The Nation Newspaper

Tag: EFCC

  • EFCC’s headache 

    EFCC’s headache 

    • The commission should investigate fraud allegations over its recent car auctions

    Any story of fraud or suggestion of fraud regarding the body designated as the anti-corruption czar upends the raison d’etre of such an organisation and puts in peril the whole fabric of moral values in the society.

    That is a problem plaguing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over recent car auctions and their integrity. The auctions that took place between January 20 and 27 have now been mired in controversies ranging from technical hitches perceived as technical manipulation, surreptitious switching of bids and outright ouster of participation of some citizen bidders.

    Naturally, the aggrieved persons have thrown the charges at the front door of the EFCC and accused it of lack of good faith. Involved were 891 forfeited cars and they were open to bids.

    It was supposed to be an avenue for Nigerians to buy good cars at low prices in a time that inflation and a strained economy had made such auctions welcome to many.

    Some of the stories baffle. For instance, a bid of N5,570,001 on a Mercedes-Benz C300 was the highest, significantly topping the closest bid of N2.7 million. The win turned into a dud as the vehicle became invisible on the auction website. When it reappeared, the bid timestamp was changed and so did the original bid time. His original bid time back-flapped from 4pm with the website now reading 11 am. A new highest bid suddenly popped up for N5,590,001, about N20,000 higher. And the timestamp showed 12 pm. A huge poser of fairness beclouded that bid. In some cases, some bids that were lower beat higher bids.

    The commission stayed away from the process but the body is in the centre of the storm. The commission’s decision not to directly intervene may now be its undoing because it had assigned the process to duly accredited and licensed auctioneers in line with provisions of Sections 4(a)(b) of the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022 and Section 55 of the Public Procurement Act, 2007.

    While welcoming the decision of the EFCC to investigate the allegations, National President of Auctioneers Association of Nigeria, Aliyu Kiliya, said the probe would help sanitise the system and restore public confidence.

    “The EFCC requested our backends so that they would watch and monitor what was happening during the auction and they have a way to audit what has happened during the auction. If you are not guilty, they will not do anything to you,” he said.

    Read Also: My ultimate goal as an actor is to win and keep Winning” – Temidayo Babatunde

     “The EFCC does not witch-hunt people but they want them to do the right thing. The system will show any manipulation of the bidding process, I believe that is why the EFCC wanted the auction done online,” Kiliya said.

    Seye Morgan, who is the Chief Auctioneer and the CEO of Rihago Auction Ltd., said, “We do not have a problem with the EFCC investigation of the process and the allegations because we were completely transparent in our processes. We have date and time stamps, and we have e-mail addresses, and phone numbers of bidders as part of our registration process. It is okay with us; we do not have anything to hide.”

    The EFCC’s image is at stake. Since its head and chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, had alerted the public that the commission had some bad eggs in its midst, we have witnessed its self-purge, with the firing of some of its staff. It was an act of institutional courage.

    We have also applauded the work of the EFCC for its earnest onslaughts on corruption, like the unveiling of the hundreds of houses connected to the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele.

    Whether it was a hitch or ambitions of itchy fingers, we need transparency in the investigation into the auctions.

  • EFCC arraigns 16 suspected ‘Yahoo boys’ in Enugu

    EFCC arraigns 16 suspected ‘Yahoo boys’ in Enugu

    The Enugu Zonal Directorate, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) has arraigned 16 suspected internet fraudsters before Justice Folashade O. Giwa-Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court, sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu State.

    The defendants are Ibemere Gerald Ifechukwu, Ngwu Chidozie Henry, Onwugbolu Charles, Okeke Emmanuel Ebubechukwu, Ikechukwu Augustine Ibeanu, Samuel Obi Chidera, Chukwuemeka Emmanuel Chinsed and Onoja Sampson Kingsley.

    Read Also: Rumbling in PDP deepens

    Others are Chukwudi Francis Chinenye, Nwodo Nelson Obinna, Muolukwu Ikenna Anthony, Ebuka Peter Ejiofor, Okonkwo Nonso Chijioke, Ngwu Chidozie Sylvester, Duru Christopher and Seth Hyacinth Chidera.

    According to EFCC’s Head, Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale, while some of the suspects were said to be specialised in impersonating foreign nationals and defrauding their victims using fake social media accounts, others specialised in forging documents to defraud unsuspecting victims.

    While Emmanuel, Ebubechukwu, Henry, Chidera, Christopher, Francis and Charles were arraigned on two-count charges,  the other defendants were arraigned on three-count charges, on fraudulent impersonation, possession of fraudulent documents and money laundering.

  • EFCC arraigns 16 suspected internet fraudsters in Enugu

    EFCC arraigns 16 suspected internet fraudsters in Enugu

    The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned 16 suspected internet fraudsters before Justice Folashade O. Giwa-Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu State. 

    The defendants include Ibemere Gerald Ifechukwu, Ngwu Chidozie Henry, Onwugbolu Charles, Okeke Emmanuel Ebubechukwu, Ikechukwu Augustine Ibeanu, Samuel Obi Chidera, Chukwuemeka Emmanuel Chinsed, Onoja Sampson Kingsley, and others. 

    According to EFCC’s head of media & publicity, Dele Oyewale, some of the suspects allegedly impersonated foreign nationals using fake social media accounts to defraud victims, while others specialized in forging documents for fraudulent activities. 

    Seven of the defendants were arraigned on separate two-count charges, while the rest faced three-count charges, all related to fraudulent impersonation, possession of fraudulent documents, and money laundering.

    Count three against Chidera reads: “That you, Samuel Obi Chidera, sometime in January 2025, in Awka, Anambra State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, did commit a felony to wit: Using and taking possession of the sum of Three Thousand United States Dollars ($3,000), knowing same to be a fund that forms part of proceeds of an unlawful act and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2022 as amended and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act.”

    Read Also: CSOs partner EFCC on budget monitoring

    Count three against Chijioke reads: “That you, Okonkwo Nonso Chijioke, sometime in January 2025, in Awka, Anambra State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, did commit a felony to wit: Using and taking possession of the sum of Five Hundred United States Dollars ($500), knowing same to be a fund that forms part of proceeds of an unlawful act and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2022 as amended and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act.”

    They pleaded “not guilty” when the charges were separately read to them, following which prosecution counsel, Michael Ikechukwu Ani prayed the court for a trial date and for the defendants to be remanded in Enugu State Correctional Centre, while defence counsel, J. O. Ezeh, D. O. Orji, Lizzy Otakagu, E. J. Nwatarali, Michael Odom and Wisdom Ogbonna made bail applications for the defendants before the court, which were opposed by prosecution counsel on the ground that he was just served the applications and needed time to study them and file counter affidavits.

    After listening to both sides, Justice Giwa-Ogunbanjo adjourned the matters till February 17, 2025, for the hearing of bail applications and ordered that the defendants be remanded in the Enugu State Correctional Centre.

    The defendants were arrested on Friday, January 17, 2025, in a sting operation at Dr J. O Ukwutinife Close, Commissioners Quarters, Ifite, Awka, Anambra State, following actionable intelligence linking them to online criminal activities.

  • Reps panel sends EFCC, ICPC after two ex-Perm Secs over ‘N3.2b financial infraction’

    Reps panel sends EFCC, ICPC after two ex-Perm Secs over ‘N3.2b financial infraction’

    The House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (IPCC) to invite two former permanent secretaries in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment – Williams Alo and Yerima Tafa – over alleged N3,201,583,662.65 financial infraction while in office.

    The committee decried the increasing disregard by Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) of government for the committee and the parliament by refusing to honour invitations to respond to audit queries issued by the Auditor General for the Federation.

    Committee Chairman Bamidele Salam (PDP, Osun), who announced the resolution on Monday, said the committee had written seven letters to the current Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Saliu Usman, to appear before the committee.

    The committee chairman said Usman had neither responded nor given reasons for not honouring the invitation.

    He also said the ministry also failed to provide relevant documents needed to clear the erstwhile officials of 32 audit queries against them from the 2020 audit report.

    Read Also: Key to Nigeria’s economic revival, by Olawepo-Hashim

    Salam explained that although the Auditor General for the Federation had made specific recommendations, the committee wrote to the ministry to give the former permanent secretaries the opportunity to defend themselves.

    The chairman said Usman had consistently refused to honour the committee’s invitations.

    He said several other MDAs had habitually been ignoring parliamentary summons to account for public funds appropriated by the National Assembly to them.

    Salam expressed concern that Nigerians have been accusing the National Assembly of not carrying out effective oversight, saying the seeming laggardness was not the fault of the lawmakers.

    The committee chairman recalled that the Senate Committee on Public Accounts had to issue a statement against some MDAs for their refusal to honour invitations extended to them.

    He said the House Committee would not continue to waste its time inviting agencies that will not respect the constitutional authority of the National Assembly.

    Salam said Williams Alo and Yerima Tafa, who were the permanent secretaries in the ministry when the infraction happened, should be held liable since they were the accounting officers in the ministry.

    The committee also gave Usman 72 hours to appear before it to respond to the seven audit queries from the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation for the 2021 financial year or propel the committee into upholding the recommendations of the Auditor General.

    Salami announced that the committee had summoned the permanent secretaries in the Federal ministries of Transportation, Women Affairs, and Humanitarian Services – Adeleye Ayodeji, Mariam Keshero, and Yakubu Adams Kofamata – to appear before it within the next 48 hours.

    Salam said the committee was making every effort to address the queries contained in the 2020 and 2021 audit reports before the 2022 report is submitted in April.

    A member of the committee, Emeka Chinedu, expressed concern about the development, hinging his concern on the fact that the Minister of State in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment is a former member of the House who knows the workings and powers of the parliament.

  • EFCC re-arraigns 73-year-old blindman for alleged N19m fraud

    EFCC re-arraigns 73-year-old blindman for alleged N19m fraud

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)  re-arraigned a 73-year-old blind man, Murtala Adebayo, before Justice Rahman Oshodi of an Ikeja Special Offences Court over alleged N19 million fraud.

    The defendant, who was arraigned before Justice Mojisola Dada on January 24,2024 on a three-count charge, pleaded not guilty which makes the court to grant him bail.

    The nominal complainant had alleged that the defendant used a phony Corporate Affairs Commission documents and fake tax documents to secure bail from the court.

    He was then re-arraigned before Justice Rahman Oshodi on January 28, 2025.

    He pleaded not guilty to the three count charge against him.

    The defendant’s counsel Bamidele Ogundele, urged the court  to allow his client to continue with the former bail granted to the defendant.

    “I urge the court to consider the record of the honorable court, since this matter was before Justice Mojisola Dada, the defendant has been coming to court fulfilling the bail conditions grantef by the court.

    “Also the surety that stood for him filed an affidavit of continuity of suretyship dated January 23, 2025 indicating her intention to continue to stand as surety”

    The prosecuting counsel  Sa’adatu Yabo did not object to the application from the defence counsel.

    Read Also: House of Reps, EFCC warn public officers against corruption

    He left the matter at the court’s discretion.

    Martins Oyigbo, counsel to the normal complaint after seeking the leave of the court,  told the court that the corporate affairs commission certificate of the company used to secure the bail for the defendant was fake.

    He further said this is known to them because the normal complaint applied to the CAC using the name of the same company and CAC approved the registration.

    Justice  Oshodi requested for the bail bond from the defence counsel

    “If you want me to use the previous bail conditions, I must have the bail bond. I need to look at the bail bond so I can use it and it will be part of my record.” he said.

    The defence counsel Bamidele provided the bail bond from the previous court proceedings.

    “My Lord, the bail conditions was granted in the sum of N5million , with a surety and a lien N5 million  placed on the personal account of the surety”

    Justice Oshodi in his short ruling, granted bail to the  defendant on existing bail conditions granted to him by Justice Dada on February 12, 2024.

    Court adjourned the matter till 7 March, 2025, for trial.

  • Northern Christian professionals urges EFCC to monitor LG funds amid financial autonomy

    Northern Christian professionals urges EFCC to monitor LG funds amid financial autonomy

    The National Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to closely monitor the management of funds allocated to local government areas following the financial autonomy granted by the government.

    NCYP Chairman, Isaac Abrak, made this appeal during a courtesy visit to EFCC Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, at the commission’s corporate headquarters.

    Abrak emphasized that grassroots development remained sluggish and stressed that only prudent management of resources directed to local governments could spur growth, alleviate poverty, and improve living conditions in rural communities.

    “We come from the grassroots, we know what’s going on in the local government, we thank the President for giving the local government autonomy. If the local government can achieve 40 percent of what they are supposed to do, we can record a robust development.

    Read Also: Never let online negativity control you, influencer Demure advises

    “That is why we came to you, we  want proper monitoring of the management of resources ,we want to offer our hand of partnership so that the commonwealth sent to the grassroots is utilized”, he said.

    The youth leader applauded Olukoyede on his strides as the EFCC’s boss,  stressing that his performance has shown that he is living up to the demands of his faith as a Christian.  “We are proud of you.  You have represented our faith in a standard manner”, he said. 

    He commended the professionalism and diligence of officers of the EFCC in winning the P&ID case for Nigeria in 2023 and expressed satisfaction with the record-breaking achievements of Olukoyede since he assumed duties as the EFCC’s Chairman.

    Abrak decried  the rising involvement of youths in internet fraud in the Northern part of Nigeria, maintaining that “ cyber crime has encroached into the North and we want the EFCC to intensify its operations in this part of the country”.

    Responding, Olukoyede appreciated the group for the visit, urging members of the group  to use their platforms to unite Nigerians to do what is  right.

    “Doing the right thing has nothing to do with whether you are a Christian or a Muslim. Let’s continue  to operate as people of integrity  irrespective of our faith”, he said. 

    He agreed with the group on the need for closer monitoring of allocations to the local government, stressing that the Commission will continue to do its job in the overall interests of the nation.

    “There is need for us to monitor allocations going to the grassroots and we have started that already. We have a department called Fraud Risk Assessment and Control that is closely monitoring and tracking payments, contracts and other releases to ensure that funds are expended on what they are meant for,” he said.

  • House of Reps, EFCC warn public officers against corruption

    House of Reps, EFCC warn public officers against corruption

    The chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe and the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, have warned public officers in the country to shun corruption.

    Hon Onwusibe and Olukoyede made the call in their separate speeches during the opening session of a three-day workshop on: “Fiscal Responsibility and Transparency” organised by the House of Representatives’ Committee on Financial Crimes in collaboration with the EFCC in Abuja.

    The workshop which was facilitated by Barclays Global Consult Nigeria Limited, was attended by over 100 state and local government officials from Jigawa State.

    Hon. Onwusibe who was represented at the event by the Acting Clerk to the House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes, Austen Tolu Adesoro, noted that the country has been battling public sector corruption, money laundering, illicit financial flows, and various types of fraud for some decades, despite the current legal and institutional measures in place.

    He encouraged state governments to domesticate and implement statutory laws against financial crimes as well as sensitise staff, citizens and stakeholders at all levels to promote ethical reorientation and change societal tolerance for corrupt practices.

    He added that the promotion of ethical whistleblowing and respect for public funds and property must be intensified, while personal responsibility and professionalism should be encouraged and rewarded to stimulate staff commitment to work.

    In an interview with reporters on the sidelines of the session, Onwusibe, through the Clerk of the Committee, Adesoro, said: “The objective of this training is to equip state and local government officials with the do’s and don’ts that will help save us all from the hydra-headed monster of corruption in the country.

    “The 10th House of Representatives under the Speaker, Rt. Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, through the House Committee on Financial Crimes, apart from the oversight function of overseeing agencies, we believe in going an extra mile in the fight against corruption, which one institution cannot effectively do. We believe that fighting corruption should be a joint task.

    “It is on this note that we are also working in line with the Chairman of EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, in applying more preventive measures. We don’t want to limit ourselves to exposing and prosecuting offenders alone, we want to apply preventive measures.

    “It is part of this preventive measure that has geared the committee to this approach of organising seminars for government officials at the state level.

    “We are not also stopping there, permit me to use this opportunity to mention that we are also looking forward to amending the EFCC Act in order to give more powers, to ensure that the EFCC Act is completely embedded in the Nigerian constitution in order to make it more effective.”

    The Chairman of the EFCC, Olukoyede, who was represented at the workshop by the Acting Commandant of the EFCC Academy, Karu, Abuja, Chinwe Ndubueze, noted that fiscal responsibility is at the heart of accountable governance and efficient public service delivery.

    He said: “You will all agree with me that 70 per cent of the problem that Nigeria faces in the public sector is down to poor fiscal transparency. In every budget cycle trillions of Naira are appropriated to cater to the nation’s pressing infrastructural, social and economic needs.

    “Were these resources applied in accordance with laid down rules, Nigeria’s fortune would be different today. Instead, we have had the terrible fortune of rules being circumvented and funds diverted or out rightly stolen through various sharp practices in the procurement value chain, while the rest of us suffer the consequence of the indiscretion of a few corrupt public officers.

    “We cannot continue to play the game of ostrich, pretending to be interested in accountable governance while perpetuating practices that undermine accountability.

    “Let me remind you all that as public officers, you occupy a vantage position to determine the fortune of this nation. Nigeria with all its human and natural resources has no business being poor.

    “Corruption is the albatross that has held this nation captive. The current generation of public servants have a duty to shake off the decadent past and help Nigeria achieve her dream as a great and prosperous nation. We can only achieve this if we shun corruption in all forms.”

    In her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Hajiya Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, represented by the Director of legal Services of the agency, Barr Kingsley Amaku, described the training as timely and necessary intervention, “particularly at a time when financial integrity and accountability must be at the forefront of governance at both federal and state and local government levels.

    “The fight against corruption requires not just enforcement but also a well-informed public sector that understands the legal and institutional frameworks designed to promote transparency.

    “Bridging the knowledge gap in the provisions of our laws is essential to curbing corrupt practices, and this workshop serves as a crucial step in equipping you our government officials with the tools needed to uphold accountability in the public service at all levels.”

    The Chief Executive Officer of Barclays Global Consult, Nigeria Limited who is the immediate past Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Matthew Kolawole, said the programme was meant to educate government officials at all levels on how to manage finances and funds that are coming to their state.

    “You understand that a lot of money is going to the state and local governments, but most local governments’ officials are just newly elected. They are not acquainted with the laws that guide the utilisation of their finances,” Kolawole said.

    Read Also: EFCC and auctioneers

    The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), in Jigawa State, Hon. Abdulraman Lawal, and the Director of Local Governments in Jigawa State, Ismail Yusuf, in their separate remarks, said they expect to be better equipped with the necessary knowledge on how to apply and manage local and state government finances in line with extant laws and financial regulations after the training.

    “Our expectation for this training is that we will go home better than the way we arrived because we are before the experts to lighten us and show us the nitty-gritty on how we can be more careful in way and manner we manage our finances in our individual local governments,’ Lawal said.

    On his part, the Jigawa State Director of Local Governments, Ismail Yusuf, said: “Our expectation is that, we have newly elected local government chairmen and there is need for us to give them a capacity building on how to carry out their jobs so as to avoid any kind of financial mismanagement and be excellent leaders that will carry and manage the public funds in a proper manner.”

    Other heads of anti-corruption agencies who were present at the opening session of the workshop, included the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, Dr Usman Bello Abdullahi, who was represented by a member of the board of the agency, Juwariya Badamasi, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other related offences Commission, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, represented by Hassan Salihu.

  • EFCC secures interim forfeiture of $222,729.86 in digital assets tied to Chinese, Filipino alleged fraudsters

    EFCC secures interim forfeiture of $222,729.86 in digital assets tied to Chinese, Filipino alleged fraudsters

    …arraigns 57 foreign nationals 

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday secured an interim forfeiture order for digital assets valued at $222,729.86, over fraudulent activities allegedly linked to Chinese, and Filipino nationals.

    Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Lagos granted the interim forfeiture order following a motion ex-parte moved by Zeenat Atiku, a prosecuting counsel with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The motion was brought pursuant to Section 44 (2)(B) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 17 of the Advanced Free Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act No. 14, 2016.

    The court also directed the EFCC to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper, allowing anyone with an interest in the assets to appear before the court within 14 days to show cause why the assets should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

    The order reads, “An interim forfeiture order of this Honourable Court forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria digital assets listed in the schedule hereunder, which proceeds were traced and reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.”

    Read Also: Police smash newborn theft, sale syndicate, arrest eight suspects

    In a 7-paragraph affidavit deposed to by one Owolabi Taiwo, an EFCC investigating officer, the Commission had received intelligence about a large-scale fraud involving foreign nationals operating in Lagos. 

    He said a subsequent sting operation led to the arrest of 792 suspected cybercriminals and the seizure of approximately 1,000 routers, SIM cards, computers, and mobile phones.

    According to the deponent further investigation revealed that these suspects were part of a syndicate engaged in cryptocurrency investment fraud and dating scams. 

    He stated that the syndicate financed its operations through Genting International Co. Limited (GICL), a Nigerian-registered company. 

    He stated that the company’s Union Bank account received over N2.26 billion from April to December 2024.

    He added “Bank statements showed that the primary inflows into the account came from cryptocurrency vendors Chukwuemeka Okeke (CO) and Alhassan Aminu Garba (AA), who provided statements under caution. They reported receiving a total of $2.39 million in USDT from the syndicate through peer-to-peer trading. Further blockchain analysis traced these funds to wallet addresses linked to fraudulent schemes, including Conti.vip.

    “The investigation also revealed that GICL, established by foreign nationals, was used to launder the proceeds of fraudulent activities. These individuals, operating without valid work permits, are violating Nigerian laws”.

    Justice Owoeye has adjourned the case to March 7, 2025, for a report on compliance.

    Meanwhile, the EFCC yesterday arraigned 58 foreign nationals comprising of Chinese and Filipino nationals before the federal high court in Lagos on charges of alleged impersonation, fraud, and attempts to destabilise Nigeria’s constitutional structure.

    They were separately arraigned before Justice Ayokunle Faji, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, Justice Denide Dipeolu, and Justice Alexander Owoeye respectively.

    Some of the defendants who were arraigned before four separate courts are Cherry De Leon (A.K.A Yesh De Leon), Khurram Shanzad, Fernad Fu Fang (A.K.A Kim), Tan Soon Kar, Rex Jose Dilag (A.K.A Madison), Jamal Polea, Jamilyn Jaynee Gonzalez (A.K.A Jam Galanza) and Hannah Jaramillo (A.K.A Max De Leon).

    Others Lin Haobo, An Hongxu (a.k.a Ruike), Shitou Shizilong, Pan Jiong, Zhow Kunji, Huang Xiao Liang (a.k.a Liu Xiao Liang), Peng Sen Lin (a.k.a Peng Song Lin, Pen Sen Ling, Dong Fang Hong, Huang Ren Jan, Shi Yang Xiong, Lu Yi Liang, Guo Giang (a.k.a Lisa), Wen Zong Xu, Pan Cai Yu, and Guo Zhi Yong.

    Other defendants are Danica Manulit (A.K.A. Dan Ruiz), Vera Dela Cris (A.K.A. Nina Vera Gonzal), Joey Gracia, Beverlyn Gumayo Casino (A.K.A. Sumayo), and Tricia Jenylyn Castro (Alias T. J. Castro).

    The defendants were among a group of suspected fraudsters apprehended on December 10, 2024, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at their hideout on No. 7, Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, following credible intelligence gathered by the EFCC.

    They were arraigned by EFCC team of prosecutors comprising of Bilikisu Buhari-Bala, Suleiman Ismail Suleiman, Chineye Chisara Okezie, Hannatu Kofarnaisa, N. K . Ukoha, T. J .Banjo, and M. S. Owede.

    They were arraigned on separate charges bordering on alleged cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism, possession of documents containing false pretence and identity theft, among others.

    The defendants were accused of secretly procured and employed several Nigerian youths for identity theft and other computer related fraud.

    The offences are punishable under Sections 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.

    After the charges were read to each defendant individually, they all pleaded not guilty.

    Following their not guilty plea, the court ordered that the defendants be remanded in the Nigeria Correctional Centres.  

    The females defendants were remanded in Kirikiri Correctional Centre, while their male counterparts were remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.

    EFCC told the court that on or about December 18, 2024 in Lagos, the defendants, willfully caused to be accessed computer systems organised to seriously destabilise the constitutional structure of Nigeria (which prohibits and prevents cyber and related crimes) when they procured/employed Nigerian youths for identity theft and to hold themselves (Nigerians) out as persons of foreign nationality, with the intent to gain financial advantage for themselves (The defendants ).

    The Commission also told the court that sometime in December 2024 at Lagos, the defendants willfully gave false information to officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in the course of investigation when they were being questioned for being part of a criminal syndicate group, specialized in Romance scam, crypto currency fraud, cyber terrorism amongst others.

    According to EFCC, the offence committed is contrary to Section18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended,2024), 39(2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 and punishable under Section 39(2) (b) of the same Act.

    The different cases have been adjourned till February 20, 21, 24, 28, March 18, 2025, for trial.

  • EFCC arraigns 13 Chinese for impersonation, attempt to destabilise Nigeria

    EFCC arraigns 13 Chinese for impersonation, attempt to destabilise Nigeria

    Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos yesterday remanded 13 Chinese nationals over allegations of impersonation, fraud and attempts to destabilise Nigeria’s constitutional structure.

    The judge ordered the remand of the defendants after they pleaded not guilty to the charges filed against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The defendants included Wang Zheng Ming, Li Yin Hui, Xiao Hong Will, Wang Jia Qi a.k.a. Xiao Tian, Long Shao Ming a.k.a. You, Zhang Xiao Lei, Liu San Hua, Chen Wenyuan a.k.a. Lee05mx20, Yang Sheng (Madison), and Rheeigh De La Vega a.k.a. Rheignalyn.

    They were arraigned alongside a company, Genting International Co. Limited.

    The defendants were among a group of suspected fraudsters apprehended on December 10, 2024 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at their hideout on No. 7, Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, following credible intelligence gathered by the EFCC.

    EFCC’s legal team, consisting of Bilikisu Buhari-Bala, Aso Larry Peters, TJ Banjo, M.K. Bashir and I.N. Ukoha, presented the charges, citing violations of Sections 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, as amended in 2024.

    Bilikisu Buhari-Bala arraigned the 1st, 4th and 6th defendants; Aso Larry Peters arraigned the 5th, 7th and 8th defendants; T. J. Banjo arraigned the 9th and 10th defendants; M.K. Bashir arraigned the 11th and 12th defendants while I.N. Ukoha arraigned the 13th defendant.

    Read Also: CSO, Afenifere youths fault Sowore’s comments on IGP Egbetokun

    After the charges were read to the defendants respectively, all of them except Wang Zheng Ming pleaded not guilty.

    Wang Zheng Ming rejected the EFCC-appointed lawyer and requested time to hire his own legal representation.

    Justice Dipeolu adjourned the case to February 3, 14 and 21 for trial and ordered the defendants to be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Centres.

    The two female defendants among them were remanded in the Kirikiri Female Correctional Centre while the others were taken to the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.

    One of the defendants, Liu San Hua, was accused of facilitating identity theft by hiring Nigerian youths to impersonate foreign nationals with the intent to gain financial advantage.

    This action violated Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015.

    Other charges against the defendants include using fake identities online to defraud victims; training employees of Genting International Co. Limited in fraudulent practices and for other related offences under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offenses Act, 2006.

    According to the EFCC, the charges highlight serious offences aimed at undermining Nigeria’s security and financial integrity through cybercrime and fraud.

    Some of the charges read as follows: “That you, San Hua and Genting International Co. Limited, in December 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, willfully accessed computer systems organized to destabilize Nigeria’s constitutional structure by employing Nigerian youths for identity theft, causing them to impersonate foreign nationals with the intent to gain financial advantage. This constitutes an offense under Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024).”

    Another said: “That you, Zhang Xiao Lei and Genting International Co. Limited, in December 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, willfully accessed computer systems organized to destabilize Nigeria’s constitutional structure by employing Nigerian youths for identity theft, causing them to impersonate foreign nationals with the intent to gain financial advantage. This constitutes an offense under Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024).”

    Another further stated: “That you, Wang Zheng Feng (aka A. Feng), in December 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, willfully accessed computer systems used to destabilize Nigeria’s economy and social structure. You thereby committed an offense under Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024) and Section 2(3) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”

    “That you, Luo Jia You (aka You), in December 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, gave false information to officers of the EFCC during an investigation. You misrepresented your name as A. YOU to mislead officers while being questioned for involvement in a criminal syndicate specializing in romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud, and cyber terrorism. This constitutes an offense under Section 39(2) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004 and is punishable under Section 39(2)(b) of the same Act.”

  • Reps seek probe into death of two EFCC operatives 

    Reps seek probe into death of two EFCC operatives 

    The House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes has called for thorough investigation into the recent death of two operatives of the Economic and Finance Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The Committee made the call in a letter signed by its Clerk, Austen Adesoro and 

    addressed to the Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede. 

    It also commiserated with the anti-graft agency over the tragic loss of the two men. 

    A copy of the letter titled: “Condolence message on the demise of Aminu Sahabi and Remedy S. Yange” which was sighted by our Correspendent, in Abuja, reads in part: “I am directed to write your Commission on the news of the sudden demise of Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, (ASE 11), Aminu Sahabi Salisu, who met his death while on active national service on January 17th, 2025 and Remedy S. Yange, a reputable investigative officer who recently slumped abruptly and died in Lagos which got to us like a bolt from the blues.

    Read Also: We have done due diligence on 2025 budget, says Reps deputy spokesman

    “The cold-blooded murder and sudden collapse of these particular gallant, young and fearless patriots are one too many, mostly when one was allegedly done by one suspected internet fraudster in Enugu and the other under questionable circumstances that require full investigation.

    “We are indeed deeply saddened by this unfortunate and utterly tragic loss of these operatives, and use this medium to express our heartfelt condolences to you at the EFCC Headquarters, and operatives at the Enugu and Benue Zonal Command.

    “While we call for a thorough investigation into the real cause of the death of these noble men, it is our prayer that the souls of Aminu Sahabi Salisu and Remedy S. Yange find eternal rest as we are convinced that those who have chosen to live dangerously on the fast lane, by deliberately indulging in heinous financial criminalities, and by implications, bringing untold calamity on unsuspecting innocent citizens of our country, will never have the last laugh, in our joint national commitment to sanitize the financial sector of the Nigerian economy.

    “Once again, on behalf of the House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes, please accept our deepest condolences.”