Crime

EFCC Boss Visits Ooni, Says Commission Given Free Rein

By Web News 229 0

 By Oluwakayode Banjo

Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr Ola Olukoyede says President Bola Tinubu has greatly shown immense political will in the fight against economic and financial crimes by not interfering in the works of the Commission.

He stated this in Ile-Ife,  Osun State while on a courtesy visit to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye  Ogunwusi.

He disclosed that,  “since I was appointed the Chairman of the EFCC, the President has never called me to stop, impose, dictate or prescribe any directive as regards the affairs or activities of the Commission, rather the anti-graft agency has so far enjoyed adequate support needed from the Federal Government towards achieving the mandate of the Commission”.

The EFCC’s boss told the Ooni of Ife that given the autonomy the Commission has gotten so far, “I can assure Nigerians that the EFCC will stop at nothing to curb if not eradicate corruption in the country and hold political office holders accountable for their activities regarding the management of the resources that are meant to better the lives of Nigerians”.

He added that President Tinubu has continued to support him immensely in the way and manner needed for the Commission to achieve its mandate despite all unhealthy complaints and criticisms coming from  some elites and political office holders in the country.”

Olukoyede, while expressing his gratitude to the foremost monarch for the support and royal blessings coming from him so far in the fight against corruption, he assured that “the EFCC will fight head-on  those entrusted with our common wealth for robust economic growth but using  them for their personal gains”.

The anti-graft Boss stated that the EFCC under his leadership has adopted new dynamic measures in looking into the roots of corruption by creating a new department called “Fraud Risk Assessment and Control” saddled with the responsibility of working through the budgetary allocations in all ministries, departments and agencies of Nigerian Government  to demand and ensure accountability on how our common wealth is being utilized.

“Few months after I assumed office, I created a new department that will ensure that all public office holders are strictly held accountable for the resources entrusted in their hands by Nigerians which are meant for the effective growth of our economy.

“Let me state this clearly that all what I do in the course of discharging my duties as a public servant is not to witch-hunt anybody and not for any personal reasons but to ensure that the grand strategic plans of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu towards a better Nigeria is achieved”, he said.

In his response, Oba Ogunwusi  thanked the anti-graft czar for his unequivocal commitment, deliberate efforts and passion he is deploying  towards the fight against corruption. He particularly applauded the  community engagements and collaboration initiatives  among relevant stakeholders in combating the menace of corruption adopted by the Chairman to ensure corruption is brought to its knees.

Furthermore, the monarch thanked Mr. President on behalf of  the EFCC for non-interference in the activities and duties of the Commission.  “This shows that truly, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu stands  to achieve a corrupt- free nation and we all must support him by contributing our quotas”.

The royal father assured the Chairman of his continuous support in the fight against corruption as he encouraged the “ dogged crime fighter” not to succumb to pressures and threats from those who are benefitting from corruption and putting the image of the country in bad light. 

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Crime

Video: We never assaulted suspects in Ondo Club – EFCC

By Web News 887 0

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied assaulting, brutalising, or subjecting to any dehumanising treatment of some suspects arrested last Saturday in Akure, Ondo State.

A statement by the EFFC’s Head of Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale, titled EFCC’s Akure Arrests: Setting the Records Straight, urged the public to discountenance a viral video of two ladies lacerated by whips.

The Commission further says that it will subject the video to forensic analysis to establish its falsehood and prepare a case against purveyors of what it called the “distasteful stunt”.

The EFCC denied using any tear gas during the operation even as it also denied tampering with the CCTV facility at the scene of the arrest.

“It is also important to state that no damage was done to the CCTV facility at the scene of the arrest,” the EFCC said. “The device was removed by a staff of the Club at the instance of operatives of the Commission to preserve the footage for further analysis of the role of each of the arrested suspects in the alleged crime”.

Channels / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Crime

EFCC Nabs 7 Illegal Miners, 2 others for N1.2m Bribe

By Web News 243 0

Officials of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC have arrested seven suspects for illegal mining activities and seized five truckloads of minerals from the suspects.

The Anti-graft agency disclosed this in a statement posted on X.com on Wednesday.

The statement partly reads, “The arrest, which followed credible intelligence and days of surveillance, was carried out on Friday, May 24, 2024, at Ogbomosho, Oyo State.

“The suspects are Waliyu Abidoye, Abubakar Auwal, Abdulrauf Hakim, Sabiu Usman, Salihu Godwin, Dauda Mohammed, and Olalekan Aremu.

“At the point of arrest, five truckloads of assorted minerals suspected to be lepidolite, lithium, and precious stones, among others, were recovered from the suspects.”

It further read that investigations revealed the suspects lacked the necessary licenses and permits for mining and mineral possession.

“They were also not paying royalties to the federal and state governments, as required by law,” it added.

The officials also arrested two others, Faleti Waheed and Noah Olalekan, for attempting to secure the release of one of the trucks with a N1.2 million bribe.

The statement added, “The duo of Waheed and Olalekan approached the EFCC operatives at the point of arrest and negotiated to give them money in order to have their seized truck released.

“The officers played along and got the suspects arrested at the point of delivering the money.”

The sum of N995,500 was said to have been recovered from Waheed, who claimed to be a gas station manager, while N201,000 was recovered from Olalekan, who claimed to be a scavenger.

The EFCC added that the suspects will be charged in court once the investigation is completed.

According to reports on May 18 that five illegal miners were arrested at the Izom Bridge along the Minna-Suleja Road in the Izom ward of Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.

Punch/Adebukola Aluko

Lifestyle

EFCC Mourns Former Chairman

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has condoled with the family of the agency’s third substantive Chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde, who died in Egypt on Sunday at 61.

It was garthered that Lamorde died in Egypt where he had travelled for medical treatment.

Reacting to the development, in a statement on Sunday, the spokesperson for the anti-graft agency, Dele Oyewale, said the EFCC received the news of his death with shock.

EFCC Ex-Chairman Dies in Egypt

Oyewale said, “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission received with shock the sudden death of one of its former Executive Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Lamorde.

“Lamorde, pioneer Director of Operations and third substantive Chairman of the EFCC between February 15, 2012 and November 9, 2015, served the nation actively as a focused and gallant anti- graft fighter.

“He will be sorely missed both at the EFCC and the nation at large. The Ccommission prays for the repose of his soul and comfort for his family, the EFCC and the entire nation.”

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

While being a police officer, he served as the Chairman of the EFCC between 2011 and 2015.

According to his profile on the EFCC’s website, Lamorde was the third Executive Chairman of the Commission.

He was appointed in an acting capacity as Chairman of the Commission on 3 November 2011 following the removal of Farida Waziri by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He was subsequently confirmed as the third substantive Chairman of the Commission by the Senate on 15 February 2012.

Lamorde, who was born on December 20, 1962 in Mubi, Adamawa State, attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology in 1984. He joined the Nigerian Police Force in 1986.
When the EFCC was created in 2003, Lamorde was made the pioneer Director of Operations. In December 2007, he took over as Acting Chairman in January 2008, holding the position until Mrs Waziri was appointed Chairperson and confirmed by the Senate in June 2008. In December 2010, Mr Lamorde returned to the EFCC, again as Director of Operations to replace Stephen Otitoju, the then Acting Director of Operations.

When Mrs Waziri was replaced on 23 November 2011, Mr Lamorde, then an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), was again appointed Acting Chairman. He was confirmed as substantive Chairman of the EFCC on 15 February 2012, a position he held till November 9, 2015, when former President Muhammadu Buhari replaced him with Ibrahim Magu, as the EFCC Chairman in an acting capacity.

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Crime

Anti-Graft War: Ooni Gives Kudos to EFCC Boss

By Web News 198 0

By  Oluwakayode Banjo

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II) has commended the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede on his efforts to rid the nation of economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.

He gave the commendation in Ile-Ife, Osun State while receiving the Acting Zonal Director of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC,  ACE I Hauwa Garba Ringim who paid him a courtesy visit. 

He said that the leadership Olukoyede was offering the EFCC would ultimately succeed in bringing corruption to its knees.

“Let me thank the Chairman of the Commission for his unequivocal commitment and efforts towards the fight against corruption. I sincerely believe that the fight against corruption will be won under the leadership of the current Chairman due to his total belief in community engagement and effective collaboration among relevant stakeholders who play  pivotal roles in combating the menace of corruption”, he said.

Oba Ogunwusi also  commended the professionalism displayed by staff of the EFCC when carrying out their official duties and activities, adding that, “the internal repositioning of the EFCC under the present Chairman is evident and has obviously paved way for professionalism needed for the Commission to achieve its mandate.”

He called on “Nigerians to stand up and support the EFCC in ridding the country of corruption that has undermined the economic growth of the nation for decades. The EFCC cannot fight corruption alone, the ownership of economic and financial crimes in the country must be taken by Nigerians in a sincere and dynamic ways”.

He expressed worry about illegal mining activities in Osun State but assured the EFCC of his support in tackling the menace.

In her remarks,  Ringim thanked the Royal Father for accommodating her and her entourage despite his busy schedules pointing out that his gesture “reiterates the stance of the Ooni of Ife’s to always support the mandate of the EFCC deliberately, regardless of tribal affiliation”. 

He appreciated the foremost traditional ruler for believing in the leadership of the EFCC and assured  that the EFCC under the leadership of  Olukoyede will not give up the fight against corruption, illegal mining activities and cybercrime in Osun State and Nigeria at large regardless of how corruption fights back”.

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Economy

Crusade against Dollarisation: EFCC Asks Embassies to Charge in Naira

By Web News 202 0

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has read the Riot Act to foreign missions based in Nigeria, banning them from transacting in foreign currencies, and mandating the use of Naira in their financial businesses.

The EFCC has also mandated Nigerian foreign missions domiciled abroad to accept Naira in their financial businesses.

The move, the EFCC noted, is to tackle the dollarisation of the Nigerian economy and the degradation of the naira

The anti-graft commission, in an advisory to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, titled: “EFCC Advisory to Foreign Missions against Invoicing in US Dollar,” expressed reservations and displeasure “regarding the unhealthy practice by some foreign missions to invoice consular services to Nigerians and other foreign nationals in the country in United States dollar(s).”

In a letter dated April 5, 2024, which was addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede expressed dismay over the invoicing of consular services in Nigeria by foreign missions in dollars.

The EFCC cited Section 20(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, which makes currencies issued by the apex bank the only legal tender in Nigeria.

The letter read, “I present to you the compliments of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and wish to notify you about the commission’s observation, with dismay, regarding the unhealthy practice by some foreign missions to invoice consular services to Nigerians and other foreign nationals in the country in United States dollar ($).

“This practice is an aberration and unlawful as it conflicts with extant laws and financial regulations in Nigeria. Section 20(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 makes currencies issued by the apex bank the only legal tender in Nigeria.

“It states that ‘the currency notes issued by the Bank shall be the legal tender in Nigeria on their face value for the payment of any amount’.

“This presupposes that any transaction in currencies other than the naira anywhere in Nigeria contravenes the law and is, therefore, illegal.”

The commission added that the refusal by some missions to accept the naira for consular service in Nigeria and also comply with the foreign exchange regulatory regime in fixing the exchange of the cost of their services is not only illegal but represents an affront to the country’s sovereignty symbolised by the national currency.

Such a situation, EFCC added, undermines Nigeria’s monetary policy and aspiration for sustainable economic development.

The letter continued, “This trend can no longer be tolerated, especially in a volatile economic environment where the country’s macroeconomic policies are constantly under attack by all manner of state and non-state actors.

“In light of the above, you may wish to convey the commission’s displeasure to all missions in Nigeria and restate Nigeria’s desire for their operations not to conflict with extant laws and regulations in the country.”

Such a situation, EFCC added, undermines Nigeria’s monetary policy and aspiration for sustainable economic development.

The letter continued, “This trend can no longer be tolerated, especially in a volatile economic environment where the country’s macroeconomic policies are constantly under attack by all manner of state and non-state actors.

“In light of the above, you may wish to convey the commission’s displeasure to all missions in Nigeria and restate Nigeria’s desire for their operations not to conflict with extant laws and regulations in the country.”

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Security

Desist from Unauthorized Disclosure, EFCC Tells Banks

By Web News 282 0

By Oluwakayode Banjo

Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has called on Compliance Officers of Banks across the country to desist from unauthorized disclosure of the commission’s investigation activities and request from banks to their customers.

He made the call through the Acting Zonal Director of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the EFCC, ACE I Hauwa Garba Ringim during a stakeholders’ meeting with Compliance Officers of Banks in Oyo State.

 According to the Commission’s chairman, the EFCC was aware of the fact that Compliance Officers give information to their clients regarding ‘letters of investigation activities’ written to the banks from the EFCC,  adding that, the act usually jeopardizes the investigation exercise of financial crimes and delay corruption cases from being filed before the law court.

Mr Olukoyede decried the unhealthy support fraudsters receive from the banking sector in Nigeria, stressing that it is posing considerable challenges and concerns to the Commission.

The EFCC’s boss also urged them to always respond to letters received from the Commission with certified true copies including instruments of transactions of beneficiaries or sources, as this will expedite processes of investigation to a logical conclusion.

Furthermore, he stated that illegal dealings and trading in naira with the Point-of-sale, POS operators must stop.

“What we notice and see around lately is that Nigerians can only withdraw a small amount of their money with the banks in Automated Teller Machine (ATMs) but POS operators evidently go around with huge amounts of money gotten from the banks. This is not fair to Nigerians and we must fight it head-on”, he said.

He assured the Compliance Officers of the Commission’s support at all times, as “they remain relevant stakeholders in the fight against economic and financial crimes”.

Reacting to the fundamental issues raised at the meeting, Compliance Officers assured the EFCC of their unwavering support,  stressing that they are committed to new dynamics on how the collaborative efforts between the Commission and the banks would be effective. 

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Crime

EFCC Nabs 64 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Osun

By Web News 268 0

By Oluwakayode Banjo

Investigators of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested sixty-four suspected internet fraudsters in Osun State.

The Commission’s Head, Media and Publicity, Mr Dele Oyewale made this known in a statement.

According to the statement, the suspected cybercriminals were arrested in Ede,  Osun State following actionable intelligence on their suspicious fraudulent activities in their environs.

The statement listed items recovered from them to include 18 exotic vehicles, 18 laptops, 112 mobile phones, three Play Station games, five motorcycles, and other incriminating documents among others.

It notes that the suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of  investigations.

Crime

Court Grants Ex-minister Sirika, Daughter, others  ₦100m bail

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A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika; his daughter, and two others in the sum of ₦100 million with two sureties.

Sirika and others are being tried over an alleged N2.7bn fraud.

The sureties, according to the court, must have landed properties in Abuja and also responsible citizens.

Also, the sureties must depose to an affidavit of means. The court also restricted the defendants from travelling abroad without its permission.

Justice Oriji ordered that the defendants be remanded in prison custody if they failed to meet their bail conditions.

The allegations

Recall that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in April, took the ex-aviation minister into custody and grilled him for days.

The anti-graft agency then slammed six six-count charge on Hadi Sirika, his daughter, and two others.

The anti-graft agency accused Sirika of conferring undue advantage on some entities between April 2022 and March 2023 in Abuja.

EFCC alleged that Sirika abused his office by awarding N1.3 billion consultancy contract for the Nigerian Air start-up to Tianero  Nigeria Limited.

According to EFCC, his actions were contrary to Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Furthermore, in another count, EFCC alleged that on or about August 18, 2022 in Abuja, Sirika “did use your position to confer unfair advantage upon Al Buraq Global Investment Limited, whose alter ego, Fatima Hadi Sirika and Jalal Sule Hamma, are your daughter and son-in-law, respectively, by using your position to influence the award to them, the contract for the Apron Extension at Katsina Airport for the sum of N1,498,300,750.”

Therefore, the charge noted, Sirika violated Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. And that he was liable to punishment under the same section.

Vanguard/Olaolu Fawole

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Crime

Six NSCDC Officers in EFCC Net over Fraud

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested six senior officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps over alleged N6bn fraud.

The senior officers are currently being grilled by EFCC interrogators at the commission’s headquarters, Jabi, Abuja, The PUNCH can confirm.

Though details of the probe are still sketchy, our correspondent gathered that the NSCDC officers were handed over to the EFCC on Monday on the order of the NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi.

Impeccable sources privy to the development but who were not authorised to speak to the press revealed that the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, had earlier written a letter to the NSCDC CG, demanding the officers’ release for interrogation.

A source revealed, “Six senior NSCDC officers are currently in our custody. They’re being grilled by our investigators over alleged fraudulent activities running into over N6bn.”

Confirming the development, another source said, “The EFCC did not arrest the NSCDC CG, neither is he being probed. We only have six senior NSCDC officers in our custody, and they’re being probed over alleged N6bn fraud.

 “The EFCC Chairman had earlier written to the NSCSC CG to provide the officers, and the CG did. Now they’re in our custody and are being grilled by EFCC interrogators.”

The spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, could not be reached for comments on Monday as phone calls and text messages to his phone lines were not responded to nor returned.

Meanwhile, when contacted for comments, the spokesperson for the NSCDC, Babawale Afolabi, said he was not aware of the development.

“I’m not aware of this,” Afolabi said in a terse WhatsApp message sent to our correspondent on Monday.

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Crime

Humanitarian Ministry Probe: EFCC Recovers Fresh $445,000, N3bn

By Web News 455 0

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission said on Sunday it has freshly recovered $445,000 and N3bn in the ongoing probe of the scandal in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.

The EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, said that the $445,000 and N3bn were recovered between March and April in addition to N30bn earlier recovered before March, which the EFCC Chairman, Olu Olukoyede, referenced in an interview.

Oyewale said, “The interview with the commission’s chairman, which was recently released, was done mid-March, and as at that time, the N30bn was what had been recovered as noted by the chairman. However, between that time and now, the commission has been able to recover an extra N2.7bn and $445,000 in connection with the probe.”

The EFCC launched the probe on the directive of President Bola Tinubu following the suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Beta Edu.

Also under probe is Edu’s predecessor, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, and the Coordinator of the National Social Insurance Programmes Agency, Halima Shehu.

The spokesman for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, gave the update in a statement on Sunday titled, “Beta Edu and other Matters: For the Purpose of Clarity.”

The statement read, “No officials from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs have been cleared in ongoing investigations into financial misappropriation.

“The EFCC has recovered N32.7bn and $445,000 in the ongoing investigation. Investigations have uncovered fraudulent dealings related to COVID-19 funds, World Bank loans, and Abacha loot.

“Banks involved in the fraud are being investigated, with Managing Directors providing useful statements.”

The EFCC also said it would intensify its move against naira abuser, following the conviction of controversial cross-dresser, Idri Okuneye, alias Bobrisky, and his sentence to six-month imprisonment by the Federal High Court in Lagos.

It said, “Public support in reporting naira abuse and dollarisation of the economy is appreciated, with increased awareness of the issue.

“The EFCC is committed to prosecuting those involved in naira abuse, having in mind that a new task force came into operation on February 7, 2024.’’

“Several celebrities are under investigation for naira abuse, with some providing statements and more likely to be invited for questioning. The EFCC maintains its no-sacred-cow approach, warning the public to comply with laws against the crime.”

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Crime

Court Grants Emefiele N50m Bail

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The Lagos State Special Offences Court has granted the embattled former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, bail of N50 million after being charged with a 26-count bordering on alleged abuse of office and irregular allocation of $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion respectively.

Emefiele was admitted to bail with two sureties in like sum by Justice Rahmon Oshodi on Friday.

On Monday, it was reported that the Lagos court sent Emefiele back to the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission

Justice Rahman Oshodi made the remand order shortly after the anti-graft agency arraigned Emefiele on 26 counts bordering on “abuse of office, accepting gratifications, corrupt demand, receiving property fraudulently obtained, and conferring corrupt advantage.”

In the substance of the charges, the EFCC alleged that he abused his office while he was CBN governor through alleged allocations of $4.5bn and N2.8bn.

However, in his ruling today, Oshodi held that the sureties must be gainfully employed and have paid the three years’ tax of the Lagos State government.

He also ordered that the sureties must show proper identification and be registered in the Lagos State Bail Management System.

The judge stressed that he was satisfied with the bail conditions of N1 million, earlier given to Mr Emefiele’s co-defendant, Henry Isioma-Omoil, who is standing another charge before Justice Olufunke Sule-Hamzat in the Yaba Division of the Lagos High Court.

He also maintained that the bail documents must be transferred to the special offences court and registered in the LSBMS.

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Crime

“Yes, I am guilty”, Bobrisky Admits Charge

By Web News 354 0

Popular cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, a.k.a. ‘Bobrisky’ on Friday pleaded guilty to a four-count charge of abuse of the naira and money laundering preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at a Lagos court.

Bobrisky arrived at the Federal High Court in Lagos around 11:50 a.m. for his arraignment on charges of money laundering and abuse of the naira.

He was originally arraigned on a six-count charge, but two of the charges were dropped following a discussion between the parties.

As a result, Justice Abimbola Awogboro struck out counts five and six.

Bobrisky was then charged with counts one to four, and he pleaded guilty to these charges.

When asked if he understood the charge read to him, he replied, “Yes, I am guilty.”

Recall that the EFCC filed six counts against Bobrisky, including charges of money laundering and abuse of the naira. He had been in EFCC detention since Wednesday night and was unable to meet the administrative bail offered to him on Thursday.

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Crime

Bobrisky in EFCC Net

By Web News 664 0

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested and detained controversial cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye aka Bobrisky, over abuse of naira, spraying of naira notes and currency mutilation.

Bobrisky, who has been embroiled in several controversies over the past weeks, was arrested in Lagos on Wednesday night, and has since been detained at the Lagos Command of the EFCC.

Confirming the development to newsmen in a telephone interview on Thursday, the spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, noted that Bobrisky would be charged to court.

Oyewale said, “Bobrisky is with us. He was arrested last night in Lagos, and he is at our Lagos command. We arrested him for alleged abuse of naira notes, spraying of nara notes, and currency mutilation, among others.

“We are very serious about restoring the dignity of the naira. Though our investigation is still ongoing, but he will definitely be charged to court soon.”

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Crime

Court Sentences 15 for Internet Fraud

By Web News 321 0

By Oluwakayode Banjo

Justices Olusola Adetujoye, O.A. Lajide and S.O. Adeyemi of the Oyo State High Court, sitting in Ibadan have convicted and sentenced 15 internet fraudsters to various jail terms.

This is contained in a statement by the Commission’s Head, Media & Publicity, Mr Dele Oyewale.

The statement indicates that They were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charges upon their arraignment by the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, between January 22 and February 5, 2024.  One of the convicts,  Adebola Sherrif was docked and convicted on five-count charges.

The other convicts are Adebayo Ifeoluwa Timilehin, Philip Daniel, Ifemadi Haruna Segun, Okeola Olajide James Bolanle, Akinjisola Ayodeji Francis, Giwa Usman Dolapo, Olorunsola Sodiq Babatunde, Fatolu Moses Opeyemi, Bashiru Sodiq Omobolaji, Omowaye Oluwatosin Olamilekan, Badmus Yusuf Omobolaji, Lateef Ramon Olamilekan, Idowu Michael Oluwasegun and Okunola Samuel Olalekan.

One of the charges reads: “That you, Okunola Samuel Olalekan on or about 9th of April, 2023 at Ibadan, Oyo State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, with intention to defraud Older One through the Google Chat Account: joyella5774@gmail.com, did falsely represent yourself to be Joy Ella, a female from United States of America, thereby committed the offence of impersonation contrary to Section 484 of the Criminal Code Law Cap 38, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.”

 Upon their arraignments, the convicts pleaded “guilty” when the charges were read to them. Consequently, the facts of the cases were reviewed and incriminating documents were tendered in evidence before the courts, following which the prosecuting counsels urged the courts to convict and sentence them accordingly.

After listening to all the counsels, the judges convicted and sentenced Yusuf, Sodiq and Olamilekan to six months of community service each, while Timilehin, Daniel, Segun, Bolanle, Ramon, Oluwasegun, Sherrif and Olalekan bagged one-month community service each.

Opeyemi, Babatunde, Dolapo and Francis were handed two weeks of community service each.

Yusuf was ordered to pay N100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) fine in addition to his sentence, while Olamilekan was ordered to pay the sum of N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) and Sodiq to pay N170,000.00 (One Hundred and Seventy Thousand Naira) in addition to their sentence.

All the convicts were ordered to make restitution to their various victims and forfeit all items recovered from them to the federal government.

In a related development, the Oyo State Police Command has arrested and handed over to the Ibadan Zonal Command of the EFCC, twin brothers, Abdulrauf Taiwo and Abdulrauf Kehinde for alleged internet fraud activities alongside five others comprising Adeyemi Samuel, Alabi Ayomide, Yekini Faroug, Hassan Olamilekan and Ibrahim Olawale.

Items recovered from the suspects include seven phones, among others.

They have made useful statements to the operatives of the Commission and would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

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News

CSOs Charged on Adherence to Regulations

By Web News 267 0

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

Civil Society Organizations, CSOs, have been charged to adhere to regulations guiding their operations and protect themselves from being used as conduits for crimes, especially money laundering and terrorism financing. 

Some Executives of Regulatory Agencies gave the charge while addressing a gathering of Civil Society Organizations in Ogun State at a workshop put together by Global Rights, in collaboration with the European Union. 

Participants at the two-day workshop on Regulatory compliance for members of the community on the practice of Civic Space strengthening in Ogun State included representatives of the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, the Economic and other Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Federal and State revenue agencies, the European Union and ECOWAS. 

The Deputy Director, CAC’s Registrar-General’s Office, Mr Tolulope Sonaike and a Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, Mr Temitope Erinomo encouraged the Non-profit Organizations to ensure strict compliance with the laws and verify the details of all stakeholders, particularly the donors and beneficiaries of their activities. 

Also, a legal expert on Companies and Allied matters, Professor Adedeji Adekunle advised Civil Society Groups to ensure proper documentation with the regulatory agencies and protect themselves from being used as platforms for laundering proceeds from crime and other illicit activities.

In a remark, Former Director of the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre, WARDC, Dr Abiola Akiode-Afolabi enjoined the participants to make good use of the knowledge gained during the training, with a view to enhancing performance among the Civil Society Organizations.

Earlier, the Project Manager of Global Rights, Mr Edosa Oviawe had explained that the workshop was organised to bridge the knowledge gap and empower CSOs to be able to comply with the statutory regulations guiding their activities, for optimal performance. 

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Politics

Heavy Presence of EFCC, ICPC, Security Operatives as Re-run Holds in Oyo

By Web News 373 0

By Bashir Sulaiman

There was heavy presence of security operatives during the re-run election held on Saturday, in two polling units of Saki West State Constituency of Oyo State House of Assembly.

The affected polling units are Odo-osun 007 in Ogidigbo area and Ogbalanja polling unit 019 in Sepeteri/Bapon registration area.

It was also observed that officials of  Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, were on ground at the two polling units to prevent vote buying.

The atmosphere at the two polling units was peaceful as voters performed their civic rights without hindrance or intimidation.

The rerun election in Saki West state constituency was as a result of the ruling of an Appeal court on the judgement of the 2023 Election petition tribunal.

According to the court, the election recorded electoral malpractices ranging from over-voting in the affected polling units and by-passing of BVAS during accreditation of voters.

Edited by Olaolu Fawole

Crime

13 Ex-Govs under EFCC’s Radar over N772bn Fraud Cases

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has reopened money laundering cases against 13 former governors and some former ministers, with the amounts involved running into over N853.8bn.

The amount at stake in the high-profile cases involving the former governors and ex-ministers was not less than N772.2bn, however, the anti-graft agency is currently investigating the N81.6bn that was allegedly looted in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

However, another $2.2bn was alleged to have gone missing through money laundering, fund diversion and misappropriation in recent times. The $2.2bn was allegedly diverted by a former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki; late media mogul, Raymond Dokpesi; former governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa; and former Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda, and others.

According to the EFCC, the money was meant for arms procurement in support of the war against terrorists, but it was laundered, diverted, and misappropriated.

While Dasuki was in custody of the Department of State Services in 2015, the EFCC arrested Dokpesi, Bafarawa, Yuguda and others.

They were all arrested after being indicted by a presidential committee that investigated arms procurement under former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

The committee said about $2.2bn was diverted for purposes other than arms procurement.

The affected persons include two former Ekiti State governors, Kayode Fayemi and Ayo Fayose; former Zamfara State governor, Bello Matawalle; two former Enugu State governors, Chimaroke Nnamani and Sullivan Chime; former Nasarawa State governor, Abdullahi Adamu; former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Others are former Rivers State governor, Peter Odili; former Abia State governor, Theodore Orji; former Gombe State governor, Danjuma Goje; former Sokoto State governor, Aliyu Wamako; former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva; and former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido.

Matawalle, who is currently serving as the Minister of Defence in the administration of President Bola Tinubu, is being probed for alleged N70bn money laundering; while Fayemi, who served as Minister of Solid Minerals Development in former President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet from November 11, 2015 to May 30, 2018, before resigning to contest the governorship election for his second term, is being investigated for an alleged N4bn fraud, while Fayose, a two-term governor of Ekiti State, is being investigated by the anti-graft agency for an alleged N6.9bn fraud.

Nnamani is being probed for an alleged N5.3bn fraud; Chime is being investigated over an alleged N450m campaign fraud as part of the N23bn allegedly shared by a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, while Adamu is under probe for alleged N15bn fraud.

Kwakwanso is being probed for alleged non-remittance of N10bn pension fund; Orji is being investigated over alleged N551bn money laundering; while Odili is similarly being probed for alleged N100bn fraud. It is not yet clear how the probe of the ex-Rivers State governor will be handled as he obtained an order of perpetual injunction restraining the EFCC and other security agencies from a Federal High Court in March 2008, which has not been vacated to date.

Goje is being probed by the commission for an alleged N5bn fraud; Wammako is being investigated for allegedly diverting N15bn; Sylva, a former Minister of State for Petroleum under Buhari, is under probe for alleged N19.2bn money laundering; while Lamido is being investigated over an alleged N1.35bn fraud.

Diezani is being probed over several alleged money laundering cases running into several billions of naira and millions of dollars.

Sources privy to the development told our correspondent on Friday that the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, was reviewing all the high-profile cases, and had since his assumption of office reappointed investigators to take up the several probes without prejudice to the suspects’ social or political status.

“The chairman is reviewing all high profile cases, and he has ordered the investigators not to treat anyone differently, especially politically exposed persons, such as former governors and ministers, who were indicted for money laundering,” an impeccable source told Sunday PUNCH.

The EFCC had also recently commenced the probe of some former ministers, Olu Agunloye (power, mines and steel), Olu Agunloye, over an alleged $6bn fraud on the Mambilla Power Project; and Sadiya Umar-Farouk (humanitarian affairs), over an alleged N37.1bn fraud.

Agunloye and Umar-Farouq served under former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari, respectively. The EFCC is probing both former ministers and arraigned Agunloye, who was remanded in a custodial centre pending the perfection of his N50m bail.

The commission is also probing the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, and the embattled Coordinator of the suspended National Social Investment Programme Agency, Halima Shehu, over alleged N81.6bn fraud uncovered in the ministry.

EFCC was also probing the chief executive officers of several banks, civil servants, and contractors in connection with the humongous fraud uncovered in the ministry.

Olukoyede had on Friday declared that all high-profile cases would be reviewed and revisited, while noting that indicted former or incumbent public officials’ corruption cases would not be overlooked or abandoned by the commission.

He made the declaration in Abuja through the acting Director of Public Affairs, EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, who spoke to journalists following a protest by members of the Zamfara Alternative Forum at the commission’s headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.

Members of the group had urged the anti-graft agency to revisit the probe of the immediate past governor of the state, Matawalle, over alleged N70bn money laundering.

Responding to the request of the protesters, Uwujaren revealed that Olukoyede had reviewed all inherited high-profile cases since he assumed office, adding that the commission would proceed with the probe of every indicted high-profile person.

He said, “I want to assure you that, as far as the commission is concerned, nobody is above the law. What the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, has done since assuming office is that he has reviewed all the high-profile cases he inherited.

“And the EFCC Chairman has asked me to assure you that this case, like others, will not be an exception. The case will be reviewed, and the chairman assures you that something will be done under the law, and no one is above the law and no case shall be swept under the carpet.

“Rest assured that these cases will be revisited because the EFCC believes that no case should be swept under the carpet. If you have done something wrong and if our investigation is able to establish that you have a case, we will proceed with the matter.”

On May 18, 2023, the EFCC, through its spokesman, Osita Nwajah, had said Matawalle was being investigated by the commission over allegations of monumental corruption, award of phantom contracts, and diversion of over N70bn.

He stated, “The money, which was sourced as a loan from an old-generation bank purportedly for the execution of projects across the local government areas of the state, was allegedly diverted by the governor through proxies and contractors, who received payment for contracts that were not executed.

“The commission’s investigations revealed that more than 100 companies received payments from the funds, with no evidence of service rendered to the state.

“Some of the contractors, who had been invited and quizzed by the commission, made startling revelations on how they were allegedly compelled by the governor to return the funds received from the state coffers back to him through his aides after converting the same to United States dollars.”

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Economy

EFCC Presents N76.586 billion Budget Proposal to House of Reps 

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By Oluwakayode Banjo

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, presented a budget of N76.586billion (Seventy Six Billion, Five Hundred and Eighty-Six Million Naira) as its budget proposal for 2024 to the House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes.

The proposed budget represents a 53.48% increase over and above the Commission’s 2023 appropriation of N49.901 billion (Forty-Nine Billion, Nine Hundred and One Million Naira).  In the budget estimate,  a total sum of N37.074 billion(Thirty-Seven Billion, Seventy Four Million Naira) was proposed as personnel cost, N14.513billion( Fourteen Billion, Five Hundred and Thirteen Million Naira) as overhead cost and N25.000( Twenty Five Billion Naira) as capital cost.

Presenting the budget to the House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes,  Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede stated that the 2024 proposed estimate of N76.486 billion represented a significant increase over  2023’s N49.901 billion budget owing to additional funds needed for overhead, personnel and capital costs.

“This increase is solely attributable to the increase in personnel cost from N36.834billion to N37.074billion in 2024, overhead cost from N10.535billion to 14.513billion in 2024 and capital cost from N2.531billion to N25.000billion in 2024,” he said.

Commenting on the 2023 budget performance, Olukoyede explained that the sum of N36.835billion was appropriated as the Commission’s personnel cost for the year, “out of this figure, the sum of N28.452billion representing 77% has been released for the payment of salary and allowances of staff on the Commission’s payroll between January and November 2023. He added that “the sum of N7.024 billion representing 67% of the N10.535 billion appropriated for the Commission for its overhead cost in 2023 has so far been released.”

The EFCC Chairman further stated that the Commission’s request for additional funds for overhead is due to the high cost of air travel tickets, motor vehicle fuel cost, diesel cost and the high cost of maintenance of buildings, operational vehicles and office equipment in the headquarters and fourteen Zonal Commands.

 He appreciated the Committee’s support for the Commission in the discharge of its duties and the successes it is achieving in the fight against economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.

Responding, Chairman, the House  Committee on Financial Crimes, Ginger Obinna stated that financial crimes pose a significant threat to the stability and progress of any economy. “In recent years, our nation has witnessed a surge in sophisticated financial crimes that demand our immediate attention and robust defense mechanisms.  From money laundering to cybercrimes, the challenges are multifaceted and ever-evolving. It is our duty to stay ahead of these threats, adapt our strategies and equip ourselves adequately to counteract the forces that seek to undermine our economic well-being and that of our nation.” He stated that the budget’s defence and discussions on issues related to it were a reflection of the Committee’s commitment to creating an environment where citizens can trust the financial institutions that drive the economy and which will empower the EFCC to carry out its vital duty. “It is a pledge to provide the necessary resources to empower the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to carry out its vital mission effectively,” he said.

Crime

EFCC Boss Seeks Anti-Corruption Crusade That Promotes Wealth Creation

By Web News 320 0

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has pledged to refocus the anti-corruption war by adopting modalities capable of stimulating economic growth and development in the nation.

The Chairman made the promise while addressing the staff of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC at the Commission’s Office, GRA, Ilorin, the Kwara state capital.

According to him, his administration would ensure a paradigm shift in the agency’s approach to the anti-graft war to make it more proactive and result-oriented.

Mr Olukoyede said there is a need to redefine the scope and mandate of the agency to stimulate the economy of the country.

He said the commission must be able to separate the proceeds of crime from legitimate funds.

The EFCC boss urged the management of the agency to use the instrumentality of their mandate to create wealth and jobs for the people.

He also assured personnel of his determination to prioritize staff welfare.

Mr Olukoyede urged officers of the Commission to be above board and avoid acts of compromise in the line of duty.

Ali Rabiu

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Politics

EFCC Deploys Operatives to Bayelsa, Kogi, Imo to Check Fraud 

By Web News 254 0

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has deployed its operatives on election monitoring operations in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states.

The Commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, in a statement said the operations were aimed at checking electoral fraud and associated crimes.

Oyewale stated, “In its drive to checkmate electoral fraud and associated financial crimes, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has deployed its officers to Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo States where governorship elections are holding on Saturday, November 11, 2023.

“The commission’s monitoring operations are to tackle any form of voter’s inducement through vote buying, vote selling and other manipulation of the electoral processes at variance with the Electoral Act.”

Vanguard / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Education

OAU VC Appeals to Victims of EFCC Raid

By Web News 248 0

By Adenitan Akinola

The Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Prof. Simeon Bamire, has appealed to students of the institution who were victims of the raid on some off-campus hostels along Ife/Ibadan Road by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to put the experience behind them and move on. 

Giving an update on the matter on Thursday, the Vice Chancellor, in a statement signed by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olanrewaju, commended the EFCC for the quick profiling and release of the students, adding that colleagues of the affected students pressing for their release also exhibited discipline in their agitations. 

 The statement read partly, “After a spirited effort by the management of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, which sent representatives to the Ibadan zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to intervene in the case of arrested students, the EFCC has released 59 of the students.

“While thanking the officials of the EFCC for the quick profiling and eventual release of the students in less than 24 hours, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Simeon Bamire urged the EFCC to partner with the management of various Institutions of higher learning to organize workshops for students across faculties to sensitize the students about the danger of financial crimes and cyber criminalities. 

“The Vice-Chancellor, therefore, appealed to students who were victims of the raid to put the experience behind them and move on with their lives. He lauded other students who rallied round their affected colleagues for being their brothers’ keepers without being violent nor exhibiting any act of vandalism.”

Recall that EFCC operatives stormed hostels in Oduduwa Estate, Ile-Ife in the early hours of Wednesday and arrested 69 students of the university. 

The students were taken to the Ibadan Zonal Office of the commission, where they were detained. However the management of the institution, as well as the parents and guardians of the affected students, secured freedom for 59 of them on Wednesday. 

Adenitan Akinola 

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Crime

EFCC Arrests 69 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Osun

By Web News 304 0

By Olaolu Fawole

Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested sixty-nine suspected internet fraudsters in Osun State.

They were arrested on Wednesday, at Oduduwa Estate area of Ile-Ife, Osun State following actionable intelligence on their suspected involvement in fraudulent internet-related activities.
According to a statement on the official Facebook page of the Commission, credible intelligence linked Oduduwa Estate with activities of suspected internet fraudsters.

The statement said further that the suspects are: Dankuwo Eniola Erioluwa, Mustapha Monsuru Oluwanisola, Adeyeye Timilehin Ebenezer, Toromade Hammed Adedeji, Busari Abdulazeez Ayodeji, Adeleye Olumuyiwa Emmanuel, Oluwasakin Moyosore Favour, Olubini Pere Michael, Oluwadara Emmanuel Benny, Gbadamosi Okikola Omotola, Okusipe Tobiloba Paul, Nnekwelugo Enaemeka, Aghwaritoma Wisdom, Adesina Gbolahan Khalid and Micheal Olugoke Oluwaseun.

Others are: Obafemi Joshua Mayowa, Eronmonsele Anthony Igberaese, Salau Oluwawumi, Jaiyeola Yinka Temitope, Ajayi Ayodeji Olanrenwaju, Oguntade Oluwabukunmi David, Abdulmumini Abdulsamad, Tolulope Oduola Folaranmi, Kayode Abdulraheem Ajuwon, Akinyemi Oluwagbenro Aduragbemi, Ayodeji Olumose Adedeji, Alawode Femi Segun, Junaid Hafiz Adeyinka, Akolade Oladele Sunday, Oyeniyi Banji Andrew, Oladusu Lanrinde Morakinyo, Ojo John Ifeoluwa, Akwuaka Tochukwu Blaise and Ogunleye Daniel Ayobami and Adebowale Omodesire Diekola.

The rest are: Arekemase Olayinka Ridwan, Ajigbolamu Ayomide Ademola, Asegun David Damola, Adibe Elvis Ebubechukwu, Ohakanu Chidubem, Adeoye Mayowa Irejah, Adesokan Charles Adekunle, Olorunfemi Isaac Oladimeji, Odeyemi Femi Victor, Alimi Ajibola Akorede, Okeke Ifaenyi Francis, Fawehinmi Ayomide Simeon, Soniola Olumide Elijah, Yahaya Isah Salihu, Daramola Junia Olamide, Agbabikaka Mojuolaoluwa and Kingsley Ejike Nweake.

Others are: Camara Abdullahi, Aminu Kehinde, Bayo Adegoke Iyanuoluwa, Alao Kolawale Oluwaseun, Oloruntoba Oluwatosin Adeniyi, Idowu Philip Oluwaseun, Maiye Daniel Olasile, Oyelami Peter OLuwaseyi, Emmanuel Nsochukwu, Komolafe Tosin, Praise Izuagie, Umehidi Obinna, Olujulo Lucas Ifeoluwa, Omejeh Stanley, Latilo Tolu, Oluwaseun Akinrelere and Great Onufomah.

It adds that the suspects, who have made useful statements to the EFCC, will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

Crime

EFCC Detains Emefiele after Release by DSS

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Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, is currently being detained in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Emefiele, who is currently being interrogated at the National Headquarters of the anti-graft agency, Jabi, Abuja, was picked up by EFCC operatives Thursday night, less than an hour after he regained his freedom from the dungeon of the Department of State Services.

An impeccable source revealed the development to our correspondent Friday morning, noting that the EFCC is probing Emefiele over alleged impropriety during his term as the head of the apex bank.

“Yes, Emefiele is currently in our (EFCC) custody; he was arrested last night less than an hour after the DSS freed him. He’s currently being interrogated at the Headquarters, as he’s being investigated for alleged misappropriation of funds amongst other things during his term as CBN governor,” the source noted.

Our correspondent further gathered that fresh charges may be filed against Mr Emefiele by the EFCC.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, could not be reached for official confirmation when contacted by our correspondent on Friday.

The PUNCH reports that Emefiele had been in the custody of the Department of State Services since June after President Bola Tinubu suspended him from office.

He was thereafter asked to transfer his responsibilities to Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi, then deputy governor, operations directorate at the apex bank.

A day after, the DSS announced that Emefiele was in its custody for ‘some investigative reasons’.

On July 25, he was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on “illegal possession” of firearms at a federal high court in Lagos and was granted bail in the sum of N20 million.

The two-count charge was later struck out on August 17 after the Federal Government withdrew the same.

However, a fresh 20-count charge was instituted against him over an alleged conspiracy to carry out procurement fraud, among others.

The arraignment has been stalled twice, and Emefiele was reported to have proposed a plea bargain agreement with the Federal Government.

The proposed agreement required Emefiele to resign as CBN governor and ‘disgorge’ some assets.

However, on September 22, the CBN officially confirmed Emefiele’s resignation after Olayemi Cardoso was appointed as substantive governor of the apex bank

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Judiciary

DSS Detention : Bawa Heads to Court

By Web News 339 0

The embattled former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, has sued the Department of State Services, DSS, for his continued detention without trial since June 14, 2023.

In the suit filed at the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court for the Enforcement of Fundamental Rights, brought by one Barrister Chinedu Oburu of Edu Oburu & Co, Bawa sought an order of the court to declare his detention without trial as illegal and to direct his immediate release.

In the suit filed on October 20, 2023, the former EFCC chairman sought the following orders:

“A Declaration that the continued detention of the Applicant from June 14, 2023 till date without arraignment or criminal prosecution is a fragrant abuse and violation of his fundamental rights to freedom, liberty, and personal dignity.

“AN Order directing the Respondent to immediately release the Applicant from custody.

“And for further or other orders as the Court may deem fit to make in the circumstances.”

In an affidavit in support of the application before the court, the legal practitioner stated that the government of former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed the applicant as the Chairman of the EFCC, one of the government institutions established to fight and curb corruption in Nigeria.

He noted that the applicant was suspended from office by the Federal Government on June 14, 2023, and was subsequently invited for interrogation by the respondent (SSS) herein.

He said, “That upon arrival at the offices of the respondent on June 14, 2023, the applicant was promptly detained.

“That since June 14, 2023 (over 120 days) that the applicant was detained, he has remained in the respondent’s detention facility without any criminal charge or trial proffered against him till date.

“That the continued illegal detention of the Chairman of the EFCC without any charge is an affront and assault on the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

“That the continued and indefinite detention of the EFCC chairman without any criminal charge is a necked assault on the Fundamental Rights of the Applicant as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).”

He, however, stated that he brought the action in the overall interest of the applicant, the Nigerian public, democracy and rule of law in Nigeria, and the need to sustain the anti-corruption spirit and momentum.

 

Vanguard / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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