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Tag: EFCC

  • EFCC suspends officers over alleged N10m extortion of rapper

    EFCC suspends officers over alleged N10m extortion of rapper

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday said it was investigating an allegation of N10 million extortion leveled against some of its officers by a rapper, Oladipupo Olabode Oladimeji a.k.a. Oladips.

    It said the affected officers had been barred from any form of operation duty.

    The commission also summoned the officers to its headquarters in Abuja.

    But it promised to take action against the rapper if the allegation is found to be false or raised to malign the commission and tarnish its image.

    The EFCC made its position known in a statement issued by its Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Dele Oyewale.

    The statement said: “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) views with great concern the allegation of extortion made against some of its operatives by a Nigerian rapper, Oladipupo Olabode Oladimeji a.k.a. Oladips.

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    “The hip-hop artiste gravely alleged that operatives of the commission extorted a sum of N10,000,000 (ten million naira) from him before securing his release when he was arrested alongside other suspected internet fraudsters.

    “The commission wishes to state unreservedly that the grim picture painted by the artiste does not reflect the true picture of the EFCC. 

    “We have seen his claims and have commenced investigations on them accordingly.

    “Officers in the team that handled his case have been summoned to the corporate headquarters of the commission and have also been relieved of their operational duties pending the conclusion of investigation on the matter.

    “The commission is serious about its value of integrity and will take necessary action against any staff found to be culpable. 

    “It is also needful to state that if the allegation is found to be false and raised to malign the commission or tarnish its image, appropriate sanctions will also be imposed.

    “The commission enjoins the public to await the result of its investigations and continue to keep faith with it in its conscientious task of tackling economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.”

  • EFCC probes Oladips’ allegation of extortion, bars affected officers from operation

    EFCC probes Oladips’ allegation of extortion, bars affected officers from operation

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said it is investigating allegation of extortion of N10million against some of its officers by a rapper, Oladipupo Olabode Oladimeji (a.k.a Oladips).

    It said the affected officers have been barred from any form of operation duty. 

    The commission has also summoned the officers to its headquarters in Abuja.

    But it promised to take action against the rapper if the allegation is found to be false and raised to malign the commission or tarnish its image.

    The EFCC made its position known in a statement by its Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Dele Oyewale. 

    The statement reads: “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)  views with great concern the allegation of extortion made against some of its operatives by a Nigerian rapper,  Oladipupo Olabode Oladimeji (a.k.a Oladips).

    “The hip-hop artist gravely alleged that operatives of the commission extorted a sum of N10,000,000( Ten Million Naira) from him before securing his release when he was arrested alongside other suspected internet fraudsters.

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    “The commission wishes to state unreservedly that the grim picture painted by the artist does not reflect the true picture of the EFCC.  

    “We have seen his claims and have commenced investigations on them accordingly. 

    “Officers in the team that handled his case have been summoned to the corporate headquarters of the commission and have also been relieved of their operational duties pending the conclusion of investigation of the matter. 

    “The commission is serious about its value of integrity and will take necessary action against any staff found to be culpable.  

    “It is also needful to state that if the allegation is found to be false and raised to malign the commission or tarnish its image,   appropriate  sanctions will also be  imposed. 

    “The commission enjoins the public to await the result of its investigations and continue to keep faith with it in its conscientious task of tackling economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.”

  • EFCC probes allegations of N10 million extortion from rapper Oladips

    EFCC probes allegations of N10 million extortion from rapper Oladips

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is investigating allegations by rapper Oladips that its operatives extorted N10 million from him during his detention in November 2024. 

    Oladips claimed that despite spending five days in custody, no incriminating evidence was found on him, but he was still forced to pay N10 million before his release.

    The rapper shared his harrowing experience on a podcast, describing the detention conditions as deplorable and stating that he was packed with others like sardines and given poor-quality food. 

    Responding, EFCC summoned the officers involved and relieving them of their operational duties pending the outcome of the investigation. 

    The commission emphasised its commitment to integrity and vowed to take necessary action against any staff found culpable.

    It said: “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, views with great seriousness the allegation of extortion made against some of its operatives by a Nigerian rapper, Oladipupo Olabode Oladimeji (a.k.a Oladips).

    “The hip-hop artist gravely alleged that operatives of the Commission extorted a sum of N10,000,000( Ten Million Naira) from him before securing his release when he was arrested alongside other suspected internet fraudsters.

    “The Commission wishes to state unreservedly that the grim picture painted by the artist does not reflect the true picture of the EFCC. We have seen his claims and have commenced investigations on them accordingly. Officers in the Team that handled his case have been summoned to the Corporate Headquarters of the Commission and have also been relieved of their operational duties pending the conclusion of investigation of the matter. 

    “The Commission is serious about its value of integrity and will take necessary action against any staff found to be culpable. It is also needful to state that if the allegation is found to be false and raised to malign the Commission or tarnish its image, appropriate sanctions will also be imposed. 

    “The Commission enjoins the public to await the result of its investigations and continue to keep faith with it in its conscientious task of tackling economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption”.

  • Oladips opens up on encounter with EFCC

    Oladips opens up on encounter with EFCC

    Nigerian rapper Oladips has opened up about his unpleasant encounter with the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging that he was unlawfully arrested and extorted millions of naira in 2024.

    The “Lalakukulala” singer made the revelation during a recent interview, where he recounted how the  EFCC officials broke into his Lagos residence in the middle of the night.

    “It was around 3 AM when they broke my kitchen door and gained access to my apartment,” Oladips said. “I already knew they were in the estate operating in other people’s apartments, but I wasn’t worried because I don’t do fraud.”

    According to him, the operatives demanded his laptop, but he explained that he only owned two mobile phones.

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     He claimed he was taken to the EFCC office, where officials, upon finding no evidence of fraud, began questioning him about tax payments.

    “I was locked up for five days in a very smelly cell but was later granted bail after paying millions,” the rapper recounted.

    Oladips also revealed that fellow artiste Zlatan Ibile ensured he had food throughout his detention by sending him meals daily.

    He described the experience as both humiliating and traumatizing, adding that although he contemplated taking legal action against the anti-graft agency, he decided against it due to the complexities of Nigeria’s justice system.

    “I would have sued the EFCC, but you know how the system is — I would just keep spending money,” he said.

  • Alleged N33.2bn fraud: EFCC tenders more documents in evidence against Dasuki, others

    Alleged N33.2bn fraud: EFCC tenders more documents in evidence against Dasuki, others

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday tendered more evidence in the trial of retired Col. Sambo Dasuki and three others before an Abuja High Court.

    Dasuki a former National Security Adviser  (NSA)is charged with an amended 32-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, dishonest release and receiving various sums of money to the tune of N33.2 billion.

    He was accused of misappropriation of security funds in the accounts of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), alongside a former General Manager with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Aminu Baba-Kusa.

    Others are two firms: Acacia Holdings Limited and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited.

    The EFCC arraigned the four defendants afresh on, March 25 in a case that began in 2015.

    The anti-graft agency accused Dasuki, among others, of releasing the equivalent of N10billion in foreign currencies from the NSA’s account.

    The account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the 2014 presidential primary election of the then ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    Dasuki and his co-defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges, marked as FCT/HC/CR/43/2015.

    At the resumed hearing of the case , PW1, Adariku Michael, a detective with EFCC informed the court that the commission received intelligence report on Sept. 21, 2015 bordering on abuse of office and money laundering.

    He was taken in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN.

    He alleged that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) moved huge sums of money between October, 2014 and April, 2015 to accounts of various companies.

    The witness said the report was assigned to a special task force headed by ACE Halimah Kazeem.

    The witness said that on receiving the report, the special task force swung into action and wrote a letter to the CBN.

    He narrated how money for the ONSA account in the CBN was transferred to different individuals and companies into their different banks.

    Responses from requests sent to CBN and other banks were tendered in evidence and marked as exhibits.

    The defendants counsel , A A Usman for Dasuki, Solomon Umoh, SAN for Baba-Kusa and Acacia Holdings Limited and A O Ayodele for Reliance Referral Hospital Limited reserved their objections

    The parties as suggested by Umoh agreed to be shown the documents before the proceedings, so that the trial can go smoothly.

    Justice Charles Agbaza then adjourned the case until Nov.11 for continuation of hearing.

    (NAN)

  • Naira redesign brought hardship on Nigerians, EFCC witness tells court

    Naira redesign brought hardship on Nigerians, EFCC witness tells court

    A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, yesterday heard that the naira redesign policy by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under former Governor Godwin Emefiele caused hardship for Nigerians.

    An investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Chinelo Eneanya, stated this while testifying as the seventh prosecution witness in Emefiele’s trial over alleged unlawful implementation of the policy.

    Led in evidence by the prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Eneanya said his team investigated the impact of the naira redesign and found that it severely affected the public.

    “We reviewed documentary, electronic, and audiovisual evidence showing the effect of the policy on Nigerians,” he told the court.

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    The prosecution tendered several documents and video recordings as evidence. Six video clips from four television stations – News Central, Channels TV, TVC News, and Arise News – were played in court, which admitted a bill of settlement and certified copies of related documents from 2022 and 2023.

    Eneanya said the investigation showed widespread frustration among citizens who struggled to meet their daily needs and sustain their businesses during the period.

    The EFCC investigator averred that CBN board members and the Committee of Governors only learnt about the presidential approval for the redesign after it had been implemented.

    The witness also confirmed that Emefiele was interviewed during the investigation and that his written statements were tendered in evidence.

    Defence counsel Olalekan Ojo (SAN) objected when the witness attempted to speak on the Supreme Court judgment on the policy.

    The lawyer argued that he could not testify on a document he did not author. However, Justice Maryanne Anenih overruled the objection, agreeing with the prosecution.

    At Ojo’s request, the judge adjourned the case to November 26 for cross-examination of the witness.

  • EFCC did not charge ex-minister with $6bn fraud- witness tells court

    EFCC did not charge ex-minister with $6bn fraud- witness tells court

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) did not charge former Power and Steel minister, Dr Olu Agunloye, with six billion dollars fraud.

    Agunloye in his writ of summons in the defamation suit marked FCT/HC/CV/1199/2024, filed by his counsel, Adeola Adedipe SAN, claimed that the EFCC damaged his good name on its social media handles.

    The former minister added and his integrity into murky waters, alleging him to be corrupt and fraudulent individual .

    He, therefore, sought a declaration of the court that the post is false and defamatory of him.

    Agunloye also sought an order for EFCC to retract the defamatory publication against him and tender unreserved apologies.

    He further sought the payment of compensation of N1billion as general and exemplary damage to him.

    Earlier, the EFCC sole witness, Umar Babangida, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) who is an investigator with EFCC was cross examined by Adedipe.

    Babangida told the court that he was a witness in the criminal case before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie in Apo, Abuja.

    The matter, he said, has not been concluded.

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    When Adedipe showed the witness the criminal charge against Agunloye to show the court where six billion dollars was contained, Babangida told the court:”there  nothing like that in the charge”.

    When shown Paragraph 29 of his witnesses statement on oath, Babangida retracted and confirmed to the court the said publication was from the commission’s media department.

    “I don’t know if Exhibit C (the publication) is an EFCC publication. I am an investigator, not in the media department. The publication is from the EFCC media department.”

    Earlier, Babangida had, while being led in his evidence by EFCC counsel, O.S. Ajayi, adopted his written statement and urged the court to accept it as his oral evidence in the case.

    Justice Peter Kekemeke, adjourned until Feb. 2, 2026 for adoption of parties’ final written addresses.

    Agunloye is facing an amended seven-count charge, marked FCT/HC/CR/617/2023, bordering on forgery, disobeying presidential directive and receiving gratification, filed by EFCC on award of the controversial Mambilla hydropower project in Taraba.

    EFCC alleged that the former minister awarded contract for the Mambilla project on May 22, 2003 to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited (SPTCL) without any budgetary provision, approval and cash backing.

    The commission also, among others, alleged that the former minister received the total sum of N5.212million from SPTCL and Leno Adesanya, through Jide Abiodun Sotirin through Agunloye’s Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) account, for conveying the Federal Government’s approval for the construction of the Mambilla power project in favour of SPTCL while serving as minister.

    Agunloye, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him by EFCC.(NAN)

  • Oladips opens up on ‘harsh’ encounter with EFCC

    Oladips opens up on ‘harsh’ encounter with EFCC

    Rapper Oladips has recounted his experience with operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing how he was picked up during a night raid in his estate and detained for several days.

    Speaking in a recent interview, the rapper said the incident occurred around 3 a.m. when officials entered his neighborhood.

    “Nigeria just happened to me. It was just a normal night and they entered my Estate going from house to house. They came to my house as well. It was like 3 a.m. The crazy thing is that I knew they were inside the compound, but I don’t do fraud, I don’t do yahoo,” Oladips said.

    “I was on my bed pressing my phone because that’s none of my business- na person wey do fraud go dey run. Next thing, I heard a loud noise from downstairs. They broke my kitchen door, entered my house, and were like, ‘Hey, hey, where’s your phone?’ I don’t even have a laptop, just two phones. They collected them and took me to their office.”

    He explained that he was detained for several days and later released after the investigation.

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    “They didn’t find anything on my phone. One of their oga asked if I pay tax, so they just held me for that. I spent four, five days in that cell,” he said.

    Oladips noted that he considered taking legal action but decided against it due to the process involved.

    “I feel like when I came out I should have sued them because they collected money from me before they released me for nothing, absolutely nothing. I spent four, five days in their cell. But you know Nigeria – before I now sue them and start fighting for the money they collected from me, I’ll spend another money,” he added.

    “The system is just messed up because I don’t know why I was locked up till date. They suffered me. You know Nigeria, before I’ll sue them and start spending money, it’s crazy. I can’t go through all of that stress, that was why I locked up,” he said.

  • Why EFCC, ICPC, others must probe Ondo council chair, by APC elders

    Why EFCC, ICPC, others must probe Ondo council chair, by APC elders

    Allegations against me politically-motivated

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders’ Movement for Tinubu 2027 in Ondo State has called for the probe of the Chairman of Owo Local Government Area, Tope Omolayo, over alleged financial impropriety.

    The call followed Omolayo’s suspension by 11 councillors who accused him of financial irregularities, gross violation of statutory budget and internally generated revenue (IGR) regulations, disrespect for traditional rulers, and inappropriate conduct.

    The councillors, led by the House Leader, Doyin Adebayo, in a suspension letter, said the chairman’s actions were inconsistent with the financial and administrative ethics expected of a local government leader.

    Omolayo vehemently denied the allegations, saying he was only being prosecuted for refusing to play ball by some council officials. 

    Omolayo’s suspension comes barely a month after he alleged that council chairmen across the State had access to only N5 million monthly under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration despite higher allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

    In a statement at the weekend in Akure, the group’s state coordinator, Agboola Kelly, urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police to investigate Omolayo’s financial dealings.

    The group described the allegations against the council boss as “too grave to be ignored,” stressing that Omolayo’s conduct and his claims of inadequate funding should be scrutinised.

    “Hon. Omolayo’s assertion that the state provides less than N5 million monthly raises questions about financial management at both local and state levels.

    “The EFCC and ICPC must invite him for questioning to ensure transparency and uphold the APC’s commitment to good governance,” the statement reads.

    The movement further insisted that the people of Owo deserve accountability regarding how public funds are managed.

    “A detailed probe by the EFCC and ICPC will not only address these concerns but also set a precedent for accountability in local governance across Ondo State,” it added.

    However, in his reaction, Omolayo dismissed the allegations, describing them as politically motivated.

    “I remain the substantive chairman of Owo Local Government. What you see is a kangaroo suspension by people who are being sponsored. Their actions are politically driven.

    “They want me to share money meant for development. I refused to do the status quo, and now they are concocting lies because I didn’t play ball,” he said.

  • EFCC backs Student Loan, Consumer Credit with N100b

    EFCC backs Student Loan, Consumer Credit with N100b

    Not less than N100 billion out of the recovered over N566 billion loot by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in the last two years has been pumped into the Student Loan Scheme and Consumer Credit Policy.

    The two programmes are key electoral promises of the Bola Tinubu Administration, which are being fulfilled.

    Besides, some of the recovered properties have been given to government agencies for use as offices.

    EFCC Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren made these known yesterday while giving  the two-year scorecard of the commission’s Chairman Mr. Ola Olukoyede in Abuja.

    Uwujaren said: “Part of the funds recovered by the commission in the last two years was invested in critical social investment programmes: the Student Loan Scheme and the Consumer Credit Scheme. A total of N100billion of funds recovered by the commission was invested in these two schemes.

    “Also agencies of government, including the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, and the National Health Insurance Authority, are beneficiaries of funds recovered by the Commission.

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    “A number of property recovered by the Commission have been allocated to some agencies of government for use as offices.

    Apart from the recoveries, Uwujaren said the commission has done its best to stimulate the economy.

    “The EFCC Chairman upon his appointment set up a Task Force on Naira Abuse and Dollarisation of the Economy, with presence across all our Zonal Directorates.

    “ The Task Force went after currency racketeers and speculators, with the arrest and prosecution of some culprits. While the offensive against naira abuse improved public consciousness on proper handling of the naira, it may have also reduced the cost of currency management by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

    “By the same token, the campaign against currency racketeering and criminal speculation, including the clampdown on rogue cryptocurrency exchanges helped to reduce the pressure on the naira, a situation that bolstered the CBN’s efforts to stabilise the Naira.

    “One area where the Commission under Olukoyede has made great strides is in the fight against cybercrime. Apart from stepping up the Commission’s enforcement activities, the EFCC Chairman also ramped up public education and sensitisation activities intended to discourage the youths from engaging in cybercrime”, he said.

    On discipline, Uwujaren said 55 officers of the EFCC have been dismissed in two years because Olukoyede has zero tolerance for unethical behaviours.

    He said: “In 2024, the Commission announced the dismissal of 27 officers for various acts of misconduct. That number has since increased. A total of 55 personnel have been dismissed in the last two years for different acts of misconduct. Among them is a former officer in the Kaduna Zonal Directorate who tampered with items in the Exhibit Room. He was not only dismissed but is currently being prosecuted.”

    He added that the commission received 19, 318 petitions and recovered over N566.9b and $411m in two years.

    It also said the total forfeited real estate assets in two years were 1,502 properties.

    For cases in court, it secured 7,503 convictions out of 10, 525 cases filed in court.

    He said: “For most law enforcement organisations performance is frequently benchmarked on two critical scores: Records of convictions and recovery of proceeds of crime. On these two scores, the performance of the Olukoyede-led EFCC in the last two years is most inspiring.

    “ The numbers speak for themselves on petitions, investigations and convictions. Between October 2023 and September 2025, EFCC received 19, 318+ petitions, investigated 29, 240 cases, filed 10,525 cases in court and obtained 7,503 convictions.

    “From October to December 2023, EFCC received 3,594 petitions, investigated 3,747 cases, filed 2,064 in court and secured 826 convictions.

    “As from January to December 2024, it was in receipt of 15,724 petitions, investigated 12,924 cases, filed 5, 081 cases in court and secured 4,111 convictions.

    “Between January and September this year, EFCC carried out 12,569 investigations, filed 3, 380 cases in court and secured 2, 566 convictions. “

    Uwujaren listed high-profile prosecutions in the last two years by Olukoyede administration.

    He said: “Some of the notable arrests and prosecution for alleged corruption include former governors Willie Obiano of Anambra State, Abdulfatha Ahmed of Kwara State, Dairus Ishiaku of Taraba State, Theodore Orji of Abia State and Yahaya Bello of Kogi State. Others are former ministers: Olu Agunloye, former minister of Power, Mamman Saleh, former minister of Power, HadiSirika, former minister of Aviation, Charles Ugwu, former minister of Industry and Godwin Emefiele, former Governor of the CBN.

    “ Another notable arrest and prosecution was the case of 792 investment and cryptocurrency fraud suspects apprehended in a sting operation in Lagos in December 2024. The syndicate included 192 foreigners, who have since been prosecuted for cyber-terrorism and cryptocurrency fraud and deported. This development conveys the message that Nigeria will not tolerate foreigners turning it to a safe haven for cybercrimes.”

    “ Another interesting development in the prosecution of corruption cases under Olukoyede, is that cases  thought to have been abandoned were reviewed and prosecutions revived. Among them are the cases of Fred Ajudua, former PDP Chairman, Haliru Bello Mohammed, former NSA, Sambo Dasuki, and former managing Director of NSITF, Ngozi Olojeme, among others.”

    Regarding the recovery of proceeds of crime, Uwujaren said the commission has made substantial progress.

    He said: “The EFCC in two years under Olukoyede recorded the following monetary recoveries: ●N566,319,820,343.40

    ●US $411,566,192.32

    ●British Pound £71,306.25

    ●Euro €182,877.10

    ●CAD $5,510.00

    ●Australian Dollar (AUD) AUD $740.00

    ●Chinese Yuan (¥) ¥89,859.00

    ●Indian Rupee (₹) ₹1,300.00

    ●CFA Franc (CFA) CFA 8,381,375.00

    ●UAE Dirham (AED) AED 70.00

    ●Saudi Riyal (SAR) SAR 310,265.00

    ●Ghanaian Cedi (GH₵) GH₵ 225.00

    ● South African Rand (R) R 50.00

    ● South Korean Won (₩) ₩73,000.00

    “The total forfeited real estate assets in two years is 1,502 properties, comprising 402 in 2023, 975 in 2024 and 125 so far this year.

    “The recovered properties include two notable landmarks:  the final forfeiture of 753 units of duplexes in Lokogoma, Abuja and the forfeiture of Nok University, now Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna State.”