The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

  • Ex-Air chief Amosu asks court to disqualify EFCC’s witness

    Ex-Air chief Amosu asks court to disqualify EFCC’s witness

    A former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu (rtd), Wednesday asked the Federal High Court in Lagos to disqualify a prosecution witness, Owobo Tosin, from giving evidence in his trial.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on June 29 arraigned Amosu along with a former Chief of Accounts and Budgeting at the Nigeria Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Jacob Adigun and a former Director of Finance and Budget Air Commodore Olugbenga Gbadebo.

    Companies arraigned with them are Delfina Oil and Gas Ltd, Mcallan Oil And Gas Ltd, Hebron Housing and Properties Company Ltd, Trapezites BDC, Fonds and Pricey Ltd, Deegee Oil and Gas Ltd, Timsegg Investment Ltd and Solomon Health Care Ltd.

    EFCC accused them of converting N21billion from the Nigeria Air Force around March 5, 2014 in Lagos.

    At the trial Wednesday, prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, sought to lead the witness, an investigative officer with the commission, in evidence.

    But Amosu’s lawyer, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), objected to EFCC’s alleged refusal to attach the witness’ statement to the proof of evidence.

    He said the witness would only be competent to give evidence when copies of his statement were served on the defendants by the EFCC.

    Citing Section 379 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, Ayorinde said it is mandatory for any witness who is to give evidence to have a statement.

    He urged the court to disqualify the witness from testifying in the matter. Other defence counsel concurred.

    Oyedepo, however, urged the court to refuse the application and allow the witness to continue with his evidence.

    Citing Section 175 of the Evidence Act, he maintained a witness could only be disqualified when he cannot understand questions.

    He said the proof of evidence served on the defence in June substantially complied with the ACJA 2015.

    He added that it was wrong to ask for the statement of an investigative officer because he was merely investigating a crime.

    Amosu, charged with laundering N21billion, was said to have returned N2.6billion to the Federal Government but a plea bargain proposal he made to the EFCC broke down.

    The defendants were accused of using the companies to convert and conceal the money.

    Amosu and Adigun were said to have, between July 17 and September 16, 2014,  allegedly removed huge over N663.4million from the Nigerian Air Force accounts to purchase properties at  50-52 Tenterden Grove, London (NW4 1TH) and at 93B Shirehall Park, LondonNW4 2QU, United Kingdom.

    They were accused of buying 40A, Bourdillon, Ikoyi, with N900million, and a property at Sinari Daranijo in Victoria Island with N1.5billion.

    EFCC said they also bought a property named as Cappadol Mall at Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Wuse II Abuja, for N750million, as well as a property worth over N1.7billion at Agobogba Street, Parkview, Ikoyi Lagos, using the airforce’s money.

    Other properties they allegedly bought using Air Force’s funds include one at Salt Lake Street, Maitama, Abuja; one at Agadez Street off Aminu Kano Crescent, Abuja; 61A, Lake Chad Street, Maitama, Abuja; and one at 1, River Street, Wuse II Abuja using alleged stolen funds.

    Between last March 6 and April 30, the accused allegedly used N428, 139,539.00 removed from the accounts of the Nigerian Air Force to renovate and purchase medical equipment for Solomon HealthCare Ltd situate at 24th Adeniyi Jones Street, Ikeja Lagos.

    Justice Idris will run on Amosu’s application today.

  • Reps put Airports concession on hold

    Reps put Airports concession on hold

    The House of Representatives on Wednesday asked the Federal Government to stay action on the proposed concession of airports.

    The decision of the House was sequel to the adoption of the recommendations of the House Committee on Aviation headed by Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha on the Investigation of the Need to Rescue the Airline Industry from Imminent Collapse.

    According to the House, the Minister of State, Aviation should put the process on hold “until the Minister has been able to brief the House and Nigerians on how the proposed concession will remedy the challenges facing the sector and benefit consumers.”

    Recall that the government has expressed its desire to concession four major airports in the country, Lagos, Kano, Abuja and Port Harcourt for greater efficiency.

    The lawmakers also called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the diversion of the ₦120 billion aviation intervention fund provided by the CBN in 2012;

    Other recommendations adopted include:

    “invite the Hon. Minister of State, Aviation to appear and brief the House on his plans and programmes for the aviation sector, including the current status of the on-going remodeling of international airports, the reasons behind the scope and design of the remodeling and provide detailed drawings and specifications of the current design in order to enable the ascertainment of the actual cost of ongoing remodeling, compared to the loan received;

    “Refrain from taking any action on the concession agreement between FAAN and Bi-Courtney till the case is determined by the Supreme Court;

    “Invite the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria and airline operators (Domestic and International) to deliberate on the possibilities of CBN’s intervention in the crisis of foreign exchange for the airline industry;

    “Meet with the Management of Aviation Regulatory Agencies (FAAN, NCAA, NAMA, AIB, etc.) to deliberate on the possibilities of denominating the aviation sector in local currency (Naira);

    “urge the Management of Arik Air to reconcile its accounts with FAAN with a view to paying off its debts;

    “Invite Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON), to appear before the House and fully brief the House on its plan of action to resuscitate Aero Contractors airlines

    “Invite Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON), Management of Aero Contractors airlines and leaders of Labour Union in the airline industry to discuss the continuation of the redundancy negations between Management of Aero Contractors airlines and labour union leaders, which was suspended by Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON’s) refusal to finance the outcome of the negotiation.

    “Investigate the status of payment to Aero by Chevron and discover full details and where the funds are currently domiciled;

    “Urge the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to as a matter of urgency, make aviation fuel available regularly at affordable prices,” and “Also urge the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to make effort to refine aviation fuel (Jet A1) locally.”

    The 12-point recommendations were adopted when the Committee of the Whole presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Yussuff Lasun.

  • Jonathan’s ex-aide: EFCC induced me to make statement

    Jonathan’s ex-aide: EFCC induced me to make statement

    …Judge orders trial-within-trial

     

    The Federal High Court in Lagos Monday ordered a trial-within-trial to determine if a former Senior Special Assistant to ex-President Gooluck Jonathan on Domestic Affairs, Waripamo-Owei Dudafa, made a voluntary statement to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The judge made the order after Dudafa, through his lawyer Gboyega Oyewole, claimed that the commission “induced” him to make the statement.

    EFCC arraigned Dudafa before Justice Mohammed Idris on 23-counts of conspiracy and concealment of crime proceeds.

    He and Iwejuo Joseph Nna (alias Taiwo A. Ebenezer and Olugbenga Isaiah) were accused of conspiring to conceal proceeds of crime amounting to over N1.6billion on June 11, 2013. They pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

    During trial Monday, EFCC’s prosecution Oyedepo Rotimi, sought to tender in evidence a statement made by Dudafa, but Oyewole objected on the basis that it was not made voluntarily.

    He said: “We’re contesting the voluntariness of the document. He (Dudafa) was induced to make the statement in custody after eight days in detention. The statement was made involuntarily.

    “The first defendant contends that the confessional statement was not made voluntarily. He seeks a trial within trial to determine the voluntariness of the statement,” he said.

    Oyewole also objected to the tendering of an asset declaration form purportedly completed by Dudafa while in EFCC custody.

    Nna’s lawyer, Sunday Abumeri, also claimed his client did not make his statement to EFCC voluntarily.

    He said: “The second defendant informed me that he was lured and induced into making the statement. He was told that he would be released if he made the statement as it is.”

    While testifying, an EFCC operative, Orji Kalu, said Dudafa was about to leave the country when men of the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested and handed him over to the commission.

    He said Dudafa laundered the funds through various bureau de change (BDC) operators who changed the dollars he gave them and paid their naira equivalent to his accounts.

    “Prior to his arrest on April 17, 2016, the authorities developed intelligence on the first accused regarding funds belonging to the Federal Government, especially funds coming from the Office of the National Security Adviser, which he received.

    “We also had intelligence on racketeering activities which he was carrying out using his position as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Domestic Affairs. These proceeds were received in cash and were subsequently given in dollars to some staff who took them to the BDCs.

    “If he gives them the dollars, he’ll inform the BDC the bank where the naira equivalent should be paid. He followed the stages of money laundering: placement (through staff who took the dollars to the BDCs), layering (through the payment of the monies into accounts he manages), and integration (usage).

    “The EFCC then wrote DSS and Dudafa was watch-listed. On April 17, he was intercepted and referred to our office. I was the one who received him. He filled an assets declaration form,” Orji said.

    Justice Idris adjourned until December 14 for ruling on admissibility of the assets declaration form, and for trial-within-trial.

     

  • Sack of 23 FUNAAB staff is vindictive, malicious – NLC

    Sack of 23 FUNAAB staff is vindictive, malicious – NLC

    … Demands immediate recall of affected staff

    Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for the unconditional recall of the 23 staff of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) who were sacked by the management of the Institution.

    In a letter to the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, dated November 15, 2016 and signed by the NLC National President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, the NLC described the actions of the management as bordering on “impunity, lawlessness and violation of the workers’ rights.”

    The apex Labour union said the anti – corruption crusade of the present administration would not succeed if whistle blowers are not protected from victimisation as was the case with those in FUNAAB.

    Many were sacked in FUNAAB following a petition against the Pro – Chancellor and Vice Chancellor, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe and Professor Olusola Bamidele respectively to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The letter reads in part: “we have it on good authority that between November 8 and 11, 2016, twenty three staff have been relieved of their appointments maliciously and in a vindictive manner.

    “Do permit us to observe that the actions of the Council and Management of FUNAAB do not only constitute impunity and lawlessness but a violation of the fundamental human rights of these workers as enshrined in Section 39 of the 2009 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “Honourable Minister Sir, in order for the war on corruption to succeed, whistle blowers must be protected by all means and not victimized as is presently the case of FUNAAB.

    “Accordingly, we request you to cause an investigation into what is going on at FUNAAB as well as ensure that the affected workers are recalled unconditionally.”

  • EFCC asks court to order Ladoja’s arrest

    EFCC asks court to order Ladoja’s arrest

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Friday asked the Federal High Court in Lagos to order the arrest of former Oyo State Governor Rashidi Ladoja.

    It is for his alleged refusal to show up in court for arraignment in a N4.7 billion money laundering charge.

    Ladoja was charged along with his former aide, Chief Waheed Akanbi.

    Prosecuting counsel Olabisi Oluwafemi said the defendants were invited to the EFCC but did not honour the invitation.

    According to him, the defendants deliberately stayed away from court and merely sent their lawyers to represent them.

    He urged the court to issue a bench warrant against the defendants.

    But, Ladoja’s lawyer, Bolaji Onilenle, said he did not know the  matter was for arraignment as the case was still pending at the Supreme Court.

    Besides, he said EFC gave a fiat to Mr Festus Keyamo to prosecute the case, not Oluwafemi, who is a counsel in Keyamo’s firm.

    “We are challenging the locus standi of the prosecuting lawyer to set this matter down for hearing. If the flat is given to Keyamo, no other person in his chamber can take it over. It cannot be transferred.

    “Keyamo should personally prosecute it, he cannot transfer the prosecutorial power to any other person in his chamber,” Onilenle said.

    He said Ladoja had filed an applicatio to relist his appeal, which was struck out, at the Supreme Court.

    The defence counsel added that to continue with the trial would amount to disrespecting the Supreme Court.

    Ladoja had through his former lawyer, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) appealed against the decision of a Federal High Court, Lagos, which refused to quash the 10 counts of money laundering.

    But, the Court of Appeal ordered the former governor to continue his trial at the lower court.

    EFCC alleged that Ladoja and Akanbi conspired to convert properties and resources derived from an alleged illegal act, with the intention of concealing their illicit origin.

    The anti-graft agency also alleged that Ladoja used N42milliob out of the proceeds to purchase an Armoured Land Cruiser Jeep, and remitted about £600,000 to one Bimpe Ladoja in London.

    Ladoja and Akanbi had pleaded not guilty when they were first arraigned.

    Justice Mohammed Idris adjourned until November 25 for ruling on the application for warrant of arrest.

  • Socialite to face fresh charges for allegedly defrauding Bamaiyi

    Socialite to face fresh charges for allegedly defrauding Bamaiyi

    Lagos socialite, Mr Fred Ajudua is to be re-arraigned before a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja for allegedly defrauding former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Ishaya Bamaiyi of one million US dollars.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a fresh 28 count charge against Ajudua before the court presided by Justice Josephine  Oyefeso.

    The charges border on conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretence.

    Ajudua was initially arraigned before Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo along with a former court registrar Mrs Oluronke Rosolu for allegedly defrauding Lt.Gen. Bamaiyi of 330,000 US dollars.

    The charges against the suspects were separated when Ajudua became elusive consequent upon which Mrs Rosolu alone went through trial and was jailed ten years December last year after being found guilty by the court.
    Part of the new charges read: “That you, Fred Chijindu Ajudua, Alumile Adedeji a.k.a Ade Bendel (still at large), Mr. Jonathan (still at large), Mr. Kenneth (still at large), Princess Amabong Williams (still at large) and others still at large on or about 16 December 2004 at Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court; with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of $1,000,000 (One Million Dollars) from Lt. General Bamaiyi by falsely representing that the said sum was part payment for the professional fees purportedly charged by Chief Afe Babalola to handle Lt. Gen. Bamaiyi’s case and to facilitate General Bamaiyi’s release from prison custody.

    “That you, Fred Chijindu Ajudua, Alumile Adedeji a.k.a Ade Bendel (still at large), Mr. Jonathan (still at large), Mr. Kenneth (still at large), Princess Amabong Williams (still at large) and others still at large on or about 27 December 2004 at Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court; with intent to defraud, obtained the sum $350,000 (Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars) from Lt. General Bamaiyi (rtd) by falsely representing that the said sum was part payment for the professional fees purportedly charged by Chief Afe Babalola to handle Lt. Gen Bamaiyi’s case and to facilitate Lt. General Bamaiyi’s release from prison custody.”

    Ajudua failed to appear before the court on Monday for re-arraignment alongside others said to be at large.

    His counsel, Mr Allens Agbaka  however undertook to produce Ajudua at the next sitting of the court.

    Agbaka told Justice Oyefeso  that he only stumbled on the matter Monday morning.

    “I tried to contact the defendant and got in touch with the younger sister, Gina Osuala who informed me that the defendant (Ajudua) is being hospitalised at the National Hospital, Abuja.

    “This is the first time I am hearing about this matter. I personally undertake to produce the defendant at the next adjourned date.

    “I will produce the defendant if we can get a clear date, maybe by January”, he requested.

    Justice Oyefeso granted his request and adjourned the matter till January 12, 2017 for Ajudua to be re-arraigned.

  • Ex-finance minister, Usman, seeks transfer, severance of criminal charge

    Ex-finance minister, Usman, seeks transfer, severance of criminal charge

    A former minister of finance, Nenadi Usman on Monday informed a Federal High Court, Lagos of her application seeking severance and transfer of a criminal charge pending before the court.

    Usman is charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside, a former Aviation minister, Femi Fani-Kayode and Danjuma Yusuf, on a 17 count charge bordering on the offences.

    Fani-Kayode who was also Director, Media and Publicity of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign organisation, was absent in court.

    His counsel, Mr Wale Balogun said the accused absence was due to his inability to perfect bail conditions, after his arraignment over criminal charge before a Federal High Court, Abuja.

    However, counsel to Usman, Mr F.O Orbih (SAN) informed the court of his application, seeking severance of the criminal charges while praying for a transfer of the case to Abuja division.

    Orbih said that his application was predicated on the basis of logistics and bearing in mind that the offence was committed in Abuja.

    He, therefore, prayed for a long date to enable parties tidy their processes, and ensure the presence of the second accused for the applications to be argued.

    Meanwhile, the prosecution, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, who confirmed the arraignment of the second accused, said his arrest and detention was based on a different charge being handled by a different prosecutor.

    In his ruling, Justice Muslim Hassan, adjourned the case to December 12 for hearing of the application seeking severance and transfer of the charge, and vacated an earlier date of Nov. 15.

    The judge, however, held that the court would not make any comment as to the arrest of the second accused after being granted bail.

    In the charge, the accused were alleged to have committed the offences between January and March 2015.

    From counts one to seven, they were alleged to have unlawfully retained N3.8 billion which they reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act of stealing and corruption.

    From counts eight to 14, the accused were alleged to have unlawfully used N970 million which they reasonably ought to have known formed part of an unlawful act of corruption.

    While from counts 15 to 17 Fani-Kayode and one Olubode Oke, allegedly made cash payments of N30 million in excess of the amount allowed by law, without going through a financial institution.

    Besides, Fani-Kayode was alleged to have made payments to one Paste Poster Co (PPC) of No 125 Lewis St., Lagos, in excess of amounts allowed by law.

    All offences were said to have contravened the provisions of sections 15 (3) (4), 16 (2) (b), and 16 (5) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012.

  • Judge knocks EFCC for re-arresting Fani-Kayode in court

    Judge knocks EFCC for re-arresting Fani-Kayode in court

    …Ex-Minister seeks case transfer to Abuja

     

    Justice Sule Hassan of the Federal High Court in Lagos Monday expressed displeasure with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for re-arresting former Minister of Aviation Chief Femi Fani-Kayode within the court premises.

    Fani-Kayode was arraigned along with former Minister of State for Finance, Senator Nenadi Usman on a 17-count charge of laundering about N4.6billion. They pleaded not guilty.

    They were charged along with former Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) and ex-Chairman of Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State Mr. Yusuf Danjuma and a company said to belong to him, Jointrust Dimentions Nigeria Limited.

    Justice Hassan granted them bail, but the commission’s agents re-arrested Fani-Kayode as he was stepping out of on October 21 when he came for trial.

    He was subsequently taken to the court’s Abuja Division where he was arraigned before Justice John Tsoho on fresh N26million fraud charge.

    When the case resumed before Justice Hassan in Lagos yesterday, Fani-Kayode was absent. His lawyer, Mr S. I. Balogun, told Justice Hassan that Fani-Kayode was in detention at Kuje Prison having not met his bail conditions.

    He said: “When he was arrested in Lagos, EFCC did not exhibit any arrest warrant. The team leader said he was acting on orders from above.

    “After his arraignment in Abuja, EFCC lied to the judge that it was through intelligence that Fani-Kayode was arrested and that he would jump bail. They never disclosed that he was arrested in court.

    “As at this morning, he has been transferred to Kuje Prison. His family and friends have been making efforts to perfect his bail. We condemn in strong terms the prosecution’s style.”

    Danjuma’s lawyer, Mr S. I. Ameh (SAN), said EFCC’s action was an affront on the court.

    “Most times they do these things because they get away with it. They should have produced him in court this morning to show that what they did was not deliberate,” he said.

    EFCC’s lawyer Oyedepo Rotimi said the case in Abuja had no connection with the one in Lagos.

    He said he was not aware that Fani-Kayode was rearrested within the court as he was attending to another case before another judge on the day of the incident.

    “My attention was not drawn to his arrest in court even though I was before another judge,” he said.

    He said Fani-Kayode was arrested “with a view to serving him with the charge and presenting him before Justice Tsoho for the purpose of his arraignment”.

    While Rotimi was speaking, the judge cut in and said: ” He (Fani-Kayode) was arrested in the court premises in flagrant disobedient of the order of this court and kept in detention for 21 days.”

    The judge went on: “In a civilised society, are you supposed to keep him in detention after he was granted bail?”

    When Rotimi said he was not part of Fani-Kayode’s re-arrest, Justice Hassan said: “Instead of defending what you don’t know, you should have simply said you were not privy to the facts of the case.”

    It was at this point that Rotimi apologised, saying: “In the unlikely event that your Lordship construes his arrest as disobedience to the order granting him bail, we apologise.”

    In a short ruling while adjourning the case, the judge said he would not make any further comments in order prejudice any application Fani-Kayode may file against his re-arrest.

    Usman’s lawyer Chief Ferdinand Orbih (SAN) said his client has a pending application praying the court to transfer the case to Abuja.

    “In summary, we’re saying the forum is not convenient,” he said.

    In the charge before Justice Hassan, Fani-Kayode and others were accused of indirectly retaining N300million, N400million and N800million, all proceeds of corruption. EFCC said they allegedly committed the offence between last January 8 and last March 25, 2015 ahead of last year’s general election.

    In another count, the prosecution alleged that Fani-Kayode directly retained N350million which he ought to have “reasonably known formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: stealing.”

    The commission said Fani-Kayode directly used the sum of N170million, among other sums, which he reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of corruption and stealing.

    He was also accused of doing cash transaction of N24million with Olubode Oke, said to still be at large, without going through a financial institution.

    The offence, EFCC said, violates sections 1(a) and 16(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable under Section 16(2)(b).

    Justice Hassan adjourned until December 12 for trial.

  • Armsgate: Court remands Air Force chief, Omenyi, two others in Kuje prison

    Armsgate: Court remands Air Force chief, Omenyi, two others in Kuje prison

    …To hear Diamond Bank’s staff bail motion Monday

     

    Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court, Abuja ordered Friday that three men, including Air Vice Marshall Tony Omenyi (retired) be remanded in Kuje prison.

    Also to be kept in Kuje prison are an employee of Diamond Bank Plc, Babatunde Faro and Sada Adamu.

    The judge ordered their remand after they were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on two separate charges.

    Omenyi and his company, Huzee Nigeria Limited were arraigned on a 3-count charge of abuse of office and money laundering involving N136.325.000.00.

    Omenyi and his firm are being prosecuted for their alleged roles in the diversion of funds meant for the purchase of arms by the military.

    Omenyi pleaded not guilty when the charge was read, following which his lawyer, Wahab Olatoye urged the court to dismiss the claim of the prosecution, to the effect that he (prosecution lawyer) was ready for trial.

    Olatoye argued that he was yet to be served the statements of the defendants and the prosecution’s witnesses as recommended under the ‘Practice Direction Act, 2013’.

    He applied for his client’s bail orally, arguing that the defendant, under the law was presumed innocent until proved otherwise.

    In a brief ruling, the judge noted that all the necessary materials have been filed ny the prosecution and adjourned to November 14 for the hearing of the defendant’s formal bail application.

    One of the counts in the charge reads:

    “That you, AIR VICE MARSHALL TONY OMENYI (whilst being a public officer) and HUZEE NIGERIA LIMITED between 16th and 23rd August, 2014 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court took possession of the sum of N61,525,000.00 (sixty one million, five hundred and twenty five thousand naira only) transferred to the FCMB account of Huzee Nigeria Limited by SkyExperts Nigeria Limited, a contractor of AETSL, when you reasonably ought to have known that the said funds formed part of the proceeds of unlawful activity ( to wit: corruption) of Air Vice Marshall Tony Omenyi and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act”.

    Faro and Admu were arraigned separately on a four-count charge of money laundering, false declaration of assets and fraud to the tune of $1million.

    Adamu was alleged to have made cash payment of the said sum being an amount exceeding the stipulated N5million threshold stipulated by law, to Faro.

    The offence is said to be punishable under Section 1(a) of the Money Laundering Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under Section 15(2)(b) of the same Act.

    The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge, following which their lawyers, W. Y. Maman and W. T. Iorshe prayed the court to grant their clients bail pending trial.

    Justice Dimgba adjourned to November 14, 2016 for ruling on the bail application and ordered the accused persons to be remanded in Kuje prison.

  • EFCC arrests French graduate for alleged romance scam

    EFCC arrests French graduate for alleged romance scam

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested one Damilola Fasakin for alleged romance scam through the Internet.

    The commission spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, said in a statement on Friday in Abuja that Fasakin is a French graduate of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti.

    The suspect, according to him, poses as Anthony Miller, Dave Mason and Bright Washington to deceive and defraud unsuspecting ladies on the Internet.

    He alleged that Fasakin fleeced different unsuspecting victims to the tune of N2 million.

    ”At the point of arrest, EFCC operatives recovered one Dodge Caliber Sxi car with registration number EKY-145EC and an NYSC clearance/discharge letter.

    ”Other items recovered from him are three copies of fake international passport data pages with different names and pictures, two drivers’ licenses and suspected fake bank documents,” he said.

    Uwujaren also alleged that the suspect used the fake international passports to collect his loots at the Moneygram desk with the connivance of bank officials who collected 10 per cent on each transaction.

    The commission, he added, got wind of Fasakin’s fraudulent activities through series of intelligence.

    He said that the suspect would be arraigned as soon as investigation was completed.