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Tag: IBRAHIM LAMORDE

  • Tribute to Ibrahim Lamorde

    Tribute to Ibrahim Lamorde

    • 
By Abdulkarim Chukkol

    Hardly there is anything in life that has a stronger way of unsettling us as a people or as individuals than death. In the face of life’s discomfort, oppression, hunger and other life threatening issues, some individuals remain undaunted. But no mortal man can easily overcome the pain of death. Shakespeare in (King Richard II) ponders on this so deep that he concludes; ‘On pain of death, no person be so bold’.

    As the news of the unexpected death of the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), DIG Ibrahim Lamorde (rtd), hit the streets couple of weeks ago, it sent shock waves to the hearts of those who knew him, especially family members, the Nigeria Police, staff of the EFCC and well-wishers within and outside Nigeria.

    Like many other close allies of the late Lamorde, I could not withstand the impact of the devastating occurrence and so could not immediately summon the courage to put any tribute together, not only to celebrate the ideals of Lamorde but to use his death as another opportunity to preach humanity to those of us still alive.

    From any angle one chooses to look at it; whether religiously or on a humanitarian scale, Lamorde was indeed a rare gem. As a Law enforcement officer, Mr. Lamorde truly lived to prove that ‘Law Enforcement is a calling, a career where you serve humanity and make meaningful impact on the society ’, as a Nigerian, he didn’t allow tribal sentiments to dictate his friends and as EFCC boss, Lamorde put human face to all he did and yet remained resolute and firm in carrying out his professional assignments. Though the face of the foremost anti-corruption agency in the country, Lamorde didn’t allow the position to get into his head and he didn’t see the office as a tool for oppression but rather he used intellectual leadership to impart expertise to officers of the Commission.

    Our paths first crossed in July 2003 when I started my career with the EFCC. I remembered vividly within the first week I resumed work at our Abuja office, the then Chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu said to me” Chukkol!! you have to go to Lagos and work with Lamorde because that is where the action is” Our career together with Course One colleagues progressed tremendously throughout his sojourn at the EFCC.

    As the Director of Operations then, he mentored us and brought clarity to our paths, inspiring us to reach new heights. He was neither vindictive, nor oppressive. He wanted the best for all and he encouraged those working with him to always remain focused, resilient and aim for the best. His unwavering dedication, immense wisdom, and enviable leadership skills have left an indelible mark on our lives. As one of those who worked closely with Lamorde, sometimes, it wowed me how he reconciled his seemingly conflicting interests.

    He knew his job and always strived to do his best on any assignment. With a Boss like Lamorde, no dispiriting and no complacency. To him, if the work must be done, it must be done perfectly well with every eye for details. He was indeed a patriotic Nigerian, a disciplined officer, a loyal friend to many and a leading anti-corruption crusader

    Lamorde’s death, like any other unexpected incident, still remains a shock especially to those who were close to him through official and personal relationships. He related very warmly with people not on account of their status or the level of intimacy with him but as a lifestyle; he treated and addressed people with humility, respect and candour.

    Read Also: Ibrahim Lamorde: Nigeria lost a gem to cold hands of death

    Perhaps the first lesson his death taught us was how the news of his death was received by Nigerians. Beyond the tumultuous tributes online and offline that spoke to his strength of character and love for humanity, his death united all; regardless of our differences.

    From the humming tones of staff at the EFCC to the grieving lamentations of friends, families and religious leaders at his funeral prayer (Janazah), one is convinced that Ibrahim Lamorde was indeed a rare gem, who had successfully played his role, lived a fulfilled life and was a blessing to many.

    The Executive  Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede,  captured the essence of Lamorde’s untimely death when he declared in his tribute that ‘His Footprints Will Remain Indelible’, According to him, Lamorde’s footprints in the Nigeria Police and the EFCC where he spent his most productive years, first as Director of Operations and later as Acting Chairman and Executive Chairman, will remain indelible.”

    Lamorde, the third Executive Chairman of the Commission, was a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police who was appointed in acting capacity as Chairman of the Commission on November 23, 2011,  following the removal of Farida Waziri by President Goodluck Jonathan. He was confirmed as the third substantive Chairman of the Commission by the Senate on February 15, 2012. Lamorde, who was born on December 20, 1962 in Mubi, Adamawa State, attended Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology in 1984. He joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1986.

    When the EFCC was created in 2003, Lamorde was made the pioneer Director of Operations. In December 2007, he took over as Acting Chairman in January 2008, holding the position until Waziri was appointed Chairperson and confirmed by the Senate in June 2008. In December 2010,  Lamorde returned to the EFCC, again as Director of Operations to replace Stephen Otitoju, the then Acting Director of Operations.

    With the removal of Waziri on November 23, 2011, Lamorde, then an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), was again appointed Acting Chairman. He was confirmed as substantive Chairman of the EFCC on February 15, 2012, a position he held till November 9, 2015, when President Muhammadu Buhari replaced him with Ibrahim Magu as the EFCC Chairman in acting capacity.

    Our deepest sympathies on the loss of a mentor who brought unparalleled grace, wisdom, and inspiration to our professional lives. His legacy will forever remain etched in our hearts, serving as a perpetual reminder of the indelible impact he made on our careers.

    May his soul find eternal peace, and may we honour his memory by continuing to uphold his invaluable teachings and guidance. As the world continue to mourn one of our best and praying fervently to God to help members of his family and friends to bear the fortitude of the irreparable loss, our solace is now in the words of Allah SWT, in the Quran 3:185, “life of this world is merely enjoyment of delusion” and His promise in *Quran 29:57; “Every soul will taste death. Then to Us will you be returned” (29:57). May Allah accept Ibrahim Lamorde’s soul into Aljannajatul Firdaus. Ameen.

    • Chukkol contributes this piece  from Abuja.
  • Ibrahim Lamorde: Nigeria lost a gem to cold hands of death

    Ibrahim Lamorde: Nigeria lost a gem to cold hands of death

    By Mohammed Bello Adoke

    The nation was, in the early hours of Sunday, 26th May 2024, awoke to the sad news of the demise of DIG Larmorde, who was undergoing medical treatment in faraway Egypt. The news of his demise was shocking to the generality of Nigerians who knew him in much the same way as it evoked a deep sense of loss for those who had the good fortune of working and interacting closely with this dutiful, unassuming and gentlemanly Officer of the Nigerian Police Force.

    My first encounter with DIG Lamorde was in 2007, when I was representing a high-profile political figure from the south-south geopolitical zone of the country. He was courteous and pleasant and treated my client with dignity. Our paths were to cross again in November 2011 when President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, appointed him as the Ag. Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) while I was serving as the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. 

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    In all my interactions with him and his official capacity as chairman of the EFCC, I found Ibrahim Lamorde to be passionate and dutiful in the discharge of his duties. Under him, the EFCC’s operations were professional, cases were painstakingly investigated, and the rights of persons under investigation were duly respected as they were treated with respect and the dignity they deserved. Mr Ibrahim Lamorde would, in his characteristic candour, proffer opinion based on facts before him and independently discharge his duties in accordance with the dictates of his conscience and the best traditions of reputable investigating authorities.

    Despite his rank and exalted position, Ibrahim Lamorde was never carried away with the allure of power. He was humble yet firm in his convictions. I recall vividly his discussions with me regarding his modus operandi as a top cop and Chairman of the EFCC. He stated, “Public Officers must hold themselves accountable to their superiors, the society and most importantly, God.” This was the barometer against which all his official actions and conduct were measured. He often reiterated his resolve not to pander to the wishes of people in authority, as he felt bound to do right at all times and circumstances. Given my experiences with those who have held the office of EFCC Chairman before and after him, I am moved to state boldly that he was a rare gem.

    As we mourn his passing to the great beyond, I am convinced that his good works will speak for him before his creator. May Allah console his family and grant him Ajannah Firduarsi.

    Adieu to a Gentleman, Officer, and Patriot.

  • Lamorde cautions travellers on use of credit card for air tickets

    Lamorde cautions travellers on use of credit card for air tickets

    The Special Fraud Unit (SFU) of the Nigeria Police on Monday advised air travellers against using credit cards for the purchase of air tickets to avoid being defrauded.

    The Commissioner of Police in charge of the unit, Mr Ibrahim Lamorde, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    Lamorde said some air passengers were defrauded of N2.3 million by suspected fraudsters who used stolen credit cards for such transactions.

    According to him, some passengers were offloaded from a commercial flight because stolen credit cards were used in buying their tickets.

    “The passengers were directed to appear at the American Embassy for interrogation to explain how they bought the tickets.

    “At the Embassy, it was discovered they paid a total sum of N2.3 million to one of the suspects who operates a travel agency at Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos State.

    “There is no way they will know that the agent will pay for their tickets using credit cards because most of them paid for tickets through cash or money transfer,’’ Lamorde said.

    The police chief said the first suspect, (name withheld), who partnered with the second suspect (name withheld), claimed he had been running a travel agency in Ibadan for over five years.

    He said that in December 2016, the same travel agency defrauded a family of 11 of huge sums of money through air tickets.

    “After investigation, it was discovered that the travel agencies were not certified by the International Air Transport Association (AITA),’’ he said.

    Lamorde said credit cards thieves are usually targeting hospitality and aviation industry to spend the money.

    “If you use credit card to purchase tickets, you are expected to come along with the credit card on the day you are about to board to make it legitimate,” the police chief said.

  • Uboh, Lamorde’s accuser convicted over PEF’s vehicles

    Uboh, Lamorde’s accuser convicted over PEF’s vehicles

    A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama, Abuja Monday convicted security expert, George Uboh.

    Uboh, who accused the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Lamorde of diverting crime proceeds recovered by the EFCC, was convicted on a three-count charge of breach of trust.

    The spokesman of the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren said in a statement, that Uboh was convicted in a judgment read Monday by Justice S. E. Aladetoyinbo.

    Uwujaren said Uboh was sentenced to a cumulative of three years imprisonment, but with an option of N1million fine.

    Though Uboh was charged under the provisions of section 314, he was convicted under section 312 of the law which also bordered on another variant of breach of trust, because the EFCC was unable to prove that the he (Uboh) was an employee of PEF.

    Justice Aladetoyinbo in convicting him held that there was inconsistency in his statement at the point of his arrest and during trial.

    Uboh was said to have claimed that the vehicles in question were compensation for the debt the PEF owed him and during trial he claimed that the vehicles were for trade by barter for the debt the foundation was owing him.

    He was charged with criminal breach of trust involving the sale of vehicles belonging to the now defunct Police Equipment Foundation (PEF) headed by Kenny Martins.

    Uboh was accused of abusing his position as former Head of Security and Communication Department, PEF, to convert the properties of the foundation to his personal use.

    The charge reads: “That you, George Uboh, sometime in 2007 in Abuja, the judicial division of the high court of the Federal Capital Territory, being a servant in the employment of the Police Equipment Foundation, and in such capacity entrusted with certain property, to wit: six units of operational vehicles, did commit criminal breach of trust by selling one Toyota Hilux pick-up van through one Egbon Blessing, and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 314 of the penal code.

    “That you, George Uboh, sometime in 2007 in Abuja, the judicial division of the high court of the Federal Capital Territory, being a servant in the employment of the Police Equipment Foundation, and in such capacity entrusted with certain property, to wit: six units of operational vehicles, did commit criminal breach of trust by selling one Toyota Hilux pick-up vans to Muha Motors, and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 314 of the penal code.

    “That you, George Uboh, sometime in 2007 in Abuja, the judicial division of the high court of the Federal Capital Territory, being a servant in the employment of the Police Equipment Foundation, and in such capacity entrusted with certain property, to wit: six units of operational vehicles, did commit criminal breach of trust by selling two units of Toyota Hilux pick-up vans, and therefore committed an offence punishable under Section 314 of the penal code.”

    He had pleaded not guilty, thus setting the stage for full trial during which the prosecution called several witnesses to prove its case.

    Uboh claimed that the former National Coordinator, PEF, Kenny Martins, gave him some PEF vehicles to offset the debt owned him by the Foundation.

    However, during cross-examination, he admitted that he did not have any evidence of transfer of ownership of the vehicles from PEF.

    “I know the vehicles belong to PEF. But it was to offset the debt owed me. The Hilux pickup vans are four and not five,” Uboh said.

    When contacted, Uboh confirmed his conviction, but said he immediately paid the N1m fine and was released immediately after the judgment was passed.

    He faulted the judgment, saying the judge, in convicting him, shifted the burden of proof, which ought to be on the prosecution, to him. Uboh said he has immediately instructed his lawyers to appeal the judgment.

     

  • Court restrains Senate from issuing arrest warrant on Lamorde

    Court restrains Senate from issuing arrest warrant on Lamorde

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Senate and its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions from issuing any warrant of arrest against the former Chairman of EFCC, Ibrahim Lamorde.

    The order granted in a March 7, 2016 ruling by Justice Gabriel Kolawole, is to subsist until determination of Lamorde’s motion on notice for interlocutory Injunction.

    The judge, in a copy of the order, made available to The Nation Thursday by plaintiff’s lawyer, Festus Keyamo, directed that the order be served on the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

    “A limited order of injunction is hereby granted to restrain the defendants pending when they are heard on their reply to plaintiff’s motion on notice which I have fixed for March 15, 2016 for the defendants, though served, who are yet to appear in the plaintiff’s suit or file any process,” the judge said.

    He ordered the plaintiff’s lawyer to obtain a certified true copy of the orders in this ruling and shall cause same to be served on the Inspector General of Police, who shall, on the authority of this court’s order, refrain to give any effect to any such warrant which the defendants may have issued against the plaintiff on the simple judicial principle of lis pendens.”

    None of the defendants was represented on March 15 when the case came up, following which the court adjourned to April 25 for the defendants to show cause why the plaintiff’s prayers, as contained in his motion for Interlocutory injunctions, should not be granted.

    Lamorde had, in his motion, argued that despite the pendency of his suit in court, the Senate still went ahead to pass a resolution to issue a warrant of arrest against him.

    The EFCC former Chairman is, by the suit, challenging the powers of the Senate to issue a warrant of arrest when a proper summons to appear had not been issued against him.

     

  • Lamorde, others to face Senate panel Tuesday

    Lamorde, others to face Senate panel Tuesday

    The former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, will appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions on Tuesday to answer questions  on alleged diversion of N1 trillion.

    The allegation was made by an activist, Dr. George Uboh, in a petition he forwarded to the Senate

    The Chairman of the committee, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, confirmed that Lamorde will appear before the committee on Tuesday.

     

  • My exit from EFCC, an act of God – Lamorde

    My exit from EFCC, an act of God – Lamorde

    The former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, on Tuesday said his exit from the agency was an act of God.

    He said it is ordained for office holders to leave at a stage for others to come in.

    He warned the staff of the agency against sabotaging the acting chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Magu.

    Lamorde, who spoke for eight minutes, left members of the management and staff in pensive mood.

    But his inspiring remarks earned him a big applause in the end because he did not betray his emotion.

    He said: “It is historic to witness yet another handing over. I will be doing this for the second time because I did a similar one for a former chairman, Mrs. Farida Waziri, in 2008. I will be doing this to a friend and a colleague. Magu has been with the commission since 2003 and we all came back together in 2011.”

  • Buhari sacks Lamorde

    Buhari sacks Lamorde

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday sacked Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Allegation of corruption and disappearance of money and properties seized from financial crime suspects have been leveled against him.

    Buhari, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, has approved the appointment of Mr. Ibrahim Mustafa Magu as the Acting Chairman of the EFCC.

    “Mr. Magu, who is an Assistant Commissioner of Police is to take over from Mr.  Lamorde who is proceeding on terminal leave ahead of the formal expiration of his tenure in February next year,” the statement added.

  • We don’t torture corruption suspects – EFCC

    We don’t torture corruption suspects – EFCC

    The Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Lamorde, on Monday said the agency does not obtain statement from suspects under duress.

    He said the state- of-the- art recording facilities in the EFCC interrogation rooms would not allow any investigator to humiliate a suspect.

    He, however, pleaded with Western nations to reject and return stolen funds.

    Lamorde, who made the clarifications during a visit by two officials of Amnesty International, (AI), said corruption is the worst form of human rights abuse.

    He said: ‘‘The EFCC follows the rule of law. Our statements are recorded and are not taken under duress. Our rooms have cameras in them, so it is not possible to humiliate anyone.

    He urged Western countries to continue to reject and return stolen funds.

    He added: ‘‘Western countries must end the impoverization of developing countries. They must reject and return stolen funds, so that respective governments of the affected developing countries could use the money to better the lives of the poor in their countries.

    “It is the common wealth of the people that has been diverted for private use. So, it is the worst form of human rights abuse. When corruption and impunity become the order of the day, human rights abuses flourish.

    ‘‘When you consider the cause of water-borne diseases suffered by people in rural areas, it is because someone has diverted the funds meant for pipe borne water in those areas. Also, when you consider the fact that our hospitals lack the basic amenities, it is because some people have kept the funds allocated to the hospitals to themselves. I, therefore, urge you to consider partnering with the EFCC.”

    On his part, the Senior Director, Office of the Secretary General of Amnesty International, Mr. Colm O Cuanachain, said nations that take anti-corruption war seriously would experience ‘‘phenomenal growth.”

    Cuanachain, who further expressed the readiness of Amnesty International to partner EFCC, also talked about the activities of the AI in the Northeast part of Nigeria, the Niger Delta and Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he said corruption had contributed to human rights violation.

    He, however, decried death penalty as punishment for looters of the treasury.

    “It is not the best option in the fight against corruption,” he said.

    The Executive Director, Amnesty International Nigeria, M.K. Ibrahim, emphasized the need for the masses to be educated on the effects of corruption and human rights violations.

  • Funds’ diversion: EFCC’s probe is illegal – Unity Forum

    Funds’ diversion: EFCC’s probe is illegal – Unity Forum

    The Senate Unity Forum on Wednesday faulted the invitation of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.

    The Forum said the invitation was illegal and a breach of the Senate Standing Rules.

    It said there is no record indicating that the petition by Mr. George Uboh, was presented to the Senate in plenary.

    It asked the Senate leadership to halt the ongoing probe of the EFCC by the committee.

    The Forum made its position known in a statement signed by Senator Ahmed Lawan, Senator George Akume, Senator Abu Ibrahim and Senator Barnabas Gemade.

    The statement said: “The Senate Unity Forum hereby declares that the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions probe of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde is illegal and a breach of the Senate Standing Rules.

    “In standard parliamentary practice, a petition is routed through either a Senator or a member of the House of Representatives. Upon receipt of such petition, the representative will inform the presiding officer of the chamber and, thereafter, present the petition in plenary.

    “Upon presentation in plenary, the presiding officer will invite the Senator/Representative to lay the same petition on the table in the chamber, which automatically becomes a public document.

    “Thereafter, the presiding officer will refer the petition to the appropriate committee for consideration upon which it would be returned to the Senate in plenary.

    “In this regard, nothing of the sort happened. Senate proceeded on recess on August 13 and it is not on record that the petition of Mr. George Uboh, accusing Lamorde of diverting over N1 trillion recovered from some corrupt Nigerians, including the former Bayelsa State Governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, and the former Inspector General of Police, Tafa Balogun was presented to Senate in plenary.”

    The Senate Unity Forum urged the Senate leadership to halt the probe of the EFCC.