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Tag: EFCC

  • EFCC Boss visits Aso Rock

    EFCC Boss visits Aso Rock

    The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, on Thursday afternoon briefly visited the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The Commission in recent times has increased arrests of suspects allegedly involved in financial and economic crimes in the country.

    It was not clear whether Magu actually met with President Muhammed Buhari.

    Magu, who arrived the Villa around 3:16 p.m with one of his police orderly holding a file, did not spend up to 5 minutes before going out.

    He declined to speak with journalists that approached him as he rushed out with his orderly.

    A reliable source disclosed that Magu was also spotted at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday.

  • EFCC gets court order to detain Metuh

    EFCC gets court order to detain Metuh

    A court yesterday approved Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) spokesman Olisa Metuh’s detention.

    Metuh was arrested on Tuesday in respect of investigation of about N1.4billion “suspicious” funds in an account of a company in which he has interest.

    About N400million meant for arms purchase from the Office of the National Security Adviser(ONSA) was paid into the account of Destra Investment Limited where Metuh has a high stake.

    The Economice and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) approached the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Wuse Zone 2 for an order to detain Metuh – about 30 hours after his arrest in Abuja.

    The EFCC said it decided to seek an order to remand Metuh because some of his accomplices are at large.

    It however did not name the accomplices who are  on the run.

    Moving the application at about 2.34pm, the EFCC counsel, Mr. C.O. Ugwu, said:  “Your Worship, we have a remand proceeding brought by way of ex parte motion pursuant to Section 293 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.

    “The application is supported by Form 8, which is the stipulated form for an application of this nature. It is of 16-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Junaid Saidu, a detective officer with EFCC.

    “We place reliance on the entirety of the deposition in the said affidavit, especially paragraphs 4-15. In a nutshell, we have brought this application because the investigation involved in this case is a bit complex and there are also persons reasonably suspected to be involved in the fraud who are yet at large.

    “We need the suspect in the custody so as to aid us in our investigation. So, we have come with this application to respectfully apply for an order of this Honourable Court authorising us to keep him in custody.

    “By the provision of Section 296(1) of the ACJ Act, Your Worship is enjoined to grant an application of this nature for a period of 14 days.

    “May I conclude my submission by referring this Honourable Court to the case of Lufadeju v. Jonhnson(2007) 8NWLR Pt 1037 at Page 535.

    “This is a case where the Supreme Court held that it is constitutional to detain a suspect so as to aid investigation and to ensure that the right of the suspect is protected.

    “This is because we have approached the court to justify his detention by operation of law. So, there is no way we can detain him unnecessarily since the court is in the picture.”

    Relying on sections 293 and 296 of the ACJ Act, the EFCC counsel pleaded with the court to allow the anti-graft agency to detain Metuh.

    Section 293 says: “A suspect arrested for an offence, which a magistrate’s court has no jurisdiction to try shall, within a reasonable time of arrest, be brought before a magistrate’s court for remand.

    “An application for remand under this section shall be made ex parte and shall (a) be made in the prescribed “Report and Request for Remand Form” as contained in Form 8, in the First Schedule to this Act; and (b) be verified on oath and contain reasons for the remand request.

    Section 296 reads in part: (1) “Where an order of remand of the suspect is made pursuant to Section 293 of this Act, the order shall be for a period not exceeding 14 days in the first instance, and the case shall be returnable within the same period.

    (2) “Where, on application in writing, good cause is shown why there should be an extension of the remand period, the court may make an order for further remand of the suspect for a period not exceeding 14 days and make the proceedings returnable within the same period…”

    In his ruling, Chief Magistrate Okeagu Azubuike said: “This court has read carefully the affidavit in the Form 8 to support this application as well as the legal  authorities submitted thereto.

    “This court has therefore found merit in this application and hereby allows the applicant to detain the respondent(Olisa Metuh) in their custody from the 6th of January to 13th of January, 2016, pending the investigation.

    “The Respondent(Olisa Metuh) should be given access to his lawyer, relatives and medical doctors and should be arraigned before a court of law on or before 13th of January.”

  • $2.1b deals: EFCC won’t spare implicated Bureaux de Change operators, says Magu

    The acting Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu, has promised not to spare any Bureau De Change operator involved in ongoing $2.1billion arms deals.

    He urged the operators to have a documentation of their members to enable anti-graft agencies track down the fraudulent ones.

    Magu spoke when the leaders of Bureau De Change operators paid him courtesy visit in Abuja.

    A statement by the Head, Media and Publicity, EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, quoted  Magu as saying:  “My operatives often tell me what they see during investigations. We need to talk to you, as some of your operators are fond of carrying huge amounts of money out of the country, since they can no longer withdraw more than $300 using the ATM.

    ‘‘There are fraudulent involvements of Bureau De Change operators in the arms deal scandal.

    “ There are reports of some of your members withdrawing as much as N500million in two, three, four tranches in this arms deal scam. So, I am greatly disturbed. I think there should be a documentation regarding your activities, as this will enable your group to checkmate anyone who is involved in any fraudulent activity.”

    Earlier, the Chairman of Bureau De Change operators, Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, expressed the resolve of the group to join hands with the Commission in the ongoing war against corruption and economic crimes.

    Gwadabe said the delegation was in the Commission to congratulate Magu and seek collaboration with the EFCC.

    He said: “I want to congratulate you on your appointment as acting Chairman of EFCC and pray for God’s guidance, most especially as it is a period of tough choices and decisions.”

    He also spoke on some major challenges which the Bureau De Change operators were facing from policy regulators and security agencies.

  • Court denies granting N250m bail to Dasuki, others

    Court denies granting N250m bail to Dasuki, others

    Authorities of the Federal High Court of Nigeria (FHCN) have dissociated the court from media reports to the effect that the court granted bail at N250million to the immediate past National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Mohammed Dasuki (rtd) and others being tried in relation to the $2.1billion arms purchase scandal.

    The court’s Acting Chief Registrar, Emmanuel Garko noted Wednesday that the Federal High Court could not have granted bail to any of those being tried in relation to the arms deal because none of them was charged before the court.

    Garko, in a statement Wednesday, said the clarification was necessary in view of misrepresentation in the media that the Federal High Court granted bail to Dasuki and others at N250 m each.

    The Nation recalls that Dasuki and others were only granted bail on two occasions on December 18 and 21 last year at N250m by Justices Hussein Baba-Yusuf and Peter Affen of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Dasuki is currently involved in three criminal cases pending before the Federal High Court, Abuja and the High Court of the Federal Capital territory (FCT), Maitama, Abuja.

    Dasuki is being tried alone on a five-count charge of money laundering involving about N84.6m and illegal possession of firearms before Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

    The second case involving Dasuki is that in which he is being tried with an ex-Director of Finance and Administration in the office of the NSA, Shuaibu Salisu and former Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Aminu Baba-Kusa in a 19 count-charge bordering on criminal diversion of funds.

    Dasuki, Salisu, Baba-Kusa and two companies – Acacia Holdings Limited and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited were charged with conspiracy and criminal breach of trust under the Penal Code Act and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act.

    The trial judge, Justice baba-Yusuf admitted each of them to bail in a ruling on December 18 at N250m with one surety and adjourned toJanuary 21 for commencement of trial.

    In the third case, Dasuki is being tried with former Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda, former Sokoto State governor, Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, his son and firm – Sagir Attahiru and  Dalhatu Investment Limited – and former Director of Finance and Administration in the office of the NSA, Shuaibu Salisu in a 22-count charge of alleged diversion of over 20billion.

    Justice Affen, on December 21 last year, granted bail to each of them at N250m with two sureties and fixed February 2 for commencement of trial.

    Garko said “It will be in the interest of the reporters and editors (the media) to note that these cases involving the accused persons are not all before the Federal High Court of Nigeria as reported by some national dailies, but before Justice Hussein Baba Yusuf and Justice Peter Affen of the High Court of the FCT.”

    He explained that the Federal High Court of Nigeria is different from the High Court of FCT, which has their respective jurisdiction.

    He urged the media to be cautious in their operations and always endeavour to cross check facts before publication.

    [news_box style=”2″ display=”tag” link_target=”_blank” tag=”Dasuki” count=”6″ show_more=”on” show_more_type=”link”]

  • Anenih writes EFCC on how he shared N260m

    Anenih writes EFCC on how he shared N260m

    ‘Yakassai got N63m’

    Metuh quizzed 

    Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BOT) chair Tony Anenih has explained how he disbursed the N260 million paid into his bank account from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) believes the cash came from the allegedly misappropriated $2.1 billion arms funds.

    Anenih wrote to the EFCC to state, among others, that he gave N63 million to a group coordinated by a former Special Assistant to former President Shehu Shagari (National Assembly Liaison), Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, for the 2015 presidential election.

    Yakassai may be invited for interrogation over the “curious” payment, it was learnt yesterday.

    Anenih was said to have told EFCC that he didn’t benefit from the money, but that he only shared it, following instructions.

    Also yesterday, EFCC detectives grilled PDP National Publicity Secretary Olisa Metuh for nine hours over alleged N1.4billion traced to a company in which he has a stake. The cash is believed by the EFCC to be part of the $2.1 billion arms funds.

    There were indications that Metuh might be detained by the agency.

    According to sources, Metuh was arrested at about 9am at his Abuja home by three operatives.

    At about 9.30am, he was taken into the interrogation room where he was confronted with some allegations, including evidence of transactions, for his reaction.

    A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Metuh has been busy in the last nine hours writing a statement on some issues we have isolated for him.

    “We have asked him to respond to the payment of N400million into Destra Investment Limited, a company he has high stake in.

    “Metuh is also expected to explain some suspicious lodgments into the account of the company by some individuals and a company with link to one of the firms which was involved in arms procurement.”

    Responding to a question, the source added: “We are yet to freeze the account of Destra Investment Limited but we will do so.

    “Already, the EFCC is collaborating with all relevant banks in this regard. We will invoke the relevant section of the EFCC Act on the account soon.”

    The Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed that Metuh was being interrogated.

    The EFCC has started investigating alleged “curious” payment of N63million to a  group led by Yakassai for the 2015 elections.

    It was learnt that the probe followed a letter to the EFCC by a former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the PDP, Chief Tony Anenih, on how he distributed the  N260million paid into his account by the Office of the National Security Adviser(ONSA).

    A highly-placed source in EFCC said: “Chief Tony Anenih has written the EFCC on how he disbursed N260million from ONSA to various groups including a team being coordinated by Tanko Yakassai.

    “Anenih specifically indicated in the letter that N63million was given to Yakassai’s group. He mentioned a few others whose identities we will not disclose until our investigation has reached an appreciable stage.

    “We will unveil the names of all the beneficiaries of the N260million soon. But we are at a level that we need to invite Yakassai to shed more light on why his group was allocated N63million arms funds.”

    The source also added: “Besides the letter, we will invite Anenih to make a Statement on Oath and for interrogation.”

    One of the charges against a former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki and a former Director of Finance and Administration this office, Shaibu Salisu, was the transfer of N260million to Anenih.

    The charge said: “That you Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki whilst being National Security Adviser and Shaibu Salisu, whilst being the Director of Finance and Administration in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA)  on or about 28th November 2014  in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, and in such capacities  entrusted with dominion over certain properties to wit: the sum of N260million being part of the funds in the account of the ONSA with Skye Bank Plc committed criminal breach of trust in respect of the said property when you transferred same to the bank account of Tony Anenih with First Bank of Nigeria Plc and  you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 315 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Vol.4, LFN 2004.”

     

  • EFCC to quiz Metuh over N1.4b in firm’s account

    EFCC to quiz Metuh over N1.4b in firm’s account

    PDP spokesman denies role in $2.1b arms contracts

    Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) detectives probing the $2.1 billion arms contracts have traced N1.4billion to the account of a company allegedly linked with Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) spokesman  Olisa Metuh.

    There were indications yesterday that the account of the company, Destra Investment Limited, may be frozen when the ongoing probe gets to a “convenient bend”.

    The anti-graft commission has placed the activities of the company and its bank transactions under surveillance.

    The Department of State Service (DSS) has also invited Metuh for interaction on some issues.

    The DSS’ invitation has, however, attracted protests from some PDP leaders.

    According to sources, EFCC investigators discovered that Destra Investment Limited was used to fund the PDP’s activities, including its 2015 campaign.

    The EFCC found that the company, which had N6, 676,576.06 as at November 24, 2014, recorded a balance of N1.4billion by last December.

    Some of the strange deposits in the account are: N400million from the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) on November 24th, 2014; N253million ( December 2nd and 4th, 2014) from Ibrahim Kabiru whose identity was yet to be confirmed; N91million on 2nd December 2014 from Capital Field Investment; and N92million on 3rd December 2014 from Etonye Oyintoneife.

    A source in the commission said: “We will invite Metuh any moment from now for clarifications on some of these transactions in this firm, which he allegedly owns.

    “From our records, part of the $2.1billion arms cash has been traced to Destra Investment Limited. About N400million was transferred from ONSA to the company on November 24, 2014 which had a balance of N6, 676,576.06 only before major in flow from the ONSA.

    “By December 2015, the owner of Destra had a turnover of over N1.4billion. There is no document  to show that the company executed any job for ONSA. All companies engaged by ONSA appeared before the initial Special Investigative Panel raised by the Presidency.

    “Other documents indicated that Metuh was allegedly on a monthly unexplained stipend of N4million cash from ONSA.

    “Out of the funds in Destra account, N25million was paid to Abba Dabo, a former Senior Special Assistant Political to former Vice President Namadi Sambo on the 16th of December 2014.

    “Also, about N21,776,000 was remitted on 4th December 2014 to an account allegedly belonging to a former Minister of Works, Chief Tony Anenih; N31.5million to his media aide and N50 million to Metuh/Kanayo on the same transaction date.

    “We have also established a link between Capital Field Investment and SEI Societe d’equipments Internanaux-Niamey-Niger BP 11737 which was  hired by ONSA to purchase  €3,654,121million security vehicles for the Republic of Niger in October 2013 and April 2014.”

    Metuh has accused the EFCC of subjecting him to media trial, The EFCC source rejected the accusation, saying: “Metuh is not on media trial at all but he is being investigated and the public should know why he is under searchlight.

    “You will recall that the EFCC did not talk about the ongoing probe until Metuh openly admitted that he got some funds from ex-President Goodluck Jonathan but he refused to disclose the amount and the purpose.

    “When he was aware that this commission was closing in on him, he also said some forces were after him. We refused to join the political fray because we are a professional agency.

    “But we owe Nigerians a duty to reveal the facts at our disposal to let them appreciate the extent of what we are doing. EFCC is not out to witch-hunt anybody or group; we will, however, recover all traceable funds meant for arms.”

    The source claimed that “the account of Destra and accruing transactions have been placed on surveillance.

    “If there is need to freeze the account, we will do so later but we are yet to get to this investigative level, “ the top source added.

    Reacting last night, Metuh told our correspondent: “Since they are doing a one-sided prosecution without invitation to me, they should continue and get their conviction by the media. Anytime I get invitation, I will honour it.

    “I don’t know whether they are investigating the company I have interest in or my office as the National Publicity Secretary of PDP. Whichever one, my hands are very clean in this matter. I am ready to honour their invitation.

    “I have not done anything unlawful. Whatever I have done in pursuance of my office, I can defend it anywhere, any time.”

    There was disquiet in PDP following Metuh’s invitation by the DSS.

    It was learnt that the invitation had to do with payment of about N9m-N10million to the Anambra State chapter of PDP about five years ago.

    A party source said: “I think the APC government is just out to silence Metuh at all cost. What  has he done to deserve the recurring pressure and intimidation?

    “When the PDP was in power, the APC was allowed to criticise the administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan. There is no way Metuh can be isolated from PDP, which he represents. We are unhappy as a party that they are trying to muzzle the opposition.

    “It is not in the interest of our democracy  to go after opposition leaders and coerce them into silence. What has Metuh got to do with a five-year issue in Anambra State?”

     

  • EFCC begins phase two of $2.1b arms deal probe

    EFCC begins phase two of $2.1b arms deal probe

    • Investigates €3.6m spent to buy security vehicles for Niger Republic
    • Okonjo-Iweala, former Service Chiefs to be quizzed
    • Intensifies collaboration with UK NCA over Diezani

    A second round of investigation into the $2.1billion arms deals is to be commenced by the  Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) tomorrow.

    Top of the probe agenda is how the Jonathan Administration spent   €3,654,121million

    to purchase security vehicles for the Republic of Niger in October 2013 and April 2014.

    The cash was withdrawn from the ONSA account in two installments of  €1, 401,869       and €2,252,252.25,

    The commission is also seeking to verify whether or not the vehicles were bought and under what diplomatic or bilateral security cooperation.

    It was gathered that it would require finding out from the Republic of Niger if there was such assistance from Nigeria.

    The agency plans to quiz a number  more public figures including Minister of Finance in the Jonathan administration, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, some ex-Service Chiefs and serving military officers in connection with the $2.1billion arms deal.

    Some suspects may be taken into custody in the process,sources hinted yesterday.

    The EFCC,it was gathered, is through with  the first phase of the probe of the arms deals which led to the arraignment of ex-National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki and 10 others.

    The interrogation of the likes of Dasuki and the others now facing trial or about to be arraigned seems to have convinced the agency of diging deper than originally planned.

    A top source said: “We are beginning the second phase of the ongoing investigation of the $2.1b arms deals on Monday. From the preliminary findings, the scandal is mind-boggling.

    “We are going to question more high-profile serving and former public officers, including a former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on the release of some funds.

    “We want the ex-Minister to shed more light on how about $322million was disbursed to the Office of the National Security Adviser(ONSA).

    “Some serving and former military chiefs will have to respond to issues which we have already isolated for clarification.”

    The source said investigators have already obtained the list of military equipment which were bought and the inventory by the Armed Forces.

    “This explains why some serving and former military chiefs will need to come and assist our investigators,”he said.

    “Some of the companies which supplied these equipment have been contacted too.”

    On the purchase of  security vehicles for Niger Republic,the EFCC is said to have established that the money by ONSA on the purchase of vehicles for Niger Republic was withdrawn from the ONSA account in two installments of  €1, 401,869       and €2,252,252.25,

    The commission is keen to confirm whether or not the vehicles were bought and under what diplomatic or bilateral security cooperation.

    It was gathered that it would require finding out from the Republic of Niger if there was such assistance from Nigeria.

    The initial cash of €1, 401,869 was drawn from the Central Bank of Nigeria in an October 2013 through ONSA memo ACCT/87/VOL.1/384

    The second tranche of €2,252,252.25 was got from the CBN in an April 1, 2014 via a memo ACCT/87/VOL.1/60

    The first memo to the CBN Governor, “Transfer of foreign exchange”, said: “You are please requested to transfer the sum of €1, 401,869.00  only in favour of SEI Societe d’equipments internanaux-Niamey-Niger BP 11737 as payment for the supply of security vehicles to Republic of Niger. The wire transfer details are as follows: Banque: SONIBANK (Republique du Niger-Niamey). Compete N025111123981/22. Code Banque:80064. Code Guichrt: 01001.

    “The amount should be charged to National Security Adviser Account  no. 0020172241019 with the Central Bank of Nigeris Abuja and all charges thereto.

    “Please accept the assurances of the National Security Adviser.”

    A second memo said: “You are please requested to transfer the sum of €2, 252, 252.25  only in favour of SEI Societe d’equipments internanaux-Niamey-Niger BP 11737 as payment for the supply of security vehicles to Republic of Niger. The wire transfer details are as follows: Banque: SONIBANK (Republique du Niger-Niamey). Compete N025111123981/22. Code Banque: 80064. Code Guichrt: 01001.

    “The amount should be charged to National Security Adviser Account no. 0020172241019 with the Central Bank of Nigeria,Abuja and all charges thereto.

    “Please accept the assurances of the National Security Adviser.”

    Meanwhile, the EFCC has intensified its collaboration with the National Crime Agency in the United Kingdom with the ongoing probe of former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke.

    The International Corruption Unit (ICU) of NCA on October 2 arrested Diezani and four others.

    The identities of the remaining four suspects are yet to be unveiled.

    But all the suspects are being investigated for alleged bribery and money laundering.

    The EFCC source, who is actively involved in the ongoing investigation, said: “We have been collaborating with NCA on Diezani’s case which has reached an appreciable level.

    “We have the details of others arrested with Diezani but we will not disclose until the matter gets to a convenient bend.

    “So far, we have been comparing notes with NCA on a faster note in terms of tracking a few transactions and documents. There is no hiding place for the ex-Minister and her alleged accomplices.

    “By the time the trial begins, the NCA and EFCC would have established a solid case against the ex-Minister and other suspects.”

  • Ex-PDP chairman, son to be arraigned January 5

    Ex-PDP chairman, son to be arraigned January 5

    Former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Haliru Bello Mohammed and his son, Abbah Mohammed, would be arraigned on January 5 next year.

    The Nation gathered on Wednesday that the decision by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to delay their arraignment till early next year was informed by Bello’s ill-health.

    Our correspondent learnt that Bello, who was also a Minister for Defence, suddenly took ill few days after the EFCC filed a four-count charge against them and a company – BAM Projects and Properties Limited – at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

     

  • EFCC to arraign ex-PDP chair Bello, others for theft of N300m

    EFCC to arraign ex-PDP chair Bello, others for theft of N300m

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed that a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), Dr. Haliru Bello and his son, Abba, got N300million about 11 days to the presidential election.

    The cash was drawn from the account of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    Bello, who was still in the hospital as at last night, is likely to be arraigned today before the Federal High Court Abuja on four-count charge.

    Other accused persons are Abba and BAM Projects and Properties Limited.

    A top source in the EFCC said: “All things being equal, we will arraign the suspects in court on Wednesday. The EFCC prosecutors are already on standby.

    “Concerning the ex-PDP National Chairman in the hospital, when we get to the bridge, we will cross it. The Operations Department will determine his fate based on medical records.”

    In the charge sheet, the EFCC claimed that Bello, a former Minister of Defence, got the N300million cash on March 17, 11 days to the presidential election.

    The election was held on March 28,  2015.

    In the charge sheet, filed by the Deputy Director of Legal and Prosecution Department of EFCC, Aliyu. M. Yusuf, the three accused persons were alleged to have engaged in unlawful possession, conversion, and theft of N300million.

    The charges: “That you Bello Abba Mohammed, BAM Projects and Projects and Dr. Haliru Bello on or about 17th March 2015 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court took possession of the sum of N300million paid into the account of BAM Projects and Properties Limited with Sterling Bank Plc from the account of the Office of the National Security Adviser with the CBN when you reasonably ought to have known that the said fund formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity of Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki(rtd), the then National Security Adviser( to wit: criminal breach of trust and corruption) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 as amended in 2012 and punishable under Section (15) (3) of the same Act.

    “That you Bello Abba Mohammed, BAM Projects and Properties Limited and Dr. Haliru Bello on or about 17th March 2015 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court converted the sum of N300million which sum was transferred from the account of the  Office of the National Security Adviser with the CBN purporting same to be for “Safe Houses” but which you claimed to have for political campaign and when you reasonably ought to have known that the said fund formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity of Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki(rtd), the then National Security Adviser( to wit: criminal breach of trust and corruption) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 as amended in 2012 and punishable under Section (15) (3) of the same Act.

    “That you Bello Abba Mohammed and BAM Projects and Properties Limited on or about 17th March 2015 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did retain the sum of N300million on behalf of  Dr. Haliru Bello and Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (rtd), the former Chairman of PDP and National Security Adviser respectively by concealing the said sum in your account with  Sterling Bank Plc when you knew the said Dr. Haliru Bello and Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki(Rtd) to be engaged in a criminal conduct to wit: theft of public fund for a political activity and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 17(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 as amended in 2012 and punishable under Section (17) (b) of the same Act.

    “That you Bello Abba Mohammed, BAM Projects and Properties Limited and Dr. Haliru Bello on or about 17th March 2015 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire to launder  the sum of N300million which sum you claimed to have received for political campaign and when you reasonably ought to have known that the said fund formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity of Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki(Rtd), the then National Security Adviser( to wit: criminal breach of trust and corruption) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 as amended in 2012 and punishable under Section (15) (3) of the same Act.”

    In a Statement of Witness/ Caution which he wrote on oath, Yuguda  admitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that he gave N600million cash to six chairmen of the Contact and Mobilization Committees of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) for the 2015 general election.

    He listed the beneficiaries as Bode George( South-West); Amb. Yerima Abdullahi ( North-East); Peter Odili( South-South); Attahiru Bafarawa( North-West); Jim Nwobodo( South -East); North-Central(Ahmadu  Ali).

  • EFCC, DSS to join prosecution of pipeline vandals

    EFCC, DSS to join prosecution of pipeline vandals

    The Managing Director Petroleum Products and Marketing Company (PPMC), Mrs Esther Nnamdi-Ogbue, said yesterday that the Federal Government will involve some security agencies in the prosecution of pipeline vandals.

    Nnamadi-Ogbue stated this during a visit to Mosinmi Depot and Ajebo pipeline in Obafemi Owode local government area of Ogun.

    She listed the security agencies to be involved as the Police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS).

    Ogbue said that the involvement of these agencies would facilitate the prosecution of the vandals at the courts of competent jurisdiction.

    “We are looking at all ramifications on how to bring these criminals to book; they have to be treated as criminals and pipeline products thieves.

    “The pipelines are the most efficient way of moving products and then for the first time in a very long time we are pushing products all the way to Ibadan.

    “We intend to move to Ilorin, reduce bridging from Lagos area so that people can go and pick up their products in Ibadan and Ilorin,” Ogbue said.

    She expressed optimism that partnership with EFCC, DSS, Police and host communities would yield positive results and the culprits would soon face the full wrath of the law.

    Ogbue said that federal government would start deploying trackers on trucks carrying fuel from its depots to filling stations across the country to check diversion of the product.

    The PPMC boss explained that with the trackers government would be able to monitor the movement of trucks vis- a-vis their destinations.

    Ogbue lamented that fuel diversion was a serious problem with undesirable consequences on the economy.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the federal government operates 22 depots nationwide, including Atlas Cove, which is located in Lagos