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Tag: EFCC

  • Patience Jonathan’s $15m: EFCC urges court to ignore firms

    Patience Jonathan’s $15m: EFCC urges court to ignore firms

    Agency declares application abuse of court process

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged the Federal High Court in Lagos to refuse an application by four companies praying to reverse their guilty plea to laundering $15,591,700 .

    In its counter-affidavit deposed to by an investigating officer Musbhau Yahaya, the commission said the application was an abuse of court process, and that the judge cannot be asked to overrule himself.

    The companies are praying for an order setting aside their conviction by Justice Babs Kuewumi on November 2, 2016 after they pleaded guilty through their representatives.

    According to them, their trial and conviction were done “in gross violation of their right to fair hearing”.

    The companies, in the application filed on their behalf by Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), said their conviction “occasioned miscarriage of justice” to them.

    EFCC, in the counter-affidavit, alleged that a former Special Adviser on Domestic Affairs to President Jonathan, Waripamo Dudafa, allegedly got part of the money from former National Security Adviser (NSA) Sambo Dasuki.

    EFCC said Dasuki withdrew the money from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and “handed it” over to Dudafa.

    The commissioner said Dudafa laundered the money through the companies. He is currently being tried along with a lawyer Amajuoyi Briggs and a banker Adedamola Bolodeoku. They pleaded not guilty.

    But, the four companies charged along with them pleaded guilty to money laundering charges and were convicted.

    They are Pluto Properties and Investment Company Limited, Seagate Property Development and Investment Ltd, Trans Ocean Property and Investment Company Ltd and Avalon Global Property Development Company Ltd.

    Wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Dame Patience, in a separate suit, is laying claims to the money.

    On what led to the companies’ conviction, Yahaya said sometime in 2015, the EFCC received “cogent and irresistible” intelligence that Dudafa allegedly “warehoused” proceeds of unlawful activities in the companies’ Skye Bank Plc accounts.

    The operative said EFCC analysed the intelligence and discovered that on November 26, 2014, former National Security Adviser (NSA) Sambo Dasuki applied to the Governor of Central of Nigeria (CBN) via a letter dated November 26, 2014 with reference number NSA/366/S for the release of $47,000,000.00.

    The operative said the money was part of N10billion “earmarked for special services,” adding that it was handed in cash to Mr S. A. Salihu, a director of finance and administration at the Office of the NSA.

    “The governor of CBN granted this request and delivered the sum to Salisu as instructed by Dasuki. Upon receipt of the said sum, Salisu handed over this money to his boss, Dasuki, in 11 suitcases.

    “Dasuki in grand conspiracy with the first defendant (Dudafa) handed over the money to the first defendant.

    “In the course of his service as the Special Assistant to the former President on Domestic Affairs, the first defendant abused his officer by corruptly enriching himself,” the deponent said.

    According to the commission, Dudafa also allegedly deposited “various huge sums of US dollars in cash” in the companies’ accounts.

    “In a bid to disguise and conceal the proceeds of his unlawful activities, the fourth to seventh applicants (the companies) were procured mainly to retain the proceeds of the first defendant’s unlawful activities.”

    “The fourth to seventh applicants each opened an account with Skye Bank Plc,” the deponent said in the counter-affidavit.

    EFCC said those who pleaded guilty on the companies’ behalf were actually their directors, namely Friday Davis, Agbor Baro, Bioghowori Fredrick and Taiwo Ebenezer.

    According to the commission, after prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo reviewed the case following the companies’ plea, the judge asked the representatives if they were in agreement with the facts.

    “The representatives who are directors of the applicants admitted unequivocally that they agreed with facts reviewed by the prosecution.

    “Upon a calm reflection of the evidence led by the prosecution against the fourth to seventh defendants/applicants and the pleas of their directors who represented them, this Honourable Court found the applicants guilty and  convicted them as charged,” the commission said.

    EFCC said the companies’ application was an abuse of court process and was filed in bad faith, adding that the court had become functus officio (cannot re-open the case).

    The prosecution said the companies filed a Notice of Contention at the Court of Appeal in which they sought an order varying the guilty plea, but it was struck out.

    EFCC said the companies were yet to appeal against the Court of Appeal judgment.

    “The conviction of the fourth to seventh defendants did not occasion any miscarriage of justice to the applicants or any party in this proceeding,” EFCC said.

    The companies’ motion on notice is yet to be heard.

     

  • Money laundering: EFCC urges court not to reverse firms’ guilty plea

    Money laundering: EFCC urges court not to reverse firms’ guilty plea

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged the Federal High Court in Lagos to refuse an application by four companies praying to reverse their guilty plea to laundering of $15,591,700.

    In its counter-affidavit signed by an investigating officer, Musbhau Yahaya, the Commission said the application was an abuse of court process and that the judge cannot be asked to overrule himself.

    The companies are praying for an order setting aside their conviction by Justice Babs Kuewumi on November 2, 2016 after they pleaded guilty through their representatives.

    According to them, their trial and conviction were done “in gross violation of their right to fair hearing.”

    The companies, in the application filed on their behalf by Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), said their conviction was a miscarriage of justice.

    EFCC, in the counter-affidavit, alleged that a former Special Adviser on Domestic Affairs to ex- President Goodluck Jonathan, Waripamo Dudafa, allegedly got part of the money from former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki.

    EFCC said Dasuki withdrew the money from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and “handed it” over to Dudafa.

    The Commission said Dudafa laundered the money through the companies.

    He is currently being tried along with a lawyer, Amajuoyi Briggs and a banker, Adedamola Bolodeoku. They pleaded not guilty to money laundering charges.

    But, the four companies charged along with them pleaded guilty and were convicted.

    They are – Pluto Properties and Investment Company Limited, Seagate Property Development and Investment Limited, Trans Ocean Property and Investment Company Limited and Avalon Global Property Development Company Limited.

    Wife of former President Jonathan, Dame Patience, in a separate suit, is laying claims to the money.

     

  • Alleged forgery: EFCC files charges against Innoson

    Alleged forgery: EFCC files charges against Innoson

    Innoson Motors chief Innocent Chukwuma and two others are to face forgery charges, it was learnt yesterday.

    The others are Innoson Nigeria Limited and Charles Chukwuma.

    The suspects will face trial in the High Court of Lagos State, Ikeja Division.

    The charge sheet, drawn up by the Head of Legal  and Prosecution at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Lagos, A.B.C Ozioko, reads:

    “At the Criminal Division of the High Court of Lagos State at Ikeja, the Court is informed by the Executive Chairman of EFCC, on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that Innoson Nigeria Limited, Dr. Innocent Chukwuma and Charles Chukwuma are charged with the following offences:

    “Conspiracy to obtain property by false pretence contrary to Section 8(a) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, No. 14 of 2006.

    “Innoson Nigeria Limited, Dr. Innocent Chukwuma, and Charles Chukwuma between 2009 and July 2011, in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this court, with intent to defraud, conspired amongst yourselves to obtain by false pretence, containers of motorcycles and spare parts and raw materials from Mitsui O. S.K. Lines Limited, Apapa, Lagos,  property of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Lagos”.

    Count two borders on “obtaining property by false pretence, contrary to sections1(1)(b) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, No. 14 of 2006.

    The particulars of offence in count two are: “Innoson Nigeria Limited, Dr. Innocent Chukwuma, and Charles Chukwuma between 2009 and July 2011, in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this court, with intent to defraud, induced the staff of Mitsui O. S.K. Lines Limited, Apapa, Lagos and Maersk Line Limited  to deliver to you  through your clearing agents, containers of motorcycle spare parts, moulds of plastic chairs and steel structures and raw materials called polyvinylchlorid, property of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc imported  into Nigeria from China in the name of the said bank as the consignee by falsely pretending that you were authorised by the said Guaranty Trust Bank Plc to clear  the goods  and took delivery of same.

    On the third count, the suspects are charged with “stealing, contrary to Section 388 and 309(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap. C17Vol. 11 Laws of Lagos State, 2003.

    The particulars of offence are:  “Innoson Nigeria Limited, Dr. Innocent Chukwuma, and Charles Chukwuma between 2009 and July 2011, at Apapa Port, Lagos within the jurisdiction of this court, fraudulently stole containers of motorcycles and spare parts, moulds of plastic chairs and steel structures and raw materials called polyvinylchlorid, property of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc being the consignee of the said goods.”

    Regarding the fourth count, the suspects are answerable for alleged “forgery, contrary to Section 465 and 467(I) (J) the Criminal Code, Cap. C17Vol. 11 Laws of Lagos State, 2003”.

    The particulars of offence read:” Innoson Nigeria Limited, Dr. Innocent Chukwuma, and Charles Chukwuma between 2009 and July 2011, at Apapa Port, Lagos within the jurisdiction of this court,  with intent to defraud and in order to facilitate your obtaining goods by false pretence, forged bill of lading No.598286020 of Maersk Line Limited and Molu 11007950841 of Mitsui O. S.K. Lines Limited by knowingly putting a false GTB Plc stamp signature of its staff on the said bill of lading with intent that they might be used or acted upon as genuine to the prejudice of any person whether within Lagos State or elsewhere.”

    The EFCC also attached a list of 11 witnesses to the charge sheet, but no date has been fixed for the arraignment of the suspects.

  • Alleged N748m property: Mark presents health excuse certificate to EFCC

    Alleged N748m property: Mark presents health excuse certificate to EFCC

    Following the ongoing probe of the purchase of a N748million property, a  former President of the Senate, Chief David Mark, has presented the health excuse certificate to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    He also said his health was not stable enough to enable him write a statement on issues connected with the purchase of the official residence of Senate President.

    He asked the anti-graft agency to allow him to attend to his health and return on or before January 11 for interrogation on the said property.

    But he told the EFCC detectives that he bought the quarters with a loan and  promised to present relevant documents next year.

    These claims are contained in a fact-sheet by the EFCC on the investigation of the ex-Senate President.

    According to the document, Mark has three cases before the EFCC which are being handled by separate teams of detectives.

    The other cases are N550m arms procurement cash from ONSA and N2.9billion curious payment into the account of the National Assembly’s account and shared to Senators during Mark’s tenure; and his role in about N2billion campaign funds meant for Benue State.

    The document said Mark was expected to respond to the following issues:

    • The property was unlawfully acquired in 2011.
    • Didn’t the buying of the house amount to an abuse of office?
    • Whether or not the purchase of the property was not a violation of Part 11 (b) of the Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2008 otherwise known as the Remuneration Act, 2008
    • Did the process of acquisition of the house comply with Section 15 (1) of the Procurement Act, 2007;
    • Was the sale of the house gazetted by the Federal Government?

    A top source, privy to the investigation, said: “When Mark met with our team of detectives on the N748million, he only presented a health excuse certificate.

    “Later he said he could not write any statement to respond to issues isolated for him because he said he was unstable. We accorded him enough respect befitting of his status.

    “He told our team verbally that he bought the house with a loan and pleaded with the EFCC to allow him to return on or before January 11, 2018 to come for grilling on the property.

    “Having asked him to deposit his passports, we are expecting him to come for interrogation in January.”

    Meanwhile, the EFCC yesterday confirmed the arrest one Mohammed Momoh, a farmer, for attempting to defraud the governor of Nasarawa State, Alhaji Tanko Al- Makura.

    A statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren said the suspect had posed as a private investigator and demanded N8million bribe to stop the alleged probe of Al-Makura.

    The statement said: “The suspect while posing as a ‘private investigator from the Villa’ had approached the wife of the governor with a proposition to help stop a purported investigation of two accounts belonging to the governor, by the EFCC.

    “He claimed he came across information regarding the two accounts that had been under investigation since 2011 and also intercepted mails and gotten wind of the investigation report purportedly sent to First Bank by the EFCC.

    “The suspect had requested for N8 million, but was offered N6 million. Suspicious about the proposal, the governor’s family contacted the commission and were asked to play along with the suspect. The suspect was arrested in a sting operation after he collected marked N2million.

    “The suspect is currently in custody and would be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.

    “In a related development, a serving police officer, Mohammed Nuhu Maina, has been arrested for impersonation.

    “The suspect who claimed to be Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP, attached to the commission, had approached his victim with offer to help him recover his money, N21m; which is subject of investigation by the EFCC.

    “Maina allegedly collected several sums of money from his victim before he became suspicious.

    “The suspect called the victim on December 21, 2017 and demanded for more money.

    “The victim immediately contacted the EFCC and he was accompanied by operatives of the commission who tracked Maina and arrested him opposite Rockview Hotel, close to the EFCC head office in Wuse 2, Abuja.

    “In the course of arrest, Maina was found with EFCC Vehicle Auction Certificates, EFCC stickers, EFCC writing pads, amongst others.

    “Maina is currently in custody, assisting the investigation.

    “The EFCC has consistently warned members of the public to be wary of impostors who go about extorting unsuspecting members of the public. The commission again implores the public to report any solicitation for gratification either by genuine or fake EFCC operatives to the nearest office of the commission or police station.”

  • EFCC arrests 13 suspected internet fraudsters

    EFCC arrests 13 suspected internet fraudsters

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 13 suspected internet fraudsters for conspiracy, possession of fraudulent documents and obtaining money under false pretence.

    The EFCC spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, said the Lagos zonal office of the anti-graft agency effected the arrests.

    “They were arrested on Saturday, December 16, 2017 in some parts of Lagos and Ogun States, following intelligence report received by the Commission about their activities.EFCC

    “The suspects allegedly confessed to be involved in phishing, love scam, forgery, spoofing and business email compromise, among other offences,” he said.

     

    According to the EFCC spokesman, some of the suspects live flamboyantly without any known sources of income, and are said to have bought houses and exotic cars from the proceeds of their criminal activities.

    He said they were allegedly found to be in possession of forged contract papers of multinational oil and gas companies, banks’ instruments and forged data page of international passports of foreign nationals, among other documents.

    Other items recovered from the suspects, he stated, included laptops, flash drives, modems, one Range Rover SUV, one Toyota Highlander, Two Toyota Corolla and one Toyota Camry.

    Uwujaren said the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations were concluded.

    NAN

  • Alleged N1.4b forgery: EFCC releases Innoson on bail

    Alleged N1.4b forgery: EFCC releases Innoson on bail

    Barely 24 hours after his arrest,  the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released the owner of Innoson Motors, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, on bail.

    The anti-graft agency, however, said Chukwuma and his brother, Charles Chukwuma, are being probed for N1,478,366,859.66 fraud and forgery.

    The industrialist was also accused of using forged documents to secure tax waivers.

    A statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said: “The EFCC has released the Nnewi, Anambra-State born industrialist, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, on bail.

    “The businessman who runs a local auto assembly plant was arrested on Tuesday December 19, 2017 at his Enugu residence, following his refusal to respond to invitations by the commission, after initially being granted administrative bail by the commission, while his surety could also not be found.

    “Unfortunately, the industrialist resisted arrest and stirred controversy by bringing six truck-loads of thugs to block the entrance to his Plot W1, Industrial Layout, Abakaliki Road, Emeni, Enugu home.

    “This was after he initially misled the Police Command by informing them that his home had been invaded by armed robbers and kidnappers despite the fact that operatives of the commission duly identified themselves to policemen guarding his home.

    “His unruly thugs encircled and manhandled operatives of the commission, who had gone to effect the arrest.

    “Consequently, a distress call was sent to the commission’s Enugu Office for reinforcement.

    “In all of this, the commission’s operatives acted with decorum and civility.

    “No one was manhandled or assaulted by the EFCC team, and not a single shot was fired, despite the provocation.”

    The EFCC explained why it was investigating the industrialist.

    It said was in connection with N1, 478, 366, 859.66 fraud and forgery.

    The statement added: “Chief Chukwuma and his brother, Charles Chukwuma (who is still at large), are being investigated by the Insurance and Capital Market Fraud Section of the commission’s office in Lagos over matters bordering on N1,478,366,859.66 fraud and forgery.

    “The industrialist, among other infractions, allegedly used forged documents to secure tax waivers.”

  • DAVID Mark to EFCC on N748m house: you’re chasing shadows P5

    DAVID Mark to EFCC on N748m house: you’re chasing shadows P5

    A former Senate President, Senator David Mark, yesterday said the accusations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or any other government  that he purchased his N748 million Apo Residential House illegally were  spurious, contrived and baseless.

    He said the EFCC or any other agency were chasing shadows in probing how he bought his house.

    He insisted that he did not flout any law.

    Mark, who made the clarifications in a statement through his Media Assistant, Paul Mumeh, said if his investigation was about 2019 politics, “no amount of persecution would alter the will of God”.

    The ex-Senate President is presently being probed by the EFCC and the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property.

    The statement said: “The property was ‘duly offered for sale, bid for, and purchased like any other person would in line with Federal Government’s Monetisation Policy that was started during the time of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

    “I had the right of first refusal. Even if I did not purchase it, someone else would have.

    “I am a law-abiding citizen. I did not flout any law.

    “Curiously, four houses occupied by the then Presiding Officers of National Assembly were offered to the occupants. All of us, me as the then President of the Senate, Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, the then Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole and his Deputy Bayero Nafada were all given the same offer.

    “I am at a loss as to why it is now a subject of contention.”

    He said if he was being investigated because of 2019 politics, no one can alter the will of God

    The statement added: “If this persecution is about politics, my political party and the 2019 elections, I dare say that only God and Nigerians would decide. No amount of persecution would alter the will of God.

    “I had refrained from commenting on this because it is already in the law Court. But they have taken the matter to the court of public opinion.”

    “Senator Mark through his lawyer Ken Ikonne in the suit before the Federal High Court, Abuja had said that he followed due process and legally acquired the property from the FCDA on April 27, 2011.

    “Senator Mark is also asking the court for a declaration that an order by the Attorney General of the Federation and one Obono Obla of the Presidential Task Force on Recovery of Government Properties compelling him to vacate the aforesaid property without affording him a fair hearing amounted to a denial of his fundamental human rights, unconstitutional and void.

    “He recalled that the Federal Executive Council decided to authorise the sale of the properties housing the principal officers of the National Assembly because the general security of the area had been altered/compromised due to the sale of the other houses in the Legislative Quarters to the public.

    “Consequent upon which the houses were offered for sale and duly purchased.

    “Senator Mark was given the first option of refusal upon which he duly accepted on April 21st 2011 and paid the agreed purchase price to the ad hoc committee on sale of Federal Government houses on April 27, 2011.”

  • Innoson Motors boss arrested by EFCC for allegedly jumping bail

    Innoson Motors boss arrested by EFCC for allegedly jumping bail

    THE Chairman/Managing Director of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company (IVM), Chief Innocent Chukwuma, was yesterday arrested by security operatives attached to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly jumping bail.

    It was gathered that the EFCC operatives and other heavily armed policemen arrived Chukwuma’s home at Savage Crescent, GRA, Enugu at about 7:30am and took him away.

    Security men at the residence had initially refused the EFCC operatives entry, a development that led to the firing of teargas by the policemen attached to the commission.

    The operatives, it was gathered, later succeeded in gaining access to the building after overpowering Chukwuma’s security men and then arrested him.

    But, a statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the anti-graft agency, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said the industrialist was being interrogated after allegedly jumping bail.

    The statement said: “Chukwuma was picked up at about 11am at his Savage Crescent, GRA Enugu residence today Tuesday December 19, 2017.

    “His arrest followed his refusal to honour invitation by the commission having earlier  jumped an administrative  bail  granted him in a case being investigated by  the Capital Market and Insurance Fraud Unit of the commission’s Lagos office.

    “Chukwuma rather than honouring invitation by the EFCC, mobilised six truckloads of thugs pretending to be staff of his company to his residence, where they manhandled EFCC operatives.

    “It took reinforcement from the Enugu office of the EFCC to effect the arrest of the industrialist who is currently being grilled by a team of investigators.”

     

  • EFCC invites Bello’s aide for questioning

    EFCC invites Bello’s aide for questioning

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited the Chief of Staff to Niger State Governor, Mikail Alamin Shekwoaga, for allegedly obtaining money under false pretence and abuse of office.

    The invitation was contained in a letter addressed to Secretary to the state government, titled: “Investigative Activities, Letter of Invitation”.

    Executive Director of the Niger State Primary Health Development Agency (NSPHDA) Dr. Yahaya Nau’zo was also invited.

    The letter reads: “This office is investigating a case of obtaining money under false pretence and abuse of office, in which the need to obtain clarification from your workers have become imperative.

    “In view of the above, you are requested to release the Executive Director (NSPHDA), Dr. Yahaya Nauzo, and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Mukail Alamin Shekwoaga, for interview at 5 Ademola Crescent Wuse II, Abuja, on December 11, at 10 am.”