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Tag: Economic and Financial Crimes Commission

  • EFCC recovers $9.75m, N1.25bn in two weeks

    EFCC recovers $9.75m, N1.25bn in two weeks

    Mr Ibrahim Magu, Acting Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday confirmed the recovery of 9.75 million dollars and 750,000 pounds from a residence in Kaduna state.

    He also confirmed that N1.25 billion was recovered from a public servant and said that all the monies were recovered within two weeks.

    Magu stated this in a report he presented to the House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes during the 2016 budget performance appraisal and defence of 2017 budget before the committee.

    He said the commission recovered N102.91 billion, 8.30 million dollars, GBP 29,155, 12,475 pounds, 117,004 Canadian dollars as proceeds of crime between January and December, 2016.

    Other monies recovered during the period, he said, were 806.50 Dirham, 5,000 Francs and 2,000 Rupees.

    “Out of the 37 accounts frozen/forfeited, six banks are yet to provide relevant information on the amount accrued into the suspected accounts within the period under review,’’ he said.

    The document revealed that the commission secured 135 convictions, out of which 46 were from Lagos zone, 30 from Abuja zone, 22 from Port Harcourt zone, 19 from Kano zone, 15 from Enugu zone and three from Gombe zone during the period.

    Magu acknowledged the support of the committee towards fast-tracking completing of EFCC headquarters in Abuja.

    He disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Finance had listed the payment of N1.8 billion out of N2.9 billion meant for completion of the headquarters.

    He, however, added that the commission had resuscitated its offices in Kaduna, Ibadan, Benin and Maiduguri as part of efforts to boost its operations across the country.

    Magu urged the legislature to support the fight against graft, saying “corruption is fighting back”.

    On recruitment, he said that the commission only recruited 331 cadets on equal quota basis across the country except Lagos, Ekiti, Bayelsa and Rivers with lower numbers.

    Giving breakdown of the 2016 appropriated allocation to the commission, Magu told the committee that total budgetary approval was N18.89 billion, but that N14.74 billion representing 78.04 per cent was released.

    He explained that N7.62 billion was for personnel cost, overhead was N2.75 billion while capital expenditure was N8.49 billion for the year.

    Magu added that 91.1 per cent component of the released funds had so far been utilised.

    Earlier, Chairman of the committee, Rep. Kayode Oladele, said that Nigeria had applied to join the league of members of Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an international anti-corruption agency.

    He said that the move was part of efforts to strengthen ongoing anti-corruption crusade in the country.

    Oladele, who lauded the development, expressed optimism that Nigeria would be admitted as “Observer Member’’ by the end of the year and would become full-time member in the nearest future.

    “Our collective efforts to unleash sustainable development in Nigeria through the rooting out of corruption will not produce the desired result if Nigeria is unable to transact in the international market place without let or hindrance.

    “In this regard, Nigeria has applied to join the FATF and based on the level of our commitment.

    “A high-level delegation from the FATF is due to visit Nigeria in March, 2017, to meet with various stakeholders and report back to its plenary in June, this year.

    “I have no doubt that we will be successfully accredited and admitted at the end of the exercise,” he said.

    Oladele commended EFCC for the successes recorded so far and said: “for the first time in Nigeria’s history, anti-corruption searchlights have been beamed on the judiciary and the revelations have been mind-blogging.

    “In addition, similar exercises in the arms procurement process by the Nigerian military have also led to several arrests.

    “Overall, the EFCC made the highest number of recoveries of stolen resources, running into billions of naira in a single year in the annals of Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.”

    The chairman solicited the support of Nigerians in stemming the scourge of corruption in various facets of the economy.

    According to him, the fight against corruption is one of the most potent weapons to fight recession which structural cause is rooted in waste, looting, misplacement of priorities and misappropriation of yesteryears.

    Oladele also pledged the support of the house to the EFCC and assured of life assurance for the commission’s operatives. (NAN)

  • HURIWA proposes seven years imprisonment for political blackmailers

    HURIWA proposes seven years imprisonment for political blackmailers

    The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the National Assembly (NASS) to enact laws capable of sentencing political blackmailers to seven years imprisonment if found guilty.

    HURIWA National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko made the call during a briefing, at his office in Abuja on the increasing trend of political blackmailing in the country.

    He alleged that same group who attempted to tarnish the image of the former Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had initially visited his office to use his platform for their hatchet job.

    He condemned corrupt practices among every section of the society including security operatives and dishonesty among insincere civil society groups.

    Onwubiko urged the federal government and top rank government officials to desist from the process of media trial to discourage corrupt practices and economic crimes.

    His Words: “The Right group wondered why unscrupulous person sometimes with powerful political sponsorship will seek to continuously attempt to recruit registered group that have credibility to do some sinister campaign when legally such organisations can be sued by those politically exposed persons whose well-earned good reputation as statesmen or women are being tarnished on the altar of sensational media stories.

    “The ongoing mass demonization and character assassination of some members of the political class whose political tenures in various offices have reminded untainted has created the erroneous impression that all political office holders in Nigeria are corrupt. This is a fallacy with far reaching negative implication for the standing in the international community of civilised nations of the Nigeria Nation-state.”

    However, HURIWA said it became imperative for it to go public with the information so members of the public would be made aware of such corrupt groups whose, ‘major preoccupation is to stoke the embers of hatred against targeted high profile Nigerians just because such persons may not agree to be blackmailed into paying huge payouts to such professional and career blackmailers.”

  • $8.4m fraud : Ajudua challenges EFCC’s power to prosecute him

    Lagos lawyer, Fred Ajudua has challenged the power of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to prosecute him.

    The development stalled  his trial before Justice  Josephine Oyefeso at the Ikeja high court on Thursday.

    Ajudua was initially being tried before Justice Kudirat Jose but was last year transferred to Justice Oyefeso.

    The EFCC is prosecuting Ajudua for allegedly defrauding a former Chief of Army Staff, General Ishaya Bamaiyi of various sum amounting to $8.4m while both of them were in Kirikiri prison.

    The EFCC had alleged that the defendant and his accomplices had approached Gen. Bamaiyi in Kirikiri prison and assured him that they would assist him to secure his freedom.

    Ajudua who was then facing trial for the attempted murder of the late Publisher of The Guardian newspaper, Mr Alex Ibru convinced Bamaiyi they could secure his freedom.

    Ajudua’s co-defendant and a former registrar of the high court, Oluronke Rosulu  had opted for separate trial when he failed to appear for trial after several adjournments.

    Rosulu was found guilty of complicity in the fraud and was last year sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo.

    At the resumed proceedings into the matter on Thursday, Ajudua, through his counsel, Mr. Norrison Quakers (SAN) opposed EFCC’s decision to re-arraign him on an amended charge.

    Quakers told the court that under the administration of criminal justice law, the EFCC has no powers to prosecute his client.

    Quakers was also opposed to the amended charges against Ajudua stating that his client cannot be arraigned on the new information before the court since the anti-graft agency failed to obtain his witness statement.

    EFCC’s counsel,  Seidu Atteh however countered the argument saying that it was not necessary for the EFCC to obtain statement from the defendant simply because the charges were amended.

    According to Atteh ,  Ajudua had personally refused to volunteer any statement to the commission over the allegations against him.

    The trial judge, Justice Oyefeso ordered the parties to harmonize their arguments instead of presenting them in peace-meal.

    She adjourned the matter till February 13, 2017 for hearing of argument from both parties.

  • EFCC arraigns Dasuki’s aide, others for N36bn fraud

    EFCC arraigns Dasuki’s aide, others for N36bn fraud

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday arraigned Col. Nicholas Ashinze, a former Special Assistant to the embattled ex-National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, for money laundering.

    Ashinze was docked along with an Austrian, Wolfgang Reinl, and two others, Edidiong Idiong and Sagir Mohammed, in a Federal High Court, Abuja.

    A statement by EFCC’s spokesman, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, said the accused were arraigned on a 13-count charge of corruption and money laundering to the tune of N36.8 billion.

    The defendants are standing trial alongside five companies accused of diverting huge sums from the office of the NSA under Dasuki.

    “The companies are Geonel Integrated Services Limited, Unity Continental Nigeria Limited, Helpline Organization, Vibrant Resource Limited and Sologic Integrated Services Limited.

    “In one of the charges, the EFCC alleges that Ashinze and Reinl, who is the Managing Director of Geonel Integrated Services Limited, transferred N550 million to Edidiong Idiong, a lawyer.

    “The transfer was made on April 22, 2014 in violation of Section 15 (2) (b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011.”

    The defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges preferred against them, the statement said.

    Counsel to EFCC, I. O. Uket, expressed the commission’s readiness to immediately begin prosecution of the accused, saying that he had the witnesses present in court.

    “If the court is ready, we are also ready to produce our first witness as we have our witnesses in court,’’ he reportedly told the court.

    But Ashinze’s counsel, Ernest Nwoye, told the court that he had a pending application for the bail of his client.

    He urged the court to grant the defendant bail on self recognition having earlier been admitted to bail by an FCT High Court.

    Afam Osigwe, counsel representing the second and fifth defendants, also prayed the court to admit Reinl to bail.

    He stated that Reinl had been enjoying administrative bail from the EFCC since February, adding that his travel documents were with the commission.

    Counsel to Idiong, Paul Erokoro SAN said his client being a legal practitioner knew what it meant to jump bail.

    Erokoro stated that besides being granted bail earlier by an FCT High Court, his client had always made himself available to the EFCC.

    Similarly, counsel to Mohammed, N. Jimoh, prayed the court to grant his client bail, saying he had a health challenge which he had been managing for close to 40 years.

    Responding, Uket argued that the defendants lost their administrative bail the moment their matter was charged to court.

    Ruling on the applications, Justice Gabriel Kolawole held that the charges were all “bailable’’.

    The judge said that the case would be granted accelerated hearing and urged the prosecution to pick five days in the New Year for trial.

    Consequently, the case was adjourned till Jan. 23, Feb. 1 and Feb.14, March 7 and March 21,Uwujaren quoted the statement as saying. (NAN)

  • FUNAAB sacks 23 staff over festering internal crisis

    FUNAAB sacks 23 staff over festering internal crisis

    The crisis at the Federal University of Agriculture (FUNAAB), Abeokuta, Ogun State, have worsened as its Governing Council allegedly sacked 18 staff of the university.

    Also, the Vice – Chancellor, Prof. Olusola Oyewole, in separate move, allegedly relieved  five others  of their appointments.

    The decision to sack the affected university workers was reached at a meeting chaired  by the Chairman of the Council, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, who is reportedly being  investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC).

    The Nation learnt that those sacked included three members of Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities; Lasun Somoye, Abdusalaam Sobbor and E.A. Bankole.

    The trio were said to have written a petition against the management of the institution to the anti-graft agency – the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) relied upon to interrogate the Vice – Chancellor and others recently.

    Also, the trio were earlier placed on suspension by the management of the institution since August 22 with half salary before the bigger hammer fell on them last Thursday.

    Others relieved of their jobs include three medical doctors – Dr Ajayi A.O., Dr Olaniran I.O. and Dr O.O. Salami, two health workers – Mr Oyero, a laboratory scientist and Miss K.O. Adeyemi, a medical record officer.

    According to the letter dated November 10, 2016 and signed by the School registrar, M.O. Ayoola, the school said the decision followed a re-organisation in the University system.

    “Due to re-organisation in the University system, the Governing Council has directed that your services are no longer required. Your appointment as… is therefore, terminated with immediate effect.

    “Please hand over all University property in your possession to the Head of your Department/Unit immediately, while your Staff Identification Card should be submitted at the Establishment and Human Resources Directorate of the Registry. Please note that you will be paid one month’s salary in lieu of notice,” the letter reads in part.”

    The Head, Directorate of Public Relations of the Institution, Emi Alawode, when contacted promised to send the university’s reaction but is yet to respond as at the time of filling the report.

  • 14 days after, Saraki ends historic cross-examination

    14 days after, Saraki ends historic cross-examination

    After engaging the first prosecution witness in his trial for 14 days, Senate President, Bukola Saraki ended his cross-examination of Michael Wetkas on Tuesday.
    Saraki is being prosecuted on a 16-count charge of false assets declaration before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).
    Since the prosecution team led by Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) concluded with Wetkas (an operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission)  as its first prosecution witness about five months ago, the defence has been cross-examining him.
    At some points, the tribunal Chairman, Danladi Umar and Jacobs had had cause to complain about the seeming unending cross-examination by the defence team, with lawyers in the team, including Paul Usoro (SAN) and Paul Erokoro (SAN) taking a turn to ask the witness questions.
    Many were, however, surprised when Usoro announced that the defence was through with Wetkas because he (Usoro) did not give any hint the previous day that he would be done with the witness yesterday.
    At the commencement of proceedings yesterday, Usoro queried the witness in relation to count-16 of the charge.
    The count relates to an allegation that the Senate President between, June 2011 and October 2013, took salaries and emoluments from Kwara State Government and at the same time from the Federal Government as a Senator in breach of section 6(a) of Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act.
    When asked if he investigated the account of the Kwara State Government, and whether he questioned Saraki or any officials of the state government about the charge, Wetkas said “no.”
    At the completion of the defence’s cross-examination, Usoro thanked the tribunal for accommodating the defence, notion that the long cross-examination was not meant to delay the case but was because the case is complex.
    Jacobs was absent at yesterday’s proceedings. The tribunal adjourned further hearing to January 11 next year.
  • EFCC: I have nothing to hide says FUTA VC

    EFCC: I have nothing to hide says FUTA VC

    The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof. Adebiyi Daramola on Wednesday said he is always ready to provide clarification on his stewardship during and after his tenure in the institution.

    Daramola was reacting to a report on his invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged abuse of office.

    The FUTA VC, who spoke through the head of the Information and Protocol Unit, Mr. Adebanjo Adegbenro said he has nothing to hide.

    He explained that after making his clarification at the EFCC, he was allowed to return to Akure on the same day he was invited.

    It was reported that Daramola and the University’s Bursar, Emmanuel Ademola Oresegun where grilled by EFCC officials at the commission branch’s office in Iyaganku, Ibadan in Oyo State in respect of an alleged case of abuse of office and misappropriation of funds.

    The VC was accused of drawing furniture allowance annually instead of once in four years as approved and was paying himself housing allowance while residing in the University’s Vice Chancellor’s Quarters.

    He was also alleged of diverting funds from various unrelated subheads to finance other projects without the appropriate approvals for such virement.

    But Daramola said “as part of its statutory responsibilities, the EFCC invited me to provide clarification over issues relating to his stewardship.

    “As a law abiding citizen, I duly honoured the invitation and I also cooperated with the Commission to provide the needed clarification. I was allowed to return to Akure .

    “I have no fear or hindrance in rendering the report of my stewardship whenever I am called upon to do so officially or unofficially since I have nothing to hide”.

  • Alleged N3b fraud: EFCC denies clearance for FAAN MD

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) on Monday denied that it has cleared the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr. Saleh Dunoma of alleged N3 billion fraud and other corrupt allegations.

    It said there was no iota of truth in the allegations that the MD was given clearance after paying bribe to some of its officials and those of the Ministry of Transport.

    The anti-graft agency however asked those with evidence of such bribery to come forward with evidence.

    The EFCC made the clarifications in a statement in Abuja by its Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren.

    The statement said: “The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) has been drawn to a report entitled, ‘N3b Found In FAAN MD’s Bank Accounts Sparks Discontent Over His Clearance By EFCC And Shabby Running Of The Agency’, which appeared in an online news portal, with claims that the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr. Saleh Dunoma was cleared of corruption allegations by the commission after paying bribe to unnamed officials of the EFCC and the Ministry of Transport.

    “The EFCC is scandalized by this report which is capable of raising doubts in the mind of the public regarding the integrity of the agency.

    “As an agency that has zero tolerance for corruption, the Commission views with seriousness issues of integrity and has repeatedly asked those with evidence of corruption among the ranks of its officers to come forward, which in this case should have included the names of the officers allegedly involved, and the time and place where they collected the alleged gratification.

    “But there was no such evidence in the report which to all intent and purposes appears contrived.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the EFCC wishes to state that at no time did it issue any clearance to any managing director of FAAN, which makes the story specious.

    “The Commission urges the media to be a little circumspect in their reportage.”

  • Lawal condemns PDP over call for Buhari’s resignation

    Lawal condemns PDP over call for Buhari’s resignation

    • encourage Nigerians to work for the good of all

    The Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) Scandinavian chapter, Ayoola Lawal has vehemently condemned the calls from some quarters for the resignation of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    It will be recalled that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) recently called for the resignation of the President over the current economy situation in the Country, a move Lawal described as insensate and rakish.

    According to Lawal in a statement over the weekend, the call for President Buhari’s resignation to instigate chaos by playing on emotion and suffering of the people caused by the same opposition party, is a move that is dead on arrival.

    His words: “It is well known and established that the present administration is not the cause of the inevitable recession Nigeria and her people are passing through right now, even if the solution has to be from it.

    “I sometimes ask myself what has happened to the values of integrity and honor that Nigerians were once known for. The very mentally sick people, who looted the collective wealth of the Nigerians and presently causing pain and suffering for million of Nigerians, while painting the convincing image and deceiving the world that Nigeria is the biggest economy in Africa and the state of our economy is very robust when Nigeria was secretly blending to meet up her financial obligations, are also the very people calling for the resignation of the Mr. President when they can no longer run away from the reality of facing the wrath of the law.

    “In the light of the Economic and Financial crimes Commission (EFCC) uncovering of unfathomable stealing and senseless looting, they now want to use the masses as the proxy to achieve the aim they could not naturally achieve by playing on the emotions of suffering Nigerians to ignite chaos, but the truth is that Nigerians are wiser than yesterday.

    “Truth be told, times are hard, but Nigerians should brace up for worse things to get better. So help us, God. Many other countries around the world are suffering same. Ours is only bad because past administration failed, like Mr President said, to save for the raining day.

    “It is a known fact that the strength of any country is often judged by the strength of her economy and it is undeniable that over dependent on mono-economy for so long without saving and investing for rainy days always lead to pain and suffering for a nation that her leaders intentionally refused to plan ahead for the citizens and be proactive for the well being of the governed.”

    The APC Scandinavia chief implore all Nigerians to be patient and continuously demand accountability from elected leaders.

    “It will be amazing if the majority of Nigerians in diaspora continue to contribute their bit to the development of Nigeria especially in these trying times and refuse to slip into the half-glass-empty perspective about Nigeria and Africa.

    “Let us support the present administration and always remember Mr. President Buhari and his ministers in prayer for success in the revamping of our dear Nation, Nigeria,” he summed.

    [news_box style=”2″ display=”tag” link_target=”_blank” tag=”APC Scandinavia” count=”6″ show_more=”on”]

  • Tompolo blasts Buhari

    Tompolo blasts Buhari

    *says President knows nothing about Niger Delta

    *Accuses FG of unfair treatment

    *Buhari should be father of all

    The leader of the defunct Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, Government Ekpemupolo, has slammed  President Muhammadu Buhari ignorance about situation of the Niger Delta region.

    He said the APC-led Federal Government is only interested in the oil produced in the region and not the well-being of its people.

    Ekpemupol (AKA Tompolo), in his latest letter to the President, also accused him of unfair treatment and alleged molestation of his 84-year-old father, Chief Thompson Ekpemupolo.

    He claimed that his octogenarian father lost a lower limb to amputation following his encounter with  troops of the Federal Government who invaded Kurutie, Warri South West Local Government Area in May.

    He urged the President to take keener interest in the affairs of the region and investigate allegations against him instead of judging him by what politicians say about him.

    He said, “As it stand now, you are not abreast with things happening in this part of the country, perhaps you are only abreast with crude oil exploration activities in the Niger Delta region.

    “I do not need to remind Your Excellency that, the primary duty of any government is to seek after the welfare and security of the citizenry,” he said.

    On his father’s travails, he added, “The military went to Kurutie Town in search of my 84-year-old father and brutalized him. We managed to rescue him to Warri and hospitalised him.

    “Sadly, one of his lower limbs was amputated two weeks ago. From the doctors report, it will be a miracle if he survives this incident. Is this 84 years old man also a member of the Niger Delta Avengers, that he was brutalised to the point of death?

    “Will your Excellency accept this in good faith if this was done to your father or someone of this age in your family? I have not heard of anyone that was treated like this even in the volatile North Eastern part of the country,” he added

    Tompolo, who dwelled extensively on his case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as well as the N13bn NIMASA University land acquisition debacle, urged the President to deploy his trusted aides to the area to ascertain the true state of affairs.

    He hinted that the issue of his alleged fraud was being used as a tool of blackmail and political vendetta, stressing that if the president took time to  investigate the matter the truth would be revealed.

    Nevertheless, he maintained his avowal to adopt lawful means always and  not  violence to prove his case with the EFCC.

    Yet he said, “Your Excellency sir, I have been wondering since the beginning of my travails at your instance, and I wish to ask whether, is this part of the fight against corruption in Nigeria? Or was it because I supported my kinsman, former president Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 general elections? I thought everyone in Nigeria has the liberty to support whoever he or she deemed fit in an election.

    “And as Dr Jonathan bravely accepted the outcome of the election, which brought you in as President of Nigeria today, I thought you will heal wounds as the father of the Nation. And it was on this premise that I visited you immediately after your swear-in ceremony to pledge my loyalty and readiness to work with your administration.

    “I am yet to be told the reason for all these shenanigans exhibited by your security agencies and party members. I really want to know whether this macabre dance is being declared by you or is it out of their own volition to perpetuate this high level of hatred on my person and close associates? It has really gotten to a worrisome dimension as the situation is getting deteriorated by the day.

    “The latest victims of this unwarranted, misdirected and wicked act are Hon. Simeon Bebenimibo, a member of the Delta State Waterway and Land Security Committee and a driver of one of my aides, Mr Ebipade Kari, who was on an errand with a little baby.

    “The baby was thrown away from the vehicle, as the driver was beaten to pulp by your men, as he was asked the whereabouts of his boss.

    “That was not all, the military men stormed the house of one of my younger brothers, and harassed his pregnant wife with guns pointed at her. This has led to complications because of the closeness to her full time of delivery.

    “The duo who were arrested are presently in the custody of the Nigerian Army, Effurun. Before this incident, the Navy went to the apartment of another of my aide, and picked up his heavily pregnant wife as he was out of town, and kept her for 24 hours in the Navy base before releasing her.

    “The truth of the matter is that I have been treated unfairly by you sir. After all these hullabaloo about the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, in which I was accused of some wrong doing, you are yet to send emissaries to Okerenkoko (permanent site) and Kurutie( temporary site) of the University to ascertain the level of things on ground.”