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Tag: EFCC

  • EFCC visits NAHCO

    EFCC visits NAHCO

    Officials of the Economic and Financil Crimes Commission ( EFCC) visited the corporate headquarters of Nigerian Aviation Handling Company ( NAHCO), Plc at the weekend, its spokesman, Tayo Ajakaye said yesterday.

    According to Ajakaye , the anti – graft agency visit to cargo handling firm was basically for facts finding,

    He said an EFCC operative during the visit requested to see the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Mr Norbert Bielderman, who is out of the country .

    He said the absence of the firm’s CEO , the EFCC operative requested to see the firm’s Executive Director / Company Secretary, Mrs Folashade Ode, who was also out of the premises at the time

    He said unable to meet any of the two senior officials of NAHCO, the EFCC operative requested to see the Chief Financial Officer, Mr Bamidele Adelaja, with whom they spent some time sorting out some company documents of interest.

    According to Ajakaye, the EFCC operative showed a search warrant to the NAHCO  CFO.

    He said the firm is ready to cooperate with government agencies and regulators in every way .

  • ‘Why EFCC must probe Ekiti ecological funds’

    ‘Why EFCC must probe Ekiti ecological funds’

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Dr. Adebayo Orire, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to extend investigations into receipt and disbursement of ecological funds by the Ayo Fayose administration.

    Orire, who spoke with our correspondent, said the state government was not transparent in the spending of the N2 billion ecological funds received from the federal government.

    He contended that many communities in the state are afflicted with many ecological problems, which the state government has failed to tackle with the funds received.

    The Publicity Secretary of Ekiti APC Elders’ Forum also urged the anti-graft agency to launch a probe into the refund of N22 billion spent on federal roads in the state by the immediate past administration.

    The medical doctor-turned-politician expressed Ekiti people’s desire to know how the ecological funds were spent as there are no projects on ground to show that the state received N2 billion to tackle ecological problems.

    Orire said: “We are constrained to call on the EFCC to extend its ongoing probe into N2 billion ecological funds received by the Ekiti State government from the federal government judging by the startling revelations on diversion of public funds.

    “Many towns and communities in Ekiti State are suffering from various forms of ecological problems and they need this money to give them relief from their environmental challenges.

    “Our argument has no political undertone, what we are saying is verifiable. You can go to our communities and see what they are going through in the hands of erosion, flooding and the like.

    “But the question we are asking is: has the Fayose administration judiciously spent the N2 billion to solve these ecological problems?

    “The answer is no because our people have not seen ecological project on ground a the government has ploughed the N2 billion into.

    “This money does not belong to Fayose or any of his henchmen, the money belongs to our people and the government is not doing them any favour by doing what is expected of it with the ecological fund.

    “We also want the EFCC to launch an investigation into the N22 billion refund on federal roads received by the state government especially on Ado-Ifaki Road because every kobo spent or received on behalf of our people must be accounted for.”

    The former Chairman of Ekiti State Hospitals Management said Fayose has lost the moral right to remain in office as governor given the revelations from the EFCC probe.

    “Fayose has lost the moral right to remain the governor. In saner climes such a fellow would have resigned from office for abuse of office.

    “Fayose must resign from office and apologize to the people of the state because the game is up for him.”

  • PDP to Oshiomhole: Stop threatening Ize-Iyamu with EFCC

    PDP to Oshiomhole: Stop threatening Ize-Iyamu with EFCC

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday asked Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, to stop threatening the party’s governorship candidate in the state, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Describing the threat as preposterous, the party said Oshiomhole is nervous and unsettled by the PDP’s moving train, which it said will uproot the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the state.

    In a statement issued by its caretaker committee spokesman, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, the party asked how it became the governor’s duty to dictate to the EFCC, wondering when Oshiomhole become an operative of the anti-corruption agency.

    The statement said, “We have observed in recent times the utterances of the Governor of Edo State during the APC’s gubernatorial campaigns ahead of the September 10, 2016 election in the state.

    “We wish to remind the Governor that he should maintain the sanctity of his office as an executive Governor of the state instead of directing the EFCC on who to arrest or prosecute.”

    The PDP further stated that Governor Oshiomhole’s threat confirmed the belief and the opinion of perceptible Nigerians that the anti-corruption war of the present administration is nothing but a partisan political agenda to intimidate, suppress and silence the PDP.

    “Governor Adams Oshiomhole is desperate to hang on to power through his imposed stooge, despite the fact that he has lost the trust and confidence of the people of Edo State,” the statement added.

    The party lampooned what it described as the despicable and uncouth language deployed by the governor against the person of Pastor Ize-Iyamu, which it said, was clearly unbecoming of the holder of the high office of Governor of a state.

     

  • Facts behind my EFCC invitation – Nwuche

    Facts behind my EFCC invitation – Nwuche

    A former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche, on Thursday cleared the air on his invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to explain how a N5 billion contract awarded to him by the Amnesty Office was executed.

    A statement from the Foundation for Youth Development, chaired by Nwuche, revealed the former Deputy Speaker’s involvement in the controversial contract.

    According to the statement, the problem started from the execution of second tranche of contracts by the Foundation.

    It reads, “Following the inception of Presidential Amnesty Programme, the Foundation for Youth Development was invited to mentor and train ex-militants from the Niger Delta. Hon Chibudom Nwuche is the Chairman of the Foundation. As a member of the Presidential Committee on the Niger Delta set up by former President Goodluck Jonathan, it was natural that Hon. Nwuche’s Foundation was considered to play a role in the training of the ex-militants.

    “The relationship, which dates to 2011, started with the initial award of three contracts for the training and capacity building for about 300 Niger Delta ex-militants in Sweden, Malaysia and Vietnam in shore-based and marine studies which it successfully executed.

    “This was to be followed up with provision of practical sea-time experience for the graduates.  Following the successful completion of the training programmes, another set of three contracts were further awarded to FYD for which it was mobilised N2.7bn.

    “The present issues arose from the execution of the second set of three contracts.

    “The Foundation commenced the execution of these contracts by identifying the various schools outside Nigeria and also requested for the list of trainees from the Amnesty office in line with provisions of the contract.

    “During the course of mobilization for the contracts, requests for funds came from the Presidential Amnesty Office for assistance to pay some ex-militant leaders and stipends for their boys who were growing restive, as the Amnesty Office’s funding was delayed, with a clear understanding that the funds would be returned.  FYD, as stakeholders in the programme obliged them. Written requests were made for the refunds but not honoured and the list of trainees was also not provided despite several documented reminders.

    “When it appeared that the amnesty programme was to be wound up, the Foundation approached the Federal High Court through a suit – No. FHC/ABJ/CS/769/2015, and demanded that Amnesty Office fulfil their part of the contract as well as to deposit the outstanding contract sums in the court, to be accessed by the Foundation on the completion of the contract. The Foundation also made a claim for special and general damages totalling N5bn.

    “This step was taken on the advice of the legal advisers to the Foundation who advised that in the event of winding down of the programme, the Foundation will suffer great losses, especially when the sums advanced to Amnesty Office was not captured officially and the outstanding sums due to the Foundation would go with the winding up.”

  • Internet fraud: FUTA suspends four students in EFCC net

    The Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) has indefinitely suspended four students of the institution arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged N16 million internet fraud.

    The EFCC arrested five suspects – four from FUTA and one from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, (AAUA), on Monday.

    The suspects were arrested at  an Off- Campus residence  located at Anuoluwapo Close, Stateline Hotel Road, off FUTA South Gate, Akure, Ondo.

    A statement issued by the Head, Information and Protocol Unit of FUTA, Mr. Adegbenro Adebanjo, said the Vice Chancellor of the university approved the sanction.

    The statement said: “The four students, who have been given indefinite suspension and are to stay away from the school until further notice are – Ogundile A.O (Civil and Environmental Engineering), Fasakin  P.T (Civil and Environmental Engineering), Akinsanmi F.O (Mathematical Sciences), and Ifeobu U.O (Urban & Regional Planning).

    “In a letter conveying the suspension, the university said the Vice Chancellor approved the sanction based on the extant rules which stipulate indefinite suspension for students arrested and being investigated for criminal activities.

    “This is in accordance with the provisions of the University Handbook of Information 2012-2015 page 54, paragraph 5(i) which states that, whenever a student is being investigated for a criminal offence by the police or is charged with a criminal offence; whether or not connected with the university; the student shall be suspended from his studentship until he/she is cleared of the allegation/charge.”

     

  • Reps seek EFCC’s probe of Jibrin for budget padding

    Reps seek EFCC’s probe of Jibrin for budget padding

    Ex-Appropriation chair asks Dogara to clear name

    The Budget 2016 padding scandal rocking the House of Representatives deepened yesterday, with the leadership asking the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe the sacked Appropriation Committee chairman Abdulmumin Jibrin.

    The probe, it said, should start from when he was chairman of the Finance Committee in the Seventh Assembly.

    But, Jibrin dismissed his colleagues’ plan, urging Speaker Yakubu Dogara to clear himself of the allegations of budget padding.

    Last week, Jibrin accused Dogara, Deputy Speaker Yusuff Lasun, Chief Whip Ado Doguwa and Minority Leader Leo Ogor of asking him to allocate to them N40 billion of the N100 billion allocation for members’ constituency projects.

    Addressing reporters in Abuja yesterday, the Chairman, House Information Committee Abdulrazak Namdas said Jibrin would also be refered to the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee for investigation

    He said given the workings of the budget process, the House cannot be accused of padding because there is nothing like that.

    Namdas challenged Jibrin  (APC, Kano) to show evidence of the complicity of Dogara and the other principal officers in the padding.

    He, however, declined to take up issue with former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, who accused the lawmakers of  corruption.

    Namdas said: “Section 4 empowers the National Assembly to make laws for the good governance of the federation while Section 59 confers on the Legislature final say on the budget.

    “Section 80 (4) on the other hand, which confers on the legislature absolute power of control over public funds, states: “No money shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Revenue Fund or any other public fund of the Federation, except in the manner prescribed by the National Assembly”.

    “The word manner confers absolute legislative discretion.

    “When, therefore, the National Assembly appropriates funds in the budget, it can never under any circumstances or guise be deemed or regarded as tinkering or padding.

    “The legislature is therefore constitutionally incapable of padding the budget.

    “What the Executive submits are mere estimates and proposal as stipulated in Section 81 (1).

    “It is obvious that the Constitution uses the word Estimates advisedly. Consequently, it is therefore an exhibition of crass ignorance, abuse of language, outright mischief and or blackmail for a legislator especially one who chaired the Appropriations Committee to use the word PADDING to describe the action of parliament on the budget.

    “The removal, introduction of projects or the amendment of Mr. President’s estimates in the Appropriation Bill cannot be construed as an Act of corruption or impropriety   because it is at the core of appropriation powers of the National Assembly as aptly enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.

    “It is therefore clear, that no crime or wrong doing can be legitimately imputed on the actions or conduct of Mr. Speaker, the Leadership or Members of the House of Representatives before, during and after the passage of the 2016 Appropriation Bill”.

    He said Jibrin was investigated by the House for gross misconduct  as a result of complaints over his misuse of power by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA) since his Chairmanship of Finance Committee in the 7th Assembly.

    Namdas added: “Jibrin’s removal was based on sundry acts of misconduct, incompetence, total disregard for his colleagues and abuse of the budgetary process, among others.

    “Immaturity and lack of capacity to handle the Office of Chairman, Appropriations:

    “One of the fundamental reasons why the House Leadership removed him is that, he was found not to be fit and proper person to hold such a sensitive office which exposes him to high officials of government at all levels.

    “Furthermore, in the course of the performance of his duties as Chairman of Appropriations Committee, it became evident that he does not possess the temperament and maturity required for such a high office.

    “Tendency and proclivity to blackmail colleagues and high government officials and misuse and mishandle sensitive government information:

    “He was in the habit of collating, warehousing and manipulating sensitive information to blackmail people sometimes apparently for pecuniary purposes. And by the virtue of his position as Appropriations Chairman, he meets with very high and senior public officers at all levels.

    “The Speaker and the Leadership were inundated with complaints by heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) over harassment from the House Appropriations Chairman to engage in conduct and acts unbecoming of their offices.

    “The Leadership lunched an internal investigation into these allegations and was largely satisfied that action had to be taken to remove him, in the interest of the integrity of the House.

    “One clear example is the insertion of Funds for the so called Muhammadu Buhari Film Village in his Constituency in Kano State without the consent or solicitation of Mr. President. This has brought both Mr. President and the government to disrepute.

    “Again, it was found out that he was fond of inserting projects into prominent persons’ constituencies without their knowledge to curry favour and possibly use it as a means of blackmail against them when necessary.

    “One of such is the numerous projects he claimed in a Channels TV interview in April 2016, to have cited in Mr. President’s home town of Daura, Katsina State without Mr. President’s solicitation or knowledge, in a desperate attempt to blackmail Mr. President as an answer and justification for allocation of N4.1b to his constituency when confronted by the interviewer.

    “He did not stop there. Hon Abdulmumin went about soliciting Honourable members to nominate projects for him to help them include in the Budget. When called upon to defend his actions as Appropriation’s Chairman, all he did was to be calling names of those members and the amount he helped include for them in the Budget in an unsuccessful  bid to silence them.

    “Most of the affected members took serious exceptions to his despicable antics and sundry acts of  blackmail and protested to the Leadership to prevail on Hon Abdulmumin to expunge  from the Budget what he claimed he allocated to them since they did not solicit for those projects”.

    Jibrin was also accused of being responsible for the friction between the National Assembly and the executive over the 2016 budget through his incompetence, mismanagement of the process and hidden agenda.

    “It was also discovered that the former Chairman, Appropriations, discreetly and clandestinely allocated monies for projects that are not clearly defined in the budget for the purposes of exploiting the ambiguities for personal gains.

    “Furthermore, he was found to be responsible for some bogus allocations in the budget for projects that have no locations and were apparently never meant to be executed.

    “Hon. Jibrin’s mishandling of the 2016 budget process nearly fractured the otherwise cordial relationship between the Executive and the Legislature and   brought the National Assembly and the government to public ridicule.

    “For reasons that were not noble and not in the Public Interest, Hon Abdulmumin had initially inflated the Budget by adding about N250b more to the total figure as submitted by Mr President. This, the NASS leadership out rightly rejected as a form of financial recklessness and inability to appreciate the dwindling resources available to government necessitating that we act prudently.

    “He was directed therefore to make even further cuts below Mr Presidents total figure.

    “Hon Jibrin in his desperation to ingratiate himself into the good books of the Presidency, unilaterally entered into commitments on the structure of the Budget ,without the knowledge of the National Assembly Leadership, in the full knowledge, not only that he had no authority to do so , but dishonestly  had no intentions of keeping to those commitments , having done the exact opposite in processing the budget details.

    “This brought the House into disrepute as it portrayed the National Assembly and its leadership as persons who couldn’t keep their word.

    “He displayed crass ineptitude and general lack of capacity to handle the work, thereby serving as a clog in the appropriations process. He contributed significantly to the delays in the passage of the Appropriation Bill.

    “No one, not even his Deputy and Members of the Appropriations Committee, could reach him at certain periods during the budget process.

    “Indeed, on the last day of the exercise, he went underground to avoid being compelled to show areas he had hidden most of the cuts he claimed he made, an act which amounted to  gross insubordination and an attempt to hold captive, all involved in the budget chain to the point of entirely frustrating the passage of the Budget.

    “The tripartite Committee of the Senate, House and Executive thus completed the 2016 Budget without Hon Abdulmumin as he was hiding, believing that the job could not be done without him”.

    While chanlenging the embattled lawmaker to make good his threat of releasing hard facts supporting his claims, Namdas said EFCC has been invited to look into the past activities of Jibrin.

    He said: “Confirming some of the reasons for his removal and true to type, Hon Abdulmumin has since after his sack, resorted to blackmail, his stock in trade. He has released documents from dubious sources in a desperate bid to lure gullible members of the public to his side.

    “Mr Speaker’s inputs to the 2016 Budget was signed and delivered to him. If he has honour, let him release the signed inputs of Mr Speaker and not pieces of paper that bears no acknowledged authorship.

    “Our counsel to Hon Abdulmumin is for him to be real as a man by bringing up credible, authentic and verifiable documents or stubborn facts which disclose the commission of crime on the part of any Member or Leader of the House.

    “If he can’t, then let him go and sulk in secret over his sack.

    “The Leadership was also in receipt of complaints about his activities as Chair of Finance Committee in the 7th Assembly, which had potentials to embarrass the House.

    “Investigations found that from 2011 – 2015 Hon Abdulmumin domiciled with Hadejia – Jama’are River Basin Authority and few other MDAs some of the allocations meant for his former Finance Committee members.

    “He was alleged to have aided the use of front companies that collected funds without executing most of the projects.

    “The Projects have been compiled and will be referred to the Anti Graft Agencies to establish why the projects were fully paid for and not executed, who collected the funds and why has Hon Abdulmumin not raised any alarm about the non execution of the projects even now?”.

    On why was Jibrin entrusted with Appropriation Committee chairmanship in spite of his antecedents while chairing Finance Committee, Namdas said the leadership and the Selection Committee were not aware of such activities as at that time.

    Jibrin to Dogara: address corruption allegations against you 

    Sacked House of Representatives Appropriation Committee Chairman Abdulmumin Jibrin has challenged Speaker Yakubu  Dogara and the other principal officers to address the corruption allegations he leveled against them.
    In a response to the House’s statement yesterday, he asked: “Why did you take the decision to fraudulently shortchange the House by taking away N40 billion out of the N100 billion allocated for constituency projects and distributing same to yourself and others without the approval of the House?
    ”Why did you approach the former House Appropriation Chairman with written personal requests and list of about N30 billion to be inserted into the 2016 budget and his inability to get that done caused a major rift between you all and him?
    “Why did you insert wasteful projects for your various constituencies worth about 20billion naira despite the former appropriation chairman professional advice against such?
    “Why did you ignore  his complaint to you that just about 10 standing committees of the House inserted over 2000 projects worth 284 billion naira?
    “Why did you take away the Appropriation Committee secretariat on two occasions where several insertions were made into the budget which created avoidable tension during the budget process?
    “Why did you direct the former Appropriation Chair which he rejected to create a strange line item in the service wide vote to allow for a 20 billion naira insertion into the budget under the name of NASS using a former PDP Senator and top politician?
    “Why are you trying to scam members with a fraudulent arrangement to deduct monthly from money meant for members office running cost to fund a so called mortgage arrangement?
    “Why did you abuse your office in a conflict of interest directed an agency to grant loans and a construction company to work on your Asokoro plot and arrange frequent private meetings with heads of MDA’s?
    “Why did you allocate to yourselves the entire 20% inputs reserved for the House after the harmonization exercise?
    “How much did you collect for rent of house and guests houses and how much did Hon Herma Hembe steal from the money that caused the outburst of Lasun?
    “Why are you trying to drag the entire House and illegally using the official spokesman of the House into allegations that were made on you and the three others only?
    “Why did you consistently block  the former chairman appropriation from briefing Hon members and denied him his right to be heard by his colleagues on this matter?
    “Why did you scuttle his effort and Sen Goje’s to assist Mr. President after working so hard consulting ministers on the budget out of envy and vindictiveness that Mr. President granted them audience without you?”
    “Why did you insist and ensured that the immunity clause for the House principal officers is inserted into our agenda despite huge resistance from members and the general public?
    “Why did you connive with 5 other members of the House to use some elements of the Nigerian police and thugs  in an attempt to blackmail, kidnap, intimidate and silence him and his family?
    “Why are you desperately going round media houses offering money to silent  the statements of the former appropriation chairman?
    “Why has it taken you this long to put together such a lame story of why you “sacked” the former appropriation chairman after admitting on national TV that he resigned?”
    “Is it true that you left a huge mess and allegations of money laundering against you as chairman House services both in the 6th and 7th House?
    “Why have you refused to open up the financial dealings and details of internal budget of the House to your colleagues, Hon members?
    “Why do you have problems with reconvening the House immediately to allow an independent investigation on the allegations”.

  • Alleged N5.6b contracts: EFCC summons Amnesty officials

    Alleged N5.6b contracts: EFCC summons Amnesty officials

    •Nwuche remains in custody

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday invited some officials of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) over the investigation of a former House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Chibudom Nwuche.

    The former lawmaker is being quizzed over some failed contracts awarded by the Amnesty Office.

    The three contracts were secured from the Amnesty Office in 2012 for the training of ex-agitators in Malaysia.

    Nwuche was said to have collected about N2.8 billion out of the contract sum without doing any job.

    Investigation by our correspondent indicated that the EFCC invited some PAP officials on some documents attached to the contracts.

    A top source in the commission, who spoke in confidence, said: “We have intensified ongoing investigation of the N5.6 billion contract scam in Amnesty Programme by inviting some officials of the unit for interaction.

    “We demanded for some documents from the affected officials, including the award of the contracts, status of execution and evidence of payment.

    “They were able to assist us with relevant documents to facilitate our investigation.

    “Nwuche is still in custody, undergoing interrogation for the second day running. He has cooperated with our team of investigators.”

     

  • EFCC arrests FUTA, AAU students for alleged N16m internet scam

    EFCC arrests FUTA, AAU students for alleged N16m internet scam

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibadan Zonal Office has arrested five suspected undergraduate scammers for about N16million Internet fraud.

    They are four from the Federal University of Technology Akure, (FUTA) and another from  Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba ,  (AAUA).

    A statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren said the suspects were arrested   at  an Off- Campus residence  located at Anuoluwapo Close, Stateline Hotel Road, off FUTA South Gate, Akure, Ondo.

    The statement said: “ The fraudsters who are between 20 and 23 years of age include: Adeleke Paul (21),  Adebiyi Tayo Abudu (22) , Akinsanmi Olusola Adeniyi (21), Ogundile Ademola James (23) and Okali Ugochukwu (21).

    “The commission got wind of their activities through series of intelligence.  Paul and his co-travelers, who go about with the name Tsunnami Gang and Young Pablo Money allegedly swindled unsuspecting foreigners and others to the tune of N16million recently.

    “The suspected fraudsters engaged in fraudulent activities of obtaining money by false pretences through scam mails.

    “Paul is a penultimate final year’s student of Building Technology while James and Olusola are both 400 level students of Agricultural Resources and Mathematics respectively.

    “Okali is a 200 level student of Urban and Regional Planning, while Adebiyi Tayo is a 300 level Student of Mathematics of the Adekunle Ajasin University. Akungba, Ondo State.

    “At the point of arrest, EFCC operatives recovered a 2006, black Toyota highlander with registration number(Lagos)  LND 112 EG,  2010 light- green Toyota Camry (Muscle) registration number (Lagos) AAA 850 EF, laptops, three Apple iphone6 and three Blackberry phones from them.

    “Some implicating documents were also found and downloaded from their laptops.

    They are to be arraigned in court as soon as investigation is completed.”

     

  • EFCC to probe IPMAN over N10.9b subsidy fraud

    EFCC to probe IPMAN over N10.9b subsidy fraud

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will this week, begin investigation into the alleged N10.9billion oil subsidy scandal rocking the top- hierarchy of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), The Nation has learnt.

    The Presidency, it was gathered, directed the anti-graft agency to wade into the matter and make those found guilty to refund the money they have misappropriated during the fuel subsidy era.

    Industry sources said the decision of the government, was borne out of the need to extend investigation into the oil and gas sector, and further rid it of corrupt practices.

    The sources further said the IPMAN probe is in line with the anti-corruption crusade of President Muhammadu Buhari-led government.

    Its National President, Mr Chinedu Okoronkwo, said EFFC has invited the leadership of IPMAN to come and testify on the issue early this week.

    He said  the group anxious to see the begining of investigation into the issue, adding that the N10.9billion fraud, allegedly perpetrated by some top- management of IPMAN has given the association a bad name.

    He said: ‘’EFFC’s decision to investigate the activities of IPMAN, in relation to the alleged N10.9billion is welcomed.  In fact, the management of IPMAN would be happy to see the image of the marketers restored through the probe.  We would be happy to see the people who actually committed the offence, as well as see them punished in line with the constitution. The government is ready to rid the country of corruption. ‘’

  • Alleged N5.6b Amnesty contracts: EFCC detains ex-Deputy Speaker Nwuche

    Alleged N5.6b Amnesty contracts: EFCC detains ex-Deputy Speaker Nwuche

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday detained a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Chibudom Nwuche, over N5.6billion failed contracts.

    The three contracts were secured from the Amnesty Office in 2012 for the training in Malaysia.

    Nwuche was alleged to have collected about N2.8billion out of the contract sum without doing any job.

    The former Deputy Speaker, who is a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), recently presided over the screening of the party’s governorship aspirants in Edo State.

    According to a source in the commission, preliminary findings indicated that the contract sum was allegedly laundered back to a former Coordinator of the Amnesty Programme.

    The former lawmaker, who responded to an invitation by the anti-graft agency by 11am, was still being quizzed by operatives of the commission as of 7pm. .

    “Nwuche was grilled over an alleged N5.6billion contract which his company, Foundation For Youth Development, allegedly received from the Kingsley Kuku-led Presidential Amnesty Office.

    “He allegedly got three contracts from the Amnesty office in 2012 for the training of ex-agitators in Malaysia,” the source said, adding:

    “Up till now, nothing has been done about the contract, yet he collected N2.8billion.

    “The money was allegedly laundered through some companies, individuals and Bureau De Change operators back to the co-ordinator, through a front who is also being investigated by the EFCC.”

    Kuku has not responded to the EFCC invitation for interaction since July 28, last year.

    He claimed he was receiving treatment abroad but the recuperation was yet to be completed.

    Another source in the EFCC said: “We have invited Kuku for interaction with our team of investigators looking into issues on the management of the Amnesty Programme.

    “We have isolated the allegations about when he comes around, we will have the full picture of what transpired.

    “The Amnesty Programme had some challenges even before Kuku left the system.”

    Some of the allegations against Kuku are:

    • inclusion of many undeserving people on the beneficiary list of  Amnesty Programme;
    • circumstances surrounding how 2000 Amnesty Programme beneficiaries got stranded abroad;
    • overbloated training contracts without adding value to the Amnesty Programme;
    • huge bills on international and local trips in private jets; and
    • operation of an expensive office in the United Kingdom.

    Responding to a question, source added: “Kuku is also aware that since 2013, a group, the Niger Delta Awareness Coalition & Ex Militants Leaders Forum had taken up issues with him on the management of the Amnesty Programme.

    “In one of the issues raised before ex-President Jonathan, the group alleged mismanagement of billions of naira earmarked for the development of the Niger Delta.

    “They also alleged that Niger Delta youths were shipped away to unaccredited training and educational institutions across most of the Third World.”