Royal News

Tag: EFCC

  • Okorocha has gone home from our office — EFCC

    Okorocha has gone home from our office — EFCC

    Okorocha has gone home from our office - EFCC

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed that former governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha is no longer in its custody.

    Recall that the senator representing Imo west senatorial district has been grilled at the EFCC office in Abuja since Tuesday April 14, over issues bothering on alleged corruption. The former governor had been accused by the state government of various corrupt practices including diversion of public funds, an allegation he has continously denied.

    The anti-graft agency in a communique released on Thursday April 15, said the Senator representing Imo West Senatorial District left the Commission’s office on the afternoon of Thursday, April 15, 2021.

    The statement read;

    “We didn’t bother about whether he spent 24 hours or 48 hours at the Commission’s office. We were only keen on his having the needed opportunity to address the allegations contained in the avalanche of petitions written by the Imo State Government, against the former governor.

    “Remember also that, we had alluded that, EFCC was not a slaughterhouse, but a responsible institution, established for the good of the nation and her people. And Okorocha being in his house today, only confirmed our hypothesis that, indeed, the Commission’s office is not an abattoir.”

    Sam Onwuemeodo, Okorocha’s media adviser also confirmed that he left the custody of the anti-graft agency on Thursday.

    He said;

    “With gratitude to God Almighty, we are delighted to inform the general public that the former governor of lmo state, and by the grace of God, the Senator representing lmo west senatorial district, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, is out of the office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and he is now in his house.

    “He left the Commission’s office on the afternoon of Thursday, April 15, 2021.”

  • EFCC arrests 37 internet fraudsters in Ekiti

    EFCC arrests 37 internet fraudsters in Ekiti


    The Ilorin Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday said it has arrested 37 internet fraud suspects, also known as ‘Yahoo-Yahoo Boys’, in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

    This is contained in a statement signed by EFCC Media Head, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, and made available to newsmen in Ilorin.

    The statement reads that the arrest was sequel to series of intelligence reports on the alleged criminal activities of some internet fraudsters operating in the area.

    ”Officers of the Commission had carried out series of discreet surveillance on the nature of activities going on in the area, which established that the location where the suspects were rounded up is a hideout for fraudsters.

    ”Two of the suspects arrested are brothers of the same parent – Dada Dele and Dada Tunde with Segun Kazeem, Adepoju Pelumi, Jejelowo Segun, David Ojo, Sodiq Adetoye and Opeyemi Akiniyi.

    “Others include: Michael Ekundayo, Victor Olujobi, Damilola Akinluyi and Attamah Hyauth, Ade Ajayi Tobi, Oyewola Adewunmi, Emmanuel Bello, Lekan Oyewole, Oso Opeyemi, Oluwaseun Temitope Ezekiel, Akinrodolu Sunday and Emmanuel Attah.

    “Also arrested are Sunday Adedoyin, George Tobi, Odunayo Daramola, Olubola Olushola Sunday, Temitope Ayomide, Faboro John Oluwagbotemi, Ajibade Timilehin Emmanuel and Momoh Ranti.

    “The remaining suspects arrested are Ajibade Seyi, Eniola Abdulbasit, Oreoluwa Ayuba, Christopher Olutobiloba, Samuel Ajayi, Abiodun Akeem, Tunde Orija, Ajila Ayodeji and Oyeleke Kehinde,” the statement read in part.

    It added that the raid led to the confiscation of scores of vehicles, laptops, sophisticated phones and other items.

    According to the statement, the suspects are currently being profiled to determine their culpability in the alleged crime and would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

  • New EFCC chairman Bawa is fearless against corruption – Youth Council

    New EFCC chairman Bawa is fearless against corruption – Youth Council


    The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has lauded President Muhammadu Buhari over the nomination of Abdulrasheed Bawa as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The group noted that Bawa is a fearless corruption fighter who had recorded many successes on the job.

    The President on Tuesday appointed the 40-year-old Abdulrasheed Bawa as substantive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Reacting, the NYCN described Abdulrasheed Bawa as a “world-class crime buster,” whose services as Chairman of the Commission would advance the fight against corruption in the country.”

    The group’s reaction was contained in a statement issued and made available to DAILY POST on Wednesday by its president, Solomon Adodo.

    The NYCN called for the immediate approval of Bawa’s appointment by the Senate, adding that the service of Bawa is urgently needed in the country as corruption continues to pierce through in different aspects of the government.

    It said Bawa’s appointment was not only a great win for Nigerian youths, but goes further to remind young Nigerians to always be prepared to take leadership positions.

    The NYCN expressed confidence on the nominated EFCC boss, stressing that he had great records as a compatriot Nigerian, hence the best for the job.

    The grouped stressed that Bawa had fought many battles in the Commission even when his life was threatened.

    “No one can better understand the workings of the Commission than a young officer who has spent all his career years within the establishment beginning from the point where the Commission was set up with its unique mandate to halt the negative tide of financial crimes.

    “Through diligent investigation, Mr. Bawa was able to unearth the Petroleum Subsidy Fraud between 2012 and 2015 N70Billion, recovered Billions and several companies were prosecuted duly,” the group said.

    Meanwhile, many Nigerians had raised concerns over the appointment, citing an online report on Bawa’s past records.

  • Magu fails to submit EFCC’s audited accounts for four years

    Magu fails to submit EFCC’s audited accounts for four years

    The suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, failed to submit the agency’s audited accounts to the National Assembly as required by law, ThisDay reports.

    It is believed he took advantage of the non-confirmation of his appointment by the Senate to avoid accountability.

    By Section 37 of the establishment act, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment, ETC) Act 2004, the commission is required to submit its report, including its audited account to the National Assembly every year.

    It states: “The Commission shall, not later than 30th September in each year, submit to the National Assembly, a report of its activities during the preceding year and shall include in such report the audited accounts of the Commission.”

    Despite the Senate’s refusal to confirm his appointment in December 2016 and also in March 2017, the EFCC was still required by law to submit its annual accounts as done by Magu’s predecessors, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Mrs. Farida Waziri and Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde in compliance with the establishment Act.

    Magu on Monday arrived at the Justice Ayo Salami-led Presidential Panel, for the continuation of investigation of corruption allegations against him.

  • EFCC to probe suspended top civil servants in Kwara

    EFCC to probe suspended top civil servants in Kwara

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has directed the immediate suspension of all officials named in alleged extortion of farmers in the state’s ministry of agriculture through the sale of unauthorised registration forms.

    Rafiu Ajakaye, media spokesman to the Governor, said in a statement on Wednesday that the government at no time approved the sale of any forms to register farmers and that the administration found it strange that some officials could ever do such a thing to poor farmers. 

    “In the light of the development, we wish to state the following: That neither the Governor nor the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development at any time approved the sale of forms to anyone, including farmers, in the guise of whatever scheme or census for farmers.

    “That preliminary in-house findings have been made and they suggested clear wrongdoings. That the Head of Service has accordingly been directed to suspend all the affected officials, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry. This is to send the signal that such misconduct will not be condoned by the Governor.

    “That we call on the EFCC to immediately step in to investigate and prosecute anyone found guilty of ripping off the poor farmers, thus making it clear that his administration will never tolerate such behaviours under whatever guise.

    “And, finally, that the government will ensure the refund of the money of the victim-farmers who would be requested to bring forward the said forms that they purchased to claim their refund. The government sincerely regrets this embarrassing behaviour of the affected officials and apologises to the affected farmers.”

     

  • All 16 chairmen of Kwara LGs in EFCC custody

    All 16 chairmen of Kwara LGs in EFCC custody

    The Economic Financial and Crimes Commission, (EFCC), Ilorin Zonal office has trapped the suspended chairmen of the 16 Local Government Chairmen of Kwara State over alleged misappropriation of part of the N4billion loan and 10 percent of State internally generated revenue.

    They are; Risikat Opakunle, Saidu Yaru Musa, Umar Belle, Ayeni Dallas, Fatai Adeniyi Garba, Lah Abdulmumeen, Raliat Funmi Salau, Aminat Omodara, Muyiwa Oladipo.

    Others are, Oladipo Omole, Abdullahi Abubakar Bata, Saka Eleyele, Lateef Gbadamosi, Oni Adebayo Joseph,  Omokanye Joshua Olatunji and Jibril Salihu.

    It was gathered that the Council Chiefs after securing the controversial loans held a meeting and decided that one hundred million naira be shared among themselves.

    The Suspects had on the 7th of February 2018 wrote a four billion naira loan request to the Ilorin  Sterling Bank  Manager in order to pay the Salary Arrears The State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Teachers,  Local Government Staff and the Local Government Pensioners while the provisions for one hundred million for Council Chairmen was not appropriated in the loan request.

    The Embattled Politician were also accused of diverting monthly ten percent of the internally generated revenue for their personal use which was paid direct into their personal accounts against the Financial Regulations.

    All the suspects while undergoing interrogation by the operatives of the Commission admitted that one hundred million naira was shared from the loan and also received ten percent of the internally generated revenue.

    They are pleading with the EFCC to give them time the pay back what they benefited from Government’s money.

    As at the time of filing this report,  The Kwara Politicians are still in the Custody of the EFCC and be charged to Court.

  • 36yr-old Offa poly lecturer in prison custody over alleged scam

    36yr-old Offa poly lecturer in prison custody over alleged scam

    He has been recommended for dismissal— Mgt

    A 36year-old Lecturer with the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Mr. Mustapha Iliyas Abdulwasiu, has been dragged to to court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC) Ilorin Zonal Office over alleged midiscount.

    The accused person who was arraigned on Tuesday on Offences bordering on employment scam and obtaining money under false pretence.

    ROYAL NEWS gathered that Mustapha was arraigned on a nine count charge before Justice Sikiru Oyinloye of a Kwara State High Court Sitting in Ilorin,  the State Capital.


    The EFCC alleged that the Defendant who is a Lecturer in Accounting Department at the Federal Polytechnic,  Offa, Kwara State had at different times in 2019 defrauded many job seekers, majorly Couples under a false pretence of helping them to secure employments at the institution.

    Count one of the charge reads “That you Mustapha Ilyas Abdulwasiu between June and July 2018 at Offa, within the jurisdiction of this honourable Court with intent to defraud obtained the sum of #600,000.00 (Six hundred thousand naira) from one Amubiaya Raphael Oluwafemi by false pretence that you were in charge of employment at the Federal Polytechnic,  Offa and obtained the money for the purpose of securing employment for the said Amubiaya Raphael Oluwafemi and his wife,  Amubiaya Remi Janet which representation you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, No. 14, 2006”

    Count nine of the charge reads “That you,  Mustapha Ilyas Abdulwasiu  between December,  2018 and February 2019 at Offa within the jurisdiction of this honourable Court with intent to defraud obtained the sum of #550,000.00 (Five hundred and fifty thousand naira) from one Mustapha Kabir by false pretence that you were in charge of Employment at the Federal Polytechnic,  Offa and you obtained the money for the purpose of securing employment for the said Mustapha Kabir and his wife,  Jimoh Ganiyatu which representation you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act,  No 14 2006”

    Although, the accused person “Pleaded not guilty” when the nine count charges were read to him but the authority of the polytechnic in a reaction by Olayinka Iroye claimed that,   “Mustapha is on indefinite suspension and he has been recommended for dismissal by the Staff Discplinary Committee but awaiting the Council’ s approval.”

    The prosecuting Counsel,  A.A Adebayo told Justice Sikiru Oyinloye that ” My Lord,  considering the plea of the defendant,  we humbly apply for a trial date to enable the prosecution to prove its case,  we also pray your  Lordship to remand the accused Person in  Prison Custody,  these are my humble application my Lord ”

    Defence Counsel,  M. O Balogun in his response said “My Lord,  we shall not be opposing the application seeking for adjournment to enable the prosecution to open its case, but however,  we urged your Lordship to allow us making an oral application for the bail of the defendant,  on the grounds that I was just been served with the charge this morning”

    The Prosecuting Counsel however refuted the claims,  saying that the Accused Person was served with the Charge since 14th of October.

    Justice Oyinloye after confirming that Mustapha was served since 14th of October said the bail application should be filed and adjourned the hearing till 7th of November 2019.

    The Judge also ordered the the accused Lecturer should be remanded in Mandala Prison pending the hearing and determination of his bail application.

  • EXPOSED… Why EFCC may soon visit Kwara INEC

    EXPOSED… Why EFCC may soon visit Kwara INEC

    Attahiru Madami
    Investigations have emerged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) may soon extend its operation to the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) in Kwara State over alleged financial misappropriation and embezzlement to the tune of over N 60 million.
    Findings by ROYAL NEWS revealed that the INEC KWARA Cooperative Thrift and Credit Society under the leadership of Mr. Gambo Suleiman Abubakar, was caught in a massive  financial discrepancies, fraud and misuse of members fund unduly.
    Other members of the immediate past executive council of the union are; Mr. Umar Sufian (Secretary) and Issa Dauda (Treasurer) among others.
    According to sources, “As the signatory to the society’s account, the three officers sideline other members of the executive and committees by investing society’s money in business without due process, purchase of highly overpriced property at Malete without due process and direct transfer of society’s money to their personal accounts.
    “As at the time of their suspension, about 10 months ago, Mr. Sufian has moved over N35m to his account, about N 10 million passed through Issa Dauda’s account. This really making life miserable and difficult for members who have the life-savings with the union while others are looking up to the money to cater for life after service (retirement period).
    The source further said that, “The Resident Electoral Commissioner, INEC KWARA, Malam Garba  Attahiru Madami, actually set up two committees late last year, first committee is to probe and uncover the affairs of the past executive and the second committee is to stabilize the society.
    “The REC promised to address the cooperators and assured them that he would assist them recover their money from the management team. But it’s almost a year now and nothing tangible is going on. READ ALSO:SAD…. Another traditional ruler killed by gunmen
    “Some staff are of the opinion that the REC and the management staff of INEC KWARA are compromised already.”
    All efforts made to get the reaction of the former President of the Union, Mr. Gambo as at the time of filing this report proved abortive as several calls put across to his telephone number 08036093130 did not go through.