Royal News

Tag: EFCC

  • Federal High Court Grants EFCC Interim Attachment Order

    Federal High Court Grants EFCC Interim Attachment Order

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has secured an interim court order attaching a lounge and a four-bedroom bungalow in Ado-Ekiti over an alleged N1.98 billion fraud case.

    Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Ilorin granted the application after ruling that the commission had met all legal requirements for the interim attachment of the properties.

    The affected properties include Town Tavern Lounge located on Ikere Road, off Florence Court School, Ado-Ekiti, and a four-bedroom bungalow situated along Florence Court in Irewolede Estate, Ado-Ekiti. The properties were linked to 43-year-old Olorunbukunmi Taiwo.

    According to the EFCC, Taiwo allegedly defrauded one Anazia Colina Kenechukwu of N1.98 billion after claiming he had secured a road construction contract from Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission and needed financing for the project.

    The petitioner reportedly discovered the alleged fraud after the suspect stopped responding to calls and messages and failed to refund the money. Counsel to the EFCC, Cosmas Ugwu, moved the application before the court on May 25, 2026, urging the judge to grant the request, which was subsequently approved.

  • NANS Slams EFCC Chair Over Claim Linking Students to Cybercrime

    NANS Slams EFCC Chair Over Claim Linking Students to Cybercrime

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly criticised comments by the Chairman of the **Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, over his claim that about 60 percent of Nigerian tertiary institution students are involved in cybercrime.

    In a statement released by its National Public Relations Officer, Adeyemi Samson Ajasa, the student body described the remark as sweeping, unverified, and damaging to the image of Nigerian students.

    NANS argued that such a generalisation unfairly criminalises millions of law-abiding students who are focused on education and personal development. It warned that statements of this nature could stigmatise Nigerian youths both locally and internationally, potentially affecting access to scholarships, academic partnerships, and global opportunities.

    While acknowledging the existence of cybercrime as a national challenge, the association rejected any attempt to broadly associate students with criminal activity, insisting that issues of crime must be addressed with verified data and proper context.

    The group also questioned the basis of the EFCC chairman’s claim, calling for clarity on whether the assertion reflects current trends or weaknesses in existing enforcement strategies.

    NANS urged public officials to exercise caution when speaking on sensitive national issues, noting that inaccurate generalisations could undermine public trust and demoralise young Nigerians.

    It called on the EFCC chairman to either provide credible evidence supporting the claim, clarify its context, or retract it in the interest of fairness and national unity.

    Reaffirming its position, NANS stated that Nigerian students should be recognised as innovators and future leaders, not stereotyped based on the actions of a minority.

  • EFCC Seeks Final Forfeiture of 57 Properties Linked to Malami

    EFCC Seeks Final Forfeiture of 57 Properties Linked to Malami


    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to order the permanent forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, to the Federal Government.

    The anti-graft agency made the request through a motion on notice filed before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, arguing that the respondents failed to present sufficient evidence to overturn an earlier interim forfeiture order granted by the court.

    The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/20/2026, listed Malami alongside several individuals and companies, including Agro Allied Ltd, Mountain View Gold and Jewellery Ltd, Amasdul Oil and Gas Ltd, Azbir Arena Nigeria Ltd, Meethaq Hotels Ltd, Rayhaan University Ltd/GTE and Rayhaan Hotels Ltd, among others, as respondents.

    Relying on Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act, the EFCC argued that the assets were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities and should be permanently forfeited under non-conviction-based asset forfeiture provisions.

    At the hearing, EFCC counsel Jibrin Okutepa told the court that the interim forfeiture order, which was published in THISDAY newspaper on January 9, 2026, had not been successfully challenged within the required timeframe.

    In an affidavit supporting the motion, EFCC investigating officer Daniel Adebayo detailed the agency’s investigation, which involved checks with the Corporate Affairs Commission, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Code of Conduct Bureau and the Abuja Geographical Information System, as well as visits to multiple sites and asset valuation exercises.

    According to the affidavit, Malami’s total lawful earnings between 2015 and 2023—including salary, severance and travel allowances—amounted to about ₦355 million, which the EFCC said was disproportionate to the value of the properties under investigation.

    The agency further alleged that some of the assets were acquired through third parties and companies linked to Malami, including entities within the Rayhaan Group, while several structures in Kano State and Kebbi State were said to lack building approvals.

    The properties listed in the application are located across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and Kaduna State, including temporary and permanent sites associated with Rayhaan University in Kebbi.

    Justice Abdulmalik fixed April 21 for hearing of the motion. Earlier, Justice Emeka Nwite granted an interim forfeiture order on January 6 and directed its publication to allow interested parties respond within 14 days. The matter was later reassigned after Justice Obiora Egwuatu recused himself from the case.

    Malami and other respondents have challenged the suit and are seeking to vacate the interim forfeiture order.

  • EFCC Arrests Kwara Father of 10, Two Others Over Alleged Counterfeit Currency Syndicate

    EFCC Arrests Kwara Father of 10, Two Others Over Alleged Counterfeit Currency Syndicate

     

     

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a 51-year-old father of 10 alongside two other suspects in Kwara State for their alleged involvement in the circulation of counterfeit currency.

     

    According to reports, the suspects were apprehended following intelligence linking them to a network engaged in the distribution of fake naira notes within the state and surrounding areas.

    The EFCC disclosed that investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the operation and identify other possible accomplices.

     

    The anti-graft agency reiterated its commitment to combating financial crimes, warning that those found guilty of currency counterfeiting would face the full weight of the law.

    The suspects are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations

  • EFCC Arrests Three Suspected Illegal Gold Miners in Borno State

    EFCC Arrests Three Suspected Illegal Gold Miners in Borno State

    Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Maiduguri Zonal Directorate have arrested three suspected illegal gold miners in Borno State for alleged involvement in unlawful mining activities. The suspects—Umar Muhammad, Modu Bamai Umar, and Sani Samaila—were apprehended in Mallam Jakwa town, Hawul Local Government Area, following actionable intelligence.

    The EFCC stated that the suspects’ mining operations were contributing to insecurity and environmental degradation in the area, highlighting the broader social and ecological impact of illegal mining activities.

    During the arrests, officials recovered a small gold measuring machine and quantities of mined gold, which serve as evidence of the alleged unlawful activities.

    The commission emphasized that the suspects’ actions exacerbate local insecurity while causing damage to the environment, underscoring the need for strict enforcement against illegal mining operations in the state.

    The EFCC confirmed that the suspects would be prosecuted once investigations are concluded and assured the public that legal action will follow to deter future illegal mining activities.

  • Tsoho Questioned by EFCC Over $160,000 Found With Wife

    Tsoho Questioned by EFCC Over $160,000 Found With Wife

    Officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday interrogated the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, John Tsoho, for several hours over $160,000 allegedly found in the possession of his wife.

    Sources said the cash was discovered after EFCC operatives intercepted Tsoho’s wife while she was travelling to Benue State and returned her to Abuja for questioning. Authorities are yet to officially clarify the origin of the funds or the purpose of the trip.

    The development comes amid broader scrutiny of the Chief Judge, who is also expected to appear before the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) on March 16, 2026, over allegations of failing to properly declare his assets.

    A petition had accused Tsoho of omitting several bank accounts in his asset declaration, including three accounts with United Bank for Africa and another with Access Bank. Under Nigerian law, public officers are required to disclose all assets and bank accounts.

    However, the Federal High Court, through its Director of Information Catherine Christopher, said the Chief Judge remains committed to cooperating with investigators and will appear before the bureau with his lawyer, Kanu Agabi, while maintaining that he has complied with the asset declaration requirements.

  • El-Rufai Detained for Eight Days, Lawyers Fault ICPC Over Bail Silence

    El-Rufai Detained for Eight Days, Lawyers Fault ICPC Over Bail Silence

    Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has been held in detention for eight days without a remand order, his legal team has revealed. Lawyers say the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has not responded to a formal bail application, despite the 48-hour legal limit for holding a person without charge having expired.

    El-Rufai voluntarily reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on 16th February 2026 following an invitation, and was held in EFCC custody until 18th February before being transferred to ICPC. His lawyers claim the transfer occurred without explanation or documentation, including any formal remand order, and describe the detention as “unlawful.”

    The former governor is involved in multiple legal matters this week. On 25th February, the FCT High Court is scheduled to hear his fundamental rights suit against the Federal Government, ICPC, EFCC, and DSS, seeking bail. On the same date, he is slated for arraignment on charges filed by the DSS, which have drawn widespread public attention.

    El-Rufai’s residence on Aso Drive was searched by ICPC officials on 19th February, prompting him to file a Federal High Court suit challenging the warrant. The suit alleges the warrant was defective, overbroad, ambiguous, and lacked probable cause, and seeks an injunction against the use of items seized during the search in any proceeding.

    During detention, family members reportedly faced difficulties delivering meals, and El-Rufai experienced a nasal bleeding episode. His lawyer, Ubong Akpan, condemned the handling as a violation of legal procedures and fundamental rights, while ICPC has continued interrogations without granting bail or providing formal explanations for the ongoing detention.

  • FCT Polls: EFCC Nabs 20 Suspects Over Vote-Buying, Seizes N13.5m

    FCT Polls: EFCC Nabs 20 Suspects Over Vote-Buying, Seizes N13.5m

    Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 20 suspects over alleged electoral offences during the February 21, 2026, FCT Area Council elections.

    The arrests targeted vote trading and other violations, with offences including vote buying, vote selling, and obstruction of electoral officers, involving a total of N17,218,700.

    One suspect was reportedly found with N13,500,000 in a car parked near a polling booth in Kwali Local Government Area.

    The EFCC made arrests in multiple locations across the FCT, including two in Abaji, nine in Gwagwalada, four in Kuje, and four in Kwali, as part of efforts to curb electoral malpractice.

    Investigations are ongoing, and the commission confirmed that the suspects will face prosecution upon conclusion of the process.

  • Nasir El-Rufai in EFCC Custody Amid Financial Misconduct Allegations

    Nasir El-Rufai in EFCC Custody Amid Financial Misconduct Allegations

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai for a second night at its Abuja headquarters over alleged corruption during his tenure from 2015 to 2023. Sources indicated that the anti-graft agency may seek a remand order from a competent court to keep him in custody longer as investigations continue.

    El-Rufai reportedly underwent another round of interrogation on Tuesday, with investigators questioning him over statements made by a former Commissioner for Finance who had earlier appeared before the commission. An EFCC source said the former governor was asked to respond to several documents and maintained that his rights were being respected, with access granted to his legal team.

    Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a three-count charge against El-Rufai at the Federal High Court in Abuja, accusing him of tapping the telephone line of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. A security source disclosed that the DSS plans to take him into custody ahead of his arraignment.

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is also preparing to question the former governor over the alleged N1.3 billion failed Kaduna light rail project, adding to the legal challenges he currently faces.

    El-Rufai presented himself at the EFCC headquarters on Monday following an invitation. His media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, confirmed that the former governor had a “frank and fruitful” interaction with investigators, describing the officials’ conduct as professional, and noted that he remained with the commission after the engagement.

  • Panic at Abuja Hospital as EFCC Teargas Dispersing El-Rufai Protest Affects Patients

    Panic at Abuja Hospital as EFCC Teargas Dispersing El-Rufai Protest Affects Patients

    Panic broke out at the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi on Monday after teargas allegedly fired by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to disperse protesters drifted into the hospital premises, leaving patients and caregivers gasping for breath.

    The protesters had gathered at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi in support of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who was invited for questioning over alleged corruption linked to his time in office.

    Witnesses said El-Rufai arrived at the EFCC office earlier in the day with hundreds of supporters, prompting heightened security and traffic congestion along the busy Jabi–Airport Road corridor.

    Trouble began when security operatives moved to disperse the crowd. Shortly after teargas canisters were discharged, fumes reportedly wafted into the nearby hospital, causing distress among vulnerable patients, including pregnant women and children.

    Eyewitnesses described scenes of confusion as patients scrambled for safety within the complex, some covering their noses with face masks and pieces of cloth to shield themselves from the choking smoke.

    A pregnant woman who spoke during her antenatal visit said, “Even inside the hospital, everyone was struggling to breathe. My eyes were filled with tears, I was coughing, and it wasn’t just me. We were running into each other in panic. It was not a good experience at all.” She questioned the proximity of the anti-graft agency’s headquarters to a major health facility, warning that discharging teargas near sick patients posed health risks.

    The incident comes days after El-Rufai reportedly resisted arrest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, further heightening tensions surrounding the ongoing investigation. As of press time, the EFCC had not issued an official statement on the teargas incident.