The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

  • Ex-Perm Sec forfeits 47 cars to FG

    Ex-Perm Sec forfeits 47 cars to FG

    A former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power, Godknows Igali, ‎has forfeited 47 SUV cars to Federal government, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said.

    The information is contained in a report by EFCC which the anti-graft agency submitted to Senate Committee on Financial Crimes and Anti-corruption.

    The report said that the cars were seized in Utako, Abuja residence of the former Permanent Secretary.

    Igali is currently undergoing investigation by EFCC over alleged corruption.

    Meanwhile, Senate Wednesday kicked against donation of building and furniture to EFCC by unnamed state governor.

    The upper chamber said that such donation has the capacity hamper the war against corruption in the country.

    Senator Dino Melaye who spoke at a budget defence session with the EFCC expressed dissatisfaction with a situation where governors are donating money to the anti-graft agency.

    Melaye, (Kogi West) insisted such development would tamper the independence of the EFCC.

    The committee demanded for review of the contract details of EFCC building which is put at N26 billion against the initial N18.8 billion awarded to Julius Berger.

    The committee wondered how a contract awarded at N18.8 billion will be increased to N24 billion and later a request of additional N2 billion for power plant and sewage.

    It asked how a 10-storey building will be awarded without sewage and power plant from when the contract began.

    The Chairman of the committee, Senator Chukwuka Utazi said the signing of the contract was against the advice given by the Bureau of Public Procurement.

    Utazi noted that considering what was going with the EFCC building, there was need for Julius Berger management to appear before the committee.

    He also said that the consultant that advised the EFCC to go against the advice of BPP on the contract should appear before the committee.

     

  • EFCC recovers mores vehicles, others from ex Customs boss

    EFCC recovers mores vehicles, others from ex Customs boss

    Barely six days after 17 exotic vehicles were recovered from a Kaduna warehouse belonging to former Comptroller-General of Customs, Abdullahi Dikko Inde by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), another set of items including vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles have been recovered.

    The items which were recovered on Monday and Tuesday from another warehouse said to be property of the former Customs boss include a 2013 model 32-seater Nissan bus, 42 cargo tricycles, one tipper truck, 16 motorcycles, over 500 rug carpets and two fire-proof safes.

    Briefing newsmen on the recovery in Kaduna on Tuesday, Zonal Head, EFCC Kaduna, Bappa Ibrahim said, the recovery was made based on intelligence report and tip-off at the disposal of the agency.

    He said the operation which led to the recovery of the items was a continuation of the anti-graft agency’s investigation on the former Customs boss.

    Ibrahim said, the items were recovered from a warehouse, off Nnamdi Azikwe Express Way, around NASFAT village, in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    Meanwhile, the two recovered safes which were broke opened by EFCC operatives in the presence of press cameras contained only few documents, an iron stamp, 50 and 20 naira notes, amounting to N1,560 and polythene bags.

    The Zonal EFCC boss refused making comments on the documents found inside the safes, saying further investigations would be carried out on the documents.

    According to him, “As you can see, we have recovered more items from the former ComptrComptrroller-Generaleco of Customs, Abdullahi Dikko Inde. The items include 32-seater Nissan bus, 42 cargo tricycles, one tipper truck, 16 motorcycles, over 500 rug carpets and two fire-proof safes.

    “The recovery was possible because of tip-off we received and intelligence report. We made the recovery from a warehouse belonging to former Comptroller-General of Customs, Abdullahi Dikko Inde around NASFAT village, off Nnamdi Azikwe Express Way, here in Kaduna.

    “The fresh operation which started on Monday, 27th February, 2017 till today is a continuation of the last week operation which led to recovery of 17 exotic vehicles”, he said.

    He however called on general public to always assist the anti-graft agency with useful information, as the war against corruption is responsibility of everyone, and should not be left for EFCC alone.

    Meanwhile, our Correspondent sighted a passport size photograph of the former Customs boss, Abdullahi Dikko Inde on one of the documents.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 recovered seventeen exotic vehicles in a warehouse in Kaduna belonging to the former Customs boss, Abdullahi Dikko Inde,

     

  • Rickey Tarfa: Court rejects EFCC’s proposal of trial on Good Friday, Saturday 

    Rickey Tarfa: Court rejects EFCC’s proposal of trial on Good Friday, Saturday 

    Justice Adedayo Akintoye of the Igbosere High Court, Lagos Tuesday turned down a request from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that the trial of Chief Rickey Tarfa (SAN) be resumed on three dates, two of which fall on a public holiday and a Saturday.

    Tarfa is standing trial on a 27-count charge bordering on, among others, alleged age falsification and offering of gratification to a public officer, pressed against him by the anti-graft agency.

    The application for adjournment was at the instance of prosecution counsel Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, who was absent, but wrote a letter to the court proposing the continuation of the trial on a day in March and two days in April.

    At the commencement of proceedings Tuesday, Justice Akintoye informed defence counsel Ade Adedeji (SAN) of Oyedepo’s letter.

    The letter, which was shown to Adedeji, informed the court that he had received a hearing notice from the Court of Appeal, Lagos summoning him to appear in a matter scheduled for yesterday morning.

    He suggested that the previously scheduled dates, including Tuesday’s, be vacated and that the trial be shifted to March 30, April 14 and 15.

    Adedeji, who expressed surprise at the dates, observed that April 14 was Good Friday – a national public holiday – and that April 15 was Saturday, a weekend.

    “Two of the suggested dates fall on a public holiday and a weekend,” he said.

    He proposed a date in May and Justice Akintoye adjourned the case till May 16, 17 and 18 for continuation of trial.

    The EFCC arraigned Tarfa on March 10, 2016 on a 27-count charge which was subsequently amended to 26 counts bordering on alleged willful obstruction of its authorised officers, refusal to declare assets and giving false information to a public officer.

    The agency also alleged, among others, that the lawyer offered N5.3million gratification to Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa of the Federal High Court, Lagos in order to compromise the judge.

    The commission claimed that Tarfa transferred the money in several tranches to Justice Nganjiwa between June 27, 2012 and December 23, 2014.

  • Judge withdraws from Adegboruwa’s case

    Judge withdraws from Adegboruwa’s case

    Justice Oluremi Oguntoyibo of the Federal High Court in Lagos Friday withdrew from the trial of activist-lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa.

    She said would return the case file to the Chief Judge, Justice Ibrahim Auta, for re-assignment to another judge.

    Justice Oguntoyibo said she was withdrawing from the case for “personal reasons.”

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Adegboruwa last May 12 for allegedly dealing in a seized property.

    Two witnesses have testified in the case out of nine listed by the EFCC.

    The human rights lawyer was charged under Section 32 (1) of the EFCC Establishment Act 2004.

    It reads: “Any person who, without due authorisation by the Commission, deals with, sells or otherwise disposes of any property or assets which is the subject of an attachment, interim order or final order, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of five years without the option of a fine.”

    The commission said Adegboruwa and Jonathan Udeagbala, said to be at large, committed the alleged offence on August 13, 2013 in Lagos.

    The defendant allegedly conspired to lease the property at House 105, NICON Town Estate, Lekki.

    EFCC said the property was a “subject of interim orders of attachment made by Justice Christopher Balogun of the Lagos State High Court” on June 18, 2012.

    Adegboruwa allegedly leased the property to Shelf Drilling Nigeria Limited for N61, 631,944.65, which was credited to his Zenith Bank account, with number 1010240758.

    The lawyer pleaded not guilty to the charge and denied the allegation, saying there could not have been a freezing order on the property because the substantive case had been dismissed.

    With Justice Oguntoyibo’s withdrawal, it means the case may begin afresh before a new judge.

    Adegboruwa had last week withdrawn a suit he filed at the court to restrain Mr Ibrahmi Magu from parading himself as the Acting EFCC Chairman.

    The lawyer said he was dropping the case in order to encourage Magu in the anti-corruption campaign.

    Adegboruwa had sought an order “directing the fourth defendant, Ibrahim Magu, to vacate, relinquish and surrender his office as Acting Chairman of the EFCC.”

  • EFCC vs Ozekhome: Judge orders service of hearing notice 

    EFCC vs Ozekhome: Judge orders service of hearing notice 

    The Federal High Court in Lagos Thursday fixed March 2 for hearing in a suit by human rights lawyer Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) seeking to vacate the order freezing his firm’s account.

    Justice Abdulazeez Anka ordered that a hearing notice be issued to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    He had on February 7 ordered a temporary forfeiture of N75million found in the Guarantee Trust Bank account following an application by the EFCC.

    The commission had no representation Thursday.

    Ozekhome said the suit was filed on February 14 and served on EFCC on February 20.

    Justice Anka said the commission was still within time to respond.

    “They’re entitled to seven days. Their time has not lapsed. Let’s give them their time. So we’ll give them seven days,” he said.

    Ozekhome asked for the earliest date for hearing “because of the urgency of the case.”

    He is praying for an order discharging and/or vacating forthwith, the interim ex-parte order of forfeiture to freeze or attach the money for 120 days.

    Ozekhome said EFCC did not disclose the fact that Justice Taiwo O. Taiwo of the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti had defrozen the account of Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose account, thereby allowing the governor to operate it, before he transferred N75 million to the account of Mike Ozekhome Chambers.

    Ozekhome said as at the time Fayose transferred the money, there was no order freezing Fayose’s account.

    Ozekhome said the rules regulating ex-parte applications were blatantly violated by the EFCC in obtaining the order.

    The SAN sought an order restraining the Federal Government and the EFCC, whether by themselves or their agents from dealing in anyway and manner with his operation or his proprietary rights to the account.

    Ozekhome said EFCC’s application was filed in bad faith and because of his “strong and uncompromising stance against some of the obnoxious anti-masses policies of the present administration and the judicial victories he has so far secured against the EFCC in different courts in Nigeria”.

    According to him, the action is unconstitutional as it offends sections 36, 37 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution as there was no legal justification for EFCC’s action.

    “The Applicant’s family, staff, dependants, associates, business and livelihood will greatly suffer, and are already suffering and will continue to suffer irreparable damage if this application is not granted, and the blockade or freezing of the account lifted immediately.

    “The interest of justice demands that these prayers be granted as it will ensure that the Applicant and his family, staff, associates, livelihood, dependants and business do not suffer untold and irreparable damages,” Ozekhome said.

    He said the N75million was part-payment of legal fees from Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayode.

    “The issue of whether or not the funds in Governor Fayose’s account from which the N75 Million was posted to Mike Ozekhome’s Chambers GT Bank account is suspected proceed of crime is currently on appeal as filed and entered by the self same Counsel to the respondent herein, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo Iseoluwa,” Ozekhome said.

    Justice Anka adjourntill March 2.

  • Belgore: EFCC’s prosecutor’s absence stalls trial

    The absence of the EFCC prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, on Thursday stalled the trial byFederal High Court

    Belgore is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside a former Minister of National Planning, Prof Abubakar Suleiman.

    The accused are standing trial before Justice Mohammed Aikawa on a five-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N450 million.

    On Wednesday, a lawyer from the EFCC, Mr Nkereuwem Anana, had informed the court that the prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, was `held up’ on his way to the court because of a fault in his vehicle.

    Anana said the first prosecution witness, was also on his way from Ekiti, and urged prayed the judge to stand down the case to enable the prosecution arrive.

    In response, defence counsel, Mr Ebun Shofunde (SAN), raised an objection for a stand down on the grounds that he had another case for the day.

    He argued that the court could not wait for a witness, who was still on his way, and urged the court to adjourn the case.

    The judge held that he would not stand the case down at the instance of a witness when there were 29 other cases on his cause list for the day.

    Aikawa then urged the prosecution to show more seriousness so that the case could be disposed of as soon as possible.

    Consequently, the judge adjourned the case to March 13 and March 14 for definite trial.

    The EFCC had charged the accused with conspiracy to directly take possession of N450 million which they reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act.

    The commission said that they committed the offence on March 27, 2015.

    On the second count, the EFCC said that the accused directly took possession of the sum of N450 million, while on the third count, the accused were said to have conspired to make cash payment of the sum without going through a financial institution.

    On counts four and five, they were accused of making cash payment of N450 million to one Sheriff Shagaya without going through a financial institution.

    The offences, according to the EFCC, contravene the provisions of Section 15, 15(3), 16, 16(2) 18(a) and 18 (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibitions) (Amendment) Act, 2012.

    The accused had pleaded not guilty to all the counts, while the court granted them bail on self-recognition.

  • Obanikoro, family sue EFCC for N100m 

    Obanikoro, family sue EFCC for N100m 

    Senator Musiliu Obanikoro and his family have sued the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the Federal High Court in Lagos over the seizure and detention of their property.

    They are seeking a declaration that the forceful seizure of their personal effects constitutes a gross violation of their rights.

    The applicants are praying for an order setting aside the forceful detention of their properties last June 14.

    They demanded an “unreserved public apology”, as well as N100 million as general damages from EFCC.

    The Obanikoros also sought an order restraining EFCC from arresting, detaining or harassing them or entering their premises again to seize their properties.

    The applicants include Obanikoro’s wife Moroophat, his sons Gbolahon, Babajide and wife Fati.

    EFCC claimed Obanikoro received suspicious payments from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) through companies linked to the family.

    For instance, the commission said $1,018,000 was transferred from the ONSA to Mob Integrated Services on March 18, 2015.

    But, the family, though their lawyer Lawal Pedro (SAN), said the documents and properties EFCC seized “have nothing to do with the ONSA.”

    They claimed that the commission violated Regulation 13 of the EFCC (Enforcement Regulation) 2010 which provides that it shall apply and obtain a court order to enter and search any premises.

    However, EFCC has urged the court to dismiss the suit, insisting that it acted within the law.

    Justice Abdulazeez Anka adjourned until March 28 for ruling.

  • Civil society groups call for prosecution of UNICAL bursar

    Civil society groups call for prosecution of UNICAL bursar

    • Corruption is fighting back – Bursar

    Civil society groups led by the Transparency Initiative Nigeria (TIN) on Tuesday called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately begin the probe of the former bursar of University of Calabar, Mr Peter Agi.

    The TIN said following a due diligence investigation into the crisis rocking the second generation institution, it has unearthed series of malpractices which are traceable to the former bursar which is at the root of the current crisis.

    The group also accused Mr Agi, who was appointed in 2010 of corrupt enrichment and random abuse of the University rules, appropriation/procument processes and lack of transparency.

     Briefing newsmen in Abuja, the groups Public Relations Officer, Comrade Adodo Solomon said Mr Agi’s lack of financial transparency has stalled major construction projects in the university.

    “To our utter dismay, we further gathered from contractors, that Mr Peter Agi was in the habit of sitting on funds approved for payment to contractors and this stalled major construction projects which should have further etched the University up the ladder of academic glory and acclaim.

    “The Joint Council/Senate Committee Investigation report further revealed that Mr Peter Agi compromised the University of Calabar fees payment portal and in the process over Two Hundred Million naira remains untraced till date.

    “Furthermore, in an attempt to conserve and divert funds Mr Agi deprived several Departments of the University of Funds needed for procurement of critical equipment and projects thus these deprived Departments failed to meet the NUC standards for accreditation. All these acts of impunity, Council/Senate Committee and his appointment was duly terminated in consonance with due process paving way for accelerated progress in the University.

    “We call on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediate begin to look into these allegations in tandem with the commitment of the Buhari administration to fight corruption and restore sanity in our public service,” Solomon said.

    However, the Bursar, Mr Agi has denied all allegations levelled against him, by the protesting staff of the University. Speaking through a group Concern Students and Senior Staff Association, he claimed that those who were against him sees him as a threat to their corrupt act following his insistence on due process and financial guidelines designed in line with the University financial system.

    But the TIN said the various media campaign against the administration of the Vice Chancellor of the University; Prof. Zana Akpagu, who is the first alumnus to be appointed as the Vice Chancellor, could be traced to the former bursar who he said has failed to explore avenues for internal dispute resolution.

    Solomon: “Prof. Zana Akpagu deserves commendation as an internal whistleblower for refusing to cooperate with or condone the sleaze and unfettered corrupt antics of the erstwhile Bursar. Clearly, Prof. Zana Akpagu by his actions has chronicled more than a million words can convey the true essence of the “Change begins with me” campaign of this administration. He remains a shining light for all administrators across the board to borrow a leaf from in the school of patriotism and leadership.”

    He praised the Prof. Akpagu led administration for introducing innovations and projects that have been abandoned by previous administrations including the Faculty of Dentistry building, faculty of Medicine and the accreditation of Faculty of Engineering the Department of Music, Tourism and Oceanography.

  • Shema, three others get N4billion bail

    Shema, three others get N4billion bail

    Katsina state High Court 3 presided over by Justice Maikaita Bako Tuesday granted bail to former Katsina state Governor, Ibrahim Shehu Shema and three others who were facing trial over a 22-count charge of financial misappropriation amounting to N11 billion, while in office.

    Shema, former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Sani Hamisu Makama, former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Lawal Rufa’I Safana and former chairman of Katsina state chapter of Association of Local Government Of Nigeria (ALGON), who allegedly embezzled over N11 billion of state fund while in office were granted bail with N1 billion each and one surety each, totaling N4 billion.

    When the charges were read out to the accused persons, they pleaded not-guilty to all the 22-count charges, bothering on alleged diversion of public fund for personal use and fraudulent forgery of government documents with intention of stealing public fund.

    However, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Samuel Jubril Okutepa (SAN), submitted that the accused persons be remanded in prison custody, owing to the huge amount of money allegedly embezzled by them.

    Even when counsel to the defendants, Joseph Dauda (SAN), made an oral-application for bail, the EFCC counsel argued against the bail application, insisting that even though the Judge would grant them bail, it should be on formal application attached with affidavit.

    According to him, count one to eight under which they were charged carry a punishment of seven years imprisonment, just as count nine to 22 of the charges carry a punishment of 14 years imprisonment.

    Okutepa further cited section 341 (2) of CPC, laws of Katsina state, saying that the offences allegedly committed by the defendants, “are not ordinarily bailable. They can only be considered upon formal application, not by oral application.”

    Also arguing against the submission of Mr. Dauda that the first defendant (Shema) who was one-time Attorney-General of the state and two-time governor of the state should be granted bail on self-recognition, Mr. Okutepa maintained that in law, there is no sentiment.

    According to him, “The status quo has changed. They are now accused persons and the law is not a respecter of persons. If the court grants them bail, the proposition will be a dangerous precedent if allowed, because any rich man that committed an offense will walk freely on the street, while the poor will continue to languish in prison.

    “Sentiment should not be considered in the Court, what should be considered is verifiable materials in affidavit evidence. This is a competent charge by a competent court and the charges are with consequences because the amount involved is very huge.

    “The criminal justice system should not be starved. The accused persons should tell us that they will not run away if granted bail; and they should do that through affidavit.”

    In his ruling, Justice Bako granted the accused persons bail on stringent condition of N4 billion with for sureties and adjourned the case to 28 March for further hearing.

    However, the accused persons within a space of one hour met the bail conditions as they walked out of the court premises freely.

    Speaking to Reporters, Shema described the judgment the will of God, saying, “I thank God for the judgment.”

     

  • Court dismisses ex-NIMASA D-G’s no–case submission

    Court dismisses ex-NIMASA D-G’s no–case submission

    The Federal High Court in Lagos Thursday dismissed a no-case submission made by former Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) acting Director-General Calistus Obi.

    Justice Mojisola Olatoregun ordered him to open his defence.

    A no-case submission is a term whereby a defendant seeks acquittal without having to present a defence.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Obi last April on eight counts of converting N378, 810,000 from NIMASA.

    He was charged along with Dismass Alu Adoon, Grand Pact Limited and Global Sea Investment Limited.

    His lawyer, Mr Wale Akoni (SAN), urged the court to hold that the prosecution did not made out a prima facie (obvious) case to secure the conviction.

    Counsel to the second accused, Dr Joseph Nwobike (SAN), also urged the court to uphold the no-case submission of his client and discharge him.

    But, EFCC’s prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, objected to the no-case submissions and urged the court to call upon the accused to enter their defence.

    Ruling, Justice Olatoregun held: “The central issue to consider having gone through the submissions on all sides is whether there is no legally admissible evidence linking the defendants with the commission of the offence of conversion of money belonging to NIMASA, or that the evidence has been discredited by cross-examination, or so manifestly unreliable that no reasonable tribunal or court can act on it as establishing the criminal guilt of the defendant.

    “I cannot at this stage go into evaluation of the evidence before me or whether a particular document was wrongly admitted; the key question is whether those evidence can justifiably secure the conviction of the defendants

    “I have only the evidence of the prosecution and so, can any reasonable tribunal or judge honestly say that from the evidence so far adduced by prosecution, either directly or circumstantially, that the defendants should not be called upon to make an explanation as regards their conducts? My answer is No.

    “I must admit that there is a prima facie case made out against the defendants; this must be distinguished from the proof of the guilt of the defendants, a conclusion which I can only arrive at, at the end of the case, when the court has to find out whether the defendant is guilty or not. It is for now immaterial whether or not I believe the evidence of the prosecution; for now, the credibility of the witness does not arise

    “I have juxtaposed the evidence provided by the prosecution in section 15 (1) and 18 (a) of the Money Laundering and Prohibition Act and the essential element of the offences, and I am satisfied that the defendants has a reason to be called upon to place their defence before the court.

    “The respective submissions on no case by the defence is hereby over ruled, and I rely on the cases of Obasohan v Federal Government, as well as Amadi vs Federal Government,” she held

    The judge adjourned until March 24 and 27.