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BREAKING: Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello surrenders to EFCC

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) amidst allegations of money laundering and corrupt practices to the tune of N80.2 billion.

Bello was declared wanted by the EFCC but has maintained that he respects the rule of law and constituted authority.

According to a statement from his media office, Bello’s decision to honour the EFCC invitation was made after consulting with his family, legal team, and political allies.

He said that he had only sought to enforce his fundamental human rights to ensure due process.

The statement reads in part: “The case has been before a competent court of jurisdiction, and Alhaji Yahaya Bello had been duly represented by his legal team at every hearing. It is important for the former Governor to now honour the invitation of the EFCC to clear his name as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear.

“The former Governor believes firmly in the efforts of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to place Nigeria on the path of sustainable economic development; supports the fight against corruption in the country.

“It is on record that he was the first Governor of Kogi State to put in place an anti-corruption mechanism to check graft and ensure that the resources of the State work for the people of the State.

“He was accompanied to the EFCC Headquarters by high-profile Nigerians.

“It is our hope that the Commission will be as professional as necessary and respect his fundamental rights as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Details of his engagement with the operatives of the Anti-Graft Agency will be disclosed later.”

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JUST IN: EFCC Declares Man Wanted For Stealing Commission’s Vehicle

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared a 26-year-old man, Ibrahim Mohammed wanted for stealing the commission’s vehicle.

The commission disclosed this in a short post signed by its Spokesman, Dele Oyewale, with a picture of the suspect on its page.

According to the EFCC, Mohammed is an indigene of Jada Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The post did not state whether the suspect is a staff of the anti-graft agency.

It did not, also state how the suspect stole the vehicle.

It asked members of the public with useful information as to his whereabouts to contact the EFCC or the nearest police station.

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EFCC Arrests Fake NNPCL Director Over ₦100m Fraud

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) has arraigned one Ibrahim Shuaibu before Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court, sitting in Kaduna State for fraud.

Shuaibu is being prosecuted on a seven-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, impersonation and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of ₦100 million.

Count one of his charges reads: “That you, Nuhu Ibrahim Shuaibu (a.k.a Ishaku Abdulrazak) (M) and lIya Garba (now deceased) sometime in 2017 in Kaduna within the judicial division of this honourable court did conspire between yourselves to do an illegal act, to wit: obtaining money under false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”

Another reads: “That you, Nuhu Ibrahim Shuaibu (a.k.a Ishaku Abdulrazak)(M) sometime in 2018 at Kaduna within the judicial division of this honourable court, with intent to defraud, obtained the total sum of N47,050,000.00 (Forty-Seven Million and Fifty Thousand Naira) from one Faisal Safiyanu, when you claimed to supply him petroleum products, which pretence you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offenses Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”

He pleaded “not guilty” to all the charges when they were read to him, prompting the prosecution counsel, M. Lawal to urge the court to fix a trial date. His counsel, AbdulKareem Audu failed to file a bail application.

Justice Khobo afterwards ordered the defendant to be remanded in the custody of the EFCC. Shuaibu’s journey to prosecution started sometime in 2017 when he presented himself to his victim as NNPCL’s Group Executive Director and promised to assist him procure over 2000 litres of petroleum products for which the victim transferred the agreed cost to his bank accounts in tranches.

Shuaibu failed to fulfil his own part of the bargain after receiving payment and failed to refund his victim his money.

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EFCC returns $180,300, 53 cars stolen by ‘Yahoo boys’ to Canadian govt

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Nigerian government, on Friday, returned the sum of $180,300 and 53 vehicles that were stolen by some cyber criminals popularly known as ‘Yahoo boys’ to the Canadian government.

The chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, handed over the money and the vehicles to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police at the anti-graft agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking before handing over the recovered property to Canadian government’s representatives, Olukoyede explained that out of the $180,300, the sum of $164, 000 was stolen from a Canadian, Elena Bogomas, in a romance scam.

He added that $16,300 was stolen from Sandra Butler, after which one of the fraudsters used his proceeds to buy an estate before he was later arrested, prosecuted and jailed while the property sold to recover her funds.

“This is an occasion that we are going to use to demonstrate our commitment to fighting financial crimes and to also collaborate with other countries and agencies around the world.

“It’s common knowledge that financial crimes have taken a new turn all across the globe. It has become a global problem. Both Africans and non-Africans have spent a lot of time in their country (Canada).

“The people who perpetrate these crimes, they do it in such a way that we discover that their activities are quite borderless and barbaric. They employ all kinds of means to ensure that they move across various jurisdictions.

“That’s why it has become a very necessary and imperative for us to collaborate with our friends across the world. People share the same objective and mandate with us.

“Most of the countries all across are collaborating with us in the area of fighting financial crimes. What you are witnessing today is a demonstration of the reinforcement of that commitment.

“The Royal Canadian Mounted Police has been collaborating with us. The demonstration of that collaboration has resulted in a lot of recoveries and the impact that joint operations have made,” the anti-graft agency boss said.

The anti-graft agency czar, while narrating to journalists how the operation began, noted that although the operations spanned several years, it ultimately led to significant recoveries from across parts of the country.

Olukoyede maintained that Nigeria should not be seen as a hub of financial and other crimes, adding that the country doesn’t tolerate these crimes and that the country would continue to clampdown on the criminals.

He stated, “We are here today to witness the handing over of the assets recovered on behalf of the Canadian victims of cybercrime. The operations have taken a couple of years, and eventually, it has resulted in a substantial recovery.

“It has been necessary for us to let our colleagues and our friends from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police know that as an agency, EFCC, and as a country, we are always ready to fight financial crimes.

“Nigeria should not necessarily be seen as a hub (of financial crimes). It is a transit town. Canada is also a transit town and most countries across the world because we move from one jurisdiction to another.

“Today’s handing over is a demonstration of the fact that the Nigerian government does not tolerate financial crimes. Not only that, we are going to pursue it, because not only that, we will investigate, we will recover, we will prosecute and we will ensure that the victim is restituted.

“We have recovered money, financial assets, and also we have recovered vehicles on behalf of the victims in Canada. As a matter of fact, the total 53 vehicles were recovered on behalf of the victims. And also, in one instance, we had $164,000 U.S. dollars given to a Canadian victim known as Eleanor Bogomas.

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EFCC operative commits suicide in Abuja

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

An operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken his own life at his residence in Abuja.

The deceased, a member of Course 5, was described by colleagues as diligent, efficient, and unassuming.

The incident, which occurred on Monday, has been confirmed by the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, who stated that an investigation is currently underway to determine the reasons behind the operative’s decision to end his life.

Sources within the Commission revealed that the deceased had been experiencing issues with his immediate superior, a female boss, for some time.

However, it is unclear if these issues directly contributed to his decision to commit suicide.

The EFCC has not released the name of the operative as the investigation is still ongoing.

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Former EFCC chairman Ibrahim Lamorde to be buried today

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Lamorde, who passed away in Egypt on Sunday, will be laid to rest today.

The 61-year-old had travelled to Egypt for medical treatment before he passed on.

The burial announcement was made by former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, on his X handle on Tuesday.

Pantami shared a statement from Lamorde’s family, confirming the funeral arrangements.

“The Jana’iza prayer of our late father, brother and Uncle DIG Ibrahim LAMORDE mni and Former Chairman of EFCC is coming up Tuesday 28/05/2024 at the National Mosque Abuja by 1:30 pm in sha Allah, immediately after Zuhr!” Pantami posted.

Lamorde, born on December 20, 1962, joined the Nigerian Police Force in 1986 and retired as a Deputy Inspector General of Police in 2021.

During his career, he served as the Chairman of the EFCC from 2011 to 2015, playing a significant role in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

Lamorde’s burial will take place at the National Mosque in Abuja, where a Jana’iza prayer will be held in his honour, attended by family, friends, and colleagues who will gather to pay their final respects.

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Oba Of Benin Accuses EFCC Of Aiding Crimes

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The monarch of Benin, Omo N’ Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of aiding crimes.

Oba Ewuare II, made the allegations when he received the newly deployed Benin Zonal Director of EFCC, Effa Okim, in his Palace in Benin City, the Edo State capital, on Monday. He tasked the Commission to fight crime without fear or favour.

The monarch cited a particular criminal investigation involving unnamed former palace officials who were arrested for fraud and handed over to EFCC in Benin for investigation and prosecution, saying the alleged culprits were set free after receiving mere slaps on the wrists.

The monarch, who did not give further details about the unnamed former palace officials, wondered why EFCC investigators allegedly swept glaring evidence of fraud against the former palace officials under the carpet.

The traditional ruler said, “We want to draw your attention to one or two grey areas in your operations.

“You know that I have been known for speaking the truth. But like it’s I was not happy about certain things that happened with your predecessor.

“We get news from everywhere. When we try to assist the EFCC. I even wrote a letter to the then Chairman that was now removed from office.

I even sent an emissary to talk to him regarding certain elements in Edo State, particularly the Palace.

“How can EFCC boys especially that girl be behaving like this? If I was asked to comment on her performance index, I will score her zero. I do not know if she was doing EFCC job or just dancing to the tunes of people that were giving her money.

“At the time we were trying to assist EFCC, the report we keep getting was negative and I was not happy about it”, Oba Ewuare II said.

The monarch, however said the newly appointed Chairman of EFCC, Ola Olukoyede is on the path to greatness if he continually demonstrates fidelity in his duties.

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EFCC arrests herbalist, 48 internet fraudsters in Lokoja

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ilorin Zonal Command, has arrested a herbalist and 48 suspected internet fraudsters in Lokoja.

The anti-graft agency noted that the suspects were arrested for offences bordering on conspiracy and obtaining under false pretence in Lokoja, Kogi State capital.

According to a statement by the EFCC on Thursday, the suspects were arrested upon credible intelligence on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at various locations in Lokoja.

The herbalist, believed to be a spiritual godfather of internet fraudsters, was arrested with assorted charms.

Items recovered from them include 10 exotic cars, two motorcycles, 11 laptops, 83 mobile phones and charms.

According to the anti-graft agency, the male suspects, between the ages of 17 -34, will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigations.

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BREAKING: Chairman of Federal Character Commission, Moheeba Farida reports to EFCC office

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is currently cross-examining the Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Moheeba Farida Dankaka, concerning an alleged certificate scandal.

According to Sahara Reporters, the FCC Chairman is at the EFCC Headquarters, Abuja, where she is answering questions from operatives, looking into several documents presented before them on forgery and submitting false information alleged against the chairman.

“Moheeba is currently at EFCC headquarters undergoing interrogation,” an EFCC official quoted in the report said.

Recall that operatives of the Nigeria Police Force cross-examined Dankaka in connection to the case last week.

She was grilled for over five hours by the Nigerian Police at the Force headquarters, Abuja, over the issue.

Her ordeal started after a civil society organisation, Youth and Leadership Initiatives had in May last year petitioned the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department, (FCID) Garki, Abuja and alleged that Dankaka presented false information to the presidency and the National Assembly to secure the chairmanship of the commission.

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EFCC chairman calls for end to corruption, social injustice

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede has called for an end to corruption, social injustice, deprivation, and rancour in Nigeria.

He made the call in Abuja while hosting a delegation from the Public Complaints Commission, PCC, who paid him a visit at the Commission’s corporate offices.

Olukoyede stated that crises and rancour are largely the result of corruption, injustice and entrenched deprivation and that for any system to function successfully, equity and fairness must be maintained.

He said, “Corruption is the underlying factor of injustice. We should bridge the gap that is causing injustice. Social rancor is also caused by injustice. We must come together to rid our nation of injustice caused by corruption. What is good for one is good for all.”

The EFCC chief pushed the PCC leadership to work hard in order to gain Nigerians’ support.

He also requested a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize the EFCC’s connection with the PCC, ensuring that the two commissions’ existing partnership will be enhanced.

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