The Nation Newspaper

Tag: EFCC

  • EFCC confirms Abati’s release

    EFCC confirms Abati’s release

    Former Presidential Spokesperson, Reuben Abati has been released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), its spokesperson Wilson Uwujaren confirmed yesterday.

    Uwujaren told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan was released to a surety without further conditions.

    An online medium, PREMIUM TIMES, had earlier reported that Abati confirmed his own release on Saturday morning and was “putting up somewhere in Abuja’’.

    The ex-presidential aide turned himself to the EFCC on Oct. 21 after he was accused of receiving N50 million from detained former National Security Adviser, retired Col. Sambo Dasuki.

  • Halliburton: EFCC right to invite me, says Aondoakaa

    Halliburton: EFCC right to invite me, says Aondoakaa

    Former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Justice Minister, Mike Aondoakaa, says there is nothing wrong in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) inviting him for questioning on the Halliburton scandal.

    Aondoakaa who spent several hours during the week answering questions from EFCC interrogators said that he knew about the bribe allegedly given to Nigerian government officials  by the company told The Nation in Makurdi that he “initiated action against Halliburton  in 2007” in the first instance.

    He said: “Go and cross check your facts: in 2007 barely two months in office me and President Yar’ Adua were in UN General Assembly when the Halliburton scandal cropped up and I engaged reputable solicitors to take action.”

    Question:  So what happened after you took action?

    Aondoakaa: I left office but I understand fines were paid to the federal government. I don’t know what happened after that.

    Question: What did the EFCC want from you?

    Aondoakaa:  I told you I initiated action against Halliburton and I’m glad EFCC gave me the opportunity to hear from me. Contrary to the popular belief that I frustrated the Halliburton case, I initiated action and thank the EFCC under Ibrahim Magu for inviting me and giving me fair hearing on the matter. I was well treated, I was not detained and put under pressure. I voluntarily made a statement and was well respected. I left same day.

    Question: What did you tell them (EFCC)?

    Aondoakaa: I started the matter and they needed to hear from me and how the whole thing started. Just like I said they were decent and polite to me. I bear no grudges, people should account for their action in office. So I accounted for mine before EFCC. I’m extremely grateful to EFCC. If another opportunity provides itself I will honour their invitation. It has put many records straight. At least they heard my side of the story. Fines were paid. How they were paid I won’t know.”

     

  • EFCC uncovers N18m in female judge’s foreign account

    EFCC uncovers N18m in female judge’s foreign account

    •Judge: It was a loan from a ‘family friend’ •Oil firm chairman: not a loan but an assistance

    THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered a bogus financial transaction of N18 million in the foreign account of  Justice Rita Ngozi  Ofili-Ajumogobia.

    It was learnt that the commission “stumbled on the N18 million wired into the foreign account from her domiciliary account for the purchase of a property in the United Kingdom (UK).

    The judge was said to be under investigation for owning a foreign account and how the cash remittance came about.

    A source in EFCC said: “Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia owned up to the money, but claimed it was a loan obtained privately from a family friend.

    “The ‘family friend’, who is a chairman of an oil and gas firm from where the funds emanated, has been invited by the commission for questioning.

    “So far, he had told operatives that the money was an assistance he rendered to her.

    “Inquiry into the loan facility as claimed by both of them showed no formal agreement or documentation as to how and when the repayment would be made.

    “However, the oil and gas company chairman is at present telling the commission the extent of his relationship and involvement with the funds, which was wired into the judge’s personal account sometime in 2012 while she was a sitting judge of the Federal High Court.”

    Justice Ofili-Ajumogbobia is among the six judges being investigated by the commission for alleged corruption alongside some senior lawyers.

    The other five judges include Justice Nasiru Mohammed Yunusa, Justice Hydlezira A. Nganjiwa, Justice Uwani Abba Aji, Justice Agbadu Jamus Fishim and Justice Musa H. Kuriya.

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) had in February sanctioned Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia for misconduct on the bench.

    The council barred her from elevation to the Court of Appeal or taking any judicial appointment.

    A statement by NJC  Acting Director of Information Mr. Soji Oye said: “The NJC, under the chairmanship of Justice Mahmud Mohammed, at its meeting on February 24 and 25, 2016 decided to warn Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia and put her on the “watch-list” of the council for the next four years.

    “The judge will also not be considered for any elevation to the Court of Appeal or any ad hoc judicial appointment till her retirement from the Bench.

    “The decision was sequel to the petition written against her by Victoria Ayeni, alleging misconduct and injustice on the part of Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia for failing to deliver judgment in Suit No FHC/AB/CS/31/2011, a pre-election matter between Victoria A. A. Ayeni and Olusola Sonuga and two Ors.

    “She was also alleged to have adjourned the pre-election matter several times until the termination of the lifespan of the Ogun State House of Assembly. The decision of the Council on Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia is with immediate effect.”

     

     

  • EFCC re-arraigns Kalu for allegedly diverting N3.2b Abia funds

    EFCC re-arraigns Kalu for allegedly diverting N3.2b Abia funds

    Former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu yesterday lost his bid to avoid being re-arraigned in Lagos for an alleged N3.2 billion fraud.

    He had petitioned Chief Judge of the Federal High Court Justice Ibrahim Auta, opposing a bid to transfer his case from the Federal High Court, Abuja, to the Lagos Division.

    But the chief judge refused the prayers, paving the way for his re-arraignment before Justice Mohammed Idris sitting in Ikoyi.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) re-arraigned Kalu with Udeh Udeogu and Slok Nigeria Limited on 34 counts of money laundering.

    They were first arraigned on September 27 before Justice Anwuri Chikere of the court’s Abuja division.

    On learning that the case had been transferred to Lagos, Kalu, through his lawyer Prof Awah Kalu (SAN), filed an ex-parte motion seeking leave of court to apply for an order of mandamus to compel the chief judge to reverse the transfer.

    He also prayed that the order should operate as “a stay of all actions, matters or issues ancillary to or relating to or pertaining to or connected with the case, pending the hearing and determination of the suit.”

    EFCC, Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami (SAN) and Justice Auta are respondents.

    In a supporting affidavit deposed to by a lawyer, Ikechukwu Njoku, Kalu said the case, filed after he left office in 2007, suffered delays due to interlocutory appeals.

    The former governor said he temporarily relocated to Abuja to face trial, therefore it would be in the interest of justice to let the case remain in Abuja.

    The suit, filed after the transfer of the corruption case to Lagos, is still pending in Abuja.

    Kalu and his co-accused allegedly diverted about N3.2 billion from Abia State’s treasury while he was governor.

    He was said to have allegedly diverted the funds in tranches of N200 million, N50 million, N200 million, N300.8 million, N545 million, N429 million, N288.4 million, N190 million, N157 million, N152.8 million, N100 million, N84 million and N50 milliob between August 13, 2003 and January 12, 2005.

    The offence is said to be contrary to Section 17 (c) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2003 and punishable under Section 16 of the same Act.

    The EFCC accused Slok Nigeria Limited of conniving with Emeka Abone, said to be at large, to help Kalu retain the allegedly stolen funds in its accounts.

    The prosecution said Slok “knew or at least suspected the said Orji Uzor Kalu to have engaged in a criminal conduct.”

    Udeogu was accused of helping Kalu to pay part of the allegedly stolen funds into Slok’s account with the defunct FinBank Plc.

    They were alleged to have utilised Manny Bank (now Fidelity Bank Plc), Spring Bank Plc, defunct Standard Trust Bank and FinBank, now First City Monument Bank (FCMB) to divert the funds.

    In counts one to 10, the accused were alleged to have retained about N2.5 billion in different accounts, which funds were said to belong to the Abia State government.

    Kalu was alleged to have, between August 13, 2003, and August 10, 2005, used his company, Slok, to retain N2.5 billion in his account domicilled with the Apapa branch of First Inland Bank.

    EFCC said the money formed part of funds illegally derived from the state’s treasury and were converted into several bank drafts before they were paid into Slok’s account.

    In counts 22 to 33, Kalu, Udeogu, Slok and Abone allegedly collaborated to conceal the genuine origin of N2.1billion, which formed parts of funds illegally derived from the treasury between August 13, 2003 and August 10, 2005.

    The defendants pleaded not guilty.

    Kalu’s lawyer Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) urged Justice Idris to allow him continue on the bail earlier granted him.

    “We are seeking the court’s discretion for the first defendant to continue on the bail granted to him on April 20, 2008 by Justice Adamu Bello.

    “Since this matter has started, he has not jumped bail. He is an employer of labour; therefore, he will not undermine this court,” the SAN said.

    Udeogu’s lawyer Mr. Solo Akuma (SAN) also urged Justice Idris to allow his client to continue on the bail granted him.

    “The second accused person is a retired permanent secretary and his wife is a judge of the Federal High Court,” Akuma added.

    Prosecution counsel Mr Adebisi Adeniyi did not oppose the applications.

    Justice Idris granted as prayed and adjourned until December 12 and 23 for trial.

     

     

  • EFCC re-arraigns ex bank chair for alleged N1.2b theft

    EFCC re-arraigns ex bank chair for alleged N1.2b theft

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday re-arraigned a former chairman of Wema Bank, Mohammed Olapade, at the Federal High Court, Lagos, for alleged N1.2 billion theft.

    The EFCC docked Olapade before Justice Babs Kuewunmi, following the transfer out of Lagos jurisdiction of the former judge handling the matter.

    Prosecution counsel Toyosi Kuteyi told the court that the case was for report of settlement but that talks had broken down and applied that the accused be re-arraigned to enable the case start de novo (anew).

    Olapade, who was also the chairman of AKS Steel, was re-arraigned alongside the former managing director of AKS Steel Nigeria Limited, Tony Obinwa, and a director, Sanni Aliyu Mohammed.

    Olapade, Obinwa and Aliyu are standing trial on a 32-count charge bordering on fraud, stealing and conversion of funds belonging to the firm.

    They were first arraigned on May 8, last year.

    Kuteyi stated that the accused and others at large committed the alleged offences between January 2006 and March 2009.

    He alleged that they fraudulently  obtained over N1.2 billion belonging to AKS Steel through some banks and transferred same to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and India.

    The funds, he added, were transferred without the company’s board resolution, using another firm identified as 3 Brothers Concept Nigeria Ltd.

    According to him, the banks involved were Diamond Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Spring Bank (now Enterprise Bank), Ecobank, Unity Bank, Intercontinental Bank (now Access Bank) and Equatorial Trust Bank (now Sterling Bank).

    The prosecutor further alleged that the accused  forged various documents and submitted same at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for it to be acted upon as genuine.

    In one instance, Kuteyi said they forged a board resolution of the company, dated October 31, 2005 and filed same at the CAC on January 17, 2006.

    In that resolution, they were accused of unilaterally increasing AKS Alloy PVT Ltd shares by 3.3 million and reducing the status of Shinning Star from majority to minority shareholder in the joint venture company of AKS Steel Nigeria Ltd.

    But there was no board meeting where such decision was made.

    Olapade was also accused of fraudulently converting another $500, 000  to his use.

    After the re-arraignment,  Oladipopo Yeye, counsel to the first and second accused persons and Kunle Ayorinde, who represented the third accused, urged the court to allow them enjoy the bail granted them by the previous judge.

    Justice Kuewunmi granted their application and adjourned the case till January 26 next year, for continuation of hearing.

  • Arms cash: EFCC serves Fani-Kayode notice of fresh trial

    Arms cash: EFCC serves Fani-Kayode notice of fresh trial

    •Bala Mohammed, Abati remain in custody
    •Ex-Minister’s alleged slump in detention was PR stunt

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday served a former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, a notice of fresh trial over alleged N26million arms cash collected from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

    The commission has also watch-listed Ms. Jamila Tangaza, a former Director of Abuja Geographical Information Service (AGIS), under a former Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Bala Mohammed.

    Jangaza, who is being investigated for alleged N800million questionable contracts, was said to have been sighted along a border by one of the security agencies.

    The ex-FCT Minister Mohammed and a former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati remained in custody undergoing interrogation as at last night.

    Investigation by our correspondent revealed that Fani-Kayode was served the fresh charges on the alleged N26million and a notice of trial which will start on November 10.

    A top source in EFCC, who spoke in confidence, said: “We have notified Fani-Kayode of his arraignment on November 10 and the charges against him bordering on alleged allocation of N6million by ONSA under ex-NSA Sambo Dasuki.

    “We are also investigating the former Minister for alleged N22million fraud. We may file separate charges on this ongoing probe later.”

    The source added: “The alleged slump by Fani-Kayode in detention is a PR stunt to draw sympathy. There was nothing like that.”

    On Mohammed and Abati, the EFCC source said: “The two former public officers underwent another round of grilling by EFCC team. As soon as we are done, we will grant them bail.

    “And where it is necessary to charge them to court from detention, we will let the public know.”

    Ms Tangaza had been quizzed alongside top directors of the Federal Capital Territory Administration including Ibrahim Bomoi (Treasury) and Babayo Mainasara (Land).

    Although she was admitted to bail, the anti-graft agency accused her of jumping bail.

    The top source in EFCC added: “As for Ms Tangaza, she has not complied with the terms of her bail. She has not been reporting to our office. So far, we have watch-listed her and this means she can be arrested by any of the security agencies.

    “The report reaching us indicated that Ms. Jamila was sighted at one of the land borders by one of the agencies but we have not been briefed.

    “We arrested and detained her because she was connected with the land scam and abuse of office.

     

  • Abati honoured our invitation – EFCC

    Abati honoured our invitation – EFCC

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), says former presidential spokesman, Dr Reuben Abati, honoured its invitation on Monday.

    This is contrary to media reports that Abati was “arrested and brought’’ to the commission’s office.

    “Former Special Adviser to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, on Monday, honoured an invitation by the EFCC at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

    “ He is currently presently telling operatives of the commission his role in the alleged mismanagement of the nation’s resources through his office.

    “ We shall keep you posted,’’ the anti-graft agency said on its Twitter handle on Tuesday.

    Quoting anonymous EFCC sources, some of the media reports said Abati was arrested for allegedly collecting N100 million from former National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Col. Sambo Dasuki.

    According to the reports, the money was part of 2.1 billion dollars meant for the purchase of arms for the Nigerian Army to fight Boko Haram insurgents.

    Spokesman of the EFCC, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, is yet to confirm the reports. He did not answer his phone on Tuesday when NAN called to get update on the matter.(NAN)

  • Corruption: Every public official is under investigation – Magu

    Corruption: Every public official is under investigation – Magu

    Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu has said that every government official is under investigation without  them knowing about it.

    Magu who spoke in Kaduna on Tuesday said the bane of the fight against corruption in the recent past was lack of political will.

    With the political will demonstrated by President Muhammadu Buhari and his Vice, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Magu said Nigeria will soon win the battle against corruption.

    Magu said that President Muhammadu Buhari gave the Commission additional mandate to investigate every Nigerian in government, irrespective of party affiliation in order to win the war against corruption.

    Speaking during a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the National Union of Textiles and Garment Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) in Kaduna, Magu dispelled the insinuation in some quarters that EFCC operations was one sided in the fight against corruption, saying, this was not true.

    He said, “We have cause to investigate and in fact we are investigating even those that are in government without them knowing.

    “’Not only that, the president has given me the mandate to investigate every corrupt Nigerian leader irrespective of his political affiliation.

    He said, the present administration under the watch of President Buhari has the political will to fight corruption, noting, even the Vice President Osibanjo and many other prominent people in government have the passion to fight corruption.

    “I don’t think we have the monopoly of knowledge to tackle corruption. But more than that, the fight against corruption is designed and structured to boost confidence in the economy as well as to attract investors both within and outside the country”, he added.

    Earlier, the General Secretary of the Textiles Workers Union, Comrade Issa Aremu canvassed for a national strategic to fight corruption, pointing out, that the fight should not be left to EFCC, ICPC, police alone.

    Comrade Aremu also blamed the inability of most State governments to pay salaries to corruption, adding that monies allegedly stolen by public officials cannot be made available for payment of salaries.

    While praising Buhari administration for the unprecedented “mainstreaming of the battle against corruption”, Comrade Aremu said there was an urgent need for a national strategy against the curse of graft which he said is already killing the old-term culture of industry, enterprise and labour productivity in the country.

    He therefore called on President Buhari to revisit 2014 National Conference Report and implement some measures therein that would deepen the government war against corruption.

    ENDS

  • EFCC grills ex-minister over ‘N1b contract’

    EFCC grills ex-minister over ‘N1b contract’

    Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday grilled a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Sen. Bala Mohammed, in connection with alleged N1billion fictitious contracts.

    Mohammed was also questioned on alleged allocation of 12 choice plots to his son, 37 other commercial plots of land worth about N8billion to his suspected front, Tariq Hammoud, and the controversial N1trillion Abuja land swap.

    A mansion believed to be worth N782million, allegedly belonging to the ex-minister, has been placed under Interim Assets Forfeiture.

    Mohammed, who arrived at the EFCC headquarters around 9.50am, was immediately ushered into interrogation room.

    Although Mohammed was quizzed for about nine hours, there were strong indications that the former minister might be detained.

    Before the ex-minister responded to the invitation of the anti-graft agency, others who had been interrogated were his son, Shamsudeen Bala; Shamsudeen, Hammoud, and top directors of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, including those of Treasury, Ibrahim Bomoi; Land, Babayo Mainasara, and Abuja Geographical Information Service (AGIS), Ms Jamila Tangaza.

    A top source, who spoke in confidence, said:

    “We have questioned him for about nine hours and he is likely to be detained for some days because of the many allegations he would respond to.

    “Some of these issues had been with the commission in the last three, year. Initial findings showed that the ex-minister used fictitious companies to award contracts worth N1billion in FCT. In one instance, a man with three companies was allowed to bid for one slot.

    “About 16 companies used for fictitious contracts are under investigation because they did not supply items credited to them.

    “He was also alleged to have allocated plots of land to his friends, business partners. For examples, he allocated 12 plots of land to his son, Shamsudeen and 37 commercial plots of land to his business front called Tariq Hammoud.

    “Some of those quizzed so far confessed that Bala allegedly used unconventional methods in raking illicit funds and laundering same. Each time the ex-minister allocated a plot of land, he will find out the market value and ask you to pay half of the amount to him in cash.

    “He was smart in collecting cash.

    The source added that EFCC detectives have uncovered how 37 commercial plots were allocated to Hammoud with about N8billion raked from the deal.

    “In fact, we saw a proposal by Tariq Hammoud to sell some of the plots,” the source said.

     

  • Ex-NIMASA D-G proposes plea bargain with EFCC

    Ex-NIMASA D-G proposes plea bargain with EFCC

    Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) former acting Director-General Haruna Jauro yesterday proposed to enter a plea bargain agreement with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The commission arraigned him at the Federal High Court in Lagos for alleged N304.1 million fraud.

    Jauro is among four ex-NIMASA chiefs charged with corruption-related offences.

    Others are Patrick Akpobolokemi, Calistus Obi and Temisan Omatseye, who was convicted.

    Obi, ex-NIMASA’s Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Service, took over from Akpobolokemi, who is facing five separate fraud charges.

    Obi was relieved of his duties less than a week later and replaced by Jauro, who was Executive Director, Finance and Administration.

    Jauro was charged with Dr. Dauda Bawa and Thlumbau Enterprises Limited on 19 counts of converting N304.1 million belonging to NIMASA.

    EFCC said they conspired on January 6, 2014, to convert N156,477,500 belonging to NIMASA, knowing the money was stolen.

    They also allegedly converted N38,170,000 between June 3 and September 1, 2014, “knowing that the sums were proceeds of stealing, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15 (1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable  under Section 15(3).”

    EFCC said on May 30 and August 14, 2014, they converted N8,500,000.00, property of NIMASA. The prosecution said they did so “knowing that the sums were proceeds of bribery”.

    The defendants had pleaded not guilty to all counts when they were arraigned, with EFCC opening its case.

    Trial was billed to resume yesterday before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun-Ishola, but defence counsel Babajide Koku (SAN) said his client had begun plea bargain talks with the prosecution.

    He told the judge that the defence took the decision yesterday.

    “It (plea bargain decision) came up this morning. I discussed directly with my learned friend (prosecution counsel) this morning,” Koku said.

    EFCC’s lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo confirmed the development.

    He said: “I confirm the intention of the defence to enter a plea bargain with the prosecution.”

    Justice Mojisola Olatoregun-Ishola urged the parties to reach an agreement without delay.

    “By the time you come back, you would have filed the plea bargain agreement and I would have looked at it and evaluated it,” she said.

    The judge adjourned until November 21.