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Tag: EFCC

  • Court arraigns two Chinese, Nigerian over N3.4b, $2.5m fraud

    Court arraigns two Chinese, Nigerian over N3.4b, $2.5m fraud

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought two Chinese, Huang Haoyu and An Hongxu, with a Nigerian, Audu Friday, before Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.

    The defendants are facing an 11-count charge brought by the agency involving cyber-terrorism, computer-related offenses, and money laundering amounting to N3,407,824,740.78 and $2,562,203.

    According to the EFCC, the accused were part of a syndicate of 792 individuals arrested in Lagos last December 19, during the agency’s “Eagle Flush Operation.”

    They were allegedly involved in cryptocurrency investment scams and romance fraud.

    Investigations indicated that Friday had incorporated Genting International Co. Limited under the directive of Huang Haoyu.

    According to one of the charges, the defendants conspired to gain financial advantage by recruiting Nigerian youths to impersonate foreign nationals in fraudulent schemes.

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    The EFCC further alleged that they retained over N3.4 billion in a Union Bank account, funds suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity.

    The trio pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    Following their pleas, EFCC prosecutor Bilkisu Buhari requested a short trial date and for the defendants to be remanded in EFCC custody.

    The Defence counsel Emeka Okonkwo, SAN, also requested that they remain in EFCC custody pending their bail hearing.

    Justice Osiagor granted the request, ordering their remand in EFCC custody and adjourning the case for a bail hearing.

  • EFCC probes man over $578,000 cash smuggling

    EFCC probes man over $578,000 cash smuggling

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun investigating Okorie Sunday, arrested at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, with $578,000 by the Nigeria Customs Service.

    EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed this in a statement yesterday  in Abuja, saying that the suspect would be charged to court following the investigation’s conclusion.

      Oyewale explained that Effiong Harrison, Area Comptroller of Customs at the airport, handed the suspect over to the EFCC on Friday for falsely declaring currency.

    He said Sunday arrived from Johannesburg, South Africa, on Wednesday and declared $279,000 at the Currency Declaration Desk upon entry into the country.

     However, Customs officials discovered an additional $299,000 concealed in separate packages, bringing the total undeclared amount to $578,000, which led to his arrest.

    Further inspection revealed the suspect also hid €100 and a counterfeit $250 note, further aggravating the breach of currency declaration laws.

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    Harrison condemned the act, citing that it violates the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011, which mandates declaring sums above $10,000 or equivalent upon entry or exit.

     Speaking for the Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, Harrison confirmed that the $578,000 would be formally handed over to the EFCC for continued investigation.

    Receiving the suspect, EFCC’s Acting Zonal Director, Lagos, Ahmed Ghali, commended Customs for their cooperation and emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration.

     “We are here to take over a passenger from South Africa who falsely declared the cash he was carrying into the country,” Ghali stated.

    He urged the public to declare any amount above $10,000 when entering or leaving Nigeria, in line with the country’s money laundering regulations.

    Ghali appealed to citizens to avoid false declarations, warning that the law will catch up with those attempting to undermine financial transparency.

     “We will not permit any action that sabotages the economy or financial system, as such conduct increases the risk of money laundering and economic instability,” he said.

     According to him, such actions tarnish Nigeria’s image, making it seem a haven for fraud.  He pledged continued cooperation to strengthen the economy and financial systems.

  • MMIA Customs command hands over falsely declared $578,000 to EFCC

    MMIA Customs command hands over falsely declared $578,000 to EFCC

    The Nigeria Customs Service, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Command has handed over $578,000 seized from a male passenger to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Handing over the foreign currency to the EFCC in Lagos yesterday, the Comptroller in charge of (MMIA) Command, Effiong Harrison, said that the money was falsely declared by the passenger at the airport.

    Harrison, who handed over the intercepted currency following the directive of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi, said the suspect’s action was in contravention of the provisions of Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011.

    The command head said the passenger’s International Passport and other relevant documents were also handed over to the EFCC for necessary action.

    He said: ‘The suspect (name withheld), a male passenger with Passport Number A13384205 arrived on board a South African Airways Flight SA60 from Johannesburg on Wednesday.

    “He approached the Currency Declaration Desk and declared a total $279,000. Upon examination, additional sum of $299,000 was discovered neatly concealed in different packages thereby bringing the total sum to $578,000.

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    “Also concealed was €100 and a counterfeit $250. This is in contravention of the provisions of Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011.

    “This Act stipulates that any currency or other forms of negotiable instruments where the value exceeds $10,000 threshold or its equivalent must be properly declared for inbound and outbound passengers.”

    Harrison said the command was committed to arresting and stopping unlawful activities that had brought the country into disrepute.

    He said that customs was ready and continuously working together as an organisation of the government to ensure that those who are engaged in money laundering do not use international airport in Lagos for their criminal activities.

    “We promote a situation whereby the country is safe. As an investment destination, we want to promote a system whereby investors have confidence to come to Nigeria to do business in line with government policies.

    “We are working for the safety of all our financial institutions in this country. People are not comfortable with what is going on.

    “The economic policies are not being adhered to and we are losing revenue because of the activities of people like this. So they are undermining the Integrity of the financial institutions.

    “The suspect should have told the truth and declared accordingly. But he did not and so he has contravened.

    “We have handed him over to the relevant government agency,” Harrison said.

    While receiving the suspect and the foreign currencies, the Acting Director, Lagos office 2 of the EFCC, Mr Ahmed Ghali, commended the efforts of the comptroller and officers of the command.

    Ghali urged members of the public to be wary of such act, adding that the provision of the law was very clear on money declaration.

    He explained that passengers were allowed to carry along 10,000 dollars and that any additional money would be declared.

    “No matter how much is the amount, all what the law requires upon the traveller is mandatory that honest declaration is required.

    “I’ll leave the rest to us. Nobody will stop you from travelling with your cash in as much as you declare, no matter the amount.

  • EFCC arraigns three over alleged N20m theft in Lagos

    EFCC arraigns three over alleged N20m theft in Lagos

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate, has arraigned three individuals before an Ikeja Special Offences Court over the alleged theft of N20 million.

    The defendants—Chinyere Monye, Ajayi Justina, and AER Global Investment Ltd.—were brought before Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe on a five-count charge, including conspiracy to steal, stealing, and obtaining by false pretense.

    They pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    Read Also: EFCC arrests Bauchi Accountant-General for alleged N70b fraud

    EFCC counsel Suleiman Suleiman requested a trial date and informed the court of his intention to call six witnesses.

    Defense counsels M.O. Hassan (for the first defendant) and F.C. Nnaji (for the second and third defendants) urged the court to allow the defendants to continue on their previous bail terms.

    Justice Fadipe adjourned the case to June 30, 2025, for trial and upheld the defendants’ existing bail conditions.

    Some of the charges reads: “That you, Chinyere Monye, Ajayi Justina, AER Global International, Pastor Owolabi (still at large), Ciolanky Concepts (still at large) Idudalovert (still at large) and Jodaf Investments Limited(still at large) on the April 11, 2017 conspired to dishonesty convert the sum of N20 million, property of Johnson Okekefor the use of Jodaf Investment Ltd.”

    “That you, Chinyere Monye on the 10th of April, 2017, in Lagos, within the Ikeja Judicial Division, with intent to defraud induced Johnson Okeke to deliver the sum of N20.million into the account of Chris Monye under the false pretense that your brother based in Malaysia will deliver the dollar equivalent of $50,000.00 Fifty Thousand Dollars) to Johnson Okeke’s supplier in China”.

  • EFCC arrests Bauchi accountant general over alleged N70 billion fraud

    EFCC arrests Bauchi accountant general over alleged N70 billion fraud

    Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested Sirajo Jaja, the Accountant General of Bauchi State, over an alleged N70 billion fraud.

    Jaja was apprehended in Abuja on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, alongside Aliyu Abubakar, an unlicensed Bureau de Change (BDC) operator linked to Jasfad Resources Enterprise, and Sunusi Ibrahim Sambo, a Point of Sale (PoS) operator.

    The trio is under investigation for alleged money laundering, diversion of public funds, and misappropriation. 

    The EFCC is also probing Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed in connection with the case.

    Read Also: Order EFCC to retrieve my seized assets from buyers, Diezani begs court

    According to the anti-graft agency, an estimated N59 billion was withdrawn from various government accounts operated by the Accountant General and transferred to Abubakar and Sambo, who allegedly distributed the funds to party agents and associates of the governor.

    Abubakar, who had previously jumped bail, has now been rearrested.

    Confirming the arrests, EFCC Spokesman Dele Oyewale stated, “Investigations showed that cash withdrawal of N59 billion had been made through various bank accounts opened and operated by the Accountant General on behalf of the state government.”

  • Order EFCC to retrieve my seized assets from buyers, Diezani begs court

    Order EFCC to retrieve my seized assets from buyers, Diezani begs court

    A former Petroleum Resources Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke has prayed the Federal High Court in Abuja to order the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to retrieve from persons, either natural or corporate, to whom it had sold off her seized assets or property.

    In an amended suit her lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), filed on her behalf before Justice Inyang Ekwo, the ex-minister also sought an order setting aside the commission’s public notice issued and upon which it conducted the public sale by auction.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the anti-graft agency had, in the public notice, announced the sale of the former minister’s assets from Monday, January 9, 2023 to Friday, January 13, 2023.

    Against the announcement, Diezani had, in the originating motion, sued the EFCC as sole respondent.

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    In the suit dated and filed on January 6, 2023 by Ozekhome, she sought an order extending the time to seek leave to apply to the court for an order to set aside the EFCC’s public notice issued to conduct a public sale on her property, among others.

    Also, on February 17, Justice Ekwo granted Diezani’s request to amend the suit after the motion was moved by Godwin Iyinbor, who appeared for the ex-minister, and the EFCC’s counsel, Divine Oguru, did not oppose it.

    Upon resumed hearing yesterday, Iyinbor informed the court that pursuant to the order of the court made on the last adjourned date, an amended originating motion had been filed and served on the EFCC on February 20.

    The lawyer averred that the anti-graft agency served the defendant with a counter-affidavit on March 14, prompting his application for an adjournment to enable them respond to the commission’s process.

  • OSGF distances self from corruption allegations against aide

    OSGF distances self from corruption allegations against aide

    The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) has disassociated itself from allegations of corruption, bribery, and money laundering involving Hon. Andrew Torhile Uchi.

    Uchi, a Personal Assistant to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, is currently under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The EFCC initiated an investigation into the activities of Hon Uchi over allegations of corruption, bribery, and money laundering involving sums potentially exceeding N10 billion.

    Sources within the EFCC had disclosed that Uchi has been in custody since Monday, March 10, 2025, following a petition detailing properties he allegedly acquired in Abuja, Jos, Makurdi, Gboko, and Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State, collectively valued at over ₦6 billion. 

    However, in a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the OSGF, Segun Imohiosen, the office emphasized its commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity, stressing that the alleged misconduct does not involve its leadership.

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    “It is imperative to state categorically that the Office leadership is not in any way involved in the alleged misconduct as it has always maintained a strong commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity,” the statement read.

    The OSGF also acknowledged the EFCC’s role in ensuring that individuals found culpable face the full weight of the law. However, it urged the public to refrain from speculation as investigations are still ongoing.

    “We recognize the efforts of the EFCC on this matter to ensure that those found culpable are held accountable. However, we urge the public not to speculate or draw conclusions as investigations are still ongoing,” the statement added.

    The Office further expressed its appreciation for the understanding and support of the public as the case unfolds.

  • UPDATED: EFCC, Otedola vs. Otudeko Case adjourned as parties enter settlement talks

    UPDATED: EFCC, Otedola vs. Otudeko Case adjourned as parties enter settlement talks

    The Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has adjourned the case between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Oba Otudeko, and others. 

    The adjournment, however, allowed for settlement talks, initiated under the supervision of the office of the Attorney General of the Federation, between FBN Chairman Femi Otedola and Dr Oba Otudeko to progress. 

    The discussions began the week prior, and the judge requested an update on their progress at the next hearing on 8th May 2025. 

    This is after Justice Aneke ruled that preliminary objections about jurisdiction would be heard after the defendants take their pleas. 

    The judge then directed both parties to report on the settlement discussions at the next hearing. 

    Prior to the court appearance on 17th March 2025, all parties met with the Attorney General of the Federation, who weighed in on the case and requested that the parties enter settlement talks to resolve the issue.

    It should be recalled that this case, although firmly decided on in 2017, was revisited at the behest of the FBN under Otedola despite the fact that all parties, including the FBN and the EFCC, agreed to the terms of the resolution. 

    In a similar development on the same day, the FBN vs. Barbican Ltd case concerning the convening of an extraordinary general meeting reached the same adjournment conclusion. 

    FBN requested a further court date to allow for the settlement discussion to be concluded. 

    The presiding judge also adjourned the case until 8th May.

    There continues to be strong public interest in the case. Settlement talks between the involved parties will be critical to reaching a resolution that will not injure the bank’s legacy. 

    Given FBN’s history as not just Nigeria’s oldest bank but its pivotal role in the Nigerian banking sector, the need to protect the bank’s integrity and stability remains uppermost in the minds of the public, government, and stakeholders.

  • EFCC rearrests TikTok influencer over Naira mutilation in Kano

    EFCC rearrests TikTok influencer over Naira mutilation in Kano

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has rearrested a popular TikTok influencer, Murja Ibrahim Kunya over abuse of Naira.

    Kunya’s arrest stemmed from a video that circulated online, showing her spraying Naira notes in a hotel room in Kano.

    The EFCC deemed this act a violation of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, which prohibits the abuse and mutilation of the Naira.

    The influencer was arrested in January 2025 and was granted administrative bail but failed to appear in court, leading to a renewed pursuit by the EFCC.

    After weeks of investigation, Kunya was finally apprehended on March 16, 2025.

    The EFCC has emphasized its commitment to protecting the integrity of the Nigerian currency, warning against acts of abuse, including spraying, stamping, or mutilating the Naira during social events.

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    Kunya is currently in custody, and awaiting arraignment.

    EFCC statement reads: “Specifically, Kunya was arrested for allegedly spraying Naira notes for fun during her stay in a hotel room at Tahir Guest Palace in Kano. The arrest followed her diligent pursuit by EFCC operatives after she jumped an administrative bail granted her by the Commission over one month ago.

    “She was initially arrested in January 2025 for violating the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN, Act which prohibits the abuse and mutilation of the Naira. She was granted an administrative bail by the Commission pending her arraignment before the Federal High Court in Kano. However, when it was time for her court appearance, Kunya absconded, evading the legal processes

    “However, after weeks of intensive investigation and surveillance, EFCC operatives successfully re-arrested the TikTok Influencer on Sunday, March 16, 2025. She was subsequently conveyed to the Kano Zonal Directorate of the Commission, where she is currently in custody awaiting her arraignment”.

  • Give it to the EFCC

    Give it to the EFCC

    Sir: The article titled “Worries as EFCC recovers N1tr stolen cash, assets from politicians, others” authored by Tope Templer in The Guardian of March 10, makes an interesting reading.

    After series of rigmaroles, the writer concluded by quoting “another human rights activist and lawyer,”Inibehe Effiong: “As of today, the EFCC is suffering acute trust deficit. If you submit a petition and they don’t attend to it or you suspect the officials have collected money, there should be a channel to make a complaint so that the confidence-building process can start.

     “This is an agency established by former president, Olusegun Obasanjo in 2003 primarily to fight corruption which has become endemic in our country. The primary reason for establishing the EFCC was not to fight internet fraudsters, but because internet fraud has become such a pervasive thing, it is expected that the commission will tackle it head-on. However, the EFCC needs to change its modus operandi if it wants public support.

     “My impression of the commission has changed in recent years. I will not attack their legitimate efforts, but at the same time, I’m not going to pretend that they are on track. The commission has a corruption problem, a partisanship problem, a nepotism problem, and a professionalism problem. Their modus operandi has not inspired public confidence. The way they pamper politicians is at variance with the way they handle other cases.”

     The joy is that the said “activist”, and we have quite many of them, was merely expressing his utmost unfair, personalised and biased opinion against the EFCC. One will then wonder which EFCC the activist was talking about: the anti-corruption body under the hardworking chairman, Ola Olukoyede, who had made the greatest recoveries and seizures in the history of the commission? Or the EFCC that has received global endorsements from international anti-corruption agencies, governmental and non-governmental bodies? The EFCC that foreign ambassadors from US, UK, Canada and other European countries are now quick to visit and seek collaboration with? Please let’s give it to the Olukoyede-led EFCC.

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    As Tony Egbulefu wrote in the Premium Times of November 24, 2024: “The prime target of the sustained dissemination of misconceptions and often outright falsehood against the EFCC is clearly to diminish the work of the commission and erode public trust in it. Take for instance the issue of cybercrime, which takes root from advance fee fraud, characterised globally as “Nigerian Crime”, the country in 2022 alone lost $500 million to this crime category. No responsible organisation, charged with fighting financial crimes would sit idly by and watch the integrity of the country’s institutions get compromised and the youths drift inexorably towards becoming a tribe of rogues.”

    On the dangers of demonizing the EFCC, Sola Oyeyipo, on September 10, 2024 wrote: “Thus, whether Nigerians love to hate the EFCC or not; or do not trust it because of its chequered past, they cannot turn a blind eye to its anti-graft efforts and activities.

    “There will always be pushback from corrupt elements. It is Nigerians’ responsibility, not just the agency’s, to see through the veneer of untruths and blackmail and come together to fight a common existential enemy.”

    There is no doubt that the EFCC in the last one year or so, have touched on the sore toes of hitherto sacred cows; politically exposed people; meaning push backs are inevitable.

    There are also cases of corruption within the agency and the best and most commendable action was the internal cleansing by Olukoyede who exposed and sacked scores of the agency’s officers for fraud. He did not sweep it under the rug.

    EFCC may not be where we all expect it to be today, but it certainly, and far away from where it used to be. Let us give it to Olukoyede and his team please.

    •Kehinde Osifisan, Journalists Against Corruption (JAC), Abuja.