NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Defence/Security , Features

Anti-corruption war: Tinubu, EFCC’s unwavering efforts

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By Isaac Aregbesola, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Corruption, a scourge that has plagued humanity for centuries, has been aptly described as the “deadliest affliction of humanity after terrorism” by Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

This stark reality underscores the devastating impact of corruption on societies worldwide as it perpetuates poverty, inequality, and social injustice.

In Nigeria, where corruption has long been a pervasive problem, the government has declared an all-out war on this menace, with the EFCC at the forefront of efforts to combat it.

The appointment of the Olukoyede by President Bola Tinubu as the EFCC Chairman, thus showed a demonstration of renewed commitment to tackling this scourge.

This step brought to fore the statement by an anti-corruption crusader and rights activist, Femi Falana, who once said, “the fight against corruption is a fight for the soul of Nigeria”.

The deliberate choice of Olukoyede, a seasoned expert in combating fraud, to lead the anti-corruption efforts, set the tone to achieve this goal, as the Latin phrase “ex nihilo nihilo” suggests – nothing comes from nothing.

In other words, the achievements that followed weren’t mere coincidence. The impressive track records of the EFCC in its anti-graft war more than a year ago, under Olukoyede’s leadership, are a testament to the effectiveness of his appointment.

Under his leadership, the commission has made significant strides in tackling corruption, with a renewed focus on strengthening institutions, promoting transparency, and holding accountable those who engage in corrupt practices.

The commission has been at the forefront of the anti-corruption battle, working tirelessly to investigate, prosecute, and recover proceeds of corruption.

In the last one year, corruption and corrupt practices have reduced drastically, as hell is being let loose on those indulging in sharp and corrupt practices in the country.

The entire nation is lauding the EFCC’s fresh approach, which is in compliance with the international standards, to fighting corruption.
Even the toughest critics would agree that the EFCC’s track record shows that the government is making real progress in its fight against corruption.

The EFCC has undergone significant changes, and the results are already showing. Foreign investors are taking notice, and the local business community is feeling hopeful.

Notable among the achievements of the anti-graft agency in the last one year is the  record-breaking asset recovery of a 150,500-square-meter estate with 753 duplexes and other apartments in Abuja.

The achievements, according to Olukoyede, also include recovery of  over N248 billion, 105 million dollars and the securing of  3,455 convictions.

The commission within the year recovered N248, 750,049,365.52; $105,423,190.39; £53,133.64; €172,547.10; T1,300.00 Indian Rupees and CAD $3,400.00 Canadian Dollars.

It also recovered ¥74,859:00 Chinese Yuan; AUS $ 740:00 Australian Dollars; 170:00 UAE Dirham; 73,000:00 Korean Won; CFA 7,821,375:00 and R 50:00 South Africa Rands.

On asset recovery and return, the EFCC on Sept. 6, handed over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) the sum of $180,300  and 53 vehicles, being assets recovered for Canadian victims of Nigerian fraudsters.

Also, to show its strong teeth against corrupt practices, a serving Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Betta Edu was suspended over alleged corruption for proper investigation.

She was suspended alongside the Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency, Halima Shehu, while some former ministers are also being investigated.

In the same vein, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, is being prosecuted over alleged multibillion naira frauds.

Similarly, the erstwhile Minister of Power and Steel Development, Olu Agunloye and ex-Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Hadi Sirika are facing  prosecution.

Others are former Anambra governor, Willie Obiano;  former Kwara governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed; former Kogi governor, Yahaya Bello, former governor of Delta, Ifeanyi Okowa, and other former state and non-state actors are facing trial by the EFCC.

The commission has also realised that preventing corruption is more effective and cost-efficient than trying to combat it after it has taken root. To achieve this, the commission has established a new department called Fraud Risk Assessment and Control (FRAC).

FRAC’s mission is to identify vulnerabilities to corruption in government Ministries, Agencies, And Departments (MDAs), and to implement preventive measures.

One area of focus for FRAC is the contract and procurement processes in government institutions, which has been breeding grounds for corruption.

The commission has requested anti-corruption plans from these institutions, including the Presidency, National Assembly, and judiciary, to ensure that their processes are transparent and corruption-proof.

The EFCC has also put in place systems to track contracts and prevent the abuse of anti-corruption structures in public and private institutions. These practical measures demonstrate the EFCC’s commitment to preventing corrupt practices.

Overall, the EFCC’s new approach is yielding positive results. With the FRAC department in place, the EFCC is well-equipped to prevent corruption and promote a culture of transparency and accountability.

The anti-graft agency has also been aggressively fighting internet fraudsters, and its efforts have been highly effective. This success has made it difficult for critics to find fault with the commission’s work.

The EFCC has investigated and prosecuted a wide range of individuals and organisations, including internet fraudsters, politicians, business leaders, and government officials, demonstrating its commitment to fairness and impartiality.

In its effort to fulfill its mission, the EFCC has made significant changes to its approach. Today, the commission is more modern, humane, and professional in its operations, particularly when it comes to arrests and bail procedures, without compromising its professionalism and credibility.

This new approach marks a significant shift towards a more effective and sustainable way of combating corruption and financial crimes.

The onslaught against internet fraudsters is on the increase, this includes arresting 792 suspects in a day including 192 foreigners during a clamp down on largest cyber crimes centers in Abuja.

The Special Task Force against Naira Abuse and Dollarisation of the Economy has been working tirelessly to curb currency racketeering, securing over 50 convictions across various sectors of society within the first year of the current administration.

However, the EFCC has faced challenges, including fierce resistance from corrupt individuals and groups in the last one year plus.

Notable among them was the court case instituted by some state governors to scrap the agency, which was quashed at the Supreme Court.

This opposition is expected, as it underscores the commission’s effectiveness in combating corruption. Yes! It is public knowledge that corruption will definitely fight back viciously.

Every opposition to anti-corruption work is an affirmation of its potency and impact. Fortunately, the EFCC has received robust public support, demonstrating that Nigerians inherently reject corruption.

As Olukoyede aptly puts it, “Nigerians are not fundamentally corrupt. It is the operating systems that are breeding corruption!”

This sentiment echoes the widespread disillusionment with corruption and the desire for change. With the EFCC on track and public support growing, the prospects for a corruption-free Nigeria are becoming increasingly brighter.

Overall, the EFCC’s efforts have silenced its critics and demonstrated its effectiveness in fighting corruption. With the government’s support, the commission will continue to make significant strides in this fight.

However, some anti graft-experts opined that the agency needs to improve on its operations in certain areas, which include the rate of successful prosecutions and convictions of fraudsters other than internet, as well as reducing the number of cases that are dismissed or withdrawn.

It should also address the allegations of selective justice, ensure transparency within and corruption-free as well as addressing any internal corruption allegation promptly.

The anti-graft agency should also ensure whistleblowers and witnesses’ protection and also enhance public engagement and education as well as improving investigation techniques and forensic analysis.  (NANFeatures)

**If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria

 

 

 

 

Judiciary

Alleged terrorism financing: Court gives EFCC go-ahead to freeze 24 bank accounts

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By Taiye Agbaje

A Federal High Court in Abuja has okayed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s application to freeze 24 bank accounts domiciled in different banks over allegations bordering on terrorism financing.

 

Justice Emeka Nwite, who granted the application after the EFCC’s lawyer, Martha Babatunde, moved an ex-parte motion to the effect, said the commission should freeze the accounts for 90 days pending the conclusion of investigation.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the motion ex-parte, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1897/V/2024, was filed by Ekele Iheanacho, SAN.

 

Iheanacho sought an order freezing the bank accounts stated in the schedule which accounts are owned by Lawrence Eromosele who is currently being investigated in a case involving kidnapping pending the conclusion of the investigation.

 

He said the bank accounts in respect of which the reliefs were sought are subject matters of investigation by the EFCC in relation to money laundering and terrorism financing.

 

The senior lawyer said the preliminary investigation conducted revealed that the bank accounts are linked to persons who take advantage of the virtual crypto currency exchange platforms to manipulate the value of Naira and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities.

 

He said there was need to preserve the funds in the identified bank accounts pending the conclusion of investigation and possible prosecution.

 

In the affidavit deposed to by Mohammed Khalil, an investigator attached to the Special Investigation Team of the EFCC domiciled in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), he said he was a member of the team assigned to investigate the matter.

 

He said the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, directed the team to investigate a serious threat by a syndicate threatening the lives of senior operatives of the ONSA by making demands for payments of ransom.

 

He said on receipt of the directive, the team began investigation by conducting surveillance of the activities on these syndicates, requesting bank instruments.

 

Khalil said investigation revealed Eromosele as one of the perpetrators of the crime.

 

According to him, the operatives received a direct threat involving their families, with the perpetrators providing the homes addresses, family locations and specific movements with a threat to kidnap following failure to remit redemption payments.

 

He alleged that “one unknown individual contacted an operative, demanding some monies in exchange for their freedom and that of their families.”

 

“Attached and marked as Exhibit EFCC 1 is the printout of the chat between one of the perpetrators and the operative.”

 

The officer said in a bid to mitigate some of the threats, the team had identified bank accounts linked to the individuals making the threats.

 

“Attached and marked as Exhibit EFCC 2 are the bank statements of one of the suspects.

 

“Further intelligence has revealed that proceeds of crimes and funds for terrorist activities are covertly exchanged through these platforms,” he said.

 

Khalil said the order of the court was necessary to freeze the said accounts clearly described in schedule 1 to the motion paper for which investigation is ongoing.

 

Upon resumed hearing, Babatunde, who appeared for EFCC, informed the court that the motion was dated and filed on Dec. 17.

 

She said that the motion prayed for an order freezing the bank accounts in the schedule attached to the application.

 

The lawyer urged the court to grant the relief.

 

When Justice Nwite asked her for how long the investigation would be conducted, Babatunde said within 90 days.

 

The judge, who granted the prayer, adjourned the matter until March 24, 2025 for mention.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

Defence/Security

Yahaya Bello presents self to EFCC, detained

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By Isaac Aregbesola

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained former governor of Kogi,  Yahaya Bello, after he presented himself before the anti-graft agency.

Bello is being prosecuted by the agency over alleged fraud when he served as governor of the north-central state.

EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Bello was at the EFCC at about 12 54 p.m on Tuesday and was detained in its Abuja office.

He said that the former governor, who was declared wanted by the commission, came with his lawyers.

”He is having a session with investigators of the commission.

”He is being detained in our custody and he is going to be arraigned in court accordingly.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and Yakubu Uba

General News

EFCC dismisses 2 staff over alleged corruption

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By Taiye Agbaje

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, on Monday, said two of the agency’s staff members were dismissed over allegation of corruption.

 

Olukoyede disclosed this during the opening of the 6th Annual Criminal Law Review Conference organised by the Rule of Law Development Foundation in Abuja.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 5-day event is titled: “Optimising the Administration of Criminal Justice in Nigeria: How to Navigate Emerging and Systemic Challenges of Insecurity and Economic Hardship.”

 

The EFCC chairman, who said the two officials were dismissed two week ago, said besides dismissal, erring workers would also be prosecuted henceforth.

 

“So many other reforms are going on; the issue of our staff and all of that.

 

“Just two weeks ago, I have cause to dismiss two staff. You can’t be fighting corruption and your hands are dirty.

 

“He who comes to equity, your hands must also be cleaned. .

 

“And I say I will not only be dismissing them, I will also be prosecuting them because that is what we prosecute others for.

 

“So you will see that; we are preparing the case files of some of the people we have dismissed.

 

“If an EFCC staff will not be able to stand publicly with his two hands up and challenge the entire public; whose goat have I collected? Whose bottle of water have I taken illegitimately?

 

“And I have said this to Nigerians; who has ever given me one kobo in the course of my work, come out and say it. I stand to be challenged.

 

“I can’t be easily influenced by things like that. That’s why we must make up our minds to work together to do the right thing.

 

“Any staff that is corrupt, I will show you the way out.

 

“Again, there are some people who may want to be overzealous. Out of 12, you must have Judas. I can’t stand here and say all is perfect. As many as you see, report them to us and we will do justice,” he said.

 

Olukoyede said even he was once subjected to investigation for two years as EFCC secretary.

 

“I am not just sitting there as chairman of EFCC. I have been on the other side.

 

“I have been subjected to investigation myself for two years. So I know what it means to subject people to investigations.

 

“My major objective is to use the instrumentality of this mandate to stimulate the economy and to also follow the rule of law,” he said.

 

He said integrity is needed to survive, even as legal practitioners.

 

“Integrity is not about law, it is not about your advocacy ability to write beautiful briefs. No.

 

“It is about law and morality. Your conscience must tell you to do the right thing. That is what integrity is all about.

 

“Finally, ethics, value and standard of legal practice must also be reviewed.

 

“These are essential to me because the job of EFCC is to ensure that corruption does not find space in our national life,” he said.

 

Olukoyede said he welcomed constructive criticism of the agency.

 

“I have never been averse to that. But let us do it in a responsible way. What do we benefit from running down our institutions?” he asked.

 

According to him, if you notice EFCC is doing anything wrong, come to us.

 

“We will sit down and I will explain some reformed agenda we are carrying out.

 

“Upon my resumption of office, we have put some reformed agenda in place.

 

“We have reviewed our arrest and detention policy. I have had cause to investigate a whole ministry; minister, directors and all of that without detaining anybody over night.

 

“And I got all the information I needed and the matter is going on fine without detaining a single soul.

 

“But that does not preclude that if there is the need to detain, we do not detain.

 

“We have also had cause to equip all our interrogation rooms in compliance with judgment of court.

 

“Also, I need to let you know that the era of a 100-count charge, 150-count charge, 85-count charge is gone forever in EFCC,” he said.

 

Olukoyede said he had given a standing directive that no prosecution should be more than a 15-count charge.

 

“If your case is water tight…, that is why I will never rush to court until I am sure of my proof of evidence.

 

“I vet case files myself, particularly high-profile cases and the lawyer must give me a draft of the charge.

 

“We will look at it together, compared with my proof of evidence, sleep over it before I give my go-ahead.

 

“If we are losing a case, it shouldn’t be on grounds of lack of diligent prosecution.

 

“If there are other technical issues, fine. But I will be sure that I have done my job and it’s done in such a way that I can defend long after I leave office,” he said.

 

Mr Joseph Daudu, the Coordinator of the Rule of Law Development Foundation, said the Criminal Law Review Conference commenced six years ago as one of the flagship events of the foundation.

 

He said it was essentially to provide an annual forum for the review of all developments, particularly novel developments in the field of crime apprehension, crime prosecution, crime adjudication and the important activities of the post adjudicatory processes and institutions of the criminal justice system.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

General News

No mega financial fraud is possible without lawyers’ support– EFCC chair

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By Taiye Agbaje

The Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, says no mega financial fraud, especially illicit financial flows, is possible without lawyers’ support.

 

Olukoyede stated this during the opening of the 6th Annual Criminal Law Review Conference in Abuja.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 5-day event is titled: “Optimising the Administration of Criminal Justice in Nigeria: How to Navigate Emerging and Systemic Challenges of Insecurity and Economic Hardship.”

 

According to the EFCC chairman, the transfer of huge funds into offshore accounts, preferable in tax haven are aided by lawyers.

 

“The most traumatic discovery of the EFCC in recent years was the subjugation of national interest and wellbeing to personal interest by lawyers who aided briefcase foreign investors to fleece the nation in dubious transactions.

 

“The P&ID scam, the Mambilla Power Project and Sunrise issues are cases in point,” he said.

 

He said that while the anti-graft agency has had cause to prosecute judicial officers and senior lawyers and earned conviction, his respect for the bench and senior members of the bar remained undiminished.

 

“However, based on the unique experiences of the EFCC in the prosecution of corruption cases, I am particularly interested in systemic reforms in our justice delivery system that capture.

 

“The process for the discipline and regulation of judicial officers.The regulation and discipline of legal practitioners. Ethics, values and standards of legal practice.

 

“These are essential to me because the job of EFCC is ensuring that the corrupt does not find space in our national life. And when they do, to make them pay for their deeds,” he said.

 

Olukoyede urged the judiciary “to address the issue of obscene legal fees senior lawyers earn from political office holders, particularly the manner in which they collect such fees which clearly conflicts with existing statutes.

 

“If a lawyer would not care about the source from which a sitting governor or any other public servant pays him millions of Naira to defend him in electoral tribunal, the lawyer must necessarily be mindful of the fact that the only proper way to collect such humongous amounts is through the financial system.

 

“Aside from violating money laundering regulations, hauling millions of Naira of professional fees from public office holders in liquid cash as senior lawyers do is only aimed at tax evasion.

 

“It is needless to stress that the best act of mentoring from leaders of the bar to the younger generation of lawyers is by living out the ethical demands of the profession,” he said.

 

Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, said the nation stands at a critical juncture where insecurity and economic adversity present profound challenges to the rule of law and the administration of justice.

 

“These challenges demand innovative, practical and collaborative approaches to ensure that our justice system remains robust, fair and effective.

 

“The Federal Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is committed to reforming and strengthening our criminal justice system,” he said.

 

Fagbemi, who was represented by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Abubakar Baba-Doko, said the government was taking decisive steps to address the root causes of crime, improve law enforcement capabilities and enhance the efficiency of the courts.

 

He said there was the need to strengthen institutions and legal frameworks; leverage on technology and innovation, and foster collaboration and build public trust.

 

The President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Justice B.B. Kanyip, said the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, is unmistakably a significant legislation in enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in the justice delivery system in Nigeria.

 

Kanyip, who was represented by Justice Olufunke Anuwe, said the ACJA helps in expediting criminal trials, decongestion of the correctional centres and the protection of the rights and interests of marginalised persons.

 

He, however, said that insecurity and economic hardship poses a serious threat to the implementation of the provision of the Act.

 

Mr Joseph Daudu, the Coordinator of the Rule of Law Development Foundation and organiser of the event, said the Criminal Law Review Conference commenced six years ago as one of the flagship events of the foundation.

 

He said it was essentially to provide an annual forum for the review of all developments, particularly novel developments in the field of crime apprehension, crime prosecution, crime adjudication and the important activities of the post adjudicatory processes and institutions of the criminal justice system.

 

NAN reports that the event, which is being held in Abuja, is also taking place virtually at various locations within Nigeria and abroad simultaneously.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

Electricity power station
Defence/Security

EFCC links frequent national grid collapse to corruption

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Mr Ola Olukoyede, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC),  has attributed the frequent collapse of national grid to activities of corrupt contractors.

The EFCC boss said this while receiving members of the House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes during an oversight visit to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

Olukoyede, who expressed concern that financial crimes and corruption undermined the nation’s development, added that dubious practice was a major cause of frequent equipment failures, outages and grid collapses.

According to him, one of the problems of this country in the last 15 years to 20 years is that budget performance is always below 20 per cent.

He said that some of the electricity companies bought substandard goods to run the electricity, and this had been responsible for the frequent collapses of the national grid.

He lamented poor implementation and execution of capital projects in the country, saying that Nigeria can not achieve infrastructural or any form of growth under such conditions.

“Investigations carried out by the EFCC showed that contractors in the power sector, who were awarded projects to supply electrical equipment, often opted for substandard materials.

“As I am talking to you now, we are grappling with electricity. If you see some of the investigations we are carrying out within the power sector, you will shed tears,” he said.

He also said that the commission discovered that in the last 20 years, capital project implementation and execution in the country were not up to 20 per cent.

“If we do not do that, how do you want to have infrastructural development? How do you want to grow as a nation?

“Our mandate this year is to work with the National Assembly to see if we can meet up to 50 per cent of our execution of our capital project for the year.

“If we do 50 per cent, we will be fine as a nation. Lack of implementation of this capital budget is one of our major problems in Nigeria,” he said.

The EFCC boss called for collective efforts and partnership with all stakeholders to win the battle against corruption in the country.

He emphasised the need for effective collaboration between the lawmakers and the commission in achieving the commission’s mandate of fighting corruption.

According to him, both the committee members and the EFCC are mandated to tackle the menace of financial crimes and corruption, with the goal of advancing the country.

“The mandate before you, which is also before us, if managed effectively and efficiently, will be remembered by Nigerians in the long term.

“This is one of the major challenges undermining our development in Nigeria. Tackling financial crimes and corruption effectively is a responsibility before you as well as the EFCC.

“It is therefore appropriate for us to work together,” Olukoyede said.

Earlier, the chairman of the committee, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, lauded the achievement of the agency.

Onwusibe said that the committee was at the commission as part of its oversight functions, aimed at monitoring the performance of ministries, departments, and agencies.

He expressed the committee’s readiness to assist the EFCC through legislation and budget allocations.

He urged the commission to enhance its operational skills, ensure accountability, address challenges, and work closely with other agencies, donors, and development partners.(NAN)

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Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Defence/Security

Anti-graft: Senate pledges to increase EFCC budget allocation

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The Senate Committee on Anti-corruption and Financial Crimes has expressed determination to increase budgetary allocation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)  to effectively carry out its anti-graft obligation.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, Sen. Emmanuel Udende, said this when he led the committee members on an oversight visit to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.

The committee chairman said in honesty, the EFCC required more funding.

“When the EFCC chairman is telling you that he needs a software that will tackle virtual and fraudulent cryptocurrency trading, valued at about N3.4billion, then, you will understand why they need more funding.

So, they really, really need a lot of money. What you can do is that through budgeting processing, you will be able to also increase their budget,”  Udende said.

He also said that the EFCC deserved a percentage of its recoveries to assist its operations just like the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) gets a certain percentage of its seizures too.

“Like customs do, they are entitled to a percentage of whatever they get for the year. And if we do it to EFCC, we will be able to work from the proceeds of crime that they recover,” he said.

He also lauded EFCC and its leadership for their performance in the last one year,  stressing that the Commission  had impressively tackled the menace of economic and financial crimes, with ascertainable proofs.

While giving the Committee’s evaluation of the efforts of the Commission, Udende declared that the Committee was satisfied with the performance of the EFCC  and declared that it has done wonderfully well.

“We have looked at the records, the budget performance, what the EFCC has done in the past one year and we are quite impressed with what they have done,”he said.

Olukoyede had earlier called on the National Assembly to support the agency  by increasing its allocation in the 2025 budget by 300 per cent.

He said that this was to enable it acquire requisite state of the art technology to fight illicit financial flows, economic sabotage.

According to him, one of the agency’s greatest challenges is inadequate funding, the agency will need about 300 per cent increment of its 2024 budget to carry out its duties effectively.

He also sought the cooperation of the lawmakers in terms of changing the negative perception of Nigerians about  the agency.

The chairman also stated that the EFCC is currently investigating the extractive industry and very soon, indicted persons will be charged to court.

Olukoyede, who lamented the effects of corruption on the general activities in Nigeria, said EFCC would investigate government agencies, who corruptly divert budgetary allocations to other things or outrightly embezzle the funds.

He announced that the commission had been granted access to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System to monitor and track all disbursements and ensure proper utilisation.

While seeking the cooperation of the senators in carrying out the agency’s duty, Olukoyede said the EFCC would also be monitoring their constituency projects.

“We now have a relationship with the Accountant General’s Office. We have been given access to the IPPIS. We want to monitor the releases and track where the money goes.

“So, I am pleased to inform you, distinguished members of the Senate, that we will be monitoring your constituency projects. I hope you will cooperate with us.

“There will be no problem. We will monitor the allocation, and I believe you will also help us champion this cause,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama

Defence/Security

Curbing corruption requires capacity, collaboration of all – EFCC Chairman

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Olanipekum Olukayode, has underscored the need for collaboration and capacity building of security agencies to tackle corruption.

Olukayode said this during the graduation of the Executive Leadership and Strategic Management Course, Batch 5/2024, of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), on Friday in Abuja.

Represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Mr Mohammad Hamman-Joda, the EFCC boss emphasised the importance of training senior managers in security agencies as key to curbing corruption in the country.

He reiterated the commitment of the commission to continue to train to be ahead of the criminals, who are always trying to advance.
According to him, there are a lot of innovations in terms of crime, particularly crypto-currency.

“So, we have to up our game to catch them, if not, we will be left behind.
“We have trained a total of 100 participants from the EFCC, along with other participants from sister security agencies, Department of State Security, DSS, Defense Intelligence Agency, DIA and Nigerian Army amongst others,” he said.

Olukayode said that the training was conducted in five batches, with participants drawn from senior and middle cadres of the commission.

He expressed the hope that the knowledge gained would impact positively on operations of the EFCC while appreciating NARC for the wealth of experience they shared.

“We look forward to more collaboration in the future,” he said.

The EFCC boss expressed condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Army and Nigerians on the death of Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

The Director-General of NARC, retired Maj.-Gen. Garba Wahab, said the course was designed to bring participants from the security architecture together to understand themselves and the challenges ahead.

Wahab said the training would also enhance the level of collaboration and cooperation between the security agencies saddled with the responsibility of fighting corruption for better performance.

According to him, the solution to Nigeria’s problems lies with them, and the solutions must come from them.

“Joint training is the way forward, so that everybody will know their strengths and weaknesses and understand each other.

“Somewhere along the line, it is not possible for one agency to solve the security situation they are facing, not only in Nigeria, anywhere in the world.

“Above all, reach across boundaries and borders to make friends, socialise, network and that is one of the challenges it brings to the participants,” Wahab said. (NAN)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo and Yakubu Uba

Defence/Security

EFCC recovers N248bn, $105m, secures 3455 convictions in 1 year

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered over N248 billion, 105 million dollars and secured 3455 convictions in its fight against corruption in the last one year.

The Chairman of EFCC, Mr Ola Olukoyede, announced this on Thursday in Abuja, at a news briefing to mark his one year in office.

Olukoyede, who spoke through the Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, said the commission had also charged four former governors to court over corruption allegations.

He noted that the remarkable achievement was recorded from Oct. 18, 2023 to Oct. 18, 2024, when he came on board as the chairman.

According to him, the commission within the year, recovered N248, 750,049,365.52; $105,423,190.39; £53,133.64; €172,547.10; T1,300.00 Indian Rupees and CAD $3,400.00 Canadian Dollars.

”It also recovered ¥74,859:00 Chinese Yuan; AUS $ 740:00 Australian Dollars; 170:00 UAE Dirham; 73,000:00 Korean Won; CFA 7,821,375:00 and R 50:00 South Africa Rands.

”On asset recovery and return, the EFCC on Sept. 6, handed over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) the sum of $180,300 and 53 vehicles, being assets recovered for Canadian victims of Nigerian fraudsters,” he said.

Olukoyede said 164,000 dollars of the recovered cash assets was for a victim, identified as Elena Bogomas, while 16,300 dollars belonged to a victim, known as Sandra Butler.

“The recovered 53 vehicles were stolen over a period of time in Canada, freighted to Nigeria and distributed to multiple locations in Nigeria by the criminal elements,” he said.

The EFCC chairman revealed that within the year, the commission also charged four former governors to court over corruption allegations.

According to him, the former governors are; Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Willie Obiano (Anambra) and Darius Ishaku (Taraba).

”Yahaya Bello is charged in two different courts; one at the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, before Justice Emeka Nwite on 19-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N80, 246,470, 088.88.

”The former Kogi governor alongside Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu is also answering to 16-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust to the tune of N110.4 billion before Justice Maryanne Anenih.

”Ishaku, the former governor of Taraba State and former permanent secretary, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the state, Bello Yero, are facing prosecution before Justice S. C Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on a 15-count charge bordering on alleged N27 billion fraud,” he disclosed.

Olukoyede also said ex-Kwara governor, Ahmed, alongside Ademola Banu, former Commissioner for Finance, are facing prosecution on a 12-count charge bordering on money laundering and mismanagement of public funds to the tune of N10 billion.

On his part, former governor Obiano, was on Jan. 24, arraigned before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, where he was arraigned on nine counts bordering on money laundering, diversion of funds, stealing and corruption to the tune of N4 billion.

In the same vein, he said two former Ministers of Power, Saleh Mamman and Olu Agunloye have been arrested and facing prosecution by the commission.

”Mamman is being prosecuted before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja on 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit money laundering to the tune of N33,804,830,503.73.

”Agunloye, the Minister of Power in the President Olusegun Obasanjo government is being prosecuted on seven-count charge bordering on official corruption and fraudulent award of Mambilla Power Project contract to the tune of six billion dollars.

”Also, a former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika is currently standing trial before two different courts – Justice S.B. Belgore of the FCT High Court, Garki, and Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the FCT High Court, Maitama,” he said.

He said Sirika was being prosecuted alongside his brother, Ahmad Sirika and two companies, Enginos Nigeria Limited and Samahah Integrated Investment Limited on 10 counts bordering on alleged N5.8 billion fraud.

Olukoyede said Sirika was also standing trial before Justice Oriji for six counts alongside Fatima Sirika, Jalal Hamma and Al Buraq Global Investment Limited over alleged N2.8 billion fraud.

Defence/Security

EFCC recovers N248bn, secures 3455 convictions in 1 year

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By Isaac Aregbesola

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), says it has recovered over N248 billion, 105 million dollars and secured 3455 convictions in its fight against corruption in the last one year.

Its Chairman, Mr Ola Olukoyede, announced this on Thursday in Abuja, at a news conference to mark his one year in office.

Olukoyede, who spoke through the Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, said the commission had also charged four former governors to court over corruption allegations.

He said the feat was achieved from Oct. 18, 2023 to Oct. 18, 2024, when he came on board as the chairman.

“The commission within the year, recovered N248,750,049,365.52; $105,423,190.39; £53,133.64; €172,547.10; T1,300.00 Indian Rupees and CAD $3,400.00 Canadian Dollars.

”It also recovered ¥74,859:00 Chinese Yuan; AUS $740:00 Australian Dollars; 170:00 UAE Dirham; 73,000:00 Korean Won; CFA 7,821,375:00 and R 50:00 South Africa Rands.

”On asset recovery and return, the EFCC on Sept. 6, handed over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) the sum of $180,300 and 53 vehicles, being assets recovered for Canadian victims of Nigerian fraudsters,” he said.

Olukoyede said 164,000 dollars of the recovered cash assets was for a victim, identified as Elena Bogomas, while 16,300 dollars belonged to a victim, known as Sandra Butler.

“The recovered 53 vehicles were stolen over a period of time in Canada, freighted to Nigeria and distributed to multiple locations in Nigeria by the criminal elements,” he said.

The EFCC chairman revealed that within the year, the commission also charged four former governors to court over corruption allegations.

According to him, the former governors are: Yahaya Bello (Kogi); Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Willie Obiano (Anambra) and Darius Ishaku (Taraba).

”Yahaya Bello is charged in two different courts; one at the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, before Justice Emeka Nwite on 19-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N80,246,470, 088.88.

”The former Kogi governor alongside Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu is also answering to 16-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust to the tune of N110.4 billion before Justice Maryanne Anenih.

”Ishaku, the former governor of Taraba State and former permanent secretary, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the state, Bello Yero, are facing prosecution before Justice S. C Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on a 15-count charge bordering on alleged N27 billion fraud,” he said.

Olukoyede also said ex-Kwara governor, Ahmed, alongside Ademola Banu, former Commissioner for Finance, were facing prosecution on a 12-count charge bordering on money laundering and mismanagement of public funds to the tune of N10 billion.

While former governor Obiano, was on Jan. 24, arraigned before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, arraigned on nine counts bordering on money laundering, diversion of funds, stealing and corruption to the tune of N4 billion.

In the same vein, two former Ministers of Power, Saleh Mamman and Olu Agunloye had been arrested and facing prosecution by the commission.

”Mamman is being prosecuted before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja on 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit money laundering to the tune of N33,804,830,503.73.

”Agunloye, the Minister of Power in the President Olusegun Obasanjo government is being prosecuted on seven-count charge bordering on official corruption and fraudulent award of Mambilla Power Project contract to the tune of six billion dollars.

”Also, a former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika is currently standing trial before two different courts – Justice S.B. Belgore of the FCT High Court, Garki, and Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the FCT High Court, Maitama,” he said.

He said Sirika was being prosecuted alongside his brother, Ahmad Sirika and two companies, Enginos Nigeria Limited and Samahah Integrated Investment Limited on 10 counts bordering on alleged N5.8 billion fraud.

According to Olukoyede, Sirika is also standing trial before Justice Oriji for six counts alongside Fatima Sirika, Jalal Hamma and Al Buraq Global Investment Limited over alleged N2.8 billion fraud. (NAN)(www.nannnews.ng)

Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

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