The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Wilson Uwujaren

  • Canada seeks information exchange with EFCC

    Canada seeks information exchange with EFCC

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC ) says the Canadian government has sought collaboration between it and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on information exchange.

    In a statement on Tuesday night, spokesman of the EFCC, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, said the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Christopher Thornley, delivered the request during a visit to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.

    “The Canadian government wants to better represent itself in the global fight against corruption via the EFCC platform.

    “And this visit stems from the need to explore the possibility of opening a RCMP post in Nigeria,” Uwujaren quoted Thornly as saying.

    The envoy reportedly said that the Canadian government had liaison offices across the globe, and would like to include the anti-graft agency.

    The choice of the agency according to him, was informed by the agency’s dogged fight against corruption that “has contributed to the drop in Nigeria’s corruption index.

    The EFCC Acting Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Magu, expressed the commission’s willingness to collaborate with the Canadian government to strengthen the fight against corruption.

    Magu described the assignments of the RCMP and the agency as “very tough, overwhelming and challenging”, the spokesman said.

    “We are more poised more than before to surmount all challenges,” he said, recalling a request by EFCC to RCMP for technical support in 2012.

    Magu added that the good working relationship between both agencies over the years had seen 15 EFCC officers sent to Canada on various trainings at the Canadian Police College in Ottawa.

    The agency boss informed his guest that a draft Memorandum of Understanding between both agencies had been developed to fast track the process.

    He said the draft would later be forwarded to the Ministry of Justice for approval.

    The Canadian high commissioner was accompanied by Eric Slinn, the RCMP Regional Manager, and Stephane Cadieux, RCMP Liaison Officer for West Africa, according to Uwujaren.

  • Canada seeks information exchange pact with EFCC

    Canada seeks information exchange pact with EFCC

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said on Tuesday the Canadian government has sought collaboration between it and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on information exchange.

    In a statement, the spokesman of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Christopher Thornley, delivered the request during a visit to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.

    “The Canadian government wants to better represent itself in the global fight against corruption via the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission platform.

    “And this visit stems from the need to explore the possibility of opening a RCMP post in Nigeria,” the statement quoted Thornly as saying during the visit.

    The envoy said the Canadian government had liaison offices across the globe and would like to include the anti-graft agency.

    The choice of EFCC, according to him, was informed by the agency’s dogged fight against corruption that “has contributed to the drop in Nigeria’s corruption index.

    The Acting Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, expressed the Commission’s willingness to collaborate with the Canadian government to strengthen the fight against corruption.

    NAN

  • No conflict with OAGF – EFCC

    No conflict with OAGF – EFCC

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said on Thursday there is no existing or impending face-off between it and the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

    The EFCC spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, stated this in a statement in Abuja.

    He said media reports suggesting there was conflict between both parties were the handiwork of “some unscrupulous persons.’’

    The EFCC and other anti-graft agencies were reported to have turned down a demand by the AGF, Abubakar Malami, for case files of ex-governors and senators under investigation.

    The reports had suggested that the “crisis of confidence’’ between the AGF and the anti-graft agencies, particularly the EFCC, would undermine the anti-corruption war of the current administration.

    Uwujaren said the reports emanated from the imaginations of “corrupt elements, angling to knock heads together in furtherance of their own pro-corruption agenda.’’

    He said: “For the avoidance of any doubt, the EFCC wishes to categorically state that it is compliant with all provisions of law, and has no intention to stoke misunderstanding over requests from the Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.

    “Furthermore, the commission’s mandate, operational philosophy, the conduct and pronouncements of its officials, do not countenance any activity on the fringes of the law.

    “It is, therefore, untenable for there to be any suggestion that the EFCC or the commission’s principal officials are either in conflict with or readying for ‘showdown’ with the AGF or other officials of government.

    “Any such conflicts being paraded in the media exist only in the apparently fertile imaginations of corrupt elements, angling to knock heads together in furtherance of their own pro-corruption agenda.

    “All the brouhaha raised in recent days over a non-existent conflict between the EFCC and the office of the AGF, only go to underline the fact that corruption can, and is fighting back, in a variety of ways.’’

    NAN

  • Magu challenges CSOs on close monitoring of NDDC projects

    Magu challenges CSOs on close monitoring of NDDC projects

    Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ibrahim Magu, has urged Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the South-South to closely monitor contract award and execution by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    Magu made the call in Port-Harcourt at an interactive session with CSO leaders in Rivers and Bayelsa states on Monday, the commission said in a statement.

    According to him, proper monitoring of contract award and implementation by citizens is an effective way of fighting the evil of project abandonment in the country.

    “We must monitor how contracts are being given and how they are executed to ensure transparency and accountability.

    “Also, civil society groups are needed to work with the EFCC in ensuring that right things are done, not only in respect of contract issues but also in all other issues.

    “Let people do the right thing within the South-South.

    “If people do the right thing it is for the benefit of the people of the Niger Delta”, spokesman of the commission, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, quoted him as saying.

    The EFCC boss also called on the CSO leaders to be ready to serve as a bridge between the commission and the larger public.

    He decried the rising rate of poverty within the South-South, noting that money meant for the development of the region was not accounted for.

    He, therefore, challenged them to work towards ending corruption in the region by sensitising youths and other interest groups about the evils of the menace.

    Magu stated that for CSOs to rise to the new responsibilities thrust on them, they must be committed, properly-involved and courageous. .

    “We are coming together to adopt a common strategy, be committed and properly involved. You need patience, perseverance and courage.

    “They will fight you because corruption always fights back but they cannot overcome you because you are doing the right thing”, he said.

    The National Director, Coalition of NGOs Against Corruption, Mr Haris Chuma, commended the EFCC on behalf of the CSOs.

    Chuma said the tempo of the fight against corruption had significantly increased since Magu came on board.

    He promised that the group would show more commitment and responsibility in the new roles offered them by the EFCC.

    “We are willing and ready to work with the commission to bring corruption to an end’’, he said.

  • EFCC arrests NABDA DG over alleged N23m scam

    EFCC arrests NABDA DG over alleged N23m scam

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said it has arrested Prof. Lucy Ogbadu, the Director-General of National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), over alleged N23 million fraud.

    Spokesman of the commission, Wilson Uwujaren, disclosed this in a statement he issued on Thursday.

    Uwujaren said Ogbadu was picked up by EFCC operatives in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, following her alleged link with the Bayelsa State Director of Bio-resources Development Centre, Josiah Habu.

    Habu, according to him, is being investigated by the anti-graft agency in a case of fraudulent diversion of N75 million.

    He said investigations by the EFCC revealed that Ogbadu allegedly received N23m through a bank account belonging to the wife of Habu, Mrs Esther Habu.

    The EFCC spokesman stated that Ogbadu admitted the transaction in a voluntary statement made to the commission’s investigators.

    “Further investigations also revealed that Mrs Habu is one of the contractors with Bio-resources Development Centre, Odi, Bayelsa State.

    “A total of N603 million has been traced to her in different deals involving over 20 directors of the centre across the country.

    “Ogbadu’s involvement is being investigated. She has been duly served with bail conditions while investigations continue,’’ Uwujaren added.

    Ogbadu, a professor of microbiology, was appointed NABDA director-general in November 2013.

  • Nigeria to host 8th Commonwealth Africa anti-corruption conference

    Nigeria to host 8th Commonwealth Africa anti-corruption conference

    Nigeria has been picked to host the 8th regional conference of anti-corruption agencies in Commonwealth Africa in 2018, according to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    EFCC spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said on Thursday that the decision was taken at the 7th edition of the conference held in Malawi on June 2.

    In addition, the EFCC Acting Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, has been appointed vice chairman of the executive committee of the association.

    These are some of the outcomes of five days of intense deliberation by the anti-graft chiefs, Uwujaren said.

    According to him, the conference featured a review of the progress of anti-corruption campaigns in African member states of the commonwealth.

    In a communiqué, the participants emphasised the need for “a platform for sharing emerging practices and country innovation in the fight against corruption to enhance good governance.”

    They also urged the agencies to create a platform for intelligence and data sharing for effective asset recovery.

    The agencies were also encouraged to continue with benchmarking visits to maintain learning and sharing of ideas and experience.

    The conference further stressed the need for members to expand the network with other sectors, including the African Union Advisory Board on Corruption, civil society, media and the private sector to enhance the anti-corruption war.

    Other issues that engaged the attention of participants included the need for the agencies to deepen innovation for prevention education and investigation in the fight against corruption.

    They were urged to consider implementing “Whistle blower legislation for effective protection of whistleblowers”.

    Furthermore, the conference called on member countries to continue to support the anti-corruption agencies with adequate funding and capacity development for effective performance.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there are 19 African countries in the Commonwealth, which is an intergovernmental organisation of 52 member states that are mostly former colonies of Britain.

     

  • Court jails two siblings for Internet fraud

    Two siblings, a male and female, have been sentenced to two years imprison each for Internet fraud in Warri, Delta, according to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    In a statement on Monday, spokesman of the commission, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, identified the duo as Chukwudi Ugwueke a.k.a James Scott and Sophia Ugwueke.

    Uwujaren said they were sentenced by Justice E. A .Obile of the Federal High Court, Warri, but were given an option of N400,000 fine each.

    EFCC operatives arrested the convicts at their residence in Sapele, Delta, in January based on intelligence on their illegal activities bordering on defrauding foreigners through Internet scams.

    They were first arraigned on Feb. 1 on a 13-count charge, but pleaded not guilty, according to the EFCC spokesman.

    However, when the case came up for hearing on May 11, they pleaded guilty to an amended one-count charge of possession of fraudulent documents with intent to defraud one Lisa Marie Nors, an American.

    After reviewing the evidence tendered by the prosecution counsel, M. T. Iko, Justice Obile found the duo guilty and convicted them accordingly, Uwujaren said.

  • EFCC graduates 331 operatives

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday graduated 331 cadets of the Detective Assistant Grade.

    The operatives were trained alongside 1,498 officers of the Nigerian Air Force at the Ground Training School, Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna.

    A statement issued by the Head of Media and Publicity of EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren said “the colourful passing out parade climaxed six months of rigorous training to equip the officers with the relevant skills of law enforcement.

    The statement said the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall S. B. Abubakar, who doubled as the Reviewing Officer, congratulated the operatives of the EFCC for their gallantry and brilliance.

    The statement quoted Abubakar as saying:  “I want to congratulate the operatives, I am sure you will find the training useful in your career.

    “I have been briefed that you demonstrated commitment, hard work and courage during training. These attributes are essential in your career progression.”

    The Chief of Air Staff expressed delight over the collaboration among law enforcement agencies which made NAF to train EFCC operatives alongside NAF recruits .

    “This cooperation remains a practical step towards enhancing inter-agency partnership, necessary to effectively respond to the national security imperative,” the Chief of Air Staff added.

    Abubakar admonished all the graduands to be loyal to the Federal Government by being patriotic, vigilant and be of good conduct.

    He also charged them to always remember that their duty is to protect all Nigerians irrespective of their ethnic or religious inclinations.

     

  • ‘EFCC has frozen N126bn in 120 accounts’

    ‘EFCC has frozen N126bn in 120 accounts’

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said it has frozen over N126 billion in the accounts of some suspects in order not to jeopardize investigation.

    Huge cash in more than 120 accounts had been affected by the freeze order.

    Some of those affected include about N126, 563,481,095.43 that was temporarily seized by the EFCC pending the conclusion of corruption related cases.

    Other cash and assets under interim forfeiture is $9,090,243,920.15 seized from suspects facing trial or under investigation.

    Apart from freezing of N32.8 billion from six suspects implicated in the Police Pension Office, some high-profile suspects  with accounts among over 120 frozen include ex-Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, ex-National Security Adviser, Col.  Sambo Dasuki,  ex-Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, ex- Chiefs of Air Staff, Air Marshals Adesola Amosu, Mohammed Dikko Umar, Robert Azibaola( ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s cousin), and ex-Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, among others.

    The action of the EFCC has generated criticisms with most suspects claiming that the freeze was prejudicial.

    But the Head of Media and Publicity of EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, in a statement said the anti-graft agency was not being vindictive.

    The statement said: “In recent times, a lot of interest has been generated by the action of the Commission in freezing the accounts of suspects that were investigated or are currently being investigated. Some commentators have tended to ascribe vindictive motives to this action

    “In order to prevent misinformation, it is imperative to explain the reason behind the Commission’s actions in this regard.

    “Freezing of accounts suspected of being used for commission of financial crimes is a mandatory investigative step backed by law.

    Indeed, Section 34 (1) of the EFCC Act 2004 empowers the Commission to freeze any account suspected of being used for financial crimes.

    The section stipulates that, “the Chairman of the Commission or any officer authorized by him may, if satisfied that the money in the account of a person is made through the commission of an offence under this Act or any enactment specified under Section 6(2) (a)-(f) of this Act, apply to the court ex-parte for power to issue or instruct a bank examiner or such other appropriate authority to freeze the account.”

    “Similar provision in the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2012 (as amended), also empowers the EFCC Chairman or his representatives to place a stop order on any account or transaction suspected to be involved in any crime.

  • EFCC arrests council boss over alleged fraud

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Sunday said the Chairman of Tarauni local government area of Kano State, Mr. Muktar Yarima, has been arrested over alleged fraud.

    The EFCC Spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, told the News Agency of Nigeria that Yarima was arrested on Saturday in Kano.

    Uwujaren said the chairman was already assisting the commission in its investigation.

    A source at the state’s Government House told NAN that Yarima’s arrest was in connection with alleged misappropriation of an unspecified amount of money.

    The source disclosed that the money was meant for an empowerment programme under the Millennium Development Goals, now known as Sustainable Development Goals.