biodun did not give me cash and I did not discuss anything with him after the cash was offloaded.

“Mr. Biodun Agbele later returned the key to the vault to me. Before I left the place, I checked everywhere, there was nothing in the van.”

Credit: Nation

Group Asks EFCC To Investigate Buratai Over Alleged ?Purchase Of Properties In Dubai

Posted on July 11, 2016 by Staff Reporter

An anti-graft coalition, the Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CSNAC), has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, over alleged diversion of funds to purchase properties in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In a petition forwarded to the anti-graft commission and signed by the group’s chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the group said such act was a violation of the law of public service.

According to the group, ?if the revelation is found to be true, based on evidence adduced by a newspaper, then the actions of the COAS is a great disservice, an act of sabotage against the Nigerian State and a violation of the law prohibiting public officer from investing or participating in any other business safe for farming.

Taking a cue from a publication of June 24, 2016, by Sahara Reporters, an online newspaper, the group said the newspaper revealed how the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Buratai and his two wives were alleged joint owners of a Dubai Property that was paid for in one transaction.

“The funds for the said properties were alleged to have come from a vehicle contract scam, executed while Mr. Buratai was the Director of Procurement at the Army Headquarters. “Our correspondents discovered that the Nigerian Army had awarded an apparently bogus contract for the supply of vehicles and motorcycles for the use of troops involved in an anti-terrorism offensive in Nigeria’s beleaguered northeastern zone”.

According to the publication, “The allegation that General Buratai might have pilfered funds meant for the purchase of military vehicles has sparked outrage among soldiers and officers, especially those from the northeastern part of the country. Two military sources disclosed that irate officers had petitioned President Muhammadu Buhari, urging him to order an investigation into the contract scam”.

“In the petition, exclusively obtained by SaharaReporters, the aggrieved soldiers and officers, under the umbrella of Concerned Soldiers and Officers from the North East, had accused the COAS of executing the contract through a proxy. According to the petitioners, the proxy’s name is Usman Gamawa, founder of Baggash Investment Limited. The petition stated that, rather than supply new vehicles, as contained the contract awarded, Mr. Baggash allegedly purchased second-hand vehicles and motorcycles from Niger Republic.

“On arrival in Nigeria, the vehicles were said to have been refurbished at Mogadishu Cantonment under the supervision of Staff Sergeant Dadan Garba. SaharaReporters said some of the vehicles and motorcycles had since broken down.”

Credit: PremiumTimes

EFCC To Re-arraign Nyako, Son, Others Sept. 12

Posted on July 9, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC) will re-arraign the former Governor of Adamawa, Murtala Nyako, and his son, Abdul-Aziz, before Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Sept. 12.

The EFCC had on Aug. 7, 2015, arraigned Nyako, along with his son, Abdul-Aziz, and Zulkifikk Abba, Abubakar Aliyu as well as five firms. They were arraigned on 37 counts of money laundering, involving alleged diversion of over N29 billion belonging to the Adamawa government. Nyako and his son, who is a serving senator, were arraigned before the late Justice Evoh Chukwu.

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, then re-assigned the case to Abang following the death of Chukwu in June. The case was initially scheduled to commence afresh by way of re-arraignment on July 7.

However, the court could not sit due to the extension of the Eid-el-Fitri holiday announced by the Federal Government on July 5. When the matter was called, Abang asked counsel to pick an early date after the court’s vacation for re-arraignment.

The Prosecution, led by Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), had called six witnesses before Chukwu’s demise. NAN reports that all the accused person pleaded not guilty to the 37 count charges.

Credit: Vanguard

Freezing Fayose’s Account: Assembly Protests Against EFCC, Holds Plenary On Highway

Posted on June 29, 2016 by Staff Reporter

As part of the efforts to drum support for Governor Ayodele Fayose over the freezing of his accounts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) , members of the state House of Assembly on Wednesday staged a protest by holding its plenary on the highway to express their disenchantment with the action of the anti-graft agency.

They lambasted the EFCC for flouting section 308 of the constitution which conferred absolute immunity on Fayose. They then called for the immediate unfreezing of the accounts in the interest of justice.

The EFCC had on June 21 frozen Fayose’s two accounts, numbers 1003126654 and 9013074033 domiciled in Ado Ekiti branch of Zenith Bank, alleging that N1.2 billion of the $2.1 billion arms fund from the office of the former National Security Adviser, Col. Dasuki Sambo (rtd.) was traced to the accounts.

The governor was at the Federal High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti, seeking for a mandatory order compelling the anti-graft agency to unfreeze the accounts, at the time of filing this report.

The lawmakers, who sat under a canopy on the dual carriage way in Ado Ekiti, were armed with several placards with different inscriptions such as “we are ready for arrest”, “Harassing Ekiti lawmakers/government won’t give you 2018,” “No matter your media trial and blackmail, on Fayose we stand” and “Leave Fayose alone” among others.

Credit: Thisday

Frozen Account: Fayose Drags EFCC To Court

Posted on June 29, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Governor Ayodele Fayose has dragged Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and a second generation bank before a Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti over freezing of his personal bank accounts.
The court has ordered the anti-graft commission and the bank to show cause why an Order Exparte to unfreeze the governor’s accounts, submitted yesterday by the Fayose’s legal team, should not be upheld.
The judge gave Monday, July 4 for the EFCC and the bank to appear in court with the said evidence.
Mr. Mike Ozekhome had, through an exparte order, deposed to on June 24 by Bimpe Olatemiju sought a mandatory order unfreezing the accounts belonging to and operated by him pending the determination of his interlocutory application.
Joined in the suit are the EFCC, first defendant, and the bank as second defendant.
The order was supported by an 18-paragraph affidavit, a lone exhibit, which was a letter issued to Fayose by the bank confirming that the EFCC actually placed a restriction order on the accounts and a written address.
He also sought the leave of the court for the service of the originating summons on the defendants in their various addresses outside the jurisdiction of the court as contained on the order papers, supported by a 17-paragraph affidavit.
Ozekhome said the order was brought pursuant to Order 26, Rule 8(1) of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rule 2009 and Section 44(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which gives the court the discretionary powers to adjudicate on such matter.
Citing the case of Abdulaziz Nyako Vs EFCC to buttress his position that the anti-graft agency had no power to freeze Fayose’s account without valid court order, Ozekhome said the action was a flagrant negation of Section 308 of the constitution, which conferred absolute immunity on the governor against civil and criminal procedures.
He said it was appalling that the EFCC could play the ostrich to these valid constitutional requirements.
Delivering his ruling, Justice Taiwo Taiwo, said he understood that the applicant (Fayose) enjoyed immunity and that the court could adjudicate on the matter as canvassed by the counsel to the plaintiff, but pointed out that the relief he sought was a mandatory order of the court.
“I quite agree that the applicant has immunity pursuant to provisions of the constitution, but it is glaring that what the application he is requesting for is a mandatory order to undo what had already been done and the court cannot abdicate its duty under this circumstance.
“I am of the opinion that this mandatory order is better granted with the interlocutory order being sought through an application pending before the court, because the applicant has filed all papers to this effect.
“I hereby ordered the first and second respondents to appear before this court on July 4, 2016 and show cause why the order should be refused.
“This is not a refusal of the order, I have not refused it, but I only put it in abeyance which I said without prejudice to what will be the position of the respondents.
“But a leave is granted for the service of the defendants with the originating summons in their respective addresses as contained on the order papers,” the judge ruled.

Credit: Sun

EFCC Arraigns Ex-Ministers, Fani-Kayode, Nenadi-Usman For Allegedly Laundering N4.9 billion

Posted on June 28, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday arraigned a former aviation minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, accusing him and three others of laundering N4.9 billion.

A planned arraignment of Mr. Fani-Kayode was stalled last Tuesday by the absence of the trial judge.

Judge Sule Hassan’s absence was said to be due to an “official function”.

Mr. Fani-Kayode, who served as director of media and publicity during the campaign of former President Goodluck Jonathan, is facing a 17-count charge bordering on unlawful retention, use, and payment of money in the tune of about N4.9 billion.

Others charged alongside the former minister are Nenadi Usman, former finance minister; Danjuma Yusuf; and a company, Joint Trust Dimension Nig. Ltd.

According to the EFCC’s charge, the accused were alleged to have committed the offences between January and March 2015.

In counts one to seven, they were alleged to have unlawfully retained over N3.8 billion which they “reasonably ought to have known” formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act of stealing and corruption.

Credit: PremiumTimes

EFCC Traces Three Mansions To Fayose’s Associate

Posted on June 24, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission( EFCC) has traced three posh houses to an associate of Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose.

The houses, one in Abuja and two in Lagos, are believed to have been bought with part of the N1.219billion pumped into the 2014 governorship election. The cash believed to be from the office of the National security Adviser (NSA). Fayose has denied having any dealing with the office while Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.) was in charge.

The cash, detectives believe, was from the N4.745billion allocated to a former Minister of state (Defence) Musiliu Obanikoro by the ONSA as a war chest to win the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states in 2014.

The EFCC has facts to believe that the associate allegedly acted as a front for the governor, who is under investigation.

The agency may seize the properties under the Interim Forfeiture Clause of the EFCC Act.

According to a source, investigators have established a link between the N1.29billion and the three mansions.

The source said: “We have been able to trace the three mansions in Abuja and Lagos to a key associate of Fayose. Our investigators have retrieved relevant documents, including the mode of payment for the houses.

“Part of the N1.29billion credited to Fayose was used for the acquisition of the mansions. We are suspecting that the associate allegedly acted as a front for the governor. We will certainly invoke the appropriate laws to seize the assets after conclusion of investigation.”

The Forfeiture Order in Sections 26 and 29 of the EFCC Act reads: “Any property subject to forfeiture under this Act may be seized by the commission in the following circumstances- (a) the seizure is incidental to an arrest or search; or (b) in the case of property liable to forfeiture upon process issued by the court following an application made by the Commission in accordance with the prescribed rules

“Whenever property is seized under any of the provisions of this Act, the Commission may-(a) place the property under seal; or (b) remove the property to a place designated by the Commission.

“Properties taken or detained under this section shall be deemed to be in custody of the Commission, subject only to an order of a court.”

The EFCC is said to be probing clues on the governor’s alleged acquisition of a choice property in Dubai.

“We are looking at these clues and exploring the Mutual Legal Assistance understanding between Nigeria and the UAE to authenticate the information at our disposal and to take necessary legal action,” the source said, pleading not to be named “so as not to jeopardise the investigation”.

Credit: Nation

Reps Ask EFCC, ICPC To Probe Bala, Others Over Land Swap

Posted on June 24, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The House of Representatives yesterday asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the former FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed, to examine the likely abuse of financial regulations in the land swap policy he introduced while in office.
Also to be probed alongside Bala are the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr Adamu Ismaila and the coordinator, Abuja Infrastructure Investment Center (AIIC), Mr Faruk Sani, to ascertain their culpability or otherwise in the abuse of financial regulations, due process and other regulations regarding the land swap program.

The House took the decision after adopting the report of its committee on the FCT chaired by Rep Herman Hembe (APC, Benue).
The committee, which investigated the matter earlier this month, laid its report on Tuesday, containing 10 recommendations.
The House also asked relevant security and law enforcement agencies to investigate and track all monies expended outside the laid down financial guidelines for the program, particularly, monies paid to the FCTA Land Swap Programme Account with the FCMB Plc, and the private personal account of Mustafa Usman Kaoje, the Accountant of AIIC and any other official of FCTA and AIIC.

Credit: Dailytrust

EFCC Arraigns Senior Air Force Officer For Allegedly Receiving N40 Million, Landrover Bribe

Posted on June 24, 2016 by Staff Reporter

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday arraigned, AVM Rufus Ojuawo, in an FCT High Court, Apo, for collecting N40 million gift and a Range Rover sports car from Hima Abubakar.

Mr. Ojuawo, a former Director of Operations, Nigerian Air Force, was arraigned before Justice Mahawiya Idris on a two-count charge.

The charge says Mr. Ojuawo while in office in March, 2015, accepted a gift in the aggregate sum of N40 million from Abubakar of Societe D’ Equipments Internationaux Nig. Ltd.

It stated that the defendant also received a Range Rover Sports Supercharged car valued at N29, 250, 000 from Mr. Abubakar, who was a contractor with the Nigerian Airforce through Coscharis Motors Ltd.

The offence contravenes Section 17(a) of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under Section 17(c) of the same Act.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.

EFCC counsel Francis Jirbo applied for a date to open his case, and urged the court to remand Mr. Ojuawo in prison custody.

But Defence counsel, Ralph Ojabo, opposed the application, saying that he had an application for bail dated June 3 pending in the court.

Credit: PremiumTimes

How EFCC Almost Arrested Aisha Buhari’s Impostor– Ribadu

Posted on June 22, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Aisha Buhari mentioned in the bribery scandal of a former United States congressman, William Jefferson, was an impostor who was peddling influence with the name of President Muhammadu Buhari, a former chairman of the EFCC, Nuhu Ribadu, has said.

Mr. Ribadu narrated how the EFCC during his tenure, in conjunction with U.S. authorities, almost arrested the impostor.

“She is a different person and has lived in the U.S. for years. She is hardly in Nigeria. The EFCC was working with U.S. authorities on the investigations. One of my plans was to arrest her before I left the commission. Our suspicion then was that she was using the Buhari name for influence.

“The EFCC laid ambush to see if she would come into the country so she could be arrested. I didn’t know what happened to the plan to arrest her after I left,” he said.

Mr. Ribadu however said if Nigerian authorities were still interested in the case it was easy to establish her real identity.

He said this should not be a problem for investigators because she recently renewed her passport at the Nigeria embassy in Washington and that they should still have a file on her.

Mr. Ribadu’s successor at the EFCC , Ibrahim Lamorde, had earlier told this newspaper the President Buhari’s wife was not the person mentioned in the scandal as alleged by the governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose.

Mr. Fayose had distributed a link to the U.S. Department of Justice Web site holding court documents where a certain Aisha Buhari was alleged to have transferred suspicious funds to a convicted former American congressman, Williams Jefferson.

In a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Idowu Adelusi, Mr. Fayose said President Buhari was far from being a clean man.

“Even the President cannot claim to be an angel,” the governor said, in reaction to the freezing of his Zenith Bank account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

“The estate he built in Abuja is known to us. His wife was indicted over the Halliburton Scandal. When that American, Jefferson, was being sentenced, the President’s wife was mentioned as having wired $170,000 to Jefferson. Her name was on page 25 of the sentencing of Jefferson. We can serialize the judgment for people to see and read.”

But Mr. Lamorde said that the Aisha Buhari in the Jefferson bribery scandal was not the President’s wife.

“I can tell you authoritatively that the Aisha Buhari named in that case is not President Buhari’s wife. It is another Aisha Buhari entirely,” Mr. Lamorde said.

“I was the director of operations at the EFCC at the time so I know about the case very well. I can tell you that it is not her (President Buhari’s wife). That much we established.”

Credit: PremiumTimes

Illegal Detention: Senator Nyako Wins N12.5m Damages Against EFCC

Posted on June 22, 2016 by Staff Reporter

In what could be seen as a move to entrench the rule of law in the country, a Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday ordered that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) pay the sum of N12.5 million as exemplary damages in favour of Senator Abdulaziz Nyako for unlawful frozen of his account and illegal detention.

Justice Gabriel Kolawole made the order while delivering judgment in the fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Nyako against the EFCC.

In the ruling, Kolawole held that the applicant, Senator Nyako, son of former Governor of Adamawa State, Admiral Murtala Nyako, was detained in the custody of the Commission in excess of the period prescribed by law.

He berated the anti-graft agency for what he described as “reckless tampering with the rights of citizens in the name of discharging its statutory duties.”

The court further held that by declaring the applicant wanted without evidence of crime amounted to a breach to his fundamental human rights.

Justice Kolawole accused the Commission of embarking on a judicial fiat which is unpardonable exhibition of ignorance of the law as the National Assembly never intended to give it the powers of an accuser and a judge.

Credit: Thisday

Result Of EFCC Probe Of Panama Papers Ready Soon– Magu

Posted on June 20, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The result of investigations carried out by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on the involvement of Nigerians in documents leaked by the Panamanian law firm, Mossack Fonseca, otherwise known as the Panama Papers, will soon be made public, the Acting EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, has said.
Magu spoke at the closing session of a workshop organized by the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) in collaboration with the Association of professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN) at the weekend in Abuja.

Some prominent Nigerians were named in the Panama leaks, including former governors.
He said it sometimes takes between six and nine months after gathering intelligence before EFCC invites suspects.
“We do our work and we do not discriminate. There are no sacred cows. I work and finish my work as if there is no tomorrow because corruption is fighting back,” he said.
He said certain professionals frustrated the EFCC in the fight against corruption, adding that there are professionals who celebrate corruption.
He also said the EFCC would soon beam its search light on corruption in hospitals.

Credit: DailyTrust

EFCC Arrests Ex-NNPC GMD, Jide Omokore

Posted on June 20, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has rearrested oil magnate, Jide Omokore, and will most likely slam money laundering charges on him today (Monday).

An official briefed on the matter said the businessman would be arraigned alongside Andrew Yakubu, a former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, who has also been picked up.

Our sources said the duo would be charged before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja on a four-count charge of money laundering.

According to EFCC insiders, other defendants in the case are Victor Briggs, Abiye Memnere, David Mbanefo, Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts Limited.

Credit: PremiumTimes

EFCC Wants Me To Refund N840m Without Trial- Fani-Kayode

Posted on June 16, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Former Aviation Minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has asked the Federal High Court, Lagos, to admit him to bail 24 hours after he was arraigned on a 17-count charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He also alleged that he is being pressured by EFCC to refund N84o million without trial.

In the motion for bail filed on his behalf by his counsel, Mr. Ahmed Raji (SAN), Fani-Kayode told the court that he would be ready and willing to provide a responsible surety(ies) as may be required by the court as a condition(s) for the grant of his application.

He argued that under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), bail is more relaxed as all offences are bailable “and in the class of offences charged, it is the prosecution that has a burden to show why bail should be refused. More so, under the Act, all offences can be compounded by plea bargain. So, it is not about imprisonment any longer.”

He further argued that one of the co-accused in the charge, a former Minister of Finance, Senator Nenadi Usman, who allegedly received the money from government and paid Fani-Kayode, wrote that she did not know the money was from government. So, how would Fani- Kayode know?

EFCC slammed Fani- Kayode and Usman with a 17-count charge for fraud and money laundering.

Fani-Kayode was arrested for allegedly receiving N840 million during the presidential campaign of former president Goodluck Jonathan.

In the motion dated June 15, 2016, Raji argued that the offences, for which his client is charged, are bailable.

“The Defendant/Applicant has never been convicted of any offence in Nigeria or any other jurisdiction.

By Section 36 (5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Defendant/Applicant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

“The reputation and past credible record of the Defendant/Applicant attest to the fact that he will not jump bail if he is granted same. The Defendant/ Applicant will not interfere with the investigation or further investigation of the charges preferred against him.”

Credit: Sun

Bade Adebolu: Judgement Scam; Why Okonjo-Iweala Should Not Be Blamed

Posted on June 14, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Recently, a coalition of anti-corruption civil society bodies petitioned the EFCC that the erstwhile Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr Muhaamed Bello Adoke to account for the sum of $3.2 billion allegedly belonging to the 774 local governments on whose behalf one Mr. Joe Agi SAN obtained the judgment.

According to media report, “…none of the local governments benefited from the $1.6 billion said to have been paid to the plaintiffs.”

The question on the minds of many Nigerians is: Who really authorized the disbursement of the funds?

I am not so good at mathematics, but I know for sure that a trillion is made up of several billions; and several millions makes a billion. If my knowledge of math is still with me, it is either this judgement is a sham or there is a deliberate distortion somewhere!

In a country with a reputation of corrupt judiciary doing the biddings of their pay master, one do not need to wait too long to buy “gbanjo” judgement using the Yoruba parlance language. We live in a country where the Judiciary that is supposed to be the last hope of the common man is providing no hope, but hardship. We all are witnesses to the fact that people like Justice Salami sold their conscience for their paymasters and were all ignominiously shown the way out of the famous institution.

At this point let us bring in former Minister of Finance, Dr (Mrs) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. She has to be brought in because, going by conventional wisdom, she served as the custodian of the nation’s treasury at the time so she cannot be “insulated” from the news. More curiously we ask: would Dr. Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala not have made the part payment of $1.6 billion? In her own case, did she collude with the Adoke because she too ignored the advice of the Debt Management Office? As the Coordinating Minister of the Economy at the time, did she not ought to have protected Nigeria by defending the position of the DMO instead of following Adoke’s dubious directive to pay the sum of a judgment debt of $3.6 billion?

While I do not envy the former finance minister at all for having to serve in the same administration with people like Adoke, we must resist the temptations to assume that everyone that served under Hitler was evil. After all, President Buhari served under one of the worst administrations in Nigeria’s history- General Sanni Abacha. So why should Okonjo-Iweala be guilty by association if Buhari is not guilty of the Abacha’s crimes?

The role of Okonjo-Iweala as finance minister is not to question expenditures or vouchers. Those are roles purely of the Offices of the Accountant-General and the Auditor-General of the Federation. For God’s sake, why should I, for instance perform the duties of a nurse just because I am the physician?

That leads me to my next point, even if the monies were misappropriated, why should we blame Okonjo-Iweala for that?

If we take this line of thought as gospel, then we come to an answer such as this: A young man started working with a Commercial Bank as a Financial Control Officer. He diligently focused on his job that other things do not bother about any other things going on in the bank. He closed his eyes on the fraudulent deals going on among the top brass of the Bank for not wanting to be seen as a whistle-blower since he wasn’t employed for that.

This man won several awards both within and without the organization, but he soon discovered his diligence was not enough to prevent the Bank from going bankrupt. Should we say this man was responsible for the organization’s bankruptcy? Should he have blown the whistle? Should he have resigned when he became aware of the bad deals his superiors are engaging in even though it all started before he took the job? Whatever your answer is to these questions, this was the case with Okonjo-Iweala.

On this issue, I believe the coalition of the civil society should turn the searchlight and the heat on the bureaucrats at the Ministry of Justice and the then Attorney General of the Federation, Mr, Adoke (SAN).

The Yoruba people have a saying that for a child not to commit crimes is the reason he was given a name. Mr. Adoke has his own name which is definitely not Okonjo-Iweala! Therefore, leave Okonjo Iweala out of this mess.

Bade Adebolu is an accountant based in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti state. He sent this piece via badeadebolu@gmail.com

Views expressed are solely that of author and does not represent views of www.omojuwa.com nor its associates

Senate Committee Expresses Satisfaction With EFCC On Anti-graft Probes

Posted on June 14, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Senate Committee on Financial Crimes Anti-Corruption has commended the strides of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over probes of corrupt persons which has resulted in recovery of looted funds for government in the country.

Chairman of the committee, Senator Chukwuka Utazi gave the commendation yesterday when he led delegation of the committee on a visit to the acting Chairman of the commission, Ibrahim Magu, a release made available to National Mirror by spokesperson of the commission, Wilson Uwujaren, said.

The committee urged Magu to remain steadfast in the fight against corruption in the country. The release quoted Utazi as saying: “We have been monitoring the activities of the commission with keen interest, especially in the area of fund recovery and we are very satisfied.”

The committee assured the commission of its total support and stated that one of its priorities is to ensure that the commission’s headquarters, which has been under construction, is completed soon, in order to give the staff an enabling environment to carry out their duties more effectively.

The committee noted in the release that it understands that the EFCC was short-changed in the 2015 budget, and that it would ensure that its headquarters office is completed, to enable the commission get all it needs to work better, “given the approval of the 2016 budget.

“Utazi also disclosed that the committee would be visiting the zonal offices of the commission to inspect the available infrastructure and ensure that they have the required facilities to work with.

“Responding, Magu thanked the committee members and expressed his willingness to be supervised by the committee. “He added that he was always receptive to information and advice that would assist him and his team in the fight against corruption,” the release stressed.

Credit: NationalMirror

EFCC Freezes N126b In 120 Accounts

Posted on June 14, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has frozen over N126billion in the accounts of some suspects in order not to jeopardize investigations, the agency said yesterday.

More than 120 bank accounts are affected by the freeze order.

About N126,563,481,095.43 was temporarily seized by the EFCC pending the conclusion of corruption-related cases.

Other cash and assets under Interim Forfeiture is $9,090,243,920.15, seized from suspects facing trial or under investigation.

Apart from freezing of N32.8 billion from six suspects implicated in the Police Pension Office, some high profile suspects with accounts among the over 120 frozen include ex-Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, ex-National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd), ex-Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh; ex- Chiefs of Air Staff Air Marshals Adesola Amosu and Mohammed Dikko Umar; Robert Azibaola( ex-President Jonathan’s cousin) and ex-Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode, among others.

The action of the EFCC has generated criticisms, with most suspects claiming that the freeze was prejudicial.

But the Head of Media and Publicity of EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, in a statement, said the anti-graft agency was not being vindictive.

The statement said: “In recent times, a lot of interest has been generated by the action of the Commission in freezing the accounts of suspects that were investigated or are currently being investigated. Some commentators have tended to ascribe vindictive motives to this action

“In order to prevent misinformation, it is imperative to explain the reason behind the Commission’s actions in this regard.

“Freezing of accounts suspected of being used for commission of financial crimes is a mandatory investigative step backed by law. Indeed, Section 34 (1) of the EFCC Act 2004 empowers the Commission to freeze any account suspected of being used for financial crimes.

The section stipulates that “the Chairman of the Commission or any officer authorised by him may, if satisfied that the money in the account of a person is made through the commission of an offence under this Act or any enactment specified under Section 6(2) (a)-(f) of this Act, apply to the court ex-parte for power to issue or instruct a bank examiner or such other appropriate authority to freeze the account”.

“Similar provision in the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2012 (as amended) also empowers the EFCC Chairman or his representatives to place a stop order on any account or transaction suspected to be involved in any crime.

“The intendment of these provisions is to ensure that the Commission safeguards suspected proceeds of crime pending the completion of its investigation. It is without prejudice to the social standing of the holder of such accounts or whether they are individual, corporate or government accounts.

“Freezing orders are incidental to investigation and doing otherwise will jeopardise the prospects of recovering stolen assets.”

Credit: Nation

EFCC Takes Anti-Corruption Crusade To IDP Camps

Posted on June 3, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim Magu has vowed to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of funds meant for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) especially in Maiduguri, Borno state.
A statement yesterday from EFCC spokesman Wilson Uwujaren said the EFCC chairman said the probe will include all IDP camps in the country, made the declaration yesterday in Maiduguri, while speaking at the newly reopened Zonal office of the Commission.

Uwujaren said the EFCC boss expressed worry about complaints of corruption in IDP Camps, coming from International humanitarian organizations and other civil society organizations that are helping the distressed victims of the Boko Haram insurgency in the city and beyond.
“We want to be sure that there is transparency, accountability and judicious use of the money allocated to Internally Displaced Persons in Maiduguri and elsewhere,” the statement said.

Credit: dailytrust

I Never Promised To Refund N5m To EFCC – Madaki

Posted on May 31, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The outgoing Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa, Mr Joel Madaki, on Tuesday denied media reports that he promised to refund N5 million to the EFCC.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Madaki’s name was among those listed to have received money from former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Allison-Madueke for the 2015 Presidential Campaign.

Madaki in a statement issued in Yola said he never made such promise to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“I never promised to return the N5 million.

“What I said was that if it is proven beyond reasonable doubt that the N5 million is from the Presidential Campaign Fund and when it is discovered that it was not used for that purpose, then the Adamawa PDP Secretariat and myself shall arrange to refund.”

Madaki acknowledged that he received N450 million as campaign fund for the state, but said that the money was delivered to a “Disbursement Committee” at the Government House, Yola.

According to him, the disbursement committee gave the party only N5 million out of the money.

“Since I was not a member of the distribution committee, as soon as the money was handed to the committee and they counted it to be correct, I left the venue”, he stated.

(NAN)

EFCC Recovers N900m From Jonathan’s Kinsman- Report

Posted on May 30, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has recovered N900m from Mr. Waripamowei Dudafa, a former Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

A reliable source at the EFCC told Punch correspondent on Sunday that the money was found in one of Dudafa’s accounts, which was immediately frozen.

The source said, “Dudafa said that he had no money; so, we began to investigate his accounts. We then found N900m that was hidden in one of his accounts through the connivance of his account officer.

“Dudafa initially denied owning the account but when he was confronted with evidence, he had no choice but to admit. Some people, who had paid money into the account based on Dudafa’s instructions, even came forward to say that the account indeed belonged to Dudafa. The N900m will be used as evidence against him in court.”

Dudafa, who was a close aide to and a kinsman of Jonathan, was arrested on April 18 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

The former presidential aide, alongside Jonathan’s ex Aide-de-Camp, Col. Ojogbane Adegbe, was accused of giving N10bn to delegates at the presidential primary of the Peoples Democratic Party in December 2014, in which Jonathan was the only candidate.

The money was allegedly diverted by the Office of the National Security Adviser from a Signature Bonus Account in the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The N10bn is believed to have been diverted from oil receipts as follows: $5m (November 14, 2014); $47m (November 27, 2014); €4m (December 3, 2014) and €1.6m (December 24, 2014).

While Adegbe was arrested but later released, Dudafa was said to have fled to either Dubai or a Caribbean country where he stayed for several months.

However, impeccable sources at the EFCC told Punch correspondent that Dudafa was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services upon arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

In his Statement of Witness/Accused Person, which had been filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, embattled former NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), had said the N10bn was given to Ojogbane and Dudafa.

Dasuki had said, “That I am aware in November, I cannot remember the exact date, my office requested the CBN to exchange N10bn from the account of the Office of the National Security Adviser domiciled in CBN. The money was exchanged and $47m and some Euros, which I cannot remember the exact amount, were delivered at my residence.

“The money was for delegates that attended the nomination convention for the PDP presidential nomination. The money was paid and sent to Hon. Dudafa (SSAP, Household) and ADC(C-I-C) for distribution on the instruction of the President.”

Credit: Punch

Metuh Wrote EFCC, Ready To Return N400m – Counsel

Posted on May 27, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The immediate past National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr. Olisa Metuh’s lead defence counsel, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), has said his client has told the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission that he is willing to return the N400m he allegedly received from the Office of the National Security Adviser in November, 2014.

Metuh is currently being prosecuted by the EFCC for allegedly receiving the money, which the prosecution alleged was collected from the $2.1bn arms funds allegedly diverted by the former NSA’s office to other purposes aside from buying arms to fight insurgency.

The money was said to have been released to him to launder the alleged bad image of former President Goodluck Jonathan a few months to the 2015 presidential election which Jonathan eventually lost.

Metuh lost his bid at the FCT High Court to secure his passport to enable him to travel abroad for a check-up.

Ikpeazu, in a telephone interview on Thursday, said Metuh had always indicated to the EFCC that he was willing to return the money right from when the anti-graft agency invited him for questioning before charges were filed against him.

The lawyer said he advised Metuh after his trial began before a Federal High Court in Abuja to write a letter to the EFCC, indicating his intention to return the N400m, which he stated the former PDP spokesperson heeded.

He insisted that Metuh initially thought the money came from former President Goodluck Jonathan but readily indicated to return the money as soon as the EFCC made him to realise the money was from the ONSA.

Credit: Punch

EFCC Declares Omisore Wanted

Posted on May 24, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has declared wanted a former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore.

The EFCC said this on its official Facebook page on Tuesday.

The commission said Omisore allegedly received N700m from a former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.)

The anti-graft agency said Omisore had been evading arrest for several months and it thus had no choice but to declare him wanted.

The statement read, “The EFCC, today, May 24,2016, declared a former deputy governor of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore wanted.

“The former senator is wanted in connection with a case of receiving and misappropriating the sum of over N700, 000,000.00 from the Office of the National Security Adviser, between June and November, 2014.

“Omisore has been elusive and refused to report to the Commission after invitation was extended to him on April 7, 2016 requesting him “to come and make clarification on the ongoing investigation.”

The EFCC explained that instead of responding to the Commission’s investigation, Omosore had approached the Federal Capital Territory High Court for the enforcement of his fundamental human rights.

It added, “Justice Husseini Baba Yusuf consequently ordered that Omisore should only be arrested through a due and legal process. The EFCC thereafter obtained a warrant to effect the arrest of the politician.”

Credit: Punch

EFCC Detaining Fani-Kayode After Meeting Bail Conditions, Silencing Of Opposition- Aide

Posted on May 17, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Jude Ndukwe, aide to erstwhile Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, on Tuesday, decried that despite meeting the bail conditions set by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Fani-Kayode was still being held by the anti-graft agency.

Ndukwe in a statement condemned the continued detention of the former minister by the EFCC, describing it as a tactics to keeping key and vocal members of the opposition out of circulation without due regard to Nigerian laws.

The statement read: “This tactics of keeping key and vocal members of the opposition out of circulation without due regard to our laws and or harass them with charges that cannot stand the test of judicial requirements has got to stop. The sweet smelling savour of democracy will be polluted when the opposition is stifled.

“The continued detention of Chief Femi Fani-Kayode in EFCC custody for this long, despite meeting his bail conditions goes a long way to show that this fight is not about corruption after all, but all about silencing the opposition.

“We condemn in very strong terms these acts of intimidation and harassment and request that he (Chief Fani-Kayode) be released forthwith, even as we call on all well-meaning Nigerians to know who to hold responsible should anything untoward happen to Chief Femi Fani-Kayode!

“This act of executive rascality, at a time when Nigerians are groaning more than ever before over the economic hardship inflicted on them by this administration, is needless. It will achieve nothing but will only lead to a puerile end.”

Credit: vanguardngr

EFCC Seizes N860m Mansion From Ex-Air Force Chief

Posted on May 15, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has sealed off a mansion allegedly belonging to a former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Mohammed Umar (retd).

Reports provides that the house located on 1853 Deng Xiano Ping Street, off Mahathir Mohammed Street, Asokoro Extension, Abuja, had stickers bearing the EFCC logo pasted on the gate.

According to the EFCC, the house is worth about N860m.

The EFCC had alleged before an Abuja Federal High Court that, “while being the Chief of Air Staff, Nigerian Air Force, between March and April 2012, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the court did the accused (Umar) use the United States dollars equivalent of the sum of N860,000,000 (Eight hundred and sixty million naira) removed from the accounts of the Nigerian Air Force to purchase for yourself a property lying and situate at plot 1853 Deng Xiano Ping Street, off Mahathir Mohammed street, Asokoro extension Abuja.”

The anti-graft agency had also alleged that Umar removed another N700m from the accounts of the NAF to purchase a property at 14, Vistula Close, off Panama Street, Maitama, Abuja, while N500m was removed from the accounts of the NAF to purchase a property comprising a four-bedroomed duplex at Road 3B, Street 2, Mabushi Ministers Hill, Abuja.

Credit: Punch

EFCC Searches Fani-Kayode’s House, Arrests Domestic Help

Posted on May 13, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Thursday stormed the Abuja home of a former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, and arrested a domestic servant.
It was learnt that the operatives stormed the house located at 5 Zuma Close, Aso Drive, Abuja in the afternoon and searched the compound.
However, the detectives could not gain access to the main building as it was said to have been locked.
The spokesman for Fani-Kayode, Mr. Jude Ndukwe, told our correspondent on the telephone that the operatives stormed the compound without a search warrant.
Ndukwe said, “Operatives of the EFCC invaded the home again. They did not even have a search warrant but harassed everyone in the compound.
“They could not gain access to the main building so they decided to search the quarters where the domestic servants reside. They arrested the laundry man and took him to their office but later released him.
“Chief Fani-Kayode is already in their custody. I wonder why they are still behaving this way even though he has been cooperating with them. This executive rascality must stop.”
The ex-minister was on Monday arrested by the EFCC for allegedly receiving N840m in February 2015 when he was the spokesman for the Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organisation.
The money which Fani-Kayode admitted to receiving was said to have emanated from the account of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The ex-minister, however, said he did not know that the money emanated from the account of the CBN.

Credit: Punch

N4bn campaign funds: EFCC Freezes Olu Falae Firm’s Account, Detains Fani-Kayode

Posted on May 10, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has frozen the bank account of a company belonging to a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae.

It was gathered that the account with the United Bank for Africa titled Marecco Nigeria Limited with number 1000627022, was frozen as part of investigations into the N4bn disbursed by the Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organisation during the build-up to the 2015 presidential election.

This is just as the EFCC detained a former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, on Monday for receiving N840m from the campaign funds. The ex-minister, who arrived at the EFCC headquarters at 9.45am was still being quizzed as of 8.40pm.

Both Falae and Fani-Kayode were accused of receiving N940m from the Director of Finance of the campaign organisation, Senator Nenadi Usman, during the build-up to the election.

The money was said to have emanated from the account of the National Security Adviser which is domiciled in the Central Bank of Nigeria.

While Falae, who was the Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, collected N100m on behalf of his party, Fani-Kayode received N840m as the spokesman for the campaign organisation.

A former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the PDP, Chief Tony Anenih, who played an advisory role in the PDP presidential campaign, was said to have given instructions that N100m should be paid to Falae.

However, both Fani-Kayode and Falae have said they never knew that the money received was government’s.

Falae had said, “It is true that N100m was given to my party to endorse and work for Jonathan candidacy in the 2015 presidential election. We used the money for that purpose and we effectively campaigned for the PDP since we did not have a presidential candidate in the election. The money was not for me.

“Thank God, I’m a retired civil servant. I have all the documents to prove all that transpired between the two parties. With all the money the PDP has and having spent 16 years in power, how would I have known that the money was from the arms deal? No reference was made to the arms deal. So, they should not bring me into the arms issue.”

Fani-Kayode had also told our correspondent that the PDP leadership gave him the impression that the money was sourced from private individuals.

He said, “I served as the director of publicity of the Jonathan campaign organisation and I was told to set up an account for the directorate, which I did. I never received money from the CBN but like all the other directors, we received money from the director of finance.

“I was assured that the funds were not public funds but were sourced from private individuals. I never knowingly spent government money all through. The money was spent specifically on the campaigns. The accounts were audited and we were commended by the President.”

Meanwhile, the EFCC has detained Fani-Kayode as investigation continues.

Sources at the EFCC told our correspondent that the sole aim of the investigation was to recover the funds.

Usman, who served as the director of finance of the campaign organisation, had returned some funds to the Federal Government and also forfeited two properties in Abuja.

A reliable source at the EFCC said, “Nenadi Usman cooperated with us and returned funds. Fani-Kayode must also do the same. We need our money back.”

Others who received parts of the N4bn include: The Goodluck Support Group headed by Prof. Rufai Alkali (N320m) while N340m was jointly received by a former Governor of Imo State, Achike Udenwa; and a former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Viola Onwuliri.

Credit: Punch

INEC Bribe Takers Should Face EFCC Probe – Chairman

Posted on May 10, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Independent National Electoral Commission has appealed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to fish out bribe takers in the commission.

It also called on the anti-graft agency to equally move against those who offered bribes to the workers of the commission.

Chairman of the commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, also assured the people that INEC would cooperate with the EFCC in sanitising the system following the recent bribery allegations against some staff of the commission.

The chairman was said to have spoken at a meeting he had with some journalists in Lagos.

In a bulletin of the commission, which was made available to our correspondent in Abuja on Monday, Yakubu promised that the commission would not cover up anyone found culpable in the bribe saga.

Some Resident Electoral Commissioners and other officials of the commission have been alleged to have received millions of naira in bribes during the 2015 general elections.

Yakubu said his commission would work with the EFCC to punish the affected officers.

He said, “Whatever level of cooperation any of the agencies requires of the commission, we will give that level of cooperation because it is also in a bid to sanitise the system.

“I hope also it will extend to the givers not just the takers so that there will be collective sanity.

“Whoever violates the law of this land and there are questions to answer, the person should answer, the person should bear his own cross.”

He said he was happy that the bribery issue didn’t affect the commission as an institution.

The chairman added, “All the staff that are fingered are individuals. It is not a collective institutional thing.

“They should go and answer for what they have alleged to have done.”

Investigations by our correspondent on the bribery issue at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday, indicated that the affected members of staff might be suspended pending the outcome of investigations into the allegations of their involvement in the matter.

A national commissioner at the commission, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the commission would use service rule to deal with the affected officers.

He said, “It is the rule in the civil service that when an officer is being investigated for allegations based on criminality, such officer will be placed on an indefinite suspension.

“That rule was used during the regime of the former Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega.

“That same rule will be used in this case, but we have to meet to determine those to be suspended.”

Yakubu was also quoted in the bulletin to have disclosed that 12 million Permanent Voter Cards were yet to be collected.

He said, “We have a little over 70 million registered voters in Nigeria.

“We have 12 million Permanent Voter Cards uncollected and we have at least 700,000 PVCs unprinted and then we have a large number of Nigerians who are not registered and they have come of age”.

He disclosed that the commission would commence the Continuous Voter Registration for the Edo and Ondo governorship elections before the National Continuous Voter Registration.

“I think we all agree that with the introduction of Card Reader, no matter the imperfections of the Card Reader and the introduction of the Permanent Voter Card as a complement to the Card Reader, we have greatly sanitised the process. But we need to go further,” he said.

The chairman of the electoral body further disclosed that the commission would enhance the electoral process by introducing new technology in the collation and transmission of election results in order to make the process free, fair, credible and fast.

He also insisted that Nigerian elections conducted under his watch were getting better and the votes were counting.

Yakubu stated, “If you simply compare the outcome of previous elections with the elections we conducted recently, you can very clearly see how the elections are getting better and how the margin is becoming even smaller. Votes are also counting today more than ever before”.

He added that elections were now keenly contested with slim margins of victory, unlike in previous ones which were won with landslide margins.

“Across all the elections, including the 2015 presidential election, the margin between the candidate, who eventually won and the runner-up was 2.5 million. This is the slimmest margin since 1999,” he said

He decried the spate of electoral violence, which, he said, contributed to the inconclusiveness of elections in Nigeria.

He referred to sections of the law that gave credence to the decision to halt some of the elections that had been termed inconclusive.

Yakubu regretted that the do-or-die mentality of the political class had not changed as it affected the outcome of elections.

“But because the elections have become competitive, the parties are also strong, the do-or-die mentality of the political class hasn’t changed and that is what has been affecting our elections,” he said.

Credit: Punch

I Stumbled On Dariye’s Money Laundering – EFCC Witness

Posted on May 10, 2016 by Staff Reporter

All properties bought with suspected stolen money by Joshua Dariye, former governor of Plateau state have been confiscated by the United Kingdom government.

Also confiscated was over a million pounds sterling recovered from him and accomplices.

And on top of that, the former governor is still wanted in the country to face money laundering charge and the criminal charge of jumping bail.

Mr Peter Clarke, a former London Metropolitan Police deputy assistant commissioner and EFCC’s key witness made all these disclosures during his testimony in the money laundering charge against Dariye on Monday in Abuja, before Justice Adebukola Banjoko.

Mr Peter Clark, EFCC’s key witness in the money laundering charge against ex-Gov. Joshua Dariye of Plateau on Monday told an FCT High Court that he stumbled on the matter while investigating a credit card fraud in London in 2004.

Clark made the disclosure in Abuja at the resumed hearing in the trial of the former governor in the court presided over by Justice Adebukola Banjoko

Dariye had been standing trial in a 23-count charge relating to money laundering and diversion of N1.64 billion state ecological fund, among other charges.

Clark, a retired financial investigator with London Metropolitan Police, said this during cross-examination by Mr Garba Pwul (SAN), the defense counsel.
The witness said he was investigating a credit card fraud that led him to 28 Regent Plaza, Dariye’s residence in London.
He told the court that one Christopher Mekwunya was found in the house with 11, 560 pound sterling in a brief case, which Mekwunya claimed, belonged to Dariye.
Mekwunya, who was sponsored to study in London by Dariye, was prosecuted but later acquitted on money laundering charges since the money was not his.
Though Clark agreed that that there was no official complain about Dariye prior to his arrest in London, the Prosecution led by Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), produced pieces of evidence in respect of this to the court.
The documents included payment transfer instructions, and photograph of money seized from the ex-governor, which the defense counsel dismissed as `just pictures of pounds and dollars.’
“They have no bearing to the case and have no foundation whatsoever’’, he said.
Other evidence included cheques and bank drafts from Barclays Bank. Clarke told the court that Dariye maintained an account with Barclays Bank since 2005, but that there was less activity in the account until 1999 when he became governor.
He named one Joyce Oyebanjo as the person who operated Dariye’s account in London, paying bills and taking care of Dariye’s children’s private education. He said that over one million pound sterling was found in her account for which she was later prosecuted and sentenced to three and a half years in jail.

A lady, Christabel Bentu was confirmed as being Dariye’s Personal Assistant who was in possession of Dariye’s passbooks and flight tickets.
He said she was also found with 50,000 pound sterling in cash, which she claimed that out of the amount, 10,000 pound sterling belonged to her while the remaining 40,000 pounds belonged to Dariye.
He said that upon arrest, Dariye and Christabel were detained separately in the police station.
Clark said that during Dariye’s arrest, 11,995 pound sterling was found in his apartment which was also seized.
He also testified that various sums of money which the ex-governor used to purchase properties were traced to other account names.
He said that the properties were later confiscated.
The defense Counsel, Pwul tried to establish the reason why Joyce Oyebanjo was convicted of money laundering charges while Mekwunya was discharged.
He argued that since both of them claimed that the monies found on them belonged to Dariye; both were supposed to be convicted.
In answer to this, Clarke said that million pounds was greater than the 11, 560 pounds found on Mekwunya.
The case was adjourned to June 6 by Justice Banjoko for continuation of trial.

(NAN)

N23bn Bribe: EFCC To Arrest More INEC Officers, Bankers

Posted on April 29, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is set to arrest more officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission and election monitors that received various bribes in the N23bn funds from a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

The PUNCH had reported on Thursday that the EFCC had arrested the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, for handling $115m for Diezani in the build-up to the presidential election.

Okonkwo was alleged to have helped in converting the money to N23bn which was then disbursed to INEC officials and election monitors under the instruction of Diezani’s son, Ugonna, for the electoral chiefs to manipulate the poll results.

A reliable source at the EFCC said, “Ugonna prepared a list of beneficiaries that would get the money and it was distributed about a day or two before the elections. We have started tracing those who collected money and our aim is to recover the funds.

“All the electoral officers, who betrayed public trust would be arrested. All EFCC zonal offices have been given the directive to investigate in their respective areas of jurisdictions.”

The EFCC had, two weeks ago, arrested the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the 2015 election in Rivers State, Mrs. Gesila Khan, for allegedly collecting N185.8m while one Fidelia Omoile who was the INEC electoral officer in the Isoko-South Local Government Area of Delta State, allegedly got N112.4m.

Apart from tracing over N112m to her, the commission also recovered some sensitive electoral materials during a search on her apartments in Edo and Delta states.

The commission also arrested one Oluchi Brown, who was the INEC administrative secretary in Delta State. She allegedly received over N111m.

Further investigations by detectives revealed that Brown had about $75,857 in an account in the United States.

The anti-graft agency also arrested one Edem Effanga, who is a retired INEC official.

He was arrested alongside his alleged accomplice, Immaculata Asuquo, who is the Head, Voter Education, INEC, Akwa Ibom State.

He was alleged to have received over N241.1m, which he allegedly shared among INEC ad hoc workers during the last election.

Meanwhile, the commission has intensified its search for Diezani’s son.

According to sources at the EFCC, Ugonna is the key to arresting all those involved in the case.

EFCC officials had stated that Diezani’s son served as a middleman between the ex-minister and the bank MD.

Ugonna is the Head of Business Development and Commercial Marketing at Radam Maritime Services Limited, a firm, which is headed by his father, Alison Madueke, a former Chief of naval Staff, who is also under investigation by the EFCC for alleged money laundering.

He is said to have business interests in the United States and the United Kingdom.

A senior official, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said, “We have launched a manhunt for Ugonna, who the suspects said was the one who drew up a list of individuals, who should be given the N23bn ($115m).

“We don’t know exactly where he is but we will get him. He needs to explain his role in the sharing of the money because the bank officials have been mentioning his name since they were brought in.”

Ugonna, who is an engineer, burst into the limelight in 2012 when photos showing his ostentatious lifestyle went viral on the Internet.

In one of such pictures, the graduate of University of Maryland College Park in the US, was seen flying in a private jet and later drinking champagne in a limousine. He has also been seen displaying wads of dollar notes on social media.

Meanwhile, sources at the EFCC said that it would arrest more employees of Fidelity Bank, who allegedly participated in the sharing of the $115m.

A detective also said that there were others in the bank, especially at the Head Office, who would have been aware of the bazaar but failed to alert the appropriate authorities.

“Currently, we have the MD as well as the Head of Operations, Mr. Martins Izuogbe. However, we have reason to believe that they are not the only two that were involved in the bazaar. In the coming days, we will arrest more workers,” he said.

Credit : Punch

EFCC Arrests Suspended Pension DG, Others For N2.5bn fraud

Posted on April 20, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested the suspended Director-General, of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate, Nelly Mayshak, and three others, Yoab Youssoufou, Patricia Iyogun, and Ruth Imonikhe for a N2.5bn fraud.

PTAD is an independent pension agency established in August 2013 to oversee the management of pensions under the Defined Benefit Scheme for pensioners not transiting to the defined contributory scheme.

It will be recalled that Mayshak was last month placed on an indefinite suspension and investigated after it was discovered that she allegedly received N50m monthly in salary and allowances.

According to sources at the EFCC, investigations into the alleged fraud revealed that Mayshak allegedly misappropriated about N2bn that was left in the pensions’ account of the Head of the Civil Service, Nigeria Immigrations Service, Nigeria Customs Service, and Nigeria Prisons Service.

She also allegedly embezzled about N500m meant as the take-off grant for PTAD.

The alleged scam, which borders on procurement fraud, was committed during her three-year tenure.

A detective at the anti-graft agency told our correspondent that Mayshak allegedly awarded several fictitious contracts to her cronies at PTAD, one of whom was her sister-in-law.

A source at the EFCC said, “In one instance, Mayshak allegedly approved N25,410,000 for the supply of 121,000,000 litres of fuel in one day when in fact there was no corresponding storage capacity, as PTAD only has a storage capacity of about 11,000 litres, which lasts for about a month.

“Mayshak is alleged to have awarded several phony contracts to cronies and members of staff of PTAD, through which she used to enrich herself as they only served as fronts for her.

“Between December 8 and 30, 2014 she awarded multiple contracts to one company , Interactive Wide Nigeria Limited to the tune of N29,377,993.26. Contracts for the supply of office materials, air conditioners, and conference materials to the tune of N375, 704,287 were awarded to Belzacode, Hosley Nigeria Limited, and Pabak Nigeria Limited.”

Investigations revealed that one of the suspects, Yousoufou, who is the Team Leader, ICT Department, owned Belzacode; while Imonihke, Team Leader, DG’s Office, owned Hosley Nigeria Limited. Iyogun, who is Team Leader, Customs, Immigration, Prisons, Pensions Department, and also a sister-in-law to Mayshak, owned Pabak Nigeria Limited.

The anti-graft agency, however, said the three suspects were merely fronts for the prime suspect, Mayshak.

The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

The latest arrest of Mayshak is one of many pension scams in recent times.

Credit: Punch

Bukola Saraki’s Assets Form Not Verified By EFCC- Witness

Posted on April 20, 2016 by Staff Reporter

As the trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki continued yesterday, the first prosecution witness (PW1) admitted before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) that some of the exhibits he tendered earlier were not investigated by his team.

Mr. Micheal Wetkas, an investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), during a cross-examination by the lead defence counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), admitted that he did not investigate the petitions in Exhibits 11, 12 and 13.

Exhibit 11, dated May 22, 2012, was a petition written by Kwara Freedom Network, inviting EFCC to investigate Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

Wetkas had earlier in his evidence in-chief informed the tribunal of the petition by the Kwara Freedom Network. But yesterday, he said that his team did not investigate the petition.

He in fact declined virtually every question put to him by the defence counsel on most of the documents he tendered, stressing that he did not participate in the investigations.

When asked to produce the petitions, Wetkas quickly told the tribunal most of them were oral and intelligence reports from sources who pleaded anonymity . He also admitted most of the intelligence reports he based his investigations on emanated from ‘whistle blowers’.

“Most times to the best of my knowledge, people who bring information prefer anonymity. If it was not in anonymity, it would be called a petition,” he said.

Also, Exhibit 12, which was dated May 7, 2011, was addressed to the chairman of the EFCC asking the anti-graft agency to investigate the Kwara State government on borrowings for projects described as phoney . Exhibit 13 was a petition dated June 7, 2012,? which was about the mismanagement of local government revenue in Kwara State between 2003 and 2011.

When asked if in the course of his investigations he had audience with the accountant general of Kwara State, the witness said he did not as that was not part of his assignment. When also asked whether he invited any official of the Kwara State government in the course of investigation, the witness said he did not. On whether he got another written document to buttress the petition written by Kwara Freedom Network, the witness also said he did not.

During further examination, the witness was asked why he tendered documents he did not investigate and for which he could not answer questions . He told the tribunal that he did not tender the exhibits on his own but that they were tendered through him by the prosecution.

Credit: Guardian

EFCC Rejects Ekweremadu As Anti-corruption Ambassador, Disowns National Assembly Officer

Posted on April 20, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has denied decorating Ike Ekweremadu, the deputy senate president, as its anti-corruption ambassador.

In a statement Wednesday, the commission said reports widely circulated in the media on Tuesday, quoting its National Assembly liaison officer as bestowing the award on Mr. Ekweremadu, was of no consequence as the officer acted on his own.

Read full statement:

The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been drawn to some reports in the print and online media, on April 20, 2016 claiming that the anti-graft agency has decorated the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, as “Anti-Corruption Ambassador”.

According to a statement issued to the press by the Special Adviser to the Deputy Senate President, Uche Anichukwu, the purported decoration, was carried out by the EFCC National Assembly Liaison Officer, Suleiman Bakari, who was quoted to have said: “On behalf of my acting chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Mustafa Magu and the entire management and staff of the EFCC, decorate you as an Anti- Corruption Ambassador and formally present this frame, as a token of our appreciation to your person and office, and as a symbol of the institutional partnership between the EFCC and the National Assembly”.

The EFCC totally dissociates itself from the purported action of Sulaiman Bakari as he acted entirely on his own. He clearly acted outside his brief as a liaison officer as the management of the Commission at no time mandated him to decorate Ekweremadu or any officer of the National Assembly as Anti- Corruption Ambassador.

The statutory mandate of the EFCC is the investigation and prosecution of all economic and financial crimes cases, which does not include the decoration of individuals as anti-corruption ambassadors.

The Commission is not in the habit of awarding titles to individuals. And those enamoured of titles, know the quarters to approach for such honours, not the EFCC.

Members of the public and stakeholders in the fight against corruption are enjoined to disregard the so-called decoration.

Wilson Uwujaren

Head, Media & Publicity

Credit: PremiumTimes

EFCC Uncovers 37,395 Ghost Workers In Federal Civil Service- Magu

Posted on April 19, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said on Tuesday that the Federal Government had uncovered 37,395 ghost workers on the Federal Civil Service payroll and that the government lost about N1 billion to them.

The EFCC’s acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, made the disclosure during an anti-corruption sensitization programme organized by the commission for staff of works and housing sectors.

Mr. Magu said that apart from the widespread procurement frauds in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the issue of ghost workers was a source of serious concern to the commission.

“EFCC has uncovered 37,395 ghost workers in the Federal Civil Service and investigation is still going on.

“Our investigations have so far revealed that the Federal Government has lost close to N1 billion to these ghost workers.

The figure will definitely increase as we unravel more ghost workers buried deep in Federal Civil Service payrolls.’’

Mr. Magu also explained that the commission had established a Procurement Fraud Unit in order to handle the increasing number of petitions relating to violations of the Public Procurement Laws.

He, therefore, advised civil servants to avoid any act that was in breach of public procurement, warning that violators risked terms of imprisonment and dismissal from service.

Credit: PremiumTimes

N47.7bn NIMASA Fraud: EFCC Arraigns Tompolo, Seven Others In Absentia

Posted on April 19, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) monday arraigned the former Niger Delta militant, Government Oweize Ekemupolo, popularly called Tompolo, in absentia before a Federal High Court in Lagos on a 22-count charge bordering on fraud, conversation of money and forgery.

Also arraigned in absentia were siblings of the immediate past Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Patrick Ziadeke Akpolobokemi, who was also arraigned before the court.
The Akpolobokemi’s siblings were: Igo Akpolobokemi, Julius Akpolobokemi, Stephen Akpolobokemi, Victor Akpolobokemi, Norbert Akpolobokemi, Emmanuel Ebizimo Akpolobokemi, and Clement Akpolobokemi.

While those arraigned alongside the former NIMASA Director-General were: Kime Engozu, Josephine Otuaga and Rita Uruakpa.

Also docked with Akpolobokemi are seven limited liability companies which include Mieka Dive Training Institute LTD/GTE, Oyeinteke Global Network Limited, Wabod Global Resources Limited, Boloboere Properties Estate Limited, Gokaid Marine and Oil and Gas Limited, Muhaabix Global Service Limited and Watershed Associated Resources.
The EFCC in charge number FHC/L/C/31c/2016, alleged that the accused persons had in sometime 2014, within the jurisdiction of the court with an intend to defraud, conspired among themselves and obtained the total sum of N47,683,464,822 from the federal government.

The accused persons also alleged to have between May 6, 2014, and December 2, 2014, forged and uttered a Certificate of Customary Rights of Occupancy of the old Bendel State of Nigeria, and purportedly issued same to NIMASA, claiming that it was issued by Warri South Local Government Council, Delta State, to the prejudice of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

They were also alleged to have received sum of N11,900,000,000 from the federal government, by falsely pretending that all the land and its appurtenances lying and situated at Mieka Diva Training Institute, Kurutie, Warri South council area Delta State, be acquired by the NIMASA, for the temporary campus of Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Warri South, council area is from encumbrance.

The offences, according to EFCC prosecutors, Mr. Festus Keyamo and Rotimi Oyedepo, are contrary to sections 8, 1(b) of Advance Fee Fraud, 18 (a), 15 (1) of money Laundering Prohibition Amendment Act, 2012, and punishable under section 1 (3), 15(3) of the same Act, and 1(2)(c) Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap. M17, Laws of the federation 2004.

All the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Their lawyers, Dr. Joseph Nwobike (SAN), Mr. inaji E. U. and Mr. Oyesoji Oyeleke, urged the court to admit them to bail in liberal term. Nwobike and Inaji, particularly, pleaded with the court to allow their clients, Akpolobokemi and Kime Engozu, to continue with the bail terms granted them in other criminal charges they have before the court.
Ruling on the bail application, the presiding judge, Justice Ibrahim Buba, while conceding to the request of Nwobike and Inaji, however admitted bail to Josephine Otuaga, Rita Uruakpa in the sum of N50 million with one surety each. The surety, according to Justice Buba, must show evidence of landed property within the jurisdiction of the court, and sworn to affidavit of means, while the two accused persons be remanded in EFCC custody pending the perfection of their bail conditions.

The matter was adjourned till May 30 and 31 for trial.

Credit: Thisday