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Tag: EFCC

Drama, confusion trail EFCC’s bid to arrest Yahaya Bello
- Ododo whisks away predecessor during 12 hrs standoff with operatives
- Lawyer: anti-graft agency should discharge injunction before any action
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday said it would arraign a former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello today before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The anti-graft agency said it has secured a warrant to arrest him.

The warrant put an end to a 12-hour siege to Bello’s Abuja residence.

Another High Court in Lokoja restrained the EFCC from arresting, detaining and prosecuting Bello except as authorised by the court.

There was anxiety that police and Department of State Services (DSS) protection for Bello might be withdrawn to allow EFCC to arrest him.

The agency accused Governor Usman Ododo of spiriting away Bello in his official vehicle.

A statement by EFCC Head of the Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said Bello will be arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite alongside three others – Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman and Abdulsalam Hudu – on a 19-count charge.

It said the allegations border on money laundering to the tune of N80,246,470,088.88.

The statement said: “Bello’s arraignment is coming on the heels of a warrant of arrest and enrolment order granted to the EFCC by the court on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

Count one of the charges reads: “That you, Yahaya Adoza Bello, Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu (Still at large), sometime, in February 2016, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired among yourselves to convert the total sum of N80, 246,470, 088.88, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of your unlawful activity to wit, criminal breach of trust and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering ( Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended.”

Count 17 reads: “That you Yahaya Bello between 26th July 2021 to 6th April 2022 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court aided E-Traders International Limited to conceal the aggregate sum of N3,081,804,654.00 in a bank account, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful activity to wit, criminal breach of trust and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a), 15(2) (d) of the Money Laundering ( Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under Section 15( 3) of the same Act.”

Count 18 reads: “That you Yahaya Adoza Bello sometime in November 2021 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court indirectly procured E-Traders International Limited to transfer the aggregate sum of $570,330.00 to account number 4266644272 domiciled in TD Bank, United States of America which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful activity to wit, criminal breach of trust and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2) (d) of the Money Laundering ( Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under Section 15( 3) of the same Act.”

The statement adds: “The Commission’s attempt to execute the warrant of arrest lawfully obtained against Bello met stiff resistance yesterday.

“The security cordon around the former governor’s residence in Abuja was breached by the current Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, who ensured that the suspect was spirited away in his official vehicle. “As a responsible law enforcement agency, the EFCC exercised restraint in the face of the provocation, waiting for his arraignment today

“It is needful to state that Bello is not above the law and would be brought to justice as soon as possible.”

EFCC last night said it will no longer tolerate the obstruction of its operations.

A separate statement reads: “The EFCC wishes to warn members of the public that it is a criminal offence to obstruct officers of the Commission from carrying out their lawful duties.

“Section 38(2)(a(b) of the EFCC Establishment Act makes it an offence to prevent officers of the Commission from carrying out their lawful duties. Culprits risk a jail term of not less than five years.

“This warning becomes necessary against the background of the increasing tendency by persons and groups under investigation by the Commission to take the laws into their hands by recruiting thugs to obstruct lawful operations of the EFCC.

“On several occasions, operatives of the Commission have had to exercise utmost restraint in the face of such provocation to avoid a breakdown of law and order. Regrettably, such disposition is being construed as a sign of weakness.

“The commission, therefore, warns that it will henceforth not tolerate any attempt by any person or organisation to obstruct its operation as such will be met with appropriate punitive actions.”

Conflicting orders create tension

There were conflicting court orders on Bello yesterday.

While a court in Abuja granted an order to EFCC to arrest Bello, another court in Lokoja restrained the anti-graft agency from doing so.

A Federal High Court in Abuja issued an order empowering EFCC to arrest Bello.

Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order in a ruling on an ex-parte motion, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/98/2024, filed on April 17 by the EFCC.

Justice Nwite, after listening to EFCC’s lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), said he was satisfied with the grounds for the reliefs and was inclined to grant the prayer sought.

The judge ordered that a warrant be issued to the EFCC.

Justice Nwite directed that Bello be apprehended and produced before his court on April 18 for arraignment.

The judge said: “It is hereby ordered as follows: That an order of this honourable court is hereby made directing and/or issuing a warrant for the immediate arrest of the defendant for the purpose of bringing him before this honourable court for arraignment.

“That case is adjourned to the 18th day of April 2024 for arraignment.”

But a High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, restrained the commission from infringing on Bello fundamental human rights.

In a two-hour judgment, Justice I.A Jamil, in suit no HCL/68/M/2020, restrained the EFCC from arresting, detaining and prosecuting the applicant except as authorised by the court.

The judgment followed the suit brought before the court by Bello, seeking to enforce his fundamental rights.

The court restrained the respondents from continuing to persecute the applicant.

Earlier in the judgement, the court dismissed the issue of jurisdiction as raised by the EFCC.

A senior lawyer reviewing the conflicting court judgments yesterday cautioned the EFCC against picking which order to obey.

According to him, since EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede had promised to operate within the ambit of the law he should ensure that the judgment made against the agency, is discharged before any further action on the Bello matter.

EFCC lawless, says ex-governor’s media office

The moves to arrest Bello were with much drama, which climaxed in a 12-hour standoff.

Some operatives of the EFCC laid siege to Bello Abuja residence.

It was learnt that the operatives were under a strong directive not to break in.

The Media Office of the former governor said the invasion was in defiance of a subsisting court order.

It cited an injunction granted on February 9 by the High Court in Lokoja Division restraining the anti-graft commission from arresting Bello.

Although the operatives got to the residence of the ex-governor at 9, Bengazi Street in Zone 4 of Wuse District, Abuja at 9.30 am, there was a standoff for 12 hours.

Neither the operatives could break in, nor was Bello ready to meet with the team.

The media office claimed EFCC acted preemptively because a judgment in the substantive case between Bello and the commission was to be delivered in Lokoja.

It asked the EFCC to respect the Rule of Law by standing down the move to arrest Bello.

“We are aware of the total commitment of the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the rule of law and can say categorically that the leadership of the EFCC might have offered the agency on a platter of gold to desperate politicians to convert to their score settling tool without minding the effect on its integrity and the image of Nigeria as regards the rule of law.

“A situation where law enforcers disregard the rule of law is a definite recipe for anarchy, which will adversely affect every aspect of the nation’s economy.

Read Also: Court okays EFCC’s arrest of former Kogi Gov Yahaya Bello

“Nigerians have perceived the desperation of the anti-graft agency to embarrass and harass the former governor by all means through spurious allegations, especially the latest one dating back to September 2015, way before he assumed office.

“We are aware that there are clandestine moves to correct the error, but with even more questionable allegations, which would embarrass the commission and Nigeria more than the initial one.

“It is unfortunate that an agency that is supposed to enforce the law is now the first culprit with respect to disobedience of court orders.

“This is a big dent in the fight against corruption. He who comes to equity must come with clean hands.

“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call the EFCC to order in the interest of legal sanity.
April 18, 2024
Oluwo berates EFCC for litigations over Naira abuse

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has berated the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the recent litigations over the abuse of the Naira.

Oba Akanbi described efforts by the EFCC to punish Naira abusers as ‘misplaced priority’. He stressed the need for the commission to carry out comprehensive enlightenment on how to handle the Naira before enforcing penalties.

Read Also: Court okays EFCC’s arrest of former Kogi Gov Yahaya Bello

The monarch, in a statement yesterday, said spraying of Naira has become a cultural habit rampant especially among the Yoruba and Igbo.

He said: “While commending the EFCC for its efforts so far in recovering stolen money, I urge it to conduct comprehensive enlightenments for Nigerians on handling the Naira.

“The recent litigations by the EFCC against Naira abuse is a misplaced priority.

April 18, 2024
EFCC lays siege to ex-governor Bello’s residence for seven hours

…it’s a lawless move, says media office

For about seven hours, some operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, April 17, laid siege to the residence of the immediate past governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello.

The team was yet to gain entrance into the building at the time of filing this report.

It was learnt that the operatives were under a strong directive not to break in.

But the media office of the former governor said the invasion of Bello’s residence was in defiance of a subsisting court order.

It cited an injunction granted on 9th February 2024 by the High Court of Justice, Lokoja Division restraining the anti-graft commission from a resting Bello.

According to a source in EFCC, some operatives were drafted to Bello’s residence to pick him up for questioning in respect of an ongoing case in court.

Although the operatives got to the residence of the ex-governor at 9, Bengazi Street in Zone 4 of Wuse District, Abuja at 9.30 am, there had been a standoff for seven hours.

Neither the operatives could break in, nor was Bello ready to meet with the team.

A top source in EFCC said: “There is an ongoing case in court in which Bello was implicated in some charges.

“It has not been possible for our operatives to interact with Bello. We have no choice but to effect his arrest. He is aware we are looking for him.

“We will try to be as civil as possible but let him come for interrogation and arraignment in court.”

But the Ex-Governor, through his Media Office said he cannot be arrested by the EFCC because there is a restraining order against the commission.

It alleged that the EFCC was preemptive yesterday because a judgment in the substantive case between Bello and the EFCC was to be delivered in Lokoja.

It asked the EFCC to respect the Rule of Law by standing down the move to arrest Bello.

The statement said: “About 9:30 am today, the 17th day of April 2024, persons who described themselves as officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrived the Wuse Zone 4 Residence of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello to effect his arrest.

“This is despite a subsisting order of injunction granted on 9th February 2024 by the High Court of Justice, Lokoja Division in Suit No. HCL/68M/2024 between Alhaji Yahaya Bello v. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, restraining the commission either by itself or its agents from harassing, arresting, detaining or prosecuting Alhaji Yahaya Bello, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive fundamental rights enforcement action.

Read Also: Alleged fraud: EFCC withdraws operatives from Yahaya Bello’s house

“The EFCC was duly served with that order on 12th February 2024 and on 26th February 2024; the EFCC filed an Appeal (Appeal No.: CA/ABJ/CV/175/2024: Economic and Financial Crimes Commission v. Alhaji Yahaya Bello) against the said order to the Court of Appeal Abuja division.

“The Appeal was accompanied by a Motion for Stay of Execution of the Order of the High Court which the Court of Appeal adjourned for hearing till the 22nd day of April 2024.

“Furthermore, judgment in the substantive case between Alhaji Yahaya Bello and the EFCC is to be delivered at 12 Noon today in Lokoja.

“Contrary to all of the above, the EFCC has now laid siege to the home of H.E Yahaya Bello seeking to arrest him in contravention of the extant orders!

“It is a surprise that an agency led by a lawyer could flagrantly disobey a subsisting court order by taking actions contrary to the reliefs granted.

The statement pleaded with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prevail on the EFCC to respect the court.

It faulted a situation where law enforcers will allegedly disregard the law.

We are aware of the total commitment of the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the rule of law and can say categorically that the leadership of the EFCC might have offered the agency on a platter of gold to desperate politicians to convert to their score settling tool without minding the effect on its integrity and the image of Nigeria as regards the rule of law.

“A situation where law enforcers disregard the rule of law is a definite recipe for anarchy, which will adversely affect every aspect of the nation’s economy.

“Nigerians have perceived the desperation of the anti-graft agency to embarrass and harass the former governor by all means through spurious allegations, especially the latest one dating back to September 2015, way before he assumed office.

“We are aware that there are clandestine moves to correct the error, but with even more questionable allegations, which would embarrass the commission and Nigeria more than the initial one.

“It is unfortunate that an agency that is supposed to enforce the law is now the first culprit with respect to disobedience of court orders.

“This is a big dent on the fight against corruption. He who comes to equity must come with clean hands.

“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call the EFCC to order in the interest of legal sanity.

April 17, 2024
BREAKING: EFCC obtains warrant to arrest Yahaya Bello

The Federal High Court Sitting in Abuja has granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) permission to arrest the former governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello, in preparation for his arraignment on Thursday, April 18.

Read Also: Alleged fraud: EFCC withdraws operatives from Yahaya Bello’s house

Justice Emeka Nwite granted the warrant on Wednesday afternoon at the instance of the EFCC.

The Nation had reported that a High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi state, restrained EFCC from infringing on the fundamental human rights of former Governor Yahaya Bello.

Details shortly…

April 17, 2024
JUST IN: Court restrains EFCC from arresting, detaining, former Kogi Gov

A High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, has restrained the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from infringing on the fundamental human rights of former Governor Yahaya Bello.

In a two-hour judgment delivered on Wednesday at the High Court 4 and presided over by Hon. Justice I.A Jamil, in suit no HCL/68/M/2020, the court restrained the EFCC from arresting, detaining and prosecuting the applicant except as authorised by the Court.

Read Also: BREAKING: EFCC operatives besiege Yahaya Bello’s Abuja residence

This is a definite order following the earlier interim injunction given.

The judgment followed the suit brought before the court by Bello, the applicant, seeking to enforce his fundamental rights against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The Court also restrained the respondents from continuing to persecute the Applicant.

In the judgement, the Court dismissed the issue of jurisdiction as challenged by the EFCC.

The Applicant’s Counsel SA Abbas and MS Yusuf, described the judgment as a landmark while the

Defendant Counsel, T.U Odima and Patrick O. Jibril also aligned themselves to the judgment, describing it as thorough.

April 17, 2024
Odinkalu: EFCC lacks powers to prosecute naira abuse

A former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, has argued that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) lacks the powers to prosecute naira abuse.

He had criticised the commission for arresting crossdresser Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju (alias Bobrisky), who was convicted and jailed for six months for the offence.

Read Also: BREAKING: Court grants Cubana Chief Priest N10m bail

To the professor of law, spraying of the naira does not fall within the commission’s prosecutorial purview.

Odinkalu stated: “The law that establishes the EFCC defines ‘economic and financial crimes’ to mean ‘non-violent criminal and illicit activity committed with the objectives of earning wealth illegally either individually or in a group or organised manner thereby violating existing legislation governing the economic activities of government and its administration.’ “

Socialite and barman Pascal Chibuike Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, is set to challenge the charge filed against him by the EFCC, having pleaded not guilty.

He was arraigned on Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Lagos and granted N10million bail.

April 17, 2024
EFCC arraigns five for illegal crude oil deal

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Monday, charged five defendants before a Federal High Court in Lagos, over an illegal deal in petroleum products.
The defendants are: Mt Vinnalaris (a vessel), Azeez Abubakar, Wisdom Borborley, Samuel Akpan and Freedom Otuagoma They appeared before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke on two counts bordering on unlawful deal in petroleum products.
After the charge was read to them, they pleaded guilty.
Following their plea, the prosecutor, Mr R.A. Abdurasheed, informed the court that the prosecution had filed the plea bargain agreement with the defendants, before the court.

Read Also: EFCC: we’ll try bank CEOs over COVID funds, W’Bank loans

Consequently, the court adjourned the case until April 25, for adoption of plea bargain agreement.

The court, however, ordered that the defendants remain in custody of the prosecution till then.
In the charge, the defendants were said to have committed the offence sometime in 2023, while on the Nigerian maritime domain.
They were alleged to have dealt in 515.8 litres of crude oil without lawful authority.

The offence contravenes the provisions of Section 1(17) and 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap M17 Law of the Federation 2004.

(NAN)

April 15, 2024
EFCC: we’ll try bank CEOs over COVID funds, W’Bank loans

• Agency recovers N32.7b, $445,000 from Humanitarian Affairs Ministry officials

Anti-graft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFFC), has intensified its investigation into the culpability of bank chief executive officers (CEOs) in the mismanagement of COVID-19 funds and World Bank loans.

Also under probe is the alleged mismanagement of recovered Abacha loot given to the Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development ministry for disbursement to beneficiaries of the Federal Government support-for-the-poor programme.

The agency explained this yesterday in a statement by its spokesman Dele Oyewale, which clarified its investigation into the ministry.

The EFCC also announced yesterday that it had received N32.7 billion and $445,000 so far from top officials of the ministry under its searchlight.

The abuse of naira has become a priority investigation of the agency, it added.

Many celebrities are being probed for their illegal use of the nation’s currency.

Read Also: Bobrisky: Beneath the surface

Last week, cross-dresser Idris Okunneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, was convicted following EFCC’s prosecution of him for naira abuse.

The agency hinted that many more people under investigation might be arrested and made to face the law.

Shedding light on the probe of malfeasance in the Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development ministry, the agency said: “At the outset of investigations, past and suspended officials of the Humanitarian Ministry were invited by the commission and investigations into the alleged fraud involving them have yielded the recovery of N32.7billion and $445,000 so far.

“Discreet investigations by the EFCC have opened other fraudulent dealings involving Covid -19 funds, the World Bank loan, Abacha recovered loot released to the Ministry by the Federal Government to execute its poverty alleviation mandate.

“Investigations have also linked several interdicted and suspended officials of the ministry to the alleged financial malfeasance.

“It is instructive to stress that the commission’s investigations are not about individuals. The EFCC is investigating a system and intricate web of fraudulent practices.

“Banks involved in the alleged fraud are being investigated.

“Managing Directors of the indicted banks have made useful statements to investigators digging into the infractions. Those found wanting will be prosecuted accordingly.

“Additionally, the EFCC has not cleared anyone allegedly involved in the fraud.

“Investigations are ongoing and advancing steadily. The public is enjoined to ignore any claim to the contrary.

“On the issue of the works of the Commission against Naira abuse, dollarisation of the economy and the enforcement of all extant laws relating to them, the EFCC appreciates the avalanche of public awakening, support and involvement demonstrated so far.

“Increasingly, members of the public are drawing the attention of the Commission to videos recording of abuse of the Naira by Nigerians from all walks of life.

“These gestures amply demonstrate the rising consciousness of the public to the sanctity of our national currency and the need for collaborative engagement to sustain the tempo.

“To this end, the Commission will always investigate and prosecute anyone involved in the abuse of the Naira.

“Old videos being exhumed and flying around for the attention of the Commission are noted as the Commission is sensitive to the fact that its Special Task Force against Naira Abuse and Dollarisation of the Economy commenced operations on February 7, 2024.

“Going forward, new videos of such infractions will be investigated and prosecuted.

“At the moment, the Commission is investigating several celebrities involved in Naira abuse.

“Many of them have made useful statements to the Commission and many more have been invited by investigators working on the matter.

“The EFCC will not relent in its ‘no-sacred-cow’ mode of operations and the public should be wary of running afoul of laws against the crime.”

April 15, 2024
Our investigation not about any individual, says EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) has made it clear that despite the insinuations in the media, commentaries and trending public opinions, the investigation of alleged corruption was not against any individual but a holistic probe of the Humanitarian Ministry from past administrations.

In a statement on Sunday in Abuja titled: “Setting the records straight on investigations of Humanitarian Ministry” by Dele Oyewale, Head, Media and Publicity, the commission said it is investigating a system and intricate web of fraudulent practices in the era of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

The EFCC added that discreet investigations have opened on other fraudulent dealings involving Covid -19 funds, the World Bank loan, Abacha recovered loot released to the Ministry by the Federal Government to execute its poverty alleviation mandate.

The statement reads in part: “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has noticed the rising tide of commentaries, opinions, assumptions and insinuations concerning its progressive investigations into the alleged financial misappropriation in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

Read Also; Yoruba Nation: Sunday Igboho denies involvement in invasion of Oyo secretariat

“At the outset of investigations, past and suspended officials of the Humanitarian Ministry were invited by the Commission and investigations into the alleged fraud involving them have yielded the recovery of N32.7billion and $445,000 so far.

“Discreet investigations by the EFCC have opened other fraudulent dealings involving Covid -19 funds, the World Bank loan, Abacha recovered loot released to the Ministry by the Federal Government to execute its poverty alleviation mandate. Investigations have also linked several interdicted and suspended officials of the Ministry to the alleged financial malfeasance.

“It is instructive to stress that the Commission’s investigations are not about individuals. The EFCC is investigating a system and intricate web of fraudulent practices. Banks involved in the alleged fraud are being investigated. Managing Directors of the indicted banks have made useful statements to investigators digging into the infractions. Those found wanting will be prosecuted accordingly.

“On the issue of the works of the Commission against Naira abuse, dollarization of the economy and the enforcement of all extant laws relating to them, the EFCC appreciates the avalanche of public awakening, support and involvement demonstrated so far. Increasingly, members of the public are drawing the attention of the Commission to video recording of abuse of the Naira by Nigerians from all walks of life. These gestures amply demonstrate rising consciousness of the public to the sanctity of our national currency and the need for collaborative engagement to sustain the tempo.

“To this end, the Commission will always investigate and prosecute anyone involved in the abuse of the Naira. Old videos being exhumed and flying around for the attention of the Commission are noted as the Commission is sensitive to the fact that its Special Task Force against Naira Abuse and Dollarization of the economy commenced operations on February 7, 2024. However, going forward, new videos of such infractions will be investigated and prosecuted.

“At the moment, the Commission is investigating several celebrities involved in Naira abuse. Many of them have made useful statements to the Commission and many more have been invited by investigators working on the matter. The EFCC will not relent in its no-sacred-cow mode of operations and the public should be wary of running afoul of laws against the crime.”

April 14, 2024
Probe: EFCC recovers N32.7b from Humanitarian Affairs officials

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Sunday, April 14, said it has so far recovered N32.7billion and $445,000 from top officials of the the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

It also said some banks implicated in the ministry’s scandal are being investigated.

It admitted that the Managing Directors of the implicated banks have made useful statements to EFCC investigators.

But the anti-graft agency said it was yet to clear any of the suspects under probe.

It said those found wanting will be prosecuted accordingly.

The EFCC, which gave the status update in a statement through its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said discreet investigations by have been opened on other fraudulent dealings involving Covid -19 funds, the World Bank loan, Abacha recovered loot released to the Ministry.

The statement said: “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) , has noticed the rising tide of commentaries, opinions, assumptions and insinuations concerning its progressive investigations into the alleged financial misappropriation in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

Read Also; Ondo Guber: Aiyedatiwa, Ibrahim, Akinterinwa others get certificates to contest primary Monday

“At the outset of investigations, past and suspended officials of the Humanitarian Ministry were invited by the commission and investigations into the alleged fraud involving them have yielded the recovery of N32.7billion and $445,000 so far.”

The EFCC said it has opened investigations into more activities of the Ministry.

The statement added: ” Discreet investigations by the EFCC have opened other fraudulent dealings involving Covid -19 funds, the World Bank loan, Abacha recovered loot released to the Ministry by the Federal Government to execute its poverty alleviation mandate.

” Investigations have also linked several interdicted and suspended officials of the Ministry to the alleged financial malfeasance.”

On the involvement of banks, the EFCC said some Managing Directors of such institutions have been interrogated.

The statement said: “It is instructive to stress that the commission’s investigations are not about individuals. The EFCC is investigating a system and intricate web of fraudulent practices.

“Banks involved in the alleged fraud are being investigated.

“Managing Directors of the indicted banks have made useful statements to investigators digging into the infractions. Those found wanting will be prosecuted accordingly.”

But the EFCC clarified that it was yet to clear anyone implicated in the fraudulent deals under investigation.

“Additionally, the EFCC has not cleared anyone allegedly involved in the fraud. Investigations are ongoing and advancing steadily. The public is enjoined to ignore any claim to the contrary,” it said.

The commission explained its position on dollarization of the economy and the enforcement of all extant laws.

It added: “On the issue of the works of the Commission against Naira abuse, dollarization of the economy and the enforcement of all extant laws relating to them, the EFCC appreciates the avalanche of public awakening, support and involvement demonstrated so far.

“Increasingly, members of the public are drawing the attention of the Commission to video recording of abuse of the Naira by Nigerians from all walks of life.

“These gestures amply demonstrate rising consciousness of the public to the sanctity of our national currency and the need for collaborative engagement to sustain the tempo.

“To this end, the Commission will always investigate and prosecute anyone involved in the abuse of the Naira. Old videos being exhumed and flying around for the attention of the Commission are noted as the Commission is sensitive to the fact that its Special Task Force against Naira Abuse and Dollarization of the economy commenced operations on February 7, 2024.

“However, going forward, new videos of such infractions will be investigated and prosecuted.

“At the moment, the commission is investigating several celebrities involved in Naira abuse. Many of them have made useful statements to the Commission and many more have been invited by investigators working on the matter.

“The EFCC will not relent in its no-sacred-cow mode of operations and the public should be wary of running afoul of laws against the crime.”

April 14, 2024