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  • Lamorde: A rare gem departs

    Lamorde: A rare gem departs

    • 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, 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 reported for 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.

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

    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.

    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 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 continues to mourn one of our best, we pray fervently to God to help members of his family and friends to bear the fortitude of the irreparable loss.

    • Chukkol fwc, MON contributes this tribute from Abuja.
  • Shettima leads dignitaries as Lamorde is laid to rest

    Shettima leads dignitaries as Lamorde is laid to rest

    Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday led a procession of high-profile dignitaries in paying last respects to the late former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Lamorde, who was laid to rest in Abuja.

    The funeral ceremony, which took place at the National Mosque, Abuja, was attended by a plethora of notable figures, including Governors Babagana Zulum (Borno);  Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa) and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara)

    Other dignitaries, who graced the occasion included the National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Senate Chief Whip Ali Ndume; Director General of Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; former Secretary to Government of the Federation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed; and former Governor of Borno State, Ali Sheriff, among others.

    Speaking at the funeral, Shettima who offered prayers for the departed soul emphasised the principles of justice, integrity, and accountability that guided Lamorde’s life.

    According to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said: “Today, we gather not only to bid farewell to a dedicated public servant but also to reaffirm our commitment to the principles of justice and integrity.

    “As we offer our sincere prayers for the departed soul, let us also renew our resolve to walk the path of righteousness. The fight against corruption is a sacred duty, and it is incumbent upon us to purge our institutions of any traces of graft for the sake of our nation and our future generations.

    “The Jana’iza (funeral prayer) reminds us of the ephemeral nature of this world and the certainty of the hereafter. Let us strive to leave behind a legacy of integrity, just as Ibrahim Lamorde dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice and the eradication of financial crimes.

    “I call upon all Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliations, to unite in this noble cause. Together, we can build a nation where corruption has no place, and the principles of the Qur’an guide our actions and decisions.”

  • Lamorde, 17 others promoted AIGs

    FORMER Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim Lamorde and 17 others have been promoted from the rank of Commissioners of Police (CPs) to that of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG).

    The Police Service Commission also promoted 33 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) to the rank of Commissioners of Police.

    The commission, in a statement in Abuja yesterday by its spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, said the promotion was one of the decisions of the 4th Plenary meeting of the commission in Abuja on the 28th and 29th of January, 2019.

    The others newly-promoted AIGs are: Maurice A. Yusuf;  Murtala Usman Mani, Wilson A. Inalegwu, a former CP, FCT; Dibal Paul Yakadi, Haruna Huzi, Mshelia, Mohammad A. Mustafa, Hyelashinda Kimo Musa, former CP, FCT, Ebonyi and Akwa Ibom Commands, Adeleye Olusola Oyebade, a former Oyo State Command CP; Olusola Kamar Subair, Basen Dapiya Gwana, David Oyebanji Folawiyo, Zanna Mohammed Ibrahim, Nkpa N. Inakwu, Chris Okey Ezike, until now CP, Abia State; Moses Ambakina Jitoboh, D.M Obembe and Wilson O. Akhiwu.

    The new CPs also include: Uche J. Anozie, Nwamhi Felix Yame, Mohammed Abdulmumini Gimba, Musa Adze, Philip Sule Maku, Umaru Haruna Miringa, Usman Sule Gomna, Adamu Usman, Daniel Sokari-Pedro, Ahmed Mohammed Azare, Adamu Saleh Jajeri, Maigana Alahi Sani, Audu Adamu Madaki and Dajuma Mohammed Lawal.

    Others are Ibrahim Sani Ka’oje, John Ogbonnaya Amadi, Ede Ayuba Ekpeji, Mohammed Bagega, Bello Makwashi, Buba Sanusi, Suleiman Balarabe, Rabiu Ladodo, Ndatsu Aliyu Mohammed, Yunusa Edwin Ogwuche, Cyril I. Okoro, Awosola Awotunde, Ayodele Andrew Olatunji, Garuba Danjuma, Bello Sani Dalijan, Imaikop Asuquo Okpongkpong and Sahabo Abubakar Yahaya.

    Also included are Jerome E. Bentem, Idris Nagoyo, Ibrahim A. Gora and Edna Obiageri Ugbebor.

    The commission’s chairman, Alhaji Musiliu Smith, while charging the newly promoted officers, said the nation was looking up to them  to bring their wealth of experience to bear on the numerous security problems facing the country as we approach the 2019 general elections.

     

  • Lamorde cautions on use of credit card for air tickets

    Lamorde cautions on use of credit card for air tickets

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

    Commissioner of Police in charge of the unit 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 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, who partnered with the second suspect, claimed he had been running a travel agency in Ibadan for over five years.

    He said 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.

  • Court restrains Senate from issuing arrest warrant on Lamorde

    Court restrains Senate from issuing arrest warrant on Lamorde

    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 Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Lamorde.

    The order granted in a March 7, 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 yesterday by the 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,

  • Ex-EFCC boss Lamorde keeps mum over Senate’s arrest order

    Ex-EFCC boss Lamorde keeps mum over Senate’s arrest order

    The immediate past Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim Lamurde is not in the mood to talk ,at least publicly,about the warrant of arrest issued against him by the Senate.

    He rebuffed attempts yesterday by reporters to get him to respond to the Senate’s action.

    The Senate wants Lamurde to come and defend himself about a petition alleging that about N1trillion kept in the custody of the EFCC during his tenure was tampered with.

    The former boss of the anti-graft agency was sighted yesterday at the National Institute For Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Jos to commence a one year research course.

    He is one the 67 top public servants and private sector executives nominated for the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 38 at the end of which successful participants will earn mni (member Nigerian Institute).

    As reporters kept pestering Lamurde,a police officer,with questions on the development,he said: “Please, I’m here for a course. I’m here for pure academic research work. I will not discuss any other thing. “I will need to take permission from my sponsors, the Nigeria Police Force, before I comment on anything outside this course.”

    The course participants are drawn from the military, para-military organisations, the Police Force, Labour, civil service and the academic.

    All the participants arrived NIPSS two weeks before the inauguration of the SEC yesterday by the Vice President Profesor Yemi Osinbanjo.

    Lamurde’s predecessor, Nuhu Ribadu was also sent to the institute immediately he was removed as EFCC boss.

  • Alleged fraud: Senate orders arrest of ex-EFCC chief Lamorde

    Alleged fraud: Senate orders arrest of ex-EFCC chief Lamorde

    The Senate yesterday ordered the arrest of ex-Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, for alleged financial crimes.

    The 11-man Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions investigated allegations of financial crimes and corruption brought against Lamorde by Dr. George Uboh, a human rights activist.

    The Chairman of the committee, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, presented the report of his committee to Senate in plenary.

    Anyanwu told the Senate that after a series of invitations, the former EFCC boss failed to appear.

    The committee chairman referred to three letters of invitation to invite Lamorde to appear before the committee on August 19, 2015, November 3, 2015 and November 11, 2015.

    Deputy Senate President Ike Ekeremadu intervened by raising a Point of Order.

    Ekweremadu referred the Senate to sections 88(1) and 89 (1c&d) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

     Ekweremadu said: “What is required here is for the committee to issue a warrant of arrest and the president of the Senate will direct the police to effect the arrest.”

      Senate President  Bukola Saraki sustained Ekweremadu’s Point of Order.

     Saraki said: “The issue has been well spelt out by the deputy Senate president, he has referred to the constitution. Based on the Constitution, this matter does not need to come to us at plenary. It should be left at the level of the committee and in accordance with Section 89 of the Constitution. So I will sustain the point of order of the DSP.”

     Ten of 11 members of the committee endorsed the report presented by Anyanwu, except Senate Deputy Leader Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah (Kebbi South).

  • EFCC: What future after Lamorde’s exit

    EFCC: What future after Lamorde’s exit

    Concluding part of the write-up on the immediate past Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chair Ibrahim Lamorde and the profile on the new helmsman Ibrahim Magu. The first part was published on pages 2 and 3 in the November 11 edition. 

    WHEN Ibrahim Lamorde was appointed as chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in 2011, it was with overwhelming enthusiasm and at the presidency and among Nigerians. The immediate past President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, spelt out his mandate.

    He said: “When I give you a job, I will give you time to do it. Assuming somebody, who is heading an agency that is supposed to handle corruption, is not doing that and he says it is because of the President’s body language, that person is not competent.

    “I am one Nigerian who has the privilege of holding this ofûce and I give the people the latitude to do their work. But, I am happy that Nigerians have conûdence in the EFCC. Nigerians have conûdence in Lamorde and I also have conûdence in him. I have no personal relationship with Lamorde.

    “He even investigated me when I was the Governor of Bayelsa State, but I have conûdence in him, given his track record. Of course, there was a lady who was there. There were lots of complaints. Some may be right, some may be wrong, but perception matters so much when handling matters like corruption. The conûdence of the people must be there. I had to remove her and that does not mean she is guilty of the allegations but because I saw that Nigerians no longer had conûdence in her.”

    On November 28, 2011, after taking the baton from his predecessor – Mrs. Farida Waziri, Lamorde promised to move the EFCC to a new level. He said: “In the last eight years, I have been uniquely placed as a participant and observer in the birth and nurturing of this commission. While seeking to improve on whatever institutional weaknesses there may be, I will leverage on the abundant skills and experience in the commission and the immense goodwill of Nigerians to move EFCC to a new level.”

    And in what appeared to be his mid-term review in 2013, Lamorde, in an interview he granted the special edition of Zero Tolerance Magazine, said: “What I have at the back of my mind and what I always advise people on is that if you are there, do the best that you can and make sure that you improve the system. Improve on what you met so that history will judge you kindly at the end of the day.

    “I want to look at the achievement of EFCC not in terms of numbers of people arrested or convicted but the consciousness of Nigerians as regard corruption. The EFCC has taken discussion about corruption to the front burner.

    “You can hardly say anything about corruption without mentioning EFCC and I think this is important. The expectations of Nigerians from the commission have not diminished over the years. If anything, they may have outgrown the size and resources of the EFCC. We have no illusions about the fact that we would nevertheless continue to be called in service to the nation and we have no choice than to respond to that clarion call.”

     

    Did Lamorde fail in office?

     

    Irrespective of the yardstick employed, Lamorde made some harvests in office. Apart from recovering N65.3 billion loot between 2012 and 2014, it secured more than 397 convictions between 2011 and 2014. It also filed 1,792 cases in court during the same period. The breakdown of some of the cases he instituted filed was as follows: 2011 (417); 2012 (502); 2013 (485) and 2014 (388). The convictions recorded per year read: 2011 (67); 2012(87); 2013(117) and 2014(126).

    “Signiûcantly, the war against graft heightened in 2013 as 117 persons were convicted, while 126 convictions were secured in 2014.  Statistically, between 2011 and 2014, there has been an 88 per cent increase in the conviction rate, a ûgure that makes the EFCC perhaps the best performing law enforcement agency in the world,” a document  from EFCC’s Media Unit said.

    The commission was also able to grill and put some past political officer holders on trial. They include:  ex-governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa); Gabriel Suswam (Benue); Modu Ali Sheriff (Borno); Abubakar Audu (Kogi); Danjuma Goje (Gombe); Akwe Doma (Nasarawa) and Rev. Jolly Nyame (Taraba). It also pursued outstanding cases like those of ex-governors Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia), Saminu Turaki (Jigawa); Lucky Igbinedion (Edo) and Chimaroke Nnamani.

    Also investigated are: Mrs. Toyin Saraki (wife of Senate President); ex-Executive Vice Chairman of the defunct Intercontinental Bank, Erastus Akingbola and others.

    The agency’s Head of Media & Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said: “Between 2012 and 2014, the commission recovered N65, 320,669,350. Also, the sum of $245, 952,030.13, 693, 399.00 pounds and 62, 600.00 Euro were also recovered during the period.

    “The cases involving former Kogi State governor, Abubakar Audu, former Gombe State governor, Danjuma Goje, former Nasarawa State governor, Akwe Doma, former Taraba State governor, Rev. Jolly Nyame are progressing in courts, as several witnesses have been called by the prosecution.

    “Of course the case against Ayodele Fayose has only been temporarily halted by the fact of his re-election as Ekiti State governor. We could go on and on. These records apply to cases involving ex-governors only. They do not tell the whole story regarding the prosecution and convictions record of the Commission.”

    Uwujaren said the EFCC has not abandoned the cases involving some former governors from whom some properties had been seized. He listed the governors and the properties seized from them as Kalu (10 properties, 13 accounts frozen); Alamieyeseigha (12 properties); Igbinedion (two properties); Nnamani (accounts of six firms linked to him frozen); and Saminu Turaki (six accounts of firms frozen).

    He faulted the allegations of non-performance against the anti-graft agency by Ibekaku, adding: “However, for Nigerians to see through her lies, it is important to recall some of the milestones achieved by the Commission in the investigation, prosecution and recovery of assets of politically exposed persons, including ex-governors.

    “Until he was pardoned by the Nigerian government, it is on record that former Bayelsa State governor, DSP Alamieyeseigha was the first former state governor to be successfully prosecuted by the EFCC.

    “Over N3 billion, which includes the proceeds realised from the sale of his properties has been returned to Bayelsa State. These properties include Chelsea Hotel, Abuja.

    “Other real estate investment of Alamieyeseigha which accounts were frozen by the Commission include: Plot 26, Dalhatu Close, Abacha Estate, Ikoyi; 20, Obaji Street, Diobu, Port Harcourt; 1, Community Road, Off Allen Avenue, Lagos; 247, Water Gardens, London W2 2DG;   14, Mapesbury Road, London NW2 4JB;  Flat 202, Jubilee Heights, Shootuphl L, London, NW2 3UQ;  68-70, Regents Park Road, London; 4A, Ilu Drive, Ikoyi, Lagos; 18, Mississippi Street, Maitama, Abuja; V & A Water Front, Cape Town, South Africa; 2, Marcibit Street, Ishaku Rabiu Estate, Off Aminu Kano Crescent, Abuja and 24, Amazon Street, Maitama, Abuja.

    “Another former governor who was prosecuted and convicted by the Commission is former Edo State governor, Lucky Igbinedion. Apart from the conviction, the commission equally recovered some properties from him. The properties include are on 57, Ihama Road, GRA, Benin and 24, Izekor Road, Benin.

    “Following the furore generated by the option of fine handed the governor by the trial judge, the commission filed fresh charges against Lucky Igbinedion.

    “The action was challenged in court with the trial court ruling that the commission cannot try the ex-governor on the same matter for which he had already been convicted.

    “The EFCC appealed against the ruling with the Court of Appeal affirming the Commission’s position that Igbinedion really has a case to answer.

    “Following that, two of his accomplices, his younger brother, Michael Igbinedion and his personal assistant, Charles Eboigbodin, who were charged alongside the former governor of Edo State, were successfully prosecuted and convicted, just last month (April 29th 2015, precisely).

    “The case involving Chimaroke Nnamani, former governor of Enugu State has been in court since he was first arraigned in 2007 alongside Sunday Anyaogu. His then aide, and six firms linked to them:  Rainbownet Nigeria Limited, Hillgate Nigeria Limited, Cosmos FM, Capital City Automobile Nigeria Limited, Renaissance University Teaching Hospital and Mea Mater Elizabeth High School.

    “EFCC, in 2014, sought for a separate trial of the companies and on May 19, 2015, the companies pleaded guilty to an amended 10-count charge. We await the court pronouncement on the fate of the assets.

    “Former Governor Orji Kalu’s case is currently at the Supreme Court where he is challenging the competence of the charge after the court of appeal affirmed the trial court’s ruling that he has a case to answer.

    “The Commission has, however, seized the following properties belonging to the former Abia State governor. They include: 9A, Queen Amina Road, Ungwan, Rimi GRA, Maiduguri; 21, Gwari Avenue, Behind Gerau Hospital, Off Kachia Road, Maiduguri; parcel of land at Kirikiri Industrial Estate, Lagos; 103A, Olumeni Street, Old GRA, Port Harcourt; 65, No. 7 & 8, Orogburn Crescent, Diobu GRA 11, Port Harcourt; bedroom bungalow and adjoining buildings at Mairi Village, Maiduguri; 3 bedroom bungalow at GRA Maiduguri; warehouse at Mairi Village, Maiduguri; former Progress Bank Building, No. 45, Baga Road, Maiduguri and former Orji Alex Bakery, Bulunkutu, Seleke, Maiduguri.

    “Several accounts in various banks linked to his companies were also frozen by the commission. The accounts include those belonging to: Tourism Development Area, Gambia; Slok Investment Limited; Slok USA INC.; Slok Nigeria Limited; The Sun Publishing; Astel Offshore; Neva Nigeria Limited;  Reality Organisation; Kachi Agwu Enterprises;       Menco Resources Limited; Nnachison & Co;  Slok Air Nigeria Limited and Firmbase Inter Limited.

    “As for Saminu Turaki, former governor of Jigawa State, the accounts of companies linked to him were also frozen by the commission.

    The companies are: INC Natural Resources Limited, Civic Centre Road, Kano; Wildcat Nigeria Limited, 31, Kuta Road, Minna, Niger State; Arlek Construction Nigeria Limited, 7, Civic Centre Road, Kano; Gethel Nigeria Limited, 7, Civic Centre Road, Kano; Wallong Camco Nigeria Limited, Tukur Commercial Layout, Dutse and Gansu Construction Engineering Limited.

    “For Joshua Dariye who was recently ordered to proceed to trial after the Supreme Court rejected his appeal against the Appeal Court affirmation of the competence of the commission’s charges against him, the following properties were recovered. They are:  Plot 1802 Ao4, No. 19, Frederick Chiuba Close, Asokoro, Abuja; plot of land in the name of Jambo Holdings Nigeria Limited, Rayfield, Jos;  No. 11, Rest Road, Jos;  plot of land at Gada Village, Off Adiko Bukuru Road by Pharm Headquarters, Jos;  plot of land at Liberty Boulevard, Jos; plot of land at Ibrahim Taiwo Avenue, Jos; two additional plots on Dogon Dutse Road, Jos; plot of land at Gold & Base Neighbourhood, Jos and plot of land known as Yelwa Club, Bukuru, Jos.

    “In the case involving former Delta State governor James Ibori, whose conviction in a London court was largely based on the evidence supplied by the EFCC, the Commission secured the final forfeiture of the $15 million bribe, which he allegedly offered to a former chairman of the Commission, to the Federal Government.”

     

    What is next  for EFCC

     

     

    The future of EFCC may be brighter with autonomy, good funding to conduct investigations and prosecute cases; if there is limited interference from the presidency and with the motivation if its members of staff. The first hurdle for Magu is to lead the EFCC to come clean before the Senate on the N1.3 trillion recovered from convicts. The extent to which it set the records straight will determine the level of faith Nigerians have in the agency.

    President Buhari may have found a soul mate in Magu if he is eventually confirmed him as the substantive EFCC chair.  History beckons on the crime-fighting agency for a second chance at rebirth.

  • Alleged N1tr diversion: Lamorde ‘ill, flown abroad’

    Alleged N1tr diversion: Lamorde ‘ill, flown abroad’

    Immediate past Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, may have been flown abroad for the treatment of undisclosed ailment, The Nation learnt yesterday.

    Lamorde, who was scheduled to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions yesterday, failed to honour the invitation provoking wild insinuation that he had fled the country to evade Senate probe of the alleged diversion of N1 trillion leveled against him.

    An activist, Dr. George Ubah, wrote a petition to that Senate claiming the Lamorde in his capacity as the EFCC Chairman diverted over N1 trillion recovered by the commission.

    Lagos lawyer Festus Keyamo, who stood in for Lamorde, defended him.

    Keyamo said, “He (Lamorde) is still a policeman, he has no reason to go on exile. Lamorde has served this country very well and let me tell you this if you don’t know. The only way to succeed as the chairman of EFCC is for you not to succeed at all.

    “Lamorde is not here today, not out of disrespect to the committee. It is a matter of complete misunderstanding of issues at stake. When Lamorde was invited to this committee, he was invited as chairman of EFCC and between then and now circumstances had changed.

    “He is no longer the chairman of EFCC. So, because of that, he thought that would be the end of his invitation because he was invited in that capacity.

    “He then handed over the case and traveled for medicals. It was in his absence that the second letter came and addressed as the immediate past EFCC chairman. The fact that he is no longer the chairman, he can no longer be invited except as a witness.”

    The Chairman of the committee, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, noted that Senate does not accept representation when it invites anybody to appear before it.

    A member of the committee, Senator Obinna Ogba, wondered why Lamorde failed to live by example being a man who was a former boss of the anti-graft agency that usually invited people to appear before it.

    He said the non appearance of Lamorde at the probe was an insult, and disrespect to the Senate.

    Senator Tayo Alasoadura, who is also a member of the committee, said: “We are in a situation whereby people are showing their shamelessness.”

    Alasoadura queried the capacity in which Keyamo was in the Senate being a lawyer to the EFCC “and the man he claimed to represent is no longer in office as chairman.”

    The Chairman of the committee stopped Keyamo half way insisting that anybody could be invited by the Senate panel to come and give evidence.

    What followed was hot exchange of words between Keyamo and members of the committee.

    At end Anyanwu insisted that Lamorde should make himself available on November 24 notwithstanding the plea by Keyamo that his client would not be available until December 15.

    Keyamo later told reporters that the committee was wrong to have insisted that Lamorde must appear before it.

    He said: “The constitution is very clear as to those who can be subject to investigation by section 88, 89 of the constitution. By section 88, 89 of the constitution the Senate has powers over two categories of persons.

    “The first are those who are subject of investigation. They can be summoned before the committee and the second are witnesses to appear in respect of that investigation.”

     

  • Lamorde, others to face Senate panel today

    Lamorde, others to face Senate panel today

    Immediate past Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde will appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions today to answer questions bordering on alleged diversion of N 1 trillion.

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

    The committee chairman, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, confirmed that according to his committee’s schedule Lamorde was scheduled to appear before the committee today.

    The embattled former EFCC boss was billed to appear before the committee last week Tuesday, but the committee suspended sitting without giving reason.

    President Muhammadu Buhari, however, asked Lamorde to proceed on terminal leave the same day he was scheduled to appear before the Senate panel.

     

    Also, a statement yesterday by the clerk to the committee, Mr. Freedom Osolo, said: “The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions of the National Assembly will hold a hearing with petitioners and those petitioned today”.