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Tag: EFCC

  • EFCC detains over 100 undergraduates for cyber crimes

    EFCC detains over 100 undergraduates for cyber crimes

    NO fewer than 100 undergraduates of tertiary institutions across the Southwest have been detained for various cybercrimes by the Ibadan Zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), it was learnt yesterday.

    Addressing reporters in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital yesterday, the commission’s Deputy Zonal Head, Ibadan, Kazeem Oseni, who spoke on behalf of the Acting Chairman Ibrahim Magu, said the suspects were arrested for mainly online love scam, Automated Teller Machine (ATM) fraud and online marketing scams.

    Oseni added that the Ibadan office had recovered around N277.9 million from fraudsters in the past nine months, adding that 50 cases had been instituted against the suspects with 381 others being investigated.

    ”The commission is attending to 431 cases among which 50 cases are already in court. In the past nine months, we have arrested 195 individuals in connection with bank fraud, internet fraud, land and general disputes. Among the cases in court are the ones involving the Vice Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, that of the Federal University of Technology, Akure and Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

    “The prevailing case in Ibadan is internet frauds involving young people. The Ibadan office has so far recovered N277, 931,341 from various financial criminals while we have also recovered objects like cars used by fraudsters to perpetrate crimes,” he said.

     

     

  • EFCC, Stock Exchange strengthen pact to protect investors

    EFCC, Stock Exchange strengthen pact to protect investors

    Authorities at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have renewed their commitments to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that seeks to protect investors from market abuses and forestall the use of the Nigerian stock market as conduit for illicit wealth.

    At a high-level meeting at the Exchange in Lagos, Acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu and Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema led other top executives and stakeholders at the stock market in discussions on increasing collaboration between the anti-corruption agency and the stock market in the fight against corruption.

    Reliable sources at the meeting said both parties reaffirmed commitments to the existing MoU and underscored the need to collaborate in the area of information sharing, investigation and intelligence.

    Both parties said the mutual and cordial relationship between the agency and the stock market should give impetus to anti-corruption campaign and investors’ protection.

    A source in the know said the meeting may lead to further involvement of the EFCC in investigation and prosecution of market abuses.

    Already, EFCC is currently investigating not less than 16 cases of investors’ impersonation under the terms of the MoU.

    A report by the Exchange showed that the some 20 persons are being investigated by the EFCC for alleged impersonation and fraudulent attempt to convert investors’ shares into their names.

    The report indicated that many of the impersonators were operating as syndicates with links across the chain of the capital market transaction. Some of the impersonators had successfully converted and sold other people’s shares but were apprehended when the original owners of the shares reported the illegal transactions.

    Although the details of the investigations are still sketchy because of the confidentiality of the investigations, a source in the know of the investigations confirmed that there were syndicates that took advantage of the dormancy of some investors’ account to surreptitiously prey on such accounts. The source said some of the impersonators specialised in fraudulent conversion of shareholding estates.

    Capital market regulators have responded to recent cases of capital market frauds by tightening existing disclosure rules and sanctions as well as increased collaboration with the law enforcement agencies.

    Nigeria’s apex capital market regulator, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the EFCC recently signed on to an alliance to tackle infractions at the capital market and protect investors.

    While the EFCC has severally participated in capital market investigations in the past, SEC and EFCC in January 2017 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that formally establish the alliance between the two Commissions.

    The MoU is expected to promote the efficient investigation and conclusion of all cases reported by either of the institutions to each other and to promote the integrity, efficiency and soundness of the Nigerian capital market and the economy in general.

    It also seeks to promote collaboration in the areas of training and secondment of middle cadre officers of the SEC to the EFCC and those of the EFCC to the SEC; or in the alternative, the establishment of a liaison desk in both Institutions as well as promote collaboration in other areas beneficial to both Institutions.

    According to the MoU, both Commissions shall provide each other with the utmost mutual assistance in any matter falling within their competences, including in particular the following areas: secondment of middle cadre officers, training to enhance the investigative skills and capacity of personnel of the institutions and consequently increase the general output and performance of the institutions and facilitate better understanding of each others’ functions through capacity building programmes and human capital development in the areas of investigation of fraud in the capital market.

     

     

     

    Both institutions will also collaborate in the areas of exchange of information to assist the performance of the institutions’ respective functions, reporting, investigation and prosecution of fraudulent and manipulative practices in the Nigerian capital market and any other activity as agreed between the institutions from time to time.

    However, the MoU serves as a basis of cooperation between the institutions and does not create any binding legal obligation, nor does it modify or supersede any laws, regulations or regulatory requirements in force or applying to the institutions. Furthermore, the MoU does not create any rights enforceable by third institutions nor does it affect any arrangement under other MoUs.

     

  • EFCC traces N47b, $487m to ex-Oil Minister Diezani

    EFCC traces N47b, $487m to ex-Oil Minister Diezani

    N234m, $5m in bank accounts

    Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt houses listed 

    SOME OF THE ASSETS

    • A block of six units serviced apartments at 135, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos
    • 21 mixed housing units of eight four-bedroom apartments, two penthouse apartments of  three-bedrooms each and six three-bedroom (all en-suite) terrace apartments in Yaba
    • A twin four-bedroom duplex   at   Lekki Phase one, Lagos
    • A large expanse of land at Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos
    • A duplex  at 10, Frederick Chiluba Close in Asokoro, Abuja
    • A six-bedroom en-suite apartment on Aso Drive, Maitama, Abuja
    • 16 four-bedroom terrace duplexes at No. Heritage Court Estate, Plot 2C, Omerelu Street, Diobu GRA, Phase 1 Extension, Port Harcourt.

     

    A massive investigation has revealed former Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke’s love  for property.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) has so far traced N47.2 billion and $487.5million to the ex-minister.

    The agency also claimed that Mrs. Alison Madueke has N23,446,300,000 and $5milion (about N1.5billion) cash in various banks.

    But only the about $37.5million Banana Island property has been forfeited to the Federal Government by the ex-minister.

    On Monday , Justice Chuka Obiozor, a vacation judge sitting at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, ordered the final forfeiture of the property.

    These revelations were contained in a fact-sheet released by the Public Affairs Directorate of  the EFCC.

    The fact-sheet is signed by two officers of the directorate, Mr. Tony Orilade and Aishah Gambari.

    The document reads: “Apart from the jewellery, the EFCC, Nigeria’s foremost anti-corruption agency, has traced N47.2billion and $487.5million in cash and properties to the former Minister of Petroleum Resources in ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

    “This followed painstaking investigations by operatives of Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).”

    In the fact-sheet, the EFCC gave the details of the properties linked with the ex-minister.

    It accused Mrs. Alison Madueke of acquiring a block of six units serviced apartments a few metres away from the EFCC zonal operations hub in Ikoyi.

    The document added: “Also in Lagos, Alison-Madueke allegedly bought a block of six units serviced apartments at number 135, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, just a few hundred metres away from the EFCC zonal operations hub.

    “The apartment has a standby power generating set, sporting facilities, play ground and a water treatment plant. The property was bought at the rate of N800 million (Eight hundred million naira) on January 6, 2012.

    “Other properties in Yaba, Lagos, also discovered by the eagle eyes of the Commission’s operatives, are located at number 7, Thurnburn Street and 5, Raymond Street. The Thurnburn Street property consists of 21 mixed housing units of eight four-bedroom apartments, two penthouse apartments of   three bedrooms each and six three-bedroom (all en-suite) terrace apartments.

    “The Raymond Street property is made up of two en-suite 2-bedroom apartments and one four bedroom apartment.

    “The Yaba, Lagos properties, which dug a deep hole of an eye-popping N1billion (One billion naira), were paid for on May 30, 2012. The same day Alison-Madueke splashed N900 million for the Port Harcourt estate.

    “In Lekki Phase one, an upscale neighbourhood of Lagos, operatives found a twin four-bedroom duplex. The duplex is located on Plot 33, Block 112, Lekki Peninsula Residential Scheme Phase 1, Lekki, Lagos, with an estimated value of over N200million (Two hundred million naira).

    “Also in Lagos, a large expanse of land at Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos has also been traced to the former Petroleum Resources Minister. The land, which is located in Oniru Chieftaincy Family Private Estate, Lekki peninsular, Lagos and currently being utilised as a dumping site, was bought on February 16, 2012 for N135million (One hundred and thirty- five million naira).

    “Plot 8, Gerard Road Ikoyi, Lagos, another property traced to Alison-Madueke, is a penthouse on the 11th floor in the Block B Wing of the building. It was bought for N12million (Twelve million naira) on December 20, 2011.”

    Besides the properties in Lagos, the commission claimed that Mrs. Alison Madueke allegedly bought choice mansions in Abuja, Port Harcourt and  Yenagoa in Bayelsa State.

    It said: “On Plot 10, Frederick Chiluba Close, in the serene, upscale Asokoro District of Abuja, lies a tastefully built and finished duplex. In the compound, there are also a guest chalet, boy’s quarters, an elegant swimming pool, fully equipped sports gym and a host of other amenities.

    “ Investigators have discovered that the property acquired by the ex-minister in December, 2009, at the cost of N400 million (Four hundred million naira)  was never declared in any of the asset declaration forms filed by Alison-Madueke.

    “Also linked to the former Minister in Abuja is a mini-estate at Mabushi, Abuja. The estate, located on Plot 1205, Cadastral Zone B06, Mabushi Gardens Estate, houses 13 three-bedroom terrace  houses, each with one bedroom en-suite maid’s quarters.  It was purchased on April 2, 2012 at the princely sum of N650million (Six Hundred and Fifty Million Naira).

    “In Aso Drive, Maitama, Abuja, Alison-Madueke reportedly acquired a six bedroom en-suite apartment made up of three large living rooms, two bedroom guest chalets, two-bedroom boys quarters, two lock up garages and a car park. It was bought on July 20, 2011 for N80million (Eighty million naira).

    “Down South in Nigeria’s oil city of Port Harcourt, the former minister’s acquisitive appetite took her to Heritage Court Estate, located on Plot 2C, Omerelu Street, Diobu Government Residential Area, Phase 1 Extension, Port Harcourt.

    “The Estate, which is made up of 16 four-bedroom terrace duplexes, is equipped with, among other facilities, a massive standby power generating set. Alison-Madueke did not blink as she shelled out N900million (Nine hundred million naira) for it on May 30, 2012.

    “In neighbouring Bayelsa State, an apartment with two blocks of flats, all en-suite, and with a maid’s quarters was also traced to her. The house located on Goodluck Jonathan Road, Yenagoa is sitting on a large expanse of land.

    “Realtors spoken to by EFCC investigators have placed estimated values running into hundreds of millions of Naira on the property. The apartments have four living rooms, eight bedrooms and gold-plated furniture.”

    Besides jewelry and property, Mrs. Alison-Madueke, EFCC operatives claim, has N23,446,300,000 and $5milion (about N1.5billion) in various Nigerian banks.

  • Magu wants anti-corruption course in varsities

    Magu wants anti-corruption course in varsities

    The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, on Tuesday called for introduction of anti-corruption course in the university curriculum.

    He promised to sponsor research work on corruption at doctorate level for the next 10 years.

    The EFCC chairman said the educational sector was critical to winning the war against corruption and reinventing of Nigeria’s cherished value systems.

    Magu stated these during a visit to the National Universities Commission (NUC) in Abuja.

    A statement issued by the Commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, quoted the EFCC chairman as saying: “From January 2018 the EFCC will sponsor up to 20 Ph.D. researchers on any aspect of corruption every year, for the next 10 years.

    “We shall also support the publication of research papers relevant to teaching of anti-corruption courses.

    “We believe that university students constitute a strategic target of anti-corruption training and awareness raising activities, as they will become tomorrow’s managers.”

    He said the EFCC views the NUC as a critical partner in progress “to reach out to all youths” in the country, as part of the anti-graft agency’s strategy. “

    He added: “The NUC has a vital role to play as it can assist us at the EFCC to extend our anti-corruption message to the universities and sensitize youths on the ills of corruption, so that they will not be tools in hands of corrupt politicians.

    The Executive Secretary of the NUC, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, commended the EFCC boss for the initiative.

    He said: “We are where we are today because of corruption, and unless we retrace our steps, and begin to do things right, we may not get to the Promised Land.”

    He also acknowledged the efforts of the anti-graft agency in arresting and prosecuting fraudsters operating illegal institutions in the country and using same to defraud Nigerians.

    “This interaction will go a long way to reposition our country and the university system,” he added.

     

     

  • EFCC probes suspect over 849 ATMs

    EFCC probes suspect over 849 ATMs

    THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission yesterday said it has stepped up investigation to determine how a suspect,  Yasir Salihu Abdullahi, got 849 Automated Teller Machine cards of various Nigerian banks.

    The commission said Abdullahi will be investigated on why the cards were being shipped out of the country.

    According to a statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, the suspect was arrested at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport on Friday as he prepared to board an Egypt Air heading for Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

    The anti-graft agency said Abdullahi was intercepted after a scan of his luggage by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service revealed the suspicious items.

    The statement said: “The Customs officers then alerted the EFCC’s office in Kano.  On arrival, operatives of the commission discovered that he had: 490 Guaranty Trust Bank ATM cards; 287 ATM cards of Access Bank; 49 ATM cards of Eco Bank; 10 ATM cards of UBA; six ATM cards of Stanbic IBTC Bank; four ATM cards of Zenith Bank; one ATM card each of Sterling Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and First City Monument Bank.

    “Another suspected fraudster, Ma Yongbin alias Suleiman Yunusa, a 46-year-old Chinese national was also arrested on August 3 by Aviation Security at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport as he tried to board Egypt Air to China.

    “He was arrested at the Baggage checking point where he was found to have in his possession the sum of N305,000 in N5 denomination. He was eventually handed over to the commission for further investigation.

    “The two suspects have made useful statements. They have also been granted administrative bail while investigations continue.”

  • EFCC probes suspect over possession of 849 ATM cards

    EFCC probes suspect over possession of 849 ATM cards

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said on Monday it has stepped up investigation to determine how a suspect, Yasir Salihu Abdullahi, got a total of 849 Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards of various Nigerian banks.

    The Commission also said Abdullahi would be investigated on why the cards were being shipped out of the country.

    According to a statement issued by the Head of Media and Publicity of EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, the suspect was arrested at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport on Friday as he prepared to board an Egypt Air heading for Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

    The anti-graft agency said Abdullahi was intercepted after a scan of his luggage by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service revealed the suspicious items.

    The statement said: “The Customs officers then alerted the EFCC’s office in Kano.  On arrival, operatives of the Commission discovered that he had: 490 Guaranty Trust Bank ATM cards; 287 ATM cards of Access Bank; 49 ATM cards of Eco Bank; 10 ATM cards of UBA; six ATM cards of Stanbic IBTC Bank; four ATM cards of Zenith Bank; one ATM card each of Sterling Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and First City Monument Bank.

    “Another suspected fraudster, Ma Yongbin alias Suleiman Yunusa, a 46-year- old Chinese National was also arrested on August 3 by Aviation Security at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport as he tried to board Egypt Air to China.

    “He was arrested at the Baggage checking point where he was found to have in his possession the sum of N305, 000 in N5 denomination.

    “He was eventually handed over to the Commission for further investigation.

    “The two suspects have made useful statements. They have also been granted administrative bail while investigations continue.”

  • EFCC’s probe: NBET MD implicates Perm Sec

    EFCC’s probe: NBET MD implicates Perm Sec

    Worried by the ongoing probe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc( NBET) Dr. Marylin Amobi has raised the alarm that a Federal Permanent Secretary is putting her under pressure.

    She said the Permanent Secretary wanted her  to pay N248million to a consulting firm, in which her sister has interest, to facilitate the conclusion of Bond and Promissory Notes for the agency.

    She also said the Permanent Secretary has been trying to force her to resign based on the alleged instructions of the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

    But she said she told the affected Permanent Secretary that she would not be bullied to quit office unless directed by the presidency.

    Amobi, who made the submissions in an Executive Summary sent to the presidency, asked the Acting President to urgently constitute the board of NBET.

    The Federal Executive had early in the year approved a Power Sector Recovery Plan to look for an alternative all-inclusive strategy for addressing the liquidity crisis facing the power Generating Companies( GENCOS) in the country.

    The recovery plan was designed to avert the total collapse of the electricity sector because many Distribution Companies ( DISCOS) have not been able to meet their financial obligations to GENCOS.

    Some of the liquidity sources being considered are getting a consulting firm to secure Bond and Promissory Notes; approval by the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria ( CBN) for a loan of N701billion under a “payment assurance programme; and an utilized $350million loan which has been hidden in an account.

    But the NBET boss said the affected Permanent Secretary has preference for “Power Sector Bond/ Promissory Note” through a consulting firm because of personal interest.

    She said the Permanent Secretary wanted her to pay N248million to the consulting firm to facilitate the conclusion of Bond and Promissory Notes for the electricity sector.

    She said it was difficult to comply with the directive of the Permanent Secretary because it was an unjustifiable  payment.

    The Executive Summary reads in part: “ I came under pressure yet again to do the following:

    1. Reconnect with the consulting firm to steer forward the conclusion of the Bond and Promissory Notes products for the electricity sector; and
    2. To pay a sum of N39M or N2248M to MT Consulting, as outstanding consultancy fees for what I consider as an unjustifiable payment for the work that they had done before I joined the organisation, that involved the development of the abandoned financial product.

    “When I protested to the PS about this, he engaged me by email on an allegation that the NASS was investigating a petition on a consultancy work NBET gave to an Engineer, which in his allegation was the same as the work the consulting firm had done. It is to be noted that the NASS confirmed to me a few days thereafter that they did not receive any petition as the PS had alluded.

    “At the kick off meeting that I had with the Permanent Secretary on the 19th of August  2016, I reiterated some of the concerns that I had with the Bond issuance to him.

    “ And he assured me that he understood my concerns, would support me to review the work NBET had already done on the product and make what I consider would be the best decision in the circumstance.

    “He did not tell me that he had an interest in the initiative and was the lead consultant and the face of the consulting company at the conceptualisation stages or that his sister is the MD / CEO the company. I learned that at the interrogatory session that the House Committee on Power conducted a few days after I resumed work as the MD / CEO at NBET.

    “However, the relevance of my concerns regarding the integrity of these matters soon disappeared after the National Assembly (NASS) launched an investigation into the matter in September 2016; and ruled that there was an “attempted fraud” at NBET.

    “Furthermore, they ordered that the Procurement Department that was previously under the Human Resources Department, be placed under the Office of the MD / CEO and that I penalised the staff who were culpable for the attempted fraud.”

  • AGF: No rift with EFCC

    Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami (SAN), yesterday waved aside speculations about a rift between him and Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim Magu, on the handling of high profile criminal cases.

    A recent letter from the office of the AGF directed the EFCC to forward files on about 35 high profile cases, involving ex-governors and other prominent individuals to his office for vetting and further directive.

    The directive ignited speculation about a possible rift between the AGF and Magu, with many expressing doubt about the AGF’ true intention. Some even claimed the directive was a prelude to the AGF’s office’s eventual take over of the cases.

    Speaking in Abuja yesterday, Malami said there was no rift between his office and the EFCC leadership.

    Malami, who was reacting to questions after an event held in his office, said he did not believe the letter to the EFCC was an evidence of a right between his office and the EFCC or that his office intended to take over the cases.

    Malami spoke on a forthcoming “national summit on justice,” slated for August 8 and 10 in Abuja. He also unveiled the upgraded Federal Ministry of Justice’s website and Freedom of Information (FOI) Compliance portal.

    Malami said the summit, to be attended by stakeholders in the justice sector, was intended to consider, adopt and validate the draft National Policy on Justice (NPJ), developed by a technical committee constituted by the Federal Ministry of Justice in 2016.

    On the need for a national justice policy, the AGF said: “Given the challenges militating against an effective administration of justice and the peculiarity of our federal system, there is the need to harmonize and integrate the various reforms initiatives into a clearly articulated National Justice Policy.

    “The policy is expected to clearly define Nigeria’s political philosophy with respect to justice delivery and provide a common direction for the justice sector stakeholders across the nation.

    “The policy, in broad term, is expected to set out a common vision and provide the guidelines for promoting an effective justice system that guarantees the freedom of the people and socio-economic development of the nation.

    “This policy will therefore, serve as a policy framework upon which relevant institutions can situate regulations and legislation in line with best practices and principles,” Malami said.

  • AMCON, EFCC collaborate to recover N4.6tr debts

    AMCON, EFCC collaborate to recover N4.6tr debts

    The Asset Management  Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have partnered to recover over N4.6 trillion debts owed the corporation by debtors. Both agencies, had in a meeting yesterday in Abuja, agreed to consolidate on the gains of their relationship especially in the areas of investigating, prosecuting and compelling all debtors of AMCON,  in accordance with the relevant laws.

    The AMCON Managing Director/CEO Ahmed Kuru and EFCC’s Acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu agreed on the need to revisit some banks and their officials that were instrumental to the abuse and violation of internal processes that led to the huge non-performing loans in AMCON’s portfolio.

    Kuru said AMCON acquired debts from 22 banks worth N3.7 trillion and provided financial accommodation to 10 banks of about N2.2 trillion. He observed that despite AMCON’s recovery efforts, the corporation still holds unresolved loans in excess of N4.6 trillion which represents about 75 per cent of total national budget. He expressed concern that failure on the part of AMCON to resolve the debts will have far reaching implication for the nation at large.

    Both agencies are planning to revisit, reinvestigate and duly prosecute such banks and the responsible officials.

    Magu described the assignments of both agencies of government as “very tough, overwhelming and challenging.” He however added that he was happy that AMCON under Kuru is doing everything within its mandate to confront the obligors with all the risks involved in the process of doing so.

    He said it was for that reason that EFCC established AMCON Desk with dedicated EFCC officials that ensures that all AMCON related cases in EFCC received speedy attention. Magu assured Kuru that the AMCON Desk at EFCC will continue to be functional adding that the EFCC is willing to increase the number of personnel on the Desk if so required and would be willing to establish a Lagos branch if necessary to make sure these huge loans are recovered in the interest of the Nigerian economy.

    Condemning the impunity with which those transactions were done, the EFCC boss affirmed that some of these obligors “who took loans without the intention of paying back” did not envisage that someday an agency like AMCON will come knocking on their doors seeking to recover the loans. According to him, giving the similarity in the objectives of both agencies, the acting EFCC Chairman said there is need for joint trainings towards fostering better understanding between AMCON and the EFCC.

     

     

  • AGF’s directives create tension in the EFCC

    AGF’s directives create tension in the EFCC

    There were fears yesterday over the future of the Buhari administration’s anti-corruption war, following a letter from the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN).

    The AGF is demanding for the outcome of some investigations and recommendations on such cases  from the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu.

    The letter is suspected to be a booby trap for Magu to show whether or not he will disrespect the directive of the AGF.

    At the EFCC, officials are concerned that the AGF may use his constitutional powers to determine which cases to prosecute or discontinue.

    It was learnt that the Presidency may, however, wade into the crisis of confidence between the AGF and the Acting EFCC chairman.

    The AGF, in an August 1 letter (titled Compliance with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission  (Enforcement) Regulations 2010) signed by Abiodun Aikomo Esq, directed Magu to ensure “compliance going forward”. There was no timeline for the submission of the reports on serious cases. Besides, such cases are not listed.

    The letter said: “I am directed by the Honourable Attorney- General and Minister of Justice to refer to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission  (Enforcement) Regulations 2010 (the Regulation) published in the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No.61 Vol. of 21st September 2010, particularly the obligations of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission  (EFCC/the Commission)thereunder.  The said Regulation is attached herewith for ease of reference.

    “I am directed to refer specifically to Section 10 (1) which mandates the Commission to forward to the Attorney- General, in respect of a case of complaint which is serious or complex within the context of the Regulation, the outcome of its investigation(s) with its recommendations on whether there are sufficient grounds to initiate prosecution.

    “The Honourable Attorney-General observes that the Commission has been in breach of the above cited provision of the Regulation for some time, hence this reminder to the Commission to ensure compliance going forward.

    “Accept please, the assurances of the best of the Honourable Attorney General.”

    The AGF’s directive has created some tension in the EFCC because it appears that the Minister has drawn a line.

    A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “We suspect that the AGF now wants to determine which serious cases to prosecute and those to discontinue.

    “This is a replica of what we experienced about 10 years ago when a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mike Aondoakaa(SAN), was trying to exercise his prosecutorial powers by cutting the former EFCC Chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to size.

    “We are all downcast because what we consider good cases might be rejected by the AGF. Yet, the Acting EFCC chairman cannot disobey the AGF.

    “This is the second time the EFCC will go through this type of hurdle during the tenure of Magu. At a point, the National Prosecution Committee demanded for similar case files but we could not afford such a risk.”

    The source added: “We are expecting that the Presidency will intervene to manage the crisis of confidence between the AGF and the Acting Chairman of EFCC.

    “Magu has nothing against the AGF but some forces are just creating bad blood between them.”

    The office of the AGF said yesterday that it had no plan to take over high profile criminal cases from the prosecuting agencies handling them.

    AGF spokesman Salihu Isah told The Nation that a letter from the Federal Ministry of Justice, requesting some prosecuting agencies to update the ministry with development in such cases was not an attempt to take over the cases.

    He said such information was required by the National Prosecution Coordination Committee (NPCC) to enable it assess the cases, plan and offer strategic advice where necessary.

    Isah, who also acts as the spokesman for the NPCC, which resides within the Federal Ministry of Justice, noted that the committee was empowered to seek such information from the various prosecuting agencies to enable it perform its responsibility of advising the AGF.

    He said: “The letter did not say they should hand over the cases to us. The committee wants to know the status of the cases so that they will know what to do to assist. It is not that we are taking over. The media appears not to understand what we are doing.

    “You should know that the Federal Ministry of Justice, being the supervisory ministry for these prosecuting agencies, deserves to know the status of these cases. So, that is why we want them to furnish the ministry and the NPCC with information about the status of these cases.”

    Isah drew attention to a statement he issued late last year at the inauguration of the NPCC, explaining the responsibilities of the committee.

    Isah, in the statement issued last November, said the 19-man NPCC “is charged with ensuring the efficient, effective and result oriented prosecution of high profile criminal cases in the country.

    “The Committee is also to guarantee prompt contact and synergy between investigators and the prosecutors of high profile criminal cases, manage information to the public on such cases as well as to ensure strict compliance to the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

    “For its terms of reference, the NPCC is to advise the HAGF on the exercise of his prosecutorial powers in Section 150 and 174 of the 1999 Constitution, prepare the policy strategy document for the coordination of investigation and prosecution of high profile criminal cases in Nigeria and to also collate the list of such cases as well as assigning them to prosecution teams.

    “The Committee will scrutinise the proof of evidence and charges in high profile criminal cases in the country before arraignment. In addition, it will receive and analyse reports from the investigation and prosecution teams engaged to handle such cases.”