The Nation Newspaper

Tag: EFCC

  • Businessman charges EFCC with contempt of court

    A businessman, Jide Adelakun, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of disobeying orders made by the Federal High Court in Lagos.

    Adelakun said both the bank and EFCC were served with the Court order, but that the commission was yet to unfreeze his accounts with Skye Bank, Adeola Hopewell, Victoria Island branch.

    “What is now the meaning of the ‘rule of law’ when certain government parastatals believe they are above the law and courts are not to be obeyed?” he asked.

    He said he met with the commission’s head of legal department so as to get his accounts unfrozen, still the orders were allegedly not obeyed as he is still unable to access his accounts. Instead, he said he was threatened and intimidated.

    Justice Mohammed Yunusa, in a judgment on September 23, declared Adelakun’s arrest and detention from July 3 to 8, as illegal and unconstitutional.

    He held that the commission’s freezing of the applicant’s accounts without court order was unlawful, null and void.

    Justice Yunusa ordered the respondents to unfreeze/unblock the accounts forthwith.

    He restrained EFCC from freezing Adelakun’s accounts or doing anything that may deny him “unhindered, unfettered access to the funds” in his accounts.

    The judge also restrained the commission from arresting or detaining the applicant “in connection with mere suspicion and unfounded speculation.”

    The commission was also directed to release his seized property. He and his company, Touch of Fame Energy Limited, had sought the enforcement of their fundamental rights.

    He has, therefore, filed Form 48 (Notice of Consequence of Disobedience of Court Order) against EFCC’s chairman Ibrahim Lamorde.

    The form reads: “Take notice that unless you obey the directions contained in this Court order, you will be guilty of contempt of Court and be liable to be committed to prison.”

    Justice Yunusa had held that EFCC did not obtain a court order before detaining Adelakun, adding that keeping him beyond 24hours violated his rights.

    “The respondent admitted arresting the applicant, but he was not arrested with a warrant of arrest. No arrest warrant was exhibited. For an arrest to be valid there must be a warrant. The respondent (EFCC) acted irrationally.

  • EFCC arrests council boss over alleged fraud

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Sunday said the Chairman of Tarauni local government area of Kano State, Mr. Muktar Yarima, has been arrested over alleged fraud.

    The EFCC Spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, told the News Agency of Nigeria that Yarima was arrested on Saturday in Kano.

    Uwujaren said the chairman was already assisting the commission in its investigation.

    A source at the state’s Government House told NAN that Yarima’s arrest was in connection with alleged misappropriation of an unspecified amount of money.

    The source disclosed that the money was meant for an empowerment programme under the Millennium Development Goals, now known as Sustainable Development Goals.

  • Alleged looting of Benue: EFCC summons Suswam, grills ex-commissioner for eight hours

    Alleged looting of Benue: EFCC summons Suswam, grills ex-commissioner for eight hours

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday invited a former Governor of Benue State, Dr. Gabriel Suswam, in connection with the ongoing investigation of his tenure.

    The commission also yesterday grilled a former Benue State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Omadachi Oklobia, for eight hours.

    As at 5.24 pm yesterday, Oklobia was battling to meet bail terms, but it was unclear if he was able to fulfill the stringent conditions.

    Investigation revealed that Suswam is under probe based on the report of the Benue State’s 16-member Transition Committee, led by its Chairman, Mr. Mike Iordye.

    The committee had uncovered over N90 billion debts and the disappearance of N6.507 billion meant for SURE-P,

    A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “We have started looking into allegations against Suswam and some of his former commissioners. These allegations border on mismanagement of public funds, diversion of moneys meant for projects, outright embezzlement of funds and abuse of financial procedures.

    “The former governor is expected to appear before our operatives for grilling on Monday. A formal letter of invitation has been sent to him. He will respond to isolated allegations on misuse of public funds.”

    Responding to a question, the source said the immediate past Benue State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Omadachi Oklobia, was quizzed for eight hours on Friday.

    “We invited Oklobia, who served under Mr. Gabriel Suswam, a former Benue State governor, to defend the allegations of diversion of public funds, abuse of office, embezzlement and fraud while he was in office.

    “Oklobia arrived at the EFFC office in Abuja at about 10 am, where his statement was obtained under caution based on his complicity in the allegations.

    Shortly after Governor Samuel Ortom took over, he said he would probe the administration of Suswam.

    He said: “We are going to look at Governor Gabriel Suswam’s administration, though we do not have specific areas where we intend to look at. But I assure you that we are going to stand for the people of Benue State.”

    On his part, Suswam recently said he was not afraid of the ongoing probe of his administration by Ortom’s government.

    He said the probe may set a bad precedent in the state and no one knows whose turn is next.

    Suswam said: “On the issue of the probe going on in Benue State, it is not that one is afraid, but once a precedent is set, it is a double-edge sword. You don’t know whose turn it is tomorrow. You don’t know tomorrow.

    “When I became the governor of Benue State, I met some issues on ground but I resolved them amicably. When there are issues, let us talk about them amicably instead of grandstanding.

    “This remains my approach to life but to go and do grandstanding. I encourage us in Benue to toe the path of peace.”

  • Two suspects arrested with 448 travellers cheques

    Two suspects arrested with 448 travellers cheques

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday confirmed the arrest of two suspects for unlawful possession of 448 travellers’ cheques and 108 Automated Teller Machine (ATM)/debit cards.

    While Jonathan Odu Isikwei was arrested with 448 travellers’ cheques, 34-year-old Pascal Onuora Udeh was intercepted with 108 ATM cards on his way to China.

    A statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said the two suspects would face trial.

    The statement said: “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign Jonathan Odu Isikwei for unlawful possession of 448 travellers cheques.

    “Isikwei, 51, an indigene of Igbodo in Aniocha Local Government Area of Delta State, was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos by the operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) during the outward clearance of passengers on a Belgium-bound flight.

    “The case was transferred to the EFCC for further investigation.”

    The EFCC gave the details of its investigation into the incidents.

    It added: “The 448 travellers’ cheques recovered from Isikwei were discovered to purportedly belong to four banks in America, Europe and Canada.

    “The banks and the travellers cheques are: Gun Nebo Inc. (Bank of Nova Scotia)- 117 pieces, Postbank Frankfurt -258 pieces, Safe Federal Credit Union -41 pieces and RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland) -32 pieces.”

  • Two suspects arrested with travelers’ cheques, debit cards

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday confirmed the arrest of two suspects for unlawful possession of 448 travelers’ cheques and 108 Automated Teller Machine (ATM)/Debit cards.

    While Jonathan Odu Isikwei was arrested with 448 travelers’ cheques, a 34-year old Pascal Onuora Udeh was intercepted with 108 ATM cards on his way to China.

    A statement issued by the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said the two suspects will face trial.

    The statement said: “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign one Jonathan Odu Isikwei for unlawful possession of 448 travelers’ Cheques.

    “Isikwei 51, a native of Igbodo in Aniocha local government area of Delta State, was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, by the Operatives of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) during the outward clearance of passengers on a Belgium- bound flight.

    “The case was transferred to the EFCC for further investigation.”

    The EFCC gave the details of its investigation into the incidents.

    It added: “The 448 travelers’ Cheques recovered from Isikwei were discovered to purportedly belong to four banks in America, Europe and Canada.

    “The banks and the travelers’ cheques are – Gun Nebo Inc. (Bank of Nova Scotia)- 117 pieces, Postbank Frankfurt -258 pieces, Safe Federal Credit Union -41 pieces and RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland) -32 pieces.

    “All the travelers’ cheques were signed, with some having monetary value written on them. Among the cheques belonging to Safe Federal Credit Union, 27 pieces were blank, while 14 pieces of the cheques have monetary value worth 322,800 US Dollars.

    ” (27) pieces of the travelers’ cheques belonging to Gun Nebo Canada Inc. were blank, while 90 pieces of the cheques have monetary value worth 354,300 Canadian Dollars.

    “The suspect who claimed he exports dried fish from Nigeria to Belgium, told investigators that he collected the parcel for onward delivery to a friend without any knowledge of the content.”

    The EFCC explained how Udeh was intercepted with 108 ATM cards at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.

    It said: “In a related development, the EFCC is investigating the activities of one Pascal Onuora Udeh.

    “The 34-year-old was arrested for being in possession of 108 pieces of Automated Teller Machine (ATM)/Debit cards.

    “The suspect, who claimed to be a trader and an undergraduate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, is a native of Umudim Village of Obibi, Ochasi Ato, in Orlu local government area of Imo State.

    “He was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos by the Operatives of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) during the outward clearance of passengers on a Qatar Airline flight to China.

    “The suspect alleged that the Debit cards were given to him by his business associates to use in China to purchase men’s wears.

    “The suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.”

  • Centenary scam: EFCC grills Youth Vanguard Coordinator

    Centenary scam: EFCC grills Youth Vanguard Coordinator

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday grilled the National Coordinator of the Nigeria Unemployed Youth Vanguard, Mr. Solomon Adodo, on accusations of corruption and abuse of office.

    The anti-graft agency summoned Adodo to defend his allegation that the Centenary City Project was a fraud and did not undergo acquisition process.

    The closed meeting lasted over an hour. It began at 1:20pm and ended at 2:53pm.

    Briefing reporters after the meeting in Abuja, Adodo said the commission assured him that it would investigate the matter.

    He said: “The EFCC has just told us in its response that it is investigating the matter. It is looking into it and it has gone far.

    “The officials invited us for enquiries, which will avail them of information, backed with documentary evidence to show the fraud embedded therein. They also have their facts. I know they will do their work as an agency with public interest.”

    The youth vanguard had petitioned the EFCC and the Presidency to investigate the project to determine its legitimacy.

    It received acknowledgement from the Presidency that the matter was being attended to.

    The letter dated September 23 was signed by the Programme Manager, Presidential Advisory Committee on Corruption, Onah Peters.

    It reads: “The administration has made a vow to stamp out corruption, which has been the cause of unemployment and poverty.

    “We are aware that the Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA) Act was not duly followed in ascribing that place as a free trade zone. This is because of some certain vested interest in the centenary city. We know what will be lost to the nation by virtue of making that place a free trade zone. Besides, NEPZA seal was not appended on the approval.”

  • EFCC seeks forfeiture of ex-Oyo HoS’, 11 others’ property

    EFCC seeks forfeiture of ex-Oyo HoS’, 11 others’ property

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday asked an Oyo State High Court to order the forfeiture of the property belonging to a former Head of Service, Alhaja Kudirat Adeleke and 11 others.

    The defendants are facing a 213-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, fraud and forgery.

    Adeleke and the 11 others were sued for allegedly defrauding the Oyo State Local Government Staff Pension Board of N5.6 billion.

    The others are: Muili Aderemi, Iyabo Giwa, Adesina Ayoade, Oguntayo Banji, Adebiyi Musenbiq, Muili Adedamola, Adeduntan Johnson, Bosede Johnson, Kareem Rasheed, Olujimi Adebayo and Adewale Kehinde.

    At the resumed hearing yesterday, the case was stalled, when counsel to the defendants said they were not served with the counter affidavit by the EFCC.

    Adeleke’s counsel Richard Ogunwole, Aderemi’s counsel Ayoade Okunade and other defence counsel told the court that they were not served by the EFCC.

    EFCC’s counsel Kayode Oni told the court that he just took over the case.

    Oni countered that, based on the briefing he had, the defendants’ counsels had been served with the counter affidavit.

    He, however, prayed for an adjournment to serve the defendants.

    Justice Muktar Abimbola adjourned the case till November 4.

  • Diezani: Bizman Omokore not arrested by EFCC

    Diezani: Bizman Omokore not arrested by EFCC

    •Why he visited Lamorde on Monday

    Oil investor Chief Jide Omokore was not arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged corruption and money laundering, it was learnt yesterday.

    But following the invasion of his business premises, Omokore voluntarily went to the Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde on Monday to ask questions on why the anti-graft agency took such a step.

    After a mutual audience with Lamorde, the businessman returned to his residence in Abuja.

    None of the officials of the EFCC was willing to speak on what transpired when Omokore visited the agency on Monday.

    All relevant officers of the commission, who should speak on the issue, also switched off their mobile phones.

    A top source said: “The businessman was in EFCC on Monday on his own to make enquiries on why the commission’s operatives visited his business premises. He also said he is available in the country if there are issues on his business.

    “So, Omokore was neither arrested nor detained by the EFCC contrary to what is being bandied about.

    “As a matter of fact, Omokore did not make any statement to the EFCC on the ongoing probe of a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke.

    “He has nothing to do with the issues for which Madueke is undergoing investigation by the National Crime Agency in the UK

    A source close to Omokore said: “As I speak with you, the oil tycoon has been at his residence in Abuja to prove that he was neither arrested nor detained.

    “Omokore is no doubt a major player in the oil and gas sector but he is not a dirty businessman as being painted.”

    Rated by Forbes as one of the “10 Nigerian multi-millionaires you’ve never heard of,” Omokore was the founder of Energy Resources Group (ERG).

    The ERG was said to be worth $400m per annum.

    He is also a co-chairman of Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Nigeria Limited.

    Findings showed that the purported arrest of Omokore has put EFCC under pressure because he is a major stakeholder in the oil and gas sector.

    A source in EFCC said: “Every investor at home and abroad is interested in why Omokore was at this commission. But only the EFCC chairman can give details.”

    The Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, was said to be running a training session at the agency’s academy as at press time.

     

  • Diezani: Oil investor not arrested by EFCC

    Contrary to reports,  an oil investor, Chief Jide Omokore, was not arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged corruption and money laundering.

    It was learnt on Tuesday that  following the invasion of his business premises, Omokore voluntarily went to the Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde on Monday to ask questions on why the anti-graft agency took such a step.

    After an audience with Lamorde, the businessman returned to his residence in Abuja.

    None of the officials of the EFCC was willing to speak on what transpired when Omokore visited the agency on Monday.

  • Subsidy scam: Oil marketers know fate November 17

    Ruling on the no-case submission filed by three oil marketers charged with a N789.6 million fuel subsidy fraud will be delivered on November 17 by the Lagos High Court, Ikeja.

    Justice Lateefa Okunnu fixed the date after hearing the submissions of their counsels, Prof. Alfred Kasumu (SAN), Mr. Abubakar Shamsudeen and Mr. Eubena Ahmedu, as well as that of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN).

    The marketers – Adamu Maula, George Ogbonna and Emmanuel Morah – are arraigned alongside their firms, Downstream Energy Sources Ltd and Rocky Energy Ltd.

    They were re-arraigned on April 1, 2014 on an amended 26-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretences, forgery, uttering and use of false documents.

    The EFCC alleged that the defendants did not import the 10,862 metric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) for which they received subsidy payment from the Federal Government.

    However, their lawyers in separate no-case submissions urged the court to dismiss the charge for want of jurisdiction.

    “The entire 26 counts against the applicants all relate to matters over which only the Federal High Court had exclusive jurisdiction as provided in Section 251 (a)(g) (n) and (3) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 19 of the Admiralty Jurisdiction Act, 2004.

    “The entire evidence led by the prosecution and contents of the 26 counts amended information together with the extant laws, this honourable court lacks the jurisdiction to adjudicate on the information,” they said.

    The defence lawyers argued that the evidence adduced so far by the 11 prosecution witnesses had not established a prima facie case against the defendants.