News Agency of Nigeria
FRSC, EFCC partner to tackle economic sabotage, road crashes
Defence/Security

FRSC, EFCC partner to tackle economic sabotage, road crashes

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By Ibironke Ariyo

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have entered into a strategic partnership to curb economic sabotage and reduce road traffic crashes (RTCs) in the country.

The agreement was made when the FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed led his team on a courtesy visit to the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede on Tuesday in Abuja.

Speaking during the strategic engagement, the FRSC boss amplified the urgent need for the strategic partnership between the agencies to confront the twin threats of reckless driving and its attendant fatalities.

This, he said, were as well as the financial hemorrhage resulting from such recklessness.

Mohammed maintained that road safety was not merely a transport issue but a national security and economic imperative.

He said that it required a multi sectoral approach to safeguard human lives and stabilise Nigeria’s economic trajectory.

He, however, said the alliance between the two institutions signalled that unlawful transport practices and road carnage would no longer be tolerated.

He added that the partnership represented integrity, law enforcement and public safety, while setting a new standard for institutional collaboration to protect lives, preserve resources and secure the future.

“With this partnership, Nigerians can expect a tougher, more coordinated crackdown on economic crimes linked to the transport sector.”

He said it would be a renewed offensive against the culture of impunity that has long endangered lives and undermined national progress.

“The message is clear. Economic sabotage and reckless endangerment of lives on our roads will be confronted with the full weight of the law as FRSC and EFCC.

“We believe that together, we are determined to raise the bar of strategic partnership,” he said.

Responding, the Executive Chairman of EFCC, Olukoyede, emphasised that the two organisations share strikingly similar mandates.

Olukoyede maintained that both agencies interface directly with the Nigerian public in ways that deeply affect lives, safety, and national prosperity.

He stressed that beyond combating economic crimes, the EFCC was also charged with addressing economic sabotage.

This, he said was an area where transport operators who flout regulations cause devastating ripple effects on national growth and citizens’ welfare.(NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Why We Involve EFCC, Others in Recovering Anchor Borrowers Loans – MAAN
Agriculture

Why We Involve EFCC, Others in Recovering Anchor Borrowers Loans – MAAN

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Loans
By Priscilla Osaje

The Maize Association of Nigeria (MAAN) says it is working with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police to recover Anchor Borrowers Programme loans from its members.

Its National President, Mr Bello Abubakar, said this at a news conference after a three-day meeting organised by the association in Abuja on Thursday.

The meeting included the association’s state chairmen, zonal coordinators, national officers, and other stakeholders in the maize value chain, such as researchers, input suppliers, farmers, and end users.

The MAAN boss said the purpose of the press briefing was to inform the general public about the efforts being made to recover the Anchor Borrowers Programme loans given to the association from 2018 to 2021 for maize production.

“MAAN understands that the ABP/CBN programme is a revolving loan due for full recovery, depending on the participants (farmers) for compliance.

“Unfortunately, there was a monumental disappointment, as most of the participants/farmers thought that the loan was a national cake,” Abubakar said.

He added that due to the recalcitrant attitude of the participants/farmers towards repayment of the loan, MAAN was constrained to write several demand letters to the defaulters, as well as to seek synergy with law enforcement and anti-graft agencies like the EFCC, DSS, and the Nigeria Police for assistance, in line with Federal Government policies on loan recovery.

“It is most unfortunate that some of the participants/defaulters, who tried to evade responsibility to both MAAN and the agencies supporting our loan recovery, took us to various courts for enforcement of their purported human rights, which they claimed were violated.”

The MAAN president said the association took some of the defaulters to court for loan recovery, and most of those cases are still pending in the courts.

He noted that insecurity is grossly affecting association members, saying, “Some of our farms and farmers were burnt, kidnapped, and killed by bandits on farms in Niger, Zamfara, Katsina, Borno, Yobe, Sokoto, Ondo, and Ekiti states.”

According to him, flooding has also affected farmers in Kogi, Benue, Cross River, Jigawa, Katsina, Taraba, Niger, Kebbi, and Kwara states, with drought threatening members in Oyo, Kwara, Niger, Ondo, Ekiti, and Benue states.

Abubakar urged the Federal Government to create an enabling environment that would give smallholder farmers the opportunity to settle their outstanding loans and produce for domestic needs and exports.

He said the government should show compassion to farmers in consideration of the unmitigated and debilitating factors making productive farming and harvesting impossible.

The MAAN boss appealed to the government to either waive or significantly reduce the outstanding financial obligations of the association in the CBN/ABP programme.

He commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its efforts in ensuring food security in the country.
(NAN)
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Obasanjo library accuses EFCC of unlawful invasion
General News

Obasanjo library accuses EFCC of unlawful invasion

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Library

By Bukola Adetoye
The management of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, has berated the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly invading its premises.

The management accused the EFCC of violating the rights of guests during a private event in the early hours of Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that EFCC operatives reportedly stormed the Green Legacy Hotel, located within OOPL, and arrested some persons suspected to be internet fraudsters.

The EFCC operatives carried out the raid during a pool party at the premises of the library.

Reacting to the incident, OOPL management, through Mr Kayode Adeyemi, Special Adviser on Media to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, described it as an invasion of private property.

Adeyemi also described the EFCC’s action as an infringement of corporate rights and a blatant violation of the rights of those who gathered for the event.

He alleged that more than 50 armed men, claiming to be EFCC operatives and led by one “Olapade,” stormed the complex without presenting a warrant.

He further demanded an explanation for these actions and an apology to all affected, including those injured during the chaos allegedly induced by the operatives.

According to him, shots were fired, causing panic and injuries as guests fled the premises.

“This morning, at about 2 a.m., the OOPL premises were invaded by a Gestapo-like gang of over 50 armed men.

“They were shooting guns, threatening to kill people, and claiming to be from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“The invasion, led by one ‘Olapade,’ caused panic and chaos, resulting in serious injuries as participants tried to escape the near carnage.

“On inquiry by phone, ‘Olapade’ told the OOPL Managing Director, Mr Vitalis Ortese, they acted on an intelligence tip about a private event.

“It should be noted that the event had been publicly advertised to members of the public days before.

“This gangster-like action caused terror among residents and guests,” Adeyemi said.

He said the library management would escalate the matter to EFCC leadership, the police, and the Department of State Services (DSS), demanding an explanation and apology.

Adeyemi warned that failure to address the grievances could lead to legal action and calls for sanctions against those responsible.

“Management reiterates that this EFCC action is a clear invasion of private property and a blatant violation of OOPL’s rights as corporate citizens.

“Investigations into the invasion have commenced, and the matter will be pursued with the EFCC, police, and Department of State Security (DSS),” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Corrupt politicians now hide loot in cryptocurrencies – EFCC
General News

Corrupt politicians now hide loot in cryptocurrencies – EFCC

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By Akeem Abas

Mr Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has alleged that some corrupt politicians now conceal stolen public funds in cryptocurrencies to evade detection and prosecution.

He made the allegation during an AU Anti-Corruption Day event on Thursday in Ibadan.

Olukoyede, represented by the Commission’s  Acting Zonal Director in its Ibadan office, Hajiya Hauwa Ringim, said that virtual assets were becoming preferred channel for hiding illicit wealth.

He described virtual assets as digital monetary representations that could be traded or transferred, stressing that while not criminal, they become dangerous when used fraudulently.

Olukoyede lamented Africa’s growing loss to illicit financial flows, listing money laundering and digital fraud schemes as major threats to the continent’s development.

He said that the EFCC had observed an alarming increase in politicians using cryptocurrency wallets to store unexplained wealth and facilitate fraudulent investment activities.

The EFCC boss said that the agency was addressing the challenge with training and intelligence.

According to him, the commission’s efforts resulted in breakthroughs like the CBEX investment scam investigation as well as prosecution.

Olukoyede warned investors against negligence, saying most scams succeeded due to lack of due diligence and delayed reporting of suspicious transactions to relevant authorities.

He said that ponzi schemes remain widespread, with desperate investors easily falling prey to enticing but fake digital investment promises.

The commission’s chairman said that virtual assets fraud could be prevented through public awareness, proactive measures and stakeholder engagement by anti-graft agencies as well as regulators.

Olukoyede added that understanding digital fraud was crucial, urging citizens to acquire knowledge and report shady schemes before they escalate into national scandals.

A professor of Criminology from the University of Ibadan, Oludayo Tade, said Nigerians must beware of unrealistic digital investment promises that signal fraud.

He advised Nigerians to avoid schemes offering suspiciously high returns, warning that 50 per cent profit within a week are clear signs of deceit.

The don said that fraudsters exploit the image of celebrities as well as influencers to build trust and deceive unsuspecting investors across media platforms.

He called on government agencies to expand public awareness of red flags, warning that many victims often fell for similar scams repeatedly due to ignorance.

The criminologist urged authorities to fund investigative efforts and punish offenders, saying fraud prevention was more effective than belated enforcement actions.

The event had in attendance, the Special Adviser to the Oyo Governor on Security, retired CP Fatai Owoseni, Security Commanders, Civil society organisations, students, youth groups among other stakeholders.(NAN)

Edited by Bayo Sekoni

Suspected employment fraudster hands self to EFCC
Defence/Security

Suspected employment fraudster hands self to EFCC

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Suspect
By Isaac Aregbesola
A suspected employment fraudster, Idris Adamu, has handed himself over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Gombe State over alleged impersonation and obtaining by false pretence.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Oyewale explained that there was a mild drama at the EFCC Gombe Zonal Directorate, when the middle-aged man walked into the office premises and reported himself over the alleged offences.

He said that the self-confessed suspect cited the fear of the EFCC for his action.

“The suspect, Idris Adamu, walked into the office of the EFCC at about 1300hrs and requested to see the Acting Zonal Director, Deputy Commander of the EFCC (DCE), Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad.

“He said he wanted to confess some hidden truths about the crimes he had committed in the past,“ he said.

According to him, while at the Directors office, the suspect said,” I came to repent of my sins and to confess to the EFCC.

“In the past, I have obtained the aggregate sum of N9 million through my bank account from different individuals in the guise of offering them employment opportunities in Federal Government agencies which was false.

“I have changed but I am afraid of the EFCC,“ he quoted the suspect as saying.

Oyewale said the acting zonal director after listening to his confession, thanked him for speaking to the EFCC.

According to him, Sa’ad therefore, directed that the self-confessed suspect be taken to the investigation department for a thorough investigation of the case. (NAN)(www.nannnews.ng)

Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

Misappropriation: Rivers Assembly invites EFCC, ICPC to investigate Electoral Commission’s Boss
Politics

Misappropriation: Rivers Assembly invites EFCC, ICPC to investigate Electoral Commission’s Boss

405 total views today

Assembly

By Precious Akutamadu

The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martins  Amaewhule have called on Economics and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offenses Commission(ICPC) to investigate the River Electoral Chairman.

Amaewhule, who is the Speaker of the Assembly, made the remark during the plenary at the Assembly quarters complex in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

He said that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) Chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd), should be investigated for alleged misappropriation of the Commission’s fund.

He said that it is the duty of the Rivers State Assembly, that enacted the state Independent Electoral Commission law and set up the State Independent Electoral Commission, to exercise oversight over it.

“It is not only constitutional, but it is the convention the world over,” he said.

Amaewhule said that Enebeli and the Commissioners came before the House of Assembly for screening and confirmation and admitted that they were not going to live above the Constitution or the Rivers’ law.

“And it is usually the practice that questions are put forth to them, asking them if they will come before the House when questions are needed to be asked.

“And they also confirmed to us that they will come before the Assembly to answer questions when necessary.

“Today, we are calling on them and they are refusing to honour the summons of this August Assembly.’’

He said that the House is vested with the powers in Section 128 of the state Constitution to invite the commission for investigation, for the chairman and members to answer questions put forward to them.

Amaewhule said that it had become necessary for the house to invite the EFCC and ICPC to assist it, in pursuit of its investigative powers, to find out how funds were spent by the commission.

He said that the crime commissions should also investigate how public funds were expended by the chairman, who is the chief accounting officer of the commission, in a manner that was unknown to the Assembly.

Amaewhule said that there was no approval, no budgetary allocation, no appropriation law, and billions of public funds went down the drain in futile actions.

“It’s important that they come and bring themselves forward for this investigation and that’s exactly what this motion has said,” he explained.

Amaewhule said that the motion and the prayers were voted in favour by the 26 member against nil.

He, however, said that the House did not condemn the refusal of the RSIEC’s chairman and others who failed to subject themselves to investigation by it.

He added that the House had agreed to invite the bankers to the RSIEC to produce the commission’s bank statements from Jan, 1, 2024 till date.

Amaewhule stated that the power to also investigate the government of the River State was rested on the Assembly by virtue of the provisions of Section 128. (NAN)

Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka

EFCC alerts Nigerians on 58 ponzi scheme operators
General News

EFCC alerts Nigerians on 58 ponzi scheme operators

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Alert

By Isaac Aregbesola

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a public alert regarding the activities of 58 companies allegedly operating illegal Ponzi  schemes under the guise of investment opportunities.

The alert is contaned in a statement issued by the EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, in Abuja.

The commission said that the companies were neither registered with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) nor the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), hence, making their operations illegal.

The commission said it has taken legal action against many of the entities, leading to the conviction of five, while another five have pleaded guilty and are awaiting further judicial processes.

The commission listed the companies as Wales Kingdom Capital, Bethseida Group of Companies; AQM Capital Ltd.; Titan Multibusiness Investment Ltd.; Brickwall Global Investment Ltd.; and Farmforte Ltd. & Agro Partnership Tech.

Others are Green Eagles Agricbusiness Solution Ltd.; Richfield Multiconcepts Ltd.; Forte Asset Management Ltd.; (Biss Networks Nigeria Ltd.; S Mobile Netzone Ltd.; Pristine Mobile Network), and Letsfarm Integrated Services.

Others are Bara Finance & Investment Ltd.; Vicampro Farms Ltd.; Brooks Network Ltd.; Gas Station Supply Services Ltd.; Brass & Books Ltd.; (Annexation Biz Concept & Maitanbuwal Global Venturescrowdyvest Ltd.) and Crowdyvest Ltd.

Also listed are  Jadek Agro Connect Ltd.; Adeeva Capital Ltd.; Oxford International Group and Oxford Gold Integrated; Skapomah Global Ltd.; MBA Trading & Capital Investment Ltd.; TRJ Company Ltd.; and Farm4Me Agriculture Ltd.

Others are Quintessential Investment Company; deprinz Global Enterprises; Rockstar Establishment Ltd.; SU.Global Investment; Citi Trust Funding PLC; Farm Buddy; Eatrich 369 Farms & Food; and Globertrot Farmsponsors Nig. Ltd.

The commission also listed Farm Sponsors Ltd.; Cititrust Credit Ltd.; Farmfunded Agroservices Ltd.; Adamakin Investment & Works Ltd.; ititrust Holding PLC; Green Eagles Agribusiness Solutions Ltd.; and Chinmark Homes & Shelters Ltd.

Others include Emerald Farms & Consultant Ltd.; Ovaioza Farm Produce Storage Ltd.; Farm 360 & Agriculture Company; Requid Technologies Ltd.; West Agro Agriculture & Food Processing Ltd.

Others are NISL Ventures Ltd. & Estate of Laolu Martins; XY Connect Investment Ltd.; River Branch Unique Investment Ltd.; Hallmark Capital Ltd.; CJC Markets Ltd.; Crowd One Investment; and Farmkart Foods Ltd.

The commission also listed KD Likemind Stakeholders Ltd.; Holibiz Finance Ltd.; Ifeanyi Okpe Oil & Gas Services; Servapps Nigeria Ltd.; Barrick Gold Mining Company and 360 Agric Partners Ltd.

The anti graft agency assured the public of its continued vigilance in monitoring financial activities across the nation.

The commission said it remains committed to identifying and prosecuting opportunistic and predatory operators who exploit unsuspecting investors.

It advised Nigerians to exercise caution when investing and verify the legitimacy of investment firms through appropriate regulatory agencies before engaging in any financial transactions.(NAN)

Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Sadiya Hamza

EFCC nabs 4 Chinese, 27 other suspected illegal miners in Jos
Defence/Security

EFCC nabs 4 Chinese, 27 other suspected illegal miners in Jos

560 total views today

Arrest

By Isaac Aregbesola

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has detained four Chinese and 27 others over alleged illegal mining in Jos.

This is contained in a statement by the commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Oyewale said that the suspects were arrested on Saturday in the premises of Jiasheng Nigeria Limited, located at Dura Rayfield, Mangu Road, Jos.

He said that the arrest was sequel to credible intelligence linking the company to illegal mining activities in the state.

According to him the suspects include four Chinese and 27 Nigerians, part of who are suppliers in possession of unprocessed solid minerals, suspected to have been illegally mined.

He added that some exhibits which include a truck loaded with eight bags of processed Monazite, weighing 1000kg, worth N4 million each were recovered in the premises during the arrests.

He said that the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations were concluded. (NAN)

Edited by Deborah Coker

EFCC arraigns foreigners over alleged cybercrime
Judiciary

EFCC arraigns foreigners over alleged cybercrime

592 total views today

Cybercrime
By Sandra Umeh

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday,  arraigned several foreign nationals before a Federal High Court in Lagos for alleged cybercrime and attempt to destabilise the nation.

The defendants, who include Filipinos, Indonesian, and Chinese nationals, are standing trial before Justice Musa Kakaki, on a two-count charge bordering on cybercrime, and identity theft.

The defendants are, Kayceelyn Remorin, Jonylyn Agulto, Donny Hermanto, Guo Bin, Darwa Esmael, Lari Tayac, Jhena Samiento, Jessa Sai Chui, Rain Torida, and Kimbaley Nisperos.

Others are, Winnie De Jesus, Shairah Reyes, Gladys Joy, May Iba, Jean Calaga, Huo Wen Jie, Zhao Sui Tao, Gong Yua, and Anjeannet Topacio.

The defendants, all pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecutor, Mr N.K. Ukoha, urged the court to also enter a plea of not guilty, against a company, Genting Internation C.O. Ltd, also allegedly linked to the charge, but not represented by counsel.

Following the defendants’ plea, the prosecutor urged the court to remand them in a correctional facility, pending trial.

But the Defence Counsel, Mrs Bridget Omoteno, raised objection, and urged the court to grant a short adjournment to enable parties explore plea bargain option.

Kakaki, however, granted the prosecutor’s request and ordered the remand of the defendants in custody of the correctional service, pending trial.

The Judge adjourned the case until the March 18 and March 20, for trial.

According to the charge, the defendants and the company allegedly committed the offence on Dec. 18, 2024, in Lagos.

They were said to have wilfully caused to be accessed, computer systems organised to seriously destabilise the economic and social structure of Nigeria, when they procured Nigerian youths for identity theft.

They were alleged to have done so, with the intent to gain financial advantage for themselves.

The offences, according to the prosecutor, contravene the provisions of sections 18, 22, and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition) Act, 2015 (as amended) (NAN)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

EFCC warns council chairmen on financial misuse
General News

EFCC warns council chairmen on financial misuse

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By Peter Uwumarogie

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has cautioned council chairmen across Nigeria, including those in Gombe State, against viewing financial autonomy as an opportunity for embezzlement.

EFCC Chairman, Mr Ola Olukoyede, issued the warning at the Gombe State Local Government Summit on Wednesday, urging council chairmen and executives to resist the temptation of financial misconduct.

He emphasised that local government officials do not have immunity and warned that any breach of financial laws would be prosecuted without delay.

Following the Supreme Court’s decision granting local government autonomy, Olukoyede announced that the EFCC would deploy additional personnel to Gombe State to monitor fund management.

“Only the Governor and Deputy Governor have constitutional immunity. Local council chairmen, you do not have immunity,” he stated.

He added that the EFCC would not wait until officials leave office to ensure accountability and transparency in financial matters.

Olukoyede reminded council chairmen that financial autonomy does not equate to constitutional immunity, stressing that their use of public funds would be closely monitored.

He described the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy and direct fund allocation as a welcome development that should enhance council funding.

He expressed concerns that, given past mismanagement and lack of accountability, local government funds might not be properly utilised.

According to him, council resources have often been misused, turning councils into “ATMs for corrupt officials” who divert public funds for personal gain.

The EFCC chairman noted that councils’ financial struggles and failure to meet community obligations raised serious concerns about their fiscal viability and effectiveness.

He acknowledged that many council chairmen have blamed inefficiency on state governors’ control and the diversion of local government funds.

With financial autonomy now in place, he stressed that such excuses would no longer be valid, and chairmen would be held accountable for any mismanagement.

He urged them to embrace transparency and integrity, using autonomy to implement meaningful projects that benefit their communities.

Additionally, he encouraged council officials to enhance their capacity in resource management, ensuring compliance with financial regulations.

“Acquire more knowledge and build your capacity on relevant laws guiding financial management. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse,” he warned.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit’s theme was ‘Local Government Autonomy, Fiscal Responsibility and Sustainable Development.’ (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

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