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  • EFCC quizzes Kyari over  spending on refineries, others

    EFCC quizzes Kyari over  spending on refineries, others

    • Ex-GCEO: I have nothing to hide

    Former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kolo Kyari, is being probed over funding of the repair work on refineries.

    He was taken before investigators at the Abuja Headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday.

    As of 8:30pm, he had not been allowed to go, raising suspicion whether or not he was detained.

    Under investigation, according to sources at the anti-graft agency, are:

    •How the over $2 billion meant for Turn-Around Maintenance (TAM) was spent: The money, it was learnt, was made available, thus: $1.55 billion to the Port Harcourt Refinery; $740.6 million (Kaduna Refinery) and $656.9 million (Warri Refinery).

    •The contracts awarded during his tenure:

    Kyari, before submitting himself to interrogation, had always insisted he had nothing to hide.

    In a statement on his invitation, titled: “Hard questions, honest answers”, Kyari said: “I have done my part; the EFCC must do theirs. When each of us does our duty – without fear of favor, with honour, respect and commitment – Nigeria moves forward.”

    On arrival at the EFCC headquarters, his international passport was seized.

    The four state-run refineries are: Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) (2); Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) and the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC).

    They have installed capacity to produce 445,000 barrels per day (bpd)

    The two Port Harcourt refineries have a combined capacity of 210,000 barrels per day (bpd), Warri has a capacity of 125,000 bpd and Kaduna has 110,000 bpd.

    But the refineries remained non-functional for years despite several attempts to refurbish them.

    About $18 billion has been sunk into TAM since 2010 but the refineries were still in poor state.

     According to an EFCC source, Kyari was asked to “state how much was voted for TAM during his tenure, what was expended and the balance, if any.

    “Detectives were also curious to know how N4.8 trillion was incurred as operating costs on the refineries when they weren’t working.

    “The most crucial aspect of the investigation is why the refineries broke down shortly after repairs.

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    “Some of his former top officials have refunded money to the EFCC from TAM cash. Kyari is to explain what he knew about how the slush funds came about.”

    The source said: “After the probe of TAM, Kyari will proceed to the second phase of the investigation, which is about the humongous contracts awarded during his tenure.

    “So far, we have seized his international passport to limit his movement to the country in the course of investigation.”

    TAM has been a major money pit of NNPC in the last three years, in particular.

    On June 24, 2022, the Federal Executive Council awarded Maintenance Services for Quick Fix Repairs of Warri Refinery to Daewoo Engineering and Construction Limited at $497, 328, 500.

    The contract was different from the 2017 job award to Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited for Tech Plant Survey of Warri and Kaduna Refineries at 2, 025, 000.32 Euros.

    The rehabilitation of the Kaduna Refinery and Petro-Chemical Company (KRPC) had, in the past 10 years, gulped N2.26 billion.

    The NNPCL approved a renovation deal with Daewoo Engineering and Construction Limited to renovate Kaduna Refinery in February 2023 to restore the refinery to production of 110,000 barrels of petrol per day and at least 60 per cent capacity by early last year.

    Kyari was appointed NNPCL GCEO in 2019 and served till April 2, when his appointment was terminated.

     On August 28, Kyari’s successor, Bayo Ojulari, said Nigeria lost between $300 million and $500 million monthly while the Port Harcourt Refinery was operating.

    He said: “When I resumed, one of the first priorities I focused on was the refinery. I did a quick review to see if we could quickly fix it. What I found is that we were losing between $300 million to $500 million on a monthly basis in the refinery.

    “We were pumping about 50,000 barrels of crude to go into the refinery. What was coming out was less than 40 per cent equivalent of what was coming in.”

    Ojulari spoke in his Abuja office when he met with the leadership of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

    After years of being in comatose, the NNPCL restarted the Port Harcourt Refinery in November, 2024. Kyari announced the reopening of the facility to a huge applause by Nigerians, but the operation was halted in May, barely one month after Ojulari’s resumption.

    Ojulari said he halted the operation of the refinery to prevent further losses, and work towards a sustainable arrangement.

    Ojulari explained: “The first thing we said was rather than continue to lose, let’s quickly stop and look for a way to put this refinery into a sustainably profitable venture.”

    He said the NNPCL was working to revive the moribund refineries to operate at full capacity by adopting the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) model (Public, Private, Partnership), which PENGASSAN advocated during the meeting.

    The NNPCL chief said talks were on to find a viable solution to the refining crisis, ensuring the refineries become a sustainably profitable venture.

    He said the national oil company had concluded a technical review for the three refineries, pointing out that the long term neglect and lack of maintenance were major reasons behind the huge losses recorded monthly, despite the huge investments to make them work.

    The NNPCL chief, who explained that a lot of money has been spent on the refineries, admitted that it has been challenging to translate those funds into profitability.

    He likened the situation of the refineries to parking an old car for some time without any greasing and oiling. He added that the Port Harcourt Refinery has been difficult to put back because of years of neglect and it’s been difficult: when you fix one thing, the other thing is still there.

  • EFCC arraigns two over N26m money laundering, vote buying in Abuja

    EFCC arraigns two over N26m money laundering, vote buying in Abuja

    The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday arraigned Esther Ashivelli Dawaki and Shehu Aliyu Fatange, before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges of money laundering and vote buying involving N26 million.

    The duo is standing trial on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, accepting and making cash payments in excess of legally approved limits, and money laundering in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

    According to the charge sheet, Dawaki was accused of procuring Fatange to accept a cash payment of N26 million without passing through a financial institution, an offence punishable under Section 19(2)(b) of the Act. Fatange was also accused of receiving the said sum from Dawaki in contravention of Sections 2(1)(a) and 19(1)(d) of the Act.

    Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Following their plea, prosecution counsel M.O. Arumemi applied for a trial date and requested that the defendants be remanded in custody.

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    Defence counsel, E.N. Ogbu and A.A. Ashat, did not oppose the application but sought an adjournment for the hearing of bail applications. They also prayed the court to remand the defendants in EFCC custody pending the determination of their bail.

    Justice Nwite, however, ordered Dawaki to be remanded in Suleja Correctional Centre, while Fatange was sent to Kuje Correctional Centre. The matter was adjourned to Monday, September 15, 2025, for the hearing of bail applications.

    EFCC investigations revealed that the defendants were arrested on August 16, 2025, after operatives intercepted N26,463,000.00 hidden inside a Toyota Corolla (2010 model) belonging to Fatange, parked within a hotel premises in Kaduna.

    Upon arrest, Fatange reportedly identified himself as the Director-General of the campaign office of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency bye-election, which was held the same day. The recovered cash was suspected to have been set aside for vote buying during the election.

  • FIRS, EFCC chiefs strengthen pact to enforce voluntary tax compliance

    FIRS, EFCC chiefs strengthen pact to enforce voluntary tax compliance

    The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have renewed their commitment to deepen collaboration in a bid to strengthen Nigeria’s tax compliance framework and boost public revenue.

     The development marks another step in the government’s push to curb leakages and foster voluntary tax compliance among citizens and businesses.

    The Executive Chairman of FIRS, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, underscored the need for inter-agency cooperation to maintain financial stability and build public trust in the nation’s tax system.

    Adedeji, who spoke yesterday when he visited the anti-graft agency’s chief, said: “We cannot pursue 200 million Nigerians individually to do the right thing, but we want to put a system in place that will aid compliance.

    “You can help us by letting people know that when they violate the law, there is a place you can keep them. On behalf of the President and Nigerians, we thank you for your support and seek even deeper cooperation.”

    Adedeji stressed that the most effective driver of voluntary compliance was visible evidence of how tax revenues were being used, adding that when taxpayers see government investments in infrastructure, healthcare and education funded by taxes, they are more inclined to comply willingly.

    READ ALSO: Of envy and short memory in Ekiti politics

    “The main advertisement of voluntary compliance is when people begin to see what we use the money we collect for. In achieving that goal, you are critical, not just in arresting defaulters but in supporting our Department of Fraud Risk, Assessment and Control to ensure value for money,” he said.

    Adedeji also highlighted the role of preventive strategies and partnerships in achieving Nigeria’s revenue goals, stating that the agency’s recent success in meeting its revenue target was not a unilateral achievement, but the product of collective efforts with enforcement partners like the EFCC.

    Responding, EFCC Chair, Ola Olukoyede, reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to work closely with FIRS in enforcing compliance, saying such collaboration would send a strong deterrent message to potential defaulters.

    “Collaboration is very key. When they see EFCC beside FIRS, that will send a signal to the public that it is no longer business as usual,” Olukoyede said.

    He also drew attention to a recent Court of Appeal judgment affirming the EFCC’s authority to investigate tax-related fraud.

     Describing the ruling as a major boost, Olukoyede explained that while the EFCC was not responsible for assessing tax liabilities, it had the statutory power to investigate cases of non-compliance and hand over assessment issues to FIRS.

    “Our duty remains prevention, investigation and prosecution of financial crimes. Synergy is therefore essential,” he said.

    The renewed partnership between FIRS and EFCC comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with declining oil revenues and rising fiscal pressures, making efficient tax administration a cornerstone of the government’s economic strategy. Experts argue that strengthening compliance not only broadens the tax base, but also reduces reliance on borrowing to fund the national budget.

    Both leaders pledged to consolidate their working relationship, with a shared focus on preventive measures, enforcement and voluntary compliance as the backbone of Nigeria’s tax system. For taxpayers, the message is clear: compliance is not optional, and failure to meet obligations could now come with stiffer consequences.

    The collaboration signals a stronger institutional front against tax evasion and financial crimes, aligning with broader government reforms aimed at ensuring accountability and improving public finance management.

  • Civil society coalition alleges plot to blackmail Tinubu’s anti-corruption drive, EFCC leadership

    Civil society coalition alleges plot to blackmail Tinubu’s anti-corruption drive, EFCC leadership

    A coalition of civil society organisations under the aegis of the National Interest Coalition (NICO) has raised the alarm over an alleged plot to blackmail and destabilise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s anti-corruption efforts and the leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the convener of the group, Comrade Bashir Saleh Abdu, alleged that some top government officials are funding a coordinated campaign against the EFCC under its Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede.

    He claimed that billions of naira in stolen public funds are being deployed to undermine the anti-graft agency, distract President Tinubu, and derail the anti-corruption agenda.

    “They want to divert attention from the ongoing investigations that have exposed their dirty dealings, thereby sabotaging the government and empowering its enemies,” Abdu said.

    The group further alleged that secret meetings have been held with dissident figures and sponsored campaigns aimed at smearing the image of the President, EFCC, and the Department of State Services (DSS).

    NICO called on President Tinubu to remain resolute and urged the EFCC leadership not to be intimidated, stressing that no one—regardless of status—should be allowed to evade justice.

    The coalition also appealed to civil society groups, labour unions, student bodies, religious leaders, the media, and patriotic Nigerians at home and abroad to stand in defence of the nation’s future.

    “We stand today at a very critical junction in our nation’s history. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came into the office with a clear promise—to renew hope, clean up the rot in our public institutions, and make the government work again for the people.

    “One of the boldest fronts of this renewed hope agenda is the war against corruption—a war that Nigerians of conscience must not allow to be sabotaged. Since May 29, 2023, the Tinubu administration has made unprecedented strides in strengthening the anti-corruption framework and reforming the criminal justice system. Among the key milestones are.

    “Granting the EFCC and ICPC free hands to investigate and prosecute powerful individuals without political interference, including those holding top government positions and heads of government business organizations.

    “Overhauling the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and other fiscal controls to block leakages and wastage of public funds. Expanding the use of technology in revenue generation and monitoring to curb corruption in tax administration, ports, and customs.

    “Strengthening the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) to ensure faster trials, discourage frivolous adjournments, and guarantee that corruption cases no longer drag endlessly in court.

    “Promoting inter-agency collaboration that allows the EFCC, ICPC, CCB, NFIU, and law enforcement to operate in synergy.

    “These reforms have rekindled public confidence that, at last, Nigeria may be on the path to real accountability.

    “Similarly, under the able leadership of Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, the EFCC has recorded landmark achievements within a short period. These include the recovery of billions of Naira in stolen assets and funds, some of which have already been returned to victims of fraud and government coffers.

    “Launching a crackdown on internet fraudsters and financial crimes, with hundreds of convictions secured across various courts in the country.

    “Prosecution of high-profile politically exposed persons, sending a strong message that there are no longer sacred cows.”

    The group then commended the anti-corruption agency for establishing a more victim-focused compensation system, where fraud victims now benefit directly from EFCC’s recovery efforts.

    “Driving institutional reforms within the Commission to improve efficiency, professionalism, and transparency. For the first time in many years, Nigerians are seeing renewed energy in high-profile investigations, asset recoveries, and the fearless pursuit of powerful persons who once believed themselves untouchable. This has sent a clear signal: the era of business as usual is over,” NICO said.

    The group stated that corruption had decided to fight back, adding that credible reports have confirmed that “some embattled men—individuals already facing corruption-related cases, some of whom still occupy sensitive positions in government—have drawn up a grand conspiracy to frustrate this anti-corruption crusade. These desperate men, terrified of the long arm of the law, are now deploying billions of stolen public funds to blackmail the EFCC leadership, to undermine President Tinubu’s anti-corruption drive, and to destabilize this government.

    “Their tactics are clear: Orchestrated media attacks designed to smear the name of the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olukoyede, and weaken public trust in the Commission.

    “Sponsorship of propaganda to paint the anti-graft war as selective, thereby discouraging public support. Deployment of allies in and out of government, including certain serving senior officials, to distract the President and derail his administration’s progress.

    “Attempting to instigate confusion and crisis, all to divert attention from their ongoing cases and shield themselves from justice.

    “This is not just an attack on Mr. Olukoyede; this is not just an attack on the EFCC. This is a direct attack on President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, on the future of Nigeria’s children, and on the millions of Nigerians who demand a government that works for them, not for corrupt elites.

    “We must make it clear: we will not allow this sinister agenda to succeed! We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remain steadfast, undistracted, and unyielding. Nigerians are watching, Nigerians are with you, and Nigerians demand that this anti-corruption war be taken to its logical conclusion. The EFCC must not be cowed, the Chairman must not be intimidated, and no thief—no matter how highly placed—must be allowed to escape justice.

    “This country belongs to over 200 million Nigerians, not to a handful of corrupt men hiding behind propaganda. We refuse to be silent while they fund chaos with our stolen money. Let the world hear us: We stand with President Tinubu. We stand with the EFCC. We stand with Olanipekun Olukoyede. And we stand with justice. The fight is not just for today—it is for generations unborn.”

  • MCO, EFCC partner to tackle corruption, promote transparency in mining sector

    MCO, EFCC partner to tackle corruption, promote transparency in mining sector

    The Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have agreed to collaborate in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria’s mining sector.

    The decision was reached during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of MCO, Engr. Obadiah Simon Nkom, to the EFCC Zonal Director, Michael Wetkas, in Abuja.

    According to a statement by the MCO Head of Press, Patrick Chika Osuji, on Thursday, the partnership will leverage intelligence sharing and capacity building to strengthen oversight in the mining industry.

    Nkom emphasized the importance of collaboration in combating economic and financial crimes that threaten the sector’s integrity. 

    He noted that the initiative aligns with MCO’s reforms, including the digitization of mineral title administration and improved revenue generation.

    “With this collaboration, we aim to further promote transparency and accountability while forming a united front against illicit activities that undermine the mining sector’s potential,” Nkom said.

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    On his part, EFCC’s Zonal Director, Wetkas, assured of the agency’s commitment to sanitizing the solid minerals sector, stressing its critical role in Nigeria’s economic future. 

    He also urged greater government attention to the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, given the vast mineral resources spread across the country.

    He reaffirmed EFCC’s readiness to work closely with MCO to rid the sector of corruption and irregularities.

    “For the DG of MCO to come to the EFCC to seek collaboration and discuss openly speaks volumes about the transparency and accountability the agency is promoting,” Wetkas commended.

    He affirmed EFCC’s readiness to partner with MCO in restoring “sanity and order” within the system.

    The management team of both agencies described the visit as long-awaited and expressed optimism that the renewed collaboration will yield tangible results for the country’s mining sector.

  • Nigeria can overcome corruption – EFCC chairman

    Nigeria can overcome corruption – EFCC chairman

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged Nigerians to imbibe the culture of transparency and accountability to fully eradicate corruption in the country.

    The Chairman of EFCC, Mr Ola Olukoyede, made the call at the 12th annual conference of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN) in Effurun, Delta.

    The anti-graft chairman was represented at the event by Mr Williams Oseghale, an Assistant Commander and Head of Public Affairs, Benin Zonal Directorate of the Commission.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the programme was sponsored by the Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), a private pipeline security outfit contracted by the federal government.

    In his keynote address, Olukayode said that good governance could be attained if we collectively play our roles as good citizens.

    “The onus is on us as individuals to be accountable, transparent and commit to due process and procedures.

    “Every challenge around Nigeria’s socio-economic development today can be traced to the consequences of corruption.

    “The rising problems of unemployment, insecurity, poverty, diseases, low life expectancy, hunger, kidnappings and others are the results of mismanagement, misapplication and embezzlement of our resources by those entrusted with them,” he said.

    The EFCC boss said that it was worrisome that Nigeria was regarded as a nation with entrenched culture of corruption and impunity in Africa.

    Olukayode appealed to the media to help change the narrative by stepping up advocacy against corruption.

    He also appealed to the media practitioners to desist from glamorising corruption.

    “Today, I urge media practitioners to use their various platforms to fight corruption and the twin-evil of economic and financial crimes in our country.

    “The current media practitioners should emulate the founding fathers in the industry and frontally fight social injustice in the land.

    “Media practitioners should delve into investigative journalism and expose activities of fraudsters who defraud innocent citizens of their hard-earned monies and those in authority who use their positions to siphon public funds,” he said.

    The anti-graft chairman reiterated the commission’s commitment to eradicating corruption and economic and financial crimes in the country.

    He commended the ACSPN for bringing to the fore the issues of corruption, good governance and the media at the conference, describing it as not only timely but critical to the breeding of an egalitarian society.

    Olukayode urged the delegates to use the forum to set a good agenda for media practitioners in Nigeria in the quest to build a better nation.

    Earlier in his address of welcome, Prof. Rotimi Olatunji, the ACSPN National President,

    said that corruption in the country was multi-faceted.

    “We have the petty corruption among lower ranks and grand corruption involving high-level politicians and business elites.

    “So, the entirety of the Nigerian society seems enmeshed in the web of corruption.

    “Its corrosive effects inhibit economic growth, scare away investment, degrade infrastructure, escalate poverty and insecurity and threaten the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals,” he said.

    Olatunji, however, urged the media and communication researchers to step up their watchdog functions by amplifying voices against corruption and fostering accountability in governance.

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    He thanked the management of TSSNL for sponsoring the national conference, noting that “the company’s contribution has covered virtually every component of the conference.

    On his part, Prof. Majority Oji, Dean, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Delta University (DELSU) and Chairman, Local Organising Committee, urged the participants to engage with open minds and courageous spirits.

    “By creating knowledge that can move anti-corruption crusade from the battlefield to a place of deeper understanding, you may be contributing a great deal in the fight against corruption.

    “Such knowledge is bound to gain traction within society and can help break, or at least reduce, the vicious circle of corruption,” he said.

    In attendance were: Prof. Nosa Owens-Ibie, Prof. Daniel Awodiya, Prof. G. G. Darah, Prof. Ayobami Ojebode, Dr Paul Bebenimibo, Dr Kayode Okunade, Prof. Stella Okunna among others. (NAN)

  • NCAA seeks EFCC’s help to combat aviation fraud

    NCAA seeks EFCC’s help to combat aviation fraud

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to step up its support in combating economic and financial crimes undermining the aviation industry.

    Director General of NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, made the appeal on Tuesday when he led a management delegation on a courtesy visit to EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

    Najomo warned that fraudulent practices in the sector posed serious risks to safety oversight, transparency, and investor confidence. 

    He cited high-value transactions such as aircraft purchases, leasing agreements, foreign maintenance contracts, and safety infrastructure procurement as areas vulnerable to fraud and money laundering.

    He expressed concern over the persistent non-remittance of the mandatory five percent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) and Cargo Sales Charge (CSC) by some commercial airlines, stressing that the shortfall in internally generated revenue was undermining NCAA’s ability to fund safety oversight.

    “Non-remittance weakens NCAA’s ability to ensure operational efficiency and may require EFCC’s intervention where deliberate withholding, diversion, or misappropriation of funds is suspected,” Najomo said. 

    He also alleged that some operators manipulate ticketing systems or under-report revenues, a practice he described as sabotage against effective regulation.

    The NCAA boss further highlighted the menace of illegal charter operations disguised as private flights, which often involve unregulated financial flows. 

    He called for EFCC’s financial intelligence expertise to help uncover such activities, adding that joint staff training, sensitization workshops, and intelligence sharing would strengthen NCAA’s oversight capacity.

    In his response, EFCC Chairman Olukoyede pledged the Commission’s full support in cleaning up the aviation sector.

    “With the kind of work you do, when people see us beside you, they will take you seriously. Aviation is an area where we have seen money laundering, particularly through chartered services. That is why we have been reaching out to you, and we will continue until we achieve the desired results,” Olukoyede said.

    He urged NCAA to intensify surveillance of private airport wings, which he described as a hub for illicit financial activities. 

    He also assured the Authority of EFCC’s readiness to collaborate on tackling non-remittance by airlines, fraudulent ticketing systems, and illicit financial flows, especially by foreign operators.

    Olukoyede disclosed that the EFCC would designate senior officers to work with NCAA in drafting a memorandum of understanding (MoU) covering joint investigations, intelligence sharing, and compliance monitoring.

    Both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s aviation sector from fraud, corruption, and economic sabotage.

  • EFCC arrests 38 suspected internet fraudsters in Lagos

    EFCC arrests 38 suspected internet fraudsters in Lagos

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 38 suspected internet fraudsters in Lagos.

    The suspects were apprehended on Friday, August 29, by the operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Commission at Mambillah Hotel, Omodisu Street, Ikorodu.

    Read Also: EFCC’s quiet pillar, efficient sheriff

    According to the EFCC, the operation followed credible intelligence and sustained surveillance of the area, which had been under watch for alleged internet fraud activities.

    Items recovered from the suspects included cars, mobile phones, and what the Commission described as a mix of psychoactive and controlled substances.

    The Commission added that the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

  • EFCC’s quiet pillar, efficient sheriff

    EFCC’s quiet pillar, efficient sheriff

    By Lewis Chukwuma

    Clearly, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s astute pick, the fifth executive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Olanipekun Olukoyede, whose appointment was subsequently confirmed by the Nigerian Senate on October 18, 2023, knew he wasn’t headed to a tea party as arrowhead of the nation’s lead anticorruption agency.

    His compelling managerial and professional background essentially denied him any illusions as to what the appointment meant, assuming he nursed any. Succinctly stated, the commission’s mission is “To eradicate economic and financial crimes through prevention, enforcement and coordination.” In appointing Olukoyede, Mr. President of course did not take the decision lightly given the overarching vision he had enunciated for a new Nigerian state.

    Towards achieving the commissions crucial mandate, President Tinubu gave Olukoyede the requisite free hand to do his job, the best way he understands it. The EFCC Czar who hit the ground running has brought an evangelical fervour to the fight against economic and financial crimes.

    But then, it was Nuhu Ribadu, first head of EFCC and currently the National Security Adviser, NSA, who gave an inkling into what tackling corruption in Nigeria really meant when he famously said that, “When you Fight corruption, it fights back.” Ribadu was absolutely correct.

    Recently, it has been observed with great concern, the malicious attacks and deliberate efforts to blackmail the lead anti-corruption agency, EFCC, through sponsored influencers, incentivised opinion publications in some national dailies, online and electronic platforms, all targeted at discouraging anti-corruption efforts and shielding kleptocrats from thorough investigation. The pattern is clear: there is an unfolding plot of surreptitious moves to backpedal on the progress made by the EFCC, especially under the leadership of Olanipekun Olukoyede.

    It should be recalled that some reports had recently suggested that Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), was allegedly pressured into signing a resignation letter by EFCC and DSS operatives. But the EFCC stated clearly that if there was such a development, it was not part of it. The presidency had also denied the allegations and affirmed that Ojulari, appointed in April 2025 to lead reforms within the organization remains the organization’s substantive head.

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    The controversy flowed from allegations surrounding a $21 million (N34.65 billion) corruption scandal. Civil society groups, including OilWatch Nigeria and the Workers’ Rights Alliance, have called for Ojulari’s arrest and prosecution. These groups, referenced claims that Abdullahi Bashir Haske, a detained associate, allegedly confessed to holding the funds on Ojulari’s behalf.

    The coalition actually launched a three-day protest, on August 1, at the National Assembly, NNPCL headquarters, and EFCC offices, to press their demands. Additional allegations centred on a $21 million kickback scheme involving oil traders and pipeline contractors, reportedly uncovered after Ojulari reassigned fund collection responsibilities. This prompted a whistle-blower to alert the EFCC, which subsequently froze the implicated account.

    In May 2025, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) had urged both the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to investigate claims that N500 billion was not remitted by NNPCL to the Federation Account between October and December 2024.

    Of course, if there are established grounds to go after the head of any governmental organization, it is within the mandated purview of the EFCC to act. The current leadership of the commission under Olukoyede brooks no breaches of its clearly stated mandate, no matter whose ox is gored.

    If mere speculations that the EFCC is after its NNPCL top hierarchy had sparked a ridiculous, groundless fightback, endangering the extensive gains recorded by the EFCC in recent times, this must be appropriately countered and neutralised.

    Today, the nation’s refineries are in tatters despite tales of multi billion dollars TAMs. That should grip the attention of the top hierarch of NNPCL and certainly not spending energy funding ridiculous witch hunts.

    Further, key focus should also rather be directed at the budgetary allocations to the EFCC and other anti-corruption institutions which are inadequate and certainly not counterproductive malicious attacks. Poor resource allocation will gradually push the EFCC and other kindred agencies towards extinction. By limiting their resources, the government is unwittingly crippling their abilities to function effectively and independently.

    To truly establish a flourishing democracy, transparency and accountability must be strictly adhered to in governance. Strengthening institutions that combat corruption is crucial.

    Good a thing, recently, the EFCC chair painted a picture of the achievements of the EFCC under his watch, denying any charge of impunity. To be fair, there has been relatively less hysteria in Olukoyede’s campaign against corruption as he demonstrably regards the battle as a collective responsibility and wants an all-of society-approach.

    It will be recalled that he is the first EFCC chairman to admit publicly that there is corruption even within the EFCC. In 2024, Olukoyede sacked 27 of his own men for misconduct and fraudulent activities. He also ordered a probe into an alleged fraud of $400,000 linked to a sectional Head of the EFCC. But perhaps what is more remarkable about the EFCC these days is that there have been no serious allegations that the agency is being used for political vendetta.

    It is very encouraging that the EFCC is making good progress in fighting cybercrimes. Assets are being recovered from yahoo guys and restituted to the victims. These criminals are hurting genuine international transactions.

    The biggest traditional criticism of the EFCC is that it is a political tool deployed by the federal government against its opponents. This has certainly died down under the Olukoyede era. Also, Nigerians often complain about the EFCC’s heavy-handedness in its operations, such as storming hostels and hotels in the dead of the night and turning things upside down. The current EFCC boss has effectively changed that narrative.

    Olukoyede has also demonstrated an inclination to do things in a civil way, a far departure from the past hostile engagement template. He should upscale his commission’s public sensitisation campaign. And this should not be confused with media relations. This will definitely secure the buy-in of Nigerians.

    Mr. President did not take the appointment of Olukoyede as the fifth executive chairman of EFCC lightly given the overarching vision he had enunciated for a new, corruption free Nigeria state. A legal practitioner and Certified Fraud Examiner, (CFE), Olukoyede is a regulatory compliance consultant with specialty in compliance management, corporate intelligence and fraud management. He has considerable insight and experience in the investigation and civil litigation of fraud and financial crimes.

    The EFCC Chairman is also a consultant on manpower development who has undertaken several anti-corruption surveys and reviews for a number of law enforcement agencies, government institutions and corporate organizations both locally and internationally.

    Against this background, it’s then not surprising that Olukoyede, the EFCC boss has emerged a quiet pillar and efficient sheriff as the commission continues to prove to Nigerians that there is no political vendetta in its game plan.

    •Chukwuma wrote from Abuja.

  • Five more internet fraudsters arrested at OBJ Library convicted

    Five more internet fraudsters arrested at OBJ Library convicted

    Five more  internet fraudsters arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have been convicted by Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.

    The convicts — Christian Okoli, Adeleye Emmanuel, Akinyele Kehinde Fatai, Shonekan Waris Bolaji, and Olufemi Korede Ayomiposi — were among 93 suspects apprehended on August 10, during a sting operation at a hotel within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    They were arraigned on one-count charges on impersonation, identity theft, and internet fraud. They pleaded guilty.

    From Okoli, who was arrested in July, the EFCC recovered a Samsung S23 Ultra and incriminating documents.

    Read Also: EFCC secures conviction of five internet fraudsters arrested at OOPL Sting Operation

    He refunded N300,000. The court sentenced him to three months’ imprisonment or a N1 million fine, with the seized phone and the refund forfeited to the Federal Government.

    Adeleye Emmanuel, who admitted to romance scam, was sentenced to one month of community service.

    Also, he is also required to carry a placard between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. with the inscription: “crime does not pay.”

    Fatai confessed to defrauding victims of $2,000 and refunded N500,000.