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Tag: EFCC

  • N4.65bn ONSA fund: EFCC moves Fayose to Lagos

    There were indications last night that the trial of ex-Governor Ayodele Fayose at a Federal High Court may begin on Monday.

    The ex-governor is facing trial in connection with N1.299 billion and $5.3 million allegedly allocated to him by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) from N4.65 billion slush fund allegedly shared by ONSA.

    Ahead of the trial, Fayose may be relocated from Abuja to Lagos today.

    EFCC confirmed last night that Fayose has been served charges and trial notice.

    But the ex-governor denied collecting $5.3 million from a former Minister of State for Defence, Mr. Musiliu Obanikoro.

    He was said to have only admitted knowing Obanikoro and his associate, Abiodun Agbele, who allegedly bought six choice properties for him in Lagos and Abuja.

    He was also said to have confirmed during interrogation yesterday that Agbele bought the properties for him.

    A source who spoke with our correspondent last night said: “We have preferred charges against Fayose at a Federal High Court in Lagos.

    “He will be prosecuted for receiving N1.299 billion and $5.3 million from ONSA through a former minister, Musiliu Obanikoro.

    “Although the illicit cash was released for the 2014 governorship campaign of Fayose, it was diverted to acquiring properties.

    “The minister flew N1.299 billion in cash in two flights to Akure Airport for Fayose, and it was Agbele who received the slush funds from Obanikoro.

    “While Fayose admitted knowing Obanikoro, he told his interrogators that he did not collect $5.3 million from the ex-minister.”

    Responding to a question, the source added: “The EFCC will relocate Fayose from Abuja to Lagos either on Saturday or Sunday for the trial.”

    The Head of Media and Publicity of EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed the filing of charges against Fayose.

    He said: “Fayose has been served with charges alongside his company, Spotless.”

    But Fayose’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, insisted in a statement that the EFCC does not have evidence to prosecute the ex-governor.

    The statement said: “With the deafening noise that they made about the evidence of corruption in their possession and even going by the EFCC ignoble tweet of July 15, 2018, in which the commission expressed its readiness to prosecute the former governor immediately he no longer enjoyed immunity, Nigerians had expected that by now, he will be facing trial in court.

    “However, because the EFCC does not have any evidence against Fayose, the commission has opted to keep him in detention so as to satisfy its paymasters whose major agenda is ‘Fayose must be kept out of circulation by whatever means.’

    “If not that they are just interested in keeping him out of circulation, why is the anti-graft commission not in court to prosecute him with the ‘overwhelming evidence’ it claimed to have?”

    The statement clarified that Fayose denied all the allegations levelled against him by the EFCC.

    The statement added: “Peter Ayodele Fayose has denied all their allegations and he won’t say anything more than what he has said on Tuesday.

    “The former governor will not say more than what he has said, which is denying the EFCC allegations.

    “He has also told the commission that he does not have any trust in them, having openly displayed bias against him and showed that they were persecutors instead of prosecutors.

    “He is waiting to be charged to court whenever they are ready.”

  • N2.1b laundering: Direct your probe at Dasuki, Jonathan – Dokpesi

    *Queries EFCC’s failure to question ex-President.
    *Court to rule Nov 12

     

    Businessman, Raymond Dokpesi has faulted the money laundering charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Dokpesi queried the exclusion of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan from EFCC’s probe of the allegation that he (Dokpesi) and his firm, Daar Investment and Holdings Company Limited were involved in the laundering of N2.1billion.

    The businessman, who is being tried with his firm, before the Federal High Court, Abuja also wondered why they were being prosecuted instead of the ex-National Security Adviser (NSA), Mohammed Dasuki, who is alleged to have laundered the money.

    Dokpesi’s argument is contained in a no-case submission adopted on Friday by his lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN).

    The case against Dokpesi and his firm, includes that they allegedly received N2.1b from the office of the National Security Adviser, under Sambo Dasuki, as payment for a “purported contract on presidential media initiative”.

    They are also accused of receiving the N2.1b from ONSA to prosecute the 2015 presidential media campaign of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Adopting the no-case submission on Friday, Agabi, an ex-Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), argued that the prosecution’s case against his clients and evidence led so far are replete with contradictions and inconsistencies.

    Agabi argued that the prosecution failed to call vital witnesses such as Dasuki or former President Goodluck Jonathan whom he said his Dokpesi implicated in his statement.

    The ex-AGF said, “The money was paid by Col. Dasuki. His name is mentioned in the four counts of money laundering as the one who made the payment.

    “Therefore he is the one alleged to be laundering the funds. The money in counts one to four is not being laundered by the defendant. The launderer is Col. Dasuki.

    “So, if the launderer is Col. Dasuki, are we going to convict him behind him? We cannot convict him behind him.

    “Why is he not charged? His name is mentioned again and again in the charges.

    “Even if they are not going to charge him, they should have called him as a witness because it is his action that is in question here,” Agabi said

    ‎He equally noted that despite that Dokpesi implicated former President Jonathan, the anti-graft agency failed to interview him or call him as a witness.

    He said, “The 1st defendant (Dokpesi) in his statement implicated the former President. Witnesses testified that they did not interview the former President

    “The rules of the court is that once the statement of the defendant (Dokpesi’s statement) is tendered by the prosecution it becomes the case of the prosecution,” Agabi said.

    He argued that the prosecution failed to disclose ingredients of money laundering in count one to four.

    He contended that, for a transaction to constitute a money laundering offence, the money involved must be proceeds of crime.

    Agabi noted that, in the instant case, the money in the ONSA’s account with the Central Bank of Nigeria, from which his clients were paid, could not have been proceeds of crime.

    He argued that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against his clients to warrant their being called upon to enter defence.

    He argued that the charges were defective as they allegedly failed to disclose the ingredients of money laundering against his clients and were “riddled with inconsistencies from the head to the toes.”

    Agabi urged the court to dismiss the charge and discharge and acquit his clients.

    Responding, prosecuting lawyer, Oluwaleke Atolagbe urged the court to dismiss the no-case submission and order the defendants to enter their defence to the prosecution’s case.

    Atolagbe contended that the defendants’ submission, to the effect that Dokpesi should be held to account for any money laundering charge, was an admission that they committed the alleged crimes.

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    He argued that all the ingredients of the alleged offences were proved by the prosecution and all the necessary witnesses needed to prove the case were called.

    Atolagbe said the defence’s line of argument involving Dasuki’s roles was an admission that they committed the alleged crimes.

    He said for instance, the former Director of Finance and Administration of ONSA, Salisu Shuaibu, was called as the second prosecution witness.

    He noted that even though the charges before the case were not against Dasuki, the allegations of breach of trust, misappropriation and corruption leveled against the former NSA had been proved with the various witnesses called in the case.

    ‎Atolagbe added: “They said prosecution must prove breach of trust against Col. Dasuki. Even if that must be an element of the offence of money laundering, the evidence is enough to prove it

    “PW2 (Shuaibu) gave a very elaborate evidence of how he was instructed to just make payments without contract or any relationship.

    “Dasuki is not standing trial here. We don’t need to prove charge against Col. Dasuki here. He is being tried in another court. Even if that is what is required, we have proven it.

    “This is also an admission on their part that there is money laundering, so they should enter their defence.”

    Atolagbe faulted Agabi’s claim that the prosecution’s evidence was riddled with contradictions and inconsistencies in the charges.
    He said: “That cannot also stand, because money obtained in violation of Public Procurement Act, as admitted by the defendant, certainly cannot be legitimate.”

    Atolagbe asked the court “to direct the defendants to enter their defence” or enable them call witnesses, such as Dasuki and Jonathan, that they argued the prosecution failed to call.

    Trial judge, Justice John Tsoho adjourned to November 12 for ruling.

  • Army hands over 680,000 adulterated diesel, kerosene to EFCC

    The Nigerian Army has seized over 680,000 litres of adulterated diesel, kerosene and “black oil,” an official said.

    Brig.-Gen. Sunday Igbinomwahia, Chief of Staff of Nigerian Army 6 Division Port Harcourt, spoke at a formal handover of 17 trucks to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Port Harcourt on Friday.

    Igbinomwahia said that the products, if supplied to the public may have led to explosions and possible deaths.

    He explained that the trucks and petroleum products were seized after troops raided an abandoned compound formerly used by Union Dicot Salt Company in Port Harcourt.

    According to him, illegal bunkers used the illegal refining facility to store and deliver substandard petroleum products to unsuspecting users.

    “The 17 trucks had been in our custody since Oct. 2 it was seized to enable investigators to determine the authenticity of the petroleum products.

    “Our investigators after carrying out thorough preliminary investigation on the matter came to the conclusion that the petroleum products were illegally refined.

    Igbinomwanhia said each truck was loaded with about 40,000 litres of adulterated petroleum products awaiting distribution to the public before there seizure.

    Read Also: Missing General: Army hands 13 suspects to police

    The officer said the seizure was made by the division’s Special Company that was specifically set up to checkmate activities of illegal bunkers in the state.

    “We have concluded our preliminary investigation, and as such, the trucks and other exhibits will be handed over to EFFC for further probe of the case.

    “The division is in forefront of fighting criminals who are hell bent to sabotage the nation’s economy through there illegal bunkering and vandalism of pipelines,” he said.

    Igbinomwanhia said the division’s special task force had so far seized over 300 suspected illicit trucks and vehicles that were currently in different stages of investigation.

    Receiving the trucks and products, Mr Abdulhamid Bawa, Head of Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Management Directorate of the anti-graft agency, said the commission would conduct speedy investigation into the matter.

    “The petroleum products will be sent to the Department of Petroleum Resources to determine if the product is genuine or adulterated.

    “If the product is genuine, then there is no case; but if found to be illegally refined then the owners of the trucks would be arraigned in court,” he assured.

    NAN

  • N900m money laundering: Shekarau back in Court

    The Federal High Court sitting in Kano on Thursday adjourned the case of alleged money laundering against former governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau.

    Shekarau was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside former external affairs minister Aminu Wali and one Mansur Ahmad on a six-count charge bordering on conspiracy and money laundering to the tune of N950 million.

    When the case came up for hearing, the Judge, Justice Lewis Allagoa, who was just assumed duty at the Court, adjourned the trial till Nov. 19, 20, and 21, 2018.

    The judge replaced Justice Zainab Bage who was transferred.

    Counsel to the EFCC, Mr Johnson Ojogbane, had earlier told the court that the defendants, between March 26 and 27, 2015, conspired among themselves and received the said amount without going through financial institutions.

    He said that the money was issued to the defendants by the Peoples Democratic Party and former petroleum minister Diezani Allison-Madueke.

    The prosecutor said that the offences contravened sections 18 (a) of the Money Laundering (prohibition) Act 2011 as amended and punishable under section 16 (2)(b) of the same Act and Section 15(1) of money laundering Act.

    Read Also: Shekarau, Gaya, Jibril win Kano senatorial seats

    The trio had pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    Before the adjournment, the defense counsel, Mr Jibrin Okutekpa (SAN) prayed that the court to extend the bail granted to his clients by the former judge in line with Section 163 of the Criminal Justice Act 2015.

    The judge acceded to the request to extend the bail before adjourning to Nov. 19, 201 and 21 for continuation of the trial.

    NAN recalls that Bage had granted the defendants bail in the sum of N100 million each with two reliable sureties in like sum.

  • EFCC may seek permanent forfeiture of six assets traced to Fayose 

    Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose may lose at least six choice assets – if a court agrees with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The anti-graft agency may apply for permanent forfeiture of the assets in Lagos and Abuja.

    But Fayose, who made a dramatic appearance at the EFCC Abuja headquarters on Tuesday, continued to perpetrate more drama in detention by refusing to write a statement and by rejecting an administrative bail granted him by EFCC

    He insisted that he should be taken to court for trial.

    He was said to have preference for bail terms given by the court than EFCC.

    Also yesterday, the EFCC uncovered a plan for a protest march by Fayose’s associates.

    The protesters plan to march on the EFCC office.

    Fayose is being detained in connection with the ongoing probe of N4.685billion allocated to some Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

    Of the cash, detectives traced N2.0030billion to ex-Deputy Governor Iyiola Omisore, N685million to a former Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro and N1.3billion and $5.377million (at the exchange rate of N168 to $1) to Fayose.

    Both Omisore and Obanikoro had been quizzed. Fayose has refused to cooperate with the anti-graft agency.

    According to a source, the commission may approach the court for permanent confiscation of six properties of Fayose to recover N1.3billion and $5.377million allegedly collected by the ex-governor.

    The assets are located in 44, Osun Crescent and 32, Yedseram Street in Maitama, Abuja; and houses 3, 4, 6, and 9 in Plot 100, Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Although two other houses were linked with Fayose in Fagbohun Street, GRA, Iyaganku and another near Court of Appeal, GRA, Ibadan, they may be part of a separate trial of the ex-governor in Ibadan.

    Another source said: “We may apply for the permanent forfeiture of the six assets traced to Fayose in Lagos and Ibadan.

    “The duplex in Osun Crescent was allegedly bought for N200million from the defunct Skye Bank Plc. The one located in Yedseram Street in Abuja was purchased at N270million from a businessman.

    “All the houses in Lagos were paid for by Abiodun Agbele, an associate of the ex-governor who is on trial. Agbele allegedly paid over N880million for the properties in Lagos.”

    A fact-sheet showed that the duplexes were “acquired within 180 days in office by Fayose”.

    “The houses were bought through his associate’s company, De-Privateer Limited. De-Privateer remitted slush funds into three accounts including FCMB (0519693019), First Bank of Nigeria (1000070240) and Zenith Bank (1014016919).

    “The payments were made as follows: First Bank—N40m (29/1/15); N39.5m (30/1/15); N132.5 (30/1/ 15); N3.2m (4/2/15); N980, 000(4/2/15); N200m (17/2/15); N47m (13/2/15); N50m (13/2/15).

    “The lodgments in an account in Zenith Bank (1014016919) included N42.5m (9/4/15); N25m (23/4/15); and N229m(6/3/15).

    “About N200million was paid into FCMB  account 0519693019 on March 9, 2015.”

    Meanwhile, for the second day running, Fayose refused to cooperate with EFCC detectives.

    Another source close to the investigation, who spoke in confidence, said: “Our detectives met with Fayose  on Wednesday but he refused to cooperate, he was adamant on not writing any statement again.

    “Apart from the courtesies accorded him, Fayose was also granted an administrative bail which he rejected. Instead, the ex-governor insisted that he should be arraigned  for outright trial which will enable the court to grant him bail. He prefers bail terms from a court to EFCC’s conditions.

    “So far, he remains in detention for the second day. But we allowed Fayose access to his counsel and relatives. There is no any intimidation.”

    Security has been strengthened at the EFCC Headquarters, following an intelligence report that Fayose’s associates plan to launch a protest and “overwhelm” the agency’s office.

    “All appropriate security agencies have been alerted accordingly. Instead of the associates of the former governor allowing the rule of law to prevail, they want to take the law into their hands.

    “We will also allow the law to take its course against illegal demonstrators. No one is persecuting him,” the source said.

    Fayose’s Media Aide, Lere Olayinka said the former governor has maintained his denial of all the allegations made against him and insisted that he be charged to court.

    Fayose

    “Today is his second day in EFCC custody and I can say that his spirit is high and his will remains very strong,” he said.

    Olayinka, who said the EFCC must stop subjecting Nigerians to media trial whenever they lack concrete evidence to sustain court trial, added that “the commission has started its usual lies by claiming that it discovered houses bought by Fayose with public fund.”

    He said “Nigerians should recall that in 2016, operatives of this same EFCC attempted to seal up a guest house located at Gana Street, Maitama, Abuja, claiming that it belonged to Fayose. Whereas, the building belonged to a retired army general.”

    Olayinka said since the EFCC claimed to have “overwhelming evidence” against the former governor, the most reasonable thing to do is to charge him to court and get him prosecuted with the overwhelming evidence at the commission’s disposal.

    “However, since the EFCC is only being used to settle political scores, it is more comfortable with keeping Fayose in custody so as to achieve the agenda of keeping him out of circulation and embarking on its usual media trial.

    “But on this Fayose’s matter, they have picked on a wrong customer and no amount of intimidation, blackmail and harassment will break his resistance to tyranny, agent of which the EFCC has become.”

  • Fayose still in our custody, says EFCC

    Former Governor of Ekiti state, Mr Ayodele Fayose, who on Tuesday reported at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja in accordance with his promise is still being interrogated by the commission.

    Head, Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr Wilson Uwujaren disclosed this in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Wednesday.

    Asked why Fayose was still detained for over 24 hours, Uwujaren said “we are still within range. We are not keeping him but interrogating him.”

    Fayose’s tenure as governor ended on Monday, and he had on Saturday, presented “Hand-over Note’’ to his successor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who was inaugurated on Tuesday.

    On arrival at EFCC office, the former governor had said “I am here in line with my promise that I will be here on the 16th of October.

    “And, like I said to EFCC, they should await my arrival. They had been to my house; they cordoned off my street which I feel personally was unnecessary. It is unwarranted.

    Read Also: Fayose reports at EFCC

    “I had led Ekiti, and the best I could give, I have given. Therefore, every question, whatever they need to ask, I will be able to respond appropriately.”

    He had in a letter to the EFCC sometime ago, said his term of office “to which I enjoy immunity against investigation and prosecution shall lapse by Monday, Oct. 15, 2018.

    “As a responsible citizen of our great country, who believes in the rule of law, I wish to inform you of my decision to make myself available in your office on Tuesday, 16th October, 2018 at 1pm.

    “It is to clarify issues or answer questions within my knowledge.’’

  • N4.6b slush funds: EFCC detains Fayose

     •Ex-governor: ‘I need rest’

    After some drama at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose was taken into custody yesterday.

    The anti-graft agency is questioning Fayose over the ongoing probe of the alleged diversion N4.685billion by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

    The ex-governor is being grilled over the N1.3billion and $5.377million allegedly traced to him from the N4.6 billion slush funds.

    The ex-governor arrived at the EFCC office in Wuse 2, Abuja in a customised blue Tee-Shirt with the inscription “EFCC I’m here”.

    He was accompanied by his lawyer Mike Ozekhome(SAN),Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and  a former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode . There was also a small crowd of supporters, some of them wearing white T-Shirts emblazoned with “Fayose, conscience of the nation”

    Fayose came in a black Lexus SUV. He was carrying a bag containing his dresses.

    The crowd was shouting Fayose’s nickname, “Oshoko” and carrying placards in praise of the ex-governor. Fayose said: “I am here in line with my promise that I will be here on the 16th of October and, like I told the EFCC, they should await my arrival. This morning, they have been to my house; they cordoned off the street which I believe was unnecessary and unwarranted.

    “I have promised to report; I am here now. I will be able to respond to all allegations.”

    As he was going into custody, Fayose told reporters: “Nobody should be afraid of the EFCC, especially when you have nothing to hide. I have remained courageous for Nigerians and I will always be with Nigerians.”

    He was quoted as telling detectives that he needed to rest, having worked hard for four years.

    He also reportedly told his interrogators: “I deny all the allegations, take me to court.”

    Sources said Fayose would respond to issues raised by three teams of investigators.

    A source added: “He made a statement where he denied all the allegations and asked the commission to take him to court.

    “So far, he has not responded to how he came about N1.3billion and $5.377million from ONSA. He has more issues to clarify; we are going to detain him.”

    The source added: “There are three teams handling the allegations against the former governor. There is a special team managing his suspended trial because he had immunity as a governor; a separate team for the N4.685b ONSA fraud and the third panel probes his just completed tenure.

    “Definitely, we are going to detain Fayose because he has a lot of issues to clarify.”

    Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC Wilson Uwujaren merely said: “The ex-governor is undergoing interrogation.”

    Speaking before Fayose entered the EFCC’s office, Wike said: “You can see that our brother has come to see the EFCC. He wrote a letter to the EFCC that he will submit himself on the 16th of October. He is going in hale and hearty; I believe the EFCC should know.

    “So let Nigerians know that he came by himself to the EFCC without anybody harassing him, so that’s why I brought him here.”

    Fani-Kayode said: “We came to stand with our friend. He is going in hale and hearty; we trust God he will come out this way.”

    Ozekhome said Nigerians were “not in the Hobbesian state which was brutish”. “This is a country governed by law and not the rule of the thumb. There should be respect for the constitution,” the lawyer said.

     

  • Fayose reports at EFCC

    Former Governor of Ekiti state, Mr Ayodele Fayose, on Tuesday reported at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja in accordance with his promise.

    Fayose arrived at the EFCC Annex in Wuse II at exactly 12.59 p.m., a minute before 1p.m. he announced that he would report at the commission.

    He was accompanied to the EFCC by Rivers Governor, Mr Nyesom Wike and former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode.

    Fayose’s tenure as governor ended on Monday, and he had on Saturday, presented “Hand-over Note’’ to his successor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who was inaugurated on Tuesday.

    Speaking to newsmen on arrival at EFCC office, the former governor said “I am here in line with my promise that I will be here on the 16th of October.

    “And, like I said to EFCC, they should await my arrival. This morning they have been to my house; they cordoned off my street which I feel personally was unnecessary. It is unwarranted.

    “When a man says he is coming, Nigerians should be given benefit of the doubt.

    Read Also: I’ll report at EFCC today, says Fayose

    “I had led Ekiti, and the best I could give, I have given. Therefore, every question, whatever they need to ask today, I will be able to respond appropriately.”

    He had in a letter to the EFCC sometime ago, said his term of office “to which I enjoy immunity against investigation and prosecution shall lapse by effluxion of time on Monday, Oct. 15, 2018.

    “As a responsible citizen of our great country, who believes in the rule of law, I wish to inform you of my decision to make myself available in your office on Tuesday, 16th October, 2018 at 1pm.

    “It is to clarify issues or answer questions within my knowledge.’’

    Also speaking to journalists and Fayose was received by EFCC officials, Wike said “he wrote a letter to EFCC that he will submit himself on Oct. 16.

    “He is hale and hearty and I believe that EFCC should know he is well. Our fear from the present report that we have is that he may be harmed.

    “But, let Nigerians know that he came by himself to the EFCC without anybody harassing him.

    “So that is why I brought him here today.”

    On his part, Fani-Kayode said “we are here to stand in solidarity with our friend and brother.

    “He is going in hale and hearty; we trust God and we believe he will come out the same way.

    “And, as authority, we take note to the fact that the international community and the whole world is watching what is going to happen here; what they are going to do to him.”

    Fayose wore a T-shirt with inscription: “EFCC, I Am Here”. He clutched a small hand bag as he was led into the commission.

     

  • Alleged N21b diversion: EFCC amends charges against ex-Air Chiefs

    THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed an amended charge against former Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Adesola Amosu at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

    The initial 36-count charge was reduced to 13.

    Amosu was charged with former Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Chief of Accounts and Budgeting, Air Vice Marshal Jacob Adigun and a former Director of Finance and Budget, Air Commodore Olugbenga Gbadebo.

    EFCC said the three, on or about March 5, 2014 in Lagos, conspired to convert N21,467,634,707.43, property of NAF, which sum they reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful activities to wit: criminal breach of trust.

    The alleged offence is contrary to Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15(3).

    The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge when they were first arraigned before Justice Mohammed Idris, who was elevated to the Court of Appeal after EFCC had called several witnesses in the trial.

    When the case came up yesterday before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, who took over from Justice Idris, prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo said he filed an amended charge.

    But defence counsel Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN) and Norrisson Quakers (SAN) said they would challenge the charge.

    The defendants were also accused of transferring N1 billion on September 2 and 4, 2014 from NAF to Rite Options Oil and Gas Ltd and Juda Oil Ltd.

    They were alleged to have made several other transfers amounting to N21 billion to different companies, such as Delfina Oil and Gas Ltd, Mcallan Oil And Gas Ltd, Lebol Oil and Gas Ltd, Trapezites Bureau De Change, Hebron Housing and Properties Company Ltd, Deegee Oil and Gas Ltd and Timsegg Investment Ltd.

    Justice Aneke adjourned until November 6 for possible arraignment.

  • EFCC seizes N1.1b gold at Abuja airport, goes after four suspects

    •Impounds passport, retrieves €112,000 from suspect

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has seized gold worth about $3, 131, 412.39 (N1, 127, 308, 460.39) being allegedly exported to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, illegally.

    It named one Abba Ali Yahaya as the brain behind the deal.

    Apart from impounding his passport, about €112,000 undeclared by Abba, has also been forfeited over alleged violation of the nation’s Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.

    The precious metal was handed over to the suspect by a syndicate of illegal miners operating in Zamfara State.

    The anti-graft agency is already on the trail of four members of the said syndicate said to have perfected ways of beating security agencies at the nation’s airports.

    According to a document sighted by our correspondent, the suspect, who admitted to be a courier, was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by EFCC operatives led by a crack female detective.

    It was gathered that the suspect had escaped being caught by all the screening machines at the airport.

    The fact-sheet indicated that “the suspect was caught following a tip off after he had managed to pass through all the screening machines without being caught.

    “He was in possession of N1.1b worth of gold while travelling alone to meet with the Dubai end of a ring of buyers of illegal miners. Being illegally in possession of the gold was a violation of Minerals and Mines Act.

    “Abba had €112, 000 on him which he hid from Customs and he was caught with 19 ATM cards. Upon interrogation, he admitted he is a courier and he fingered a businessman. Our detectives later discovered that the suspect only implicated the businessman as a decoy.

    “The EFCC is already on the trail of four suspects connected with massive illegal mining activities in Zamfara and exportation of mines. Preliminary evidence has linked the suspect with a miner in Zamfara.

    “We have confiscated the passport of the suspect, seized the gold and the €112,000 he strapped into his body will be 100 per cent automatically forfeited to the Federal Government as contained in the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.

    “The EFCC will file application before a Federal High Court for the forfeiture of the undeclared cash.  The suspect is empowered by law to travel with about $10,000.

    “So far, Abba has been released on bail pending the conclusion of investigation.”

    As at press time, it was gathered that a probe of how the suspect scaled through the scanning points without being detected was ongoing.

    A government source added: “It was embarrassing that we have many screening and scanning machines being managed by different security agencies but they were unable to detect the suspect.

    “We are suspecting connivance with the suspect by some of the officials at different points. It is likely that the syndicate sending the suspect to Dubai might have penetrated the security opperators at the airport.

    “At the end of our discreet investigation, we will be able to find out how he beat the security network at the airport.”