The Nation Newspaper

Tag: EFCC

  • EFCC files charges against Metuh

    EFCC files charges against Metuh

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a seven-count charge against the spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh.

    The charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/05/2016 was filed before the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday morning.

    Metuh is charged with breach of public trust, corrupt acquisition of public funds and money laundering.

    A lawyer to the EFCC, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), said Metuh may be arraigned on Friday.

    Also, Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has refused Metuh’s application to compel the EFCC to respond to his fundamental rights enforcement application on Thursday.

    Justice Abang, in a ruling, said since the fundamental rights enforcement procedure rules allows a respondent five days to respond.

    He rejected application by Metuh’s lawyer, Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN), to abridge the time within which the EFCC could file its response to his (Metuh’s) suit.

  • Alleged N34b fraud: Court orders Tompolo’s arrest

    Alleged N34b fraud: Court orders Tompolo’s arrest

    • EFCC: No individual is bigger than Nigeria

    The Federal High Court in Lagos Thursday ordered the arrest of a former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Oweize Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo).

    Justice Ibrahim Buba issued a bench warrant for his arrest after he failed to report in court to face criminal charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The judge had, on Wednesday, summoned Tompolo, ordering him to appear Thursday, but the accused did not turn up.

    EFCC’s lawyer Festus Keyamo informed the court that the summons and charge were duly affixed on a conspicuous part of Tompolo’s home at 1, Chief Agbanu DDPA Extension, Warri, Delta State as ordered by the court.

    He said Tompolo ignored previous invitations by EFCC during investigation and failed to report to make a statement.

    “We were able to go to Warri Wednesday and pasted the processes on his wall. We took photographs of them as ordered by this court,” Keyamo said.

    An affidavit, including picture evidence confirming the substituted service, was tendered before the court.

    “In view of the absence of the first accused (Tompolo) despite being served, may we come under Section 141 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 to apply for a warrant of arrest.

    “Even at the the point of investigation, the accused person spurned all invitations to him. Now he has also disobeyed the court. We, therefore, apply under Section 141 so that we can compel his attendance,” Keyamo said.

    Other accused in the matter include a former Director-General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Patrick Akpobolokemi; Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, Odimiri Electricals Limited, Kemi Engozu, Boloboere Property and Estate Limited, Rex Elem, Destre Consult Limited, Gregory Mbonu and Captain Warredi Enisuoh.

    They were all in court and represented by counsel, except Tompolo.

    Akpolokemi’s lawyer, Dr Joseph Nwobike (SAN), said though he was not representing Tompolo, it would be in the interest of justice if the former militant leader was given more time to attend to court having only been served with the summons a day earlier.

    “A person served in Warri may need some time to come to court, moreso when he is outside jurisdiction,” he said.

    But Keyamo pointed out that before the summons was issued, Tompolo had acted like an “outlaw”.

    “He took an advert and said nobody should push him to the wall. Let us see whether he’s an outlaw or whether he’s withing the law,” he said.

    Ruling, Justice Buba said there was evidence that Tompolo had consistently spurned EFCC’s invitations, so he has no option than to order his arrest.

    He held: “The process is to serve him with summons to appear. Where he appears, that is the end of the matter. He will answer the charges. Where he fails to appear in obedience to the summons, the other process is to compel his attendance by way of arrest.

    “There’s an affidavit showing the first defendant was served as ordered by the court. In the circumstance, the court is in a position to exercise his discretion to order for the arrest of Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo) to compel his attendance to answer the allegations before the court.

    “It is so hereby ordered that the warrant of arrest of Government Oweize Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo) shall be issued forthwith.”

    EFCC, in the 40-count charge, said the suspects allegedly diverted N34 billion, which accrued from a public private partnership agreement between NIMASA and Global West Vessel   Specialist Limited for personal use.

    The alleged offence contravenes Section 15 (1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

    Keyamo told newsmen that Tompolo was not above the law, and that no individual is bigger than the country.

    “One person cannot be bigger than the country. It’s for security agencies to prove that they are in charge of law enforcement in the country,” Keyamo said.

    Justice Buba adjourned till February 8.

     

  • N34b fraud: EFCC to arraign Tompolo in absentia

    Despite being in hiding, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC) on Wednesday said it will on Thursday arraign Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo) and nine others before a Federal High Court, Lagos on a 40-count charge of alleged money laundering , conspiracy, stealing and diversion of funds.

    The commission also said it has secured order to serve trial summons on Tompolo through substituted means.

    Those to be arraigned with Tompolo are former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Patrick Akpobolokemi,  Kime Engozu, Rex Elem, Gregory Mbonu and Captain Warredi Enisuoh.

    Others are – Global West Vessel Specialist Limited (Tompolo’s company), Odimiri Electricals Limited, Boloboere Property and Estate Limited and Destre Consult Limited.

    A statement issued by the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said: “The suspects allegedly diverted the sum of N34 billion which accrued from the public private partnership agreement between NIMASA and Global West Vessel   Specialist Limited for personal use.”

     

  • Jang to honor EFCC invitation Thursday

    Jang to honor EFCC invitation Thursday

    The immediate past governor of Plateau State, Jonah David Jang has indicated that he will honor an invitation of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) on Thursday.

    The former governor is now the Senator representing Plateau North Senatorial Zone at the National Assembly on the platform of People’s Democratic Party (PDP)

    The invitation of the former governor by the anti-graft agency may not be unconnected with some financial fraud allegedly committed under his 8 years administration as governor of the state.

    Senior Legislative aide to Senator Jang, Barr. Olivia Dazyem, who confirmed the EFCC invitation Wednesday said, “Distinguished Senator Jonah David Jang feels a point of duty to inform his teeming supporters and constituents of the Plateau North Senatorial District of Plateau State of his invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    “This has become necessary owing to the fact that Sen. Jang owes it a duty, having meritoriously served as Governor of Plateau State for eight years to clear any grey areas that may need further clarification in the course of his stewardship.

    Dazyem who served as commissioner during the 2nd term of Jang between 2011 and 2015 said, “As a two-time military Governor and a democratically elected Governor for two terms of four years each, Sen. Jang will not create any encumbrances in order not to appear before the EFCC to give account of his actions while in office, which he executed to the best of his ability and in the best interest of the Plateau people.

    “The Distinguished Senator took oath of office to defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and that is what he did as a Governor and is continuing to do as Senator.

    “Let no one therefore misinform the public and especially the people of Northern Plateau with contrived stories; the truth remains, Sen. Jang has received an invitation from the EFCC to give further explanations to some perceived grey areas for which former appointees of the Governor have been severally invited to the EFCC without any evidence to back the spurious claims and allegations by some petitioner; an invitation he is going to honour on Thursday, 14th January, 2016.

    She said, “It is on this wise that, Sen. Jang calls on his constituents and all supporters to remain calm and ignore any frivolous stories that may be told about his visit to the EFCC.”

  • Court summons Tompolo over criminal charges

    Court summons Tompolo over criminal charges

    The Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday ordered Chief Government Oweize Ekpemopolo a.k.a Tompolo to appear before it to face criminal charged filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Other accused persons in the charge sheet, numbered FHC/L/553c/2015, are – a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Patrick Akpobolokemi; Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, Odimiri Electricals Limited, Kemi Engozu, Boloboere Property and Estate Limited, Rex Elem and Destre Consult Limited.

    Justice Ibrahim Buba issued the summons on Tompolo following a January 12 motion ex-parte moved by EFCC’s lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo.

    He ruled: “An order is granted to the applicant issuing a summons to compel the appearance of Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo) before this honourable court having been alleged to have committed the offences as contained in the body of the charge.”

    The judge also granted EFCC leave to serve the summons and the charge on Tompolo by affixing them on a conspicuous part of his address at 1, Chief Agbanu DDPA Extension, Warri, Delta State.

    Security agents on December 14 last year re-arrested Akpobolokemi outside the Federal High Court premises in Lagos moments after his trial for allegedly defrauding the Federal Government was adjourned.

    Policemen and plain clothes operatives swopped on him and bundled him into a waiting bus soon after Justice Buba adjourned trial to January 18.

  • Metuh tears own statement at EFCC

    Metuh tears own statement at EFCC

    •PDP spokesman attempts to chew document

    Embattled Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) spokesman Olisa Metuh has run into another trouble after creating a scene in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), tearing the statement  he made on oath.

    The EFCC may arraign him in court for alleged wilful destruction of government property and obstruction of operatives from performing their job, The Nation learnt.

    The anti-graft agency has drafted forensic experts to analyse the shredded statement.

    A source in the commission said Metuh went dramatic because his “self-imposed hunger strike” did not help in saving him from detention.

    The source said: “Apparently distraught that his hunger strike stunt has not softened the resolve of the EFCC to keep him in custody, pending arraignment in court for alleged thievery running into millions of naira, Metuh seized and tore to shreds copies of a statement he had voluntarily made to the commission.

    “ The suspect was presented with copies of his statement to endorse by the investigating officer but rather than signing the document, Metuh, apparently on realising the weight of his confession, seized the documents and tore them.

    “Metuh was said to be contemplating stuffing the papers in his mouth in a bid to swallow them when he was stopped by operatives who recovered the torn pieces of paper from him. “

    Responding to a question, the source added: “We have drafted forensic experts to analyse the torn statement.  There is no hiding place for him.

    “We decided to let the public know his misdemeanour in custody. We will present the report of the forensic analysis to the court whenever he is charged.”

    The source, however, said Metuh’s unruly behaviour could attract a separate charge in court.

    The source said:  “The tearing of statement is tantamount to wilful destruction of government property and it is a serious offence,

    “Also, the fact that he obstructed operatives from performing their job is a criminal offence. We will explore the possibility of filing a separate charge against him at the Federal Capital Territory High Court.”

  • Bill on EFCC passes second reading

    Bill on EFCC passes second reading

    •Lawmakers pass 14 bills in three hours 

    A bill seeking to restructure the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has scaled the second reading.

    Another bill seeking to curtail protests, processions, assemblies and meetings through a five-day notice to the Police for purposes of giving protection was defeated yesterday.

    Nicholas  Ossai (PDP, Delta), who sponsored the bill for an Act to amend the EFCC Act, 2004, among others proposals, said the bill was meant to add value to its operations.

    The bill sought to allow selected professional organisations as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) to nominate their members to the board of the anti-graft agency.

    In addition, the bill is seeking the establishment of a committee to review operations of the agency.

    The bill drew little support from lawmakers that felt that it might weaken the anti-graft agency’s capacity to fight corruption.

    They would rather see the agency strengthened with the amendment bill.

    Zakari Mohammed (APC, Kwara) said most of the proposals on the bill were provided in the Act, but that the agency needed to be professionalised.

    Noting that some of the  organisations suggested for the board of the agency were political, Mohammed said such move might tend to weaken its activities.

    The Majority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila  (APC, Lagos) rejected the idea of the creation of  an operations review committee, saying it was the height of redundancy.

    He faulted the bill on its promotion of lesser charges for financial crimes, saying it was inimical to the fight against corruption just as plea-bargaining.

    Seeing that the bill might be defeated, the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara said the bill would be scrunitised at the committee stage.

    The bill passed and it was referred to the Committee on Justice.

    However, the bill for an Act to amend the Public Order Act, Laws of the Federation, 2004, providing at least five days’ notice to the police by any person or group who desires to hold meetings, assemblies, processions or protests for the purpose of giving protection and preventing the disruption of a peaceful exercise of the rights of Nigerians failed to scale second reading.

    The bill, sponsored by Toby Okechukwu (PDP, Enugu), according to the House, has no regard for the rights of Nigerians to associate.

    However, in its determination to consider 130 bills in the first quarter, 14 bills from 18 listed for consideration passed second reading yesterday.

    Only three were robustly debated by lawmakers while the others were just introduced by the sponsors.

    None of the 11 bills lasted more than four minutes on the floor before being passed.

    Of the three debated, two failed to scale second reading.

    Four were withdrawn or stepped down to give the sponsor another opportunity to re-present a modified bill.

  • Court adjourns Akpobolokemi family’s suit

    The Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday adjourned till February 4 a suit filed by the family of a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Patrick Akpobolokemi, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Akpobolokemi’s wife, Beauty, and his brothers – Stephen, Julius and Victor – filed the fundamental rights action, demanding N100million as damages for the emotional and psychological trauma EFCC allegedly caused them.

    The case was previously before Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, but was transferred to Justice Saliu Saidu.

    Security agents re-arrested Akpobolokemi after he was arraigned before two different judges. He and nine others, including two companies, were first arraigned before Justice Saliu Saidu on charges of conspiring among themselves to convert N3.4billion belonging to NIMASA. They pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    EFCC also arraigned him and three others before Justice Ibrahim Buba on separate charges of converting N2.6billion as well as defrauding the Federal Government to the tune of N795.2million.

    According to Akpobolokemi’s family, armed security operatives numbering about 25, stormed his Banana Island residence on July 31 last year in the bid to arrest the ex-NIMASA chief.

    They said EFCC operatives, without any search warrant, harassed them and coerced Mrs. Akpobolokemi to write a statement.

     

  • Chief Judge bars magistrates from granting remand orders to EFCC

    The Chief Judge of the Federal Capital‎ Territory (FCT), Justice Ishaq Bello, has ordered magistrates in the FCT to desist forthwith from granting remand orders to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The EFCC had relied on FCT Magistrates’ Courts for remand warrants to justify its continued detention of suspects being investigated for corruption and other economic crimes.

    The commission said last week it had obtained a detention warrant from a Magistrates’ Court in the FCT to enable it keep the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh, in its custody pending the conclusion of its investigation.

    Justice Bello gave the directive during his visit to the Keffi Medium prison in Keffi, Nasarawa State, on Tuesday.

    The Chief Judge, who expressed concern over the large number of the awaiting trial inmates in the prison, also barred Magistrates’ Courts from entertaining cases on capital offences, including armed robbery and murder.

    “Let me also use this opportunity to say this. I understand that EFCC has been bringing some cases to you and you have been granting them remand orders. You must no longer do this from today.

    “You must not arraign people for offences such armed robbery, murder and other capital offences before magistrates’ courts which they don’t have competence to handle,” the Chief Judge said.

     

  • N15b digitisation funds:  EFCC grills NBC chief Mba, account workers

    N15b digitisation funds:  EFCC grills NBC chief Mba, account workers

    THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday grilled National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Director-General Emeka Mba and some Account workers over the ongoing investigation of about N15 billion for digitisation process.

    Mba’s  invitation followed the earlier raid of the NBC headquarters, which is within the precinct of the Presidential Villa, about two weeks ago.

    A source said: “The DG of NBC was grilled for hours on the activities of the commission, including the management of about N15 billion voted for some projects.

    “The DG has made statement and our officials have also raised a few issues for him to clarify based on facts at our disposal.

    “We were at the broadcasting commission about two weeks ago, but most of the top staff were unavailable, having got wind of our operation.

    “This is a routine development, the EFCC will release the details later.”

    A source in the Ministry of Information said: “What we know is that  Mba was invited by the EFCC in connection with the management of funds voted for set up boxes or decoders for digitisation of the nation’s broadcasting system.

    “You know that the Federal Government set up a National Digitisation Committee for the graduation of the country from analogue broadcasting to digitisation

    “A substantial budget was voted for the process. I think some people raised the alarm about the funds and the EFCC decided to look into the issue.

    “This is the basic fact at our disposal, but the EFCC may have dug deeper than that. Definitely, NBC is a public institution, it has to be accountable for its conduct, including financial commitments. We will await the official findings of the anti-graft agency.

    “By our records, Mba was invited by the EFCC and he went to honour it. Maybe other things transpired after the invitation, we don’t know.”

    EFCC Head of Media and Publicity Wilson Uwujaren said he was out of Abuja as at press time.

    But there was panic at the NBC headquarters yesterday following the arrest of Mba.

    Many top officials of the government agency hurriedly closed their offices as operatives of the anti-graft agency ransacked the DG’s office before whisking him away.

    A witness confirmed to The Nation that it was the second time in the year that the EFCC would swoop on the NBC with a large number of operatives to effect an arrest of a top official.

    The source said the operatives came last week Monday, but could not arrest the DG and some of his top officials who failed to turn up in office after they were informed of the fate awaiting them.

    He added that with the way things were going at the agency, there were fears that more people might be arrested by the EFCC in the days ahead.

    However, the NBC’s Director Public Communications, Malam Awwalu Salihu, was not available for comment yesterday.

    Only last weekend, some operators in the telecommunications industry expressed shock over the activities of the NBC.

    They called for a comprehensive probe of the commission under the leadership of Mba.

    The operators, who spoke at separate interviews in Abuja at a Consultative Forum, faulted the regulatory body on the awards of contracts for the production of set-up boxes for digital broadcasting.