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EFCC Grants Aminu Tambuwal Bail Over N189bn Alleged Fraud

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has granted administrative bail to former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, following his interrogation over alleged fraudulent cash withdrawals amounting to N189 billion.

Tambuwal, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023, was invited to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Monday, arriving at about 11:30 a.m. He was questioned by investigators and detained overnight at the commission’s corporate headquarters.

According to EFCC sources, the withdrawals are suspected to violate provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

“Former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, is being held over alleged fraudulent cash withdrawals to the tune of N189bn. The withdrawals are in flagrant violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022,” a source had earlier disclosed.

On Tuesday, officials confirmed that Tambuwal had been released after meeting what they described as “not stringent” bail conditions. His passport, however, remains in the custody of the EFCC.

“He has been released on administrative bail. He met all the bail conditions. His passport is with us,” an EFCC official said.

Efforts to obtain comments from EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, were unsuccessful as calls to his phone went unanswered, and he had not replied to a message sent to him at the time of filing this report.

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Atiku
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Tambuwal’s Arrest a Plot to Weaken Opposition – Atiku

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Federal Government of using the detention of former Sokoto State governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as a political weapon.

In a statement posted on X, Atiku described the arrest as part of a strategy by the Tinubu administration to intimidate and weaken the opposition. He alleged that the anti-graft campaign was being used to pressure opposition leaders into joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“It is as though anyone who associates with the opposition is a target for phantom corruption allegations, and as soon as they are coerced into the political agenda of President Bola Tinubu, their ‘sins’ are forgiven,” Atiku said.

The former vice president, who noted he played a key role in the creation of the EFCC during his tenure, condemned what he called the agency’s partisan use. He warned that such actions undermine institutional integrity and create an enabling environment for corruption to flourish.

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#34.65bn corruption scandal: Arrest NNPCL Boss now, Protesters tells EFCC

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Tensions flared in Abuja on Thursday as a coalition of civil society groups and oil workers mounted a large-scale protest at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Bayo Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

The demonstration, organized by OilWatch Nigeria, Workers’ Rights Alliance, and Concerned Citizens Watch, drew hundreds of participants — including activists, oil sector employees, and everyday Nigerians — who accused Ojulari of playing a central role in a massive ₦34.65 billion ($21 million) corruption scandal.

According to the protest leaders, the scandal has shaken public trust and poses a serious credibility challenge to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The outcry follows the recent detention of Abdullahi Bashir Haske, an ally of Ojulari, who reportedly told EFCC investigators that the $21 million discovered in his bank account was owned by the NNPCL chief.

“This money could have built schools, hospitals, and fixed our failing infrastructure,” said Emmanuel Ekpeyong of OilWatch Nigeria. “Instead, it was allegedly hoarded in private accounts to fund a life of luxury. We are here to demand immediate accountability.”

The coalition listed several allegations against Ojulari, including misuse of public funds, contract racketeering via shell companies, lavish living at Abuja’s upscale Wells Carlton Hotel, and the appointment of unqualified loyalists to strategic roles within NNPCL.

“Ojulari has turned the national oil company into a personal empire,” said Danladi Usman of the Workers’ Rights Alliance. “His actions betray the trust of every hardworking Nigerian and have crippled confidence in our energy sector.”

Adding to the pressure, Babatunde Anifowoshe of Concerned Citizens Watch accused Ojulari of attempting to obstruct EFCC investigations to shield his associates.

“Leaving him in office mocks the President’s vow of reform,” Anifowoshe said. “We urge the EFCC to arrest him immediately and for President Tinubu to relieve him of his duties without delay.”

The coalition issued two firm demands: that the EFCC prosecute Ojulari for his alleged involvement in the ₦34.65 billion scandal, and that President Tinubu immediately remove him from his position at NNPCL.

“This is just the beginning,” warned Ekpeyong. “A deep dive into Ojulari’s financial and operational dealings will likely uncover even greater rot.”

To escalate their push for justice, the groups announced a three-day peaceful protest starting August 1, targeting the National Assembly, NNPCL headquarters, and the EFCC offices.

“We will continue marching until real action is taken,” Usman declared, urging broad national participation. “This fight is for Nigeria’s future — where the nation’s oil wealth benefits all citizens, not a privileged few.”

With the protests gaining momentum, both the EFCC and the Presidency are under increasing pressure to respond. The coalition cautioned that failure to act could lead to wider unrest and deeper economic instability.

“The Nigerian people are watching,” said Anifowoshe. “We demand transparency, justice, and accountability. Bayo Ojulari must face the full weight of the law.”

As of press time, the EFCC had not issued an official statement on the matter.

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Headlines

JUST-IN: VeryDarkMan Granted Bail

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Controversial social media critic, Mr. Martins Innocent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan has been granted administrative bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and will be released upon perfection of his bail condition.

The anti-corruption agency also revealed that it arrested the social media personality due to several petitions received against him on allegations bordering on financial crimes.

This was disclosed on Tuesday by the EFCC on its verified Facebook page where the commission explained the reason for arresting the critic.

“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in the exercise of its mandate of tackling economic and financial crimes, invited Martins Innocent Otse owing to a series of petitions bordering on sundry issues of alleged financial crimes raised against him,” the EFCC said.

It further added that VDM refused to show up, in spite of several invitations sent to him through his known addresses and medium of communication.

EFCC stressed that the petitions pertain to grave allegations of financial malfeasance which cannot be ignored by the Commission.

It is needful to admit that the Commission is aware of several unguarded attacks of the suspect against its operations. While such conduct is condemnable, his arrest was not informed by such attacks. The relevant law enforcement agency will be allowed to look into them.

“The EFCC has a lawful right to hold Otse in custody like any other suspect being investigated by the Commission,” EFCC said.

In effecting the arrest and remand, the commission revealed that appropriate remand order was obtained in this regard by the commission, stressing, “He has been offered an administrative bail and would be released after fulfilling all the bail conditions.”

The Commission appreciates the interest of Nigerians in its operations, welcoming the passion, enthusiasm and torrential reactions to all of its activities.

“However, insinuations about its motive in carrying out its assignment should no longer continue. The EFCC should be allowed to do its job without fear or favour. As soon as investigations are concluded, charges will be filed,” the Commission said.

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EFCC arrests Aisha Achimugu at Abuja Airport

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested a renowned business executive and socialite, Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu.

Her legal team made this known in a statement on Tuesday, emphasizing that Achimugu, who arrived voluntarily into the country from London, was arrested around 5 a.m. on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, her lawyer had reportedly told the Federal High Court in Abuja that she had already stated in her court documents that she would visit the EFCC today in connection with its ongoing investigation into an alleged case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

Leading reporters gathered that Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ordered Achimugu to appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, to respond to allegations related to an ongoing investigation.

The court also directed that she must be present before it on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, to continue proceedings in the matter.

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Business

JUST IN: EFCC assures CBEX investors will get their money back but….

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has assured individuals who invested in the CBEX digital trading platform that they would recover their funds.

The commission revealed that it had been monitoring the platform even before the recent wave of public complaints.

CBEX, which had promised investors a 100 percent return on investment, faced a crisis over the weekend as many users reported being unable to withdraw their funds, sparking outrage on social media.

On Monday, angry investors reportedly stormed and looted the office of Smart Treasure, an affiliate of CBEX, located in the Oke Ado area of Ibadan, Oyo State.

Speaking during Channels TV’s Morning Brief on Wednesday, EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that the anti-graft agency had been fielding numerous calls from Nigerians seeking information and solutions regarding the CBEX platform.

Oyewale stressed that the EFCC had profiled the platform long before the recent outcry and had previously warned Nigerians about potential Ponzi schemes.

“We were not waiting for Nigerians to call us before we started our work, of course, we have been working,” he said.

“We were not beaten by what actually happened. Our dragnet is wide, our intelligence is very effective, and we were tracking that digital trading platform.”

He added, “We were tracking it, and we profiled several things concerning the platform. You will recall that March 11 this year, the executive chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, had called to instruct us to alert Nigerians.”

Oyewale also recalled that the EFCC had earlier listed 58 suspected Ponzi scheme companies in March to caution the public.

“That shows that we are proactive and we have our hands on what is happening. So concerning this investigation, we were on it; it’s not that we didn’t know.

“We’ve been alerting Nigerians about ways and means of how to separate themselves from this kind of shenanigans.

“Before the calls came, we were working, while the calls are coming, we are working; And even after the calls, we are still working.”

He added that the commission would continue educating the public on how to identify fraudulent investment schemes.

“The essential thing is that, of course, we are going to recall some of the things that Nigerians should be looking out for, you know, concerning this kind of investment schemes and all of that.”

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Headlines

N700b Fraud: EFCC releases Ex-Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel after interrogation

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, has been released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after being questioned over allegations of financial misconduct.

The former governor, who was invited by the anti-graft agency for questioning, arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at around 12:30 p.m.

He was interrogated for several hours before being allowed to leave later in the evening, without spending the night in custody.

Udom Emmanuel’s visit to the EFCC was in response to an investigation into allegations of money laundering, diversion of public funds, and mismanagement of state resources.

The case was reportedly triggered by a petition from the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NCAT), a civil society group that had accused the former governor of financial irregularities during his eight-year tenure.

According to sources within the EFCC, the petition claimed that Udom Emmanuel received a total of ₦3 trillion from the Federation Account while in office but allegedly left the state with a debt profile of ₦500 billion. Additionally, the petition stated that there were ongoing projects in Akwa Ibom State worth ₦300 billion that remain unpaid.

A key part of the allegations revolves around an alleged ₦700 billion that the former governor has yet to account for.

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Headlines

Why I rejected N500m offers from Ministers, DGs during my mother’s burial – EFCC chair

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede on Thursday disclosed how he turned down offers from government officials amounting to N500m during his mother’s funeral in 2019.

The EFCC boss, who spoke at the 38th Anti-Corruption Situation Room in Abuja, explained that the substantial gifts, which included cheques and drafts, were sent to him by ministers, directors, MDAs and other high-ranking government officials.

Olukoyede noted that he was serving as the Secretary of the commission at the time he buried his mother.

Recounting how he received the offers, Olukoyede narrated that upon his return to his family home in Ekiti State prior to the burial, his gate man presented those checks to him.

According to him, after reviewing the cheques, he decided to return them.

The EFCC chairman narrated, “I lost my mother in the year 2019 (in Ekiti State). We went for the funeral. I was the secretary of the EFCC then. People came. So I went to my place a day before the funeral service.

By the time I got to my small compound, which I built several years ago before I joined the EFCC, I saw about 17 cows in my compound, including pregnant ones.

“When I got home, my gate man presented a box to me and inside it, I saw so many cheques and drafts from ministers, permanent secretaries, directors, DGs of agencies, etc.

“And so, I went in and showed it to my wife. She said, ‘Praise God’. I said, ‘Praise God for what?’ By the time we put all the cheques together, it counted close to N500m.

I did the burial in September 2019. By July 2020, I was under investigation. Now, assuming all those cheques were paid into my account as traditional gifts and some of the MDAs that we were investigating in the EFCC, some of their directors and their DGs and their ministers sent cheques to me.

“Ordinarily, I mean for burial, some gave me one million, N20m and all of that. Even though that would not have influenced my decision if I was in a position to determine what would happen to their investigations, how would I have explained before a panel that they saw cheques paid into my account?”

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Headlines

BREAKING: EFCC summons Okoya’s Sons over Naira Abuse

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has invited two sons of Billionaire industralist, Rasaq Okoya over a viral video showing them abusing the Naira.

Wahab and Subomi went viral last week after a video emerged showing them spraying naira notes from bundles of cash held by their police escort. The video generated outrage on Social Media.

LEADING REPORTERS learned that the invote extended to the brothers was signed by one Micheal Wetkas.

On January 10, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Muyiwa Adejobi, announced that the officer seen in the video had been arrested and detained. He added that the officer would face serious disciplinary actions for unethical behaviour.

“The policeman captured in the recent viral video shared by the sons of the Lagos businessman, Chief Okoya, where they were abusing the naira, has been identified and detained for disciplinary action,” Adejobi wrote on X.

“The involvement of the policeman has been condemned, as it’s unethical. We will always strive hard to uphold the sanctity, credibility, and core values of the police.”

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EFCC
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EFCC sacks 27 officers for involvement in fraud

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has dismissed 27 of its personnel from workforce.

This was contained in a statement by the Commission’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, on Monday in Abuja

Oyewale said the officers were dismissed for various offenses bordering on fraudulent activities and misconduct.

The commission, however, did not disclose the identity of the fired officers.

According to him, their dismissal followed the recommendation of the Staff Disciplinary Committee of the EFCC, and the ratification by the Chairman of the agency, Ola Olukoyede.

“Every modicum of allegation against any staff of the Commission would always be investigated, including a trending $400,000 claim of a yet-to-be-identified supposed staff of the EFCC against a Sectional Head.

The commission, however, did not disclose the identity of the fired officers.

According to him, their dismissal followed the recommendation of the Staff Disciplinary Committee of the EFCC, and the ratification by the Chairman of the agency, Ola Olukoyede.

“Every modicum of allegation against any staff of the Commission would always be investigated, including a trending $400,000 claim of a yet-to-be-identified supposed staff of the EFCC against a Sectional Head.

“The core values of the Commission are sacrosanct and would always be held in optimal regard at all times,” the statement partly read.

The anti-graft agency also alerted the public to the sinister activities of impersonators and blackmailers using the name of its chairman to extort money from high-profile suspects.

“Two members of an alleged syndicate, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim were recently arraigned before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Abuja for allegedly contacting a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mr. Mohammed Bello-Kaka and demanding $1million from him for “Olukoyede to give him soft landing” on a non-existing investigation. Such characters are still on the loose seeking victims.

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