Royal News

Tag: EFCC

  • El-Rufai Arraigned, Faces Possible Two-Year Imprisonment for Cybercrime

    El-Rufai Arraigned, Faces Possible Two-Year Imprisonment for Cybercrime

     

     

  • DSS Rearrests Malami Moments After Release From Kuje Prison

    DSS Rearrests Malami Moments After Release From Kuje Prison

    The Department of State Services (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are yet to confirm reports that former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, was rearrested after meeting his bail conditions and securing release from the Kuje Correctional Facility in Abuja.

    Malami’s detention had been marked by days of tension following a security blockade around the prison by DSS operatives, which reportedly stalled his release despite a court-approved bail. The situation drew public attention amid claims that security agencies were determined to keep him in custody.

    The tension escalated last Friday when Malami’s son was arrested while allegedly attempting to leave the prison premises during the clampdown. Security sources described the move as part of a broader effort by authorities to tighten control around the former minister.

    On Monday, reports emerged that Malami was rearrested shortly after his release from custody, with security sources alleging he is now facing a fresh investigation by the DSS. There were also unconfirmed claims that arms were discovered at his Kebbi residence during a search by the EFCC.

    Malami had earlier accused the DSS of plotting to rearrest him, a claim reiterated in a statement by his media aide, Mohammed Bello Doka. While a Federal High Court had granted Malami, his wife and son bail of ₦500 million each, neither the DSS nor the EFCC has officially confirmed or denied the reported rearrest.

  • Dangote Calls for Investigation into Former NMDPRA Boss

    Dangote Calls for Investigation into Former NMDPRA Boss

    Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Industries Limited, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate alleged corruption involving former NMDPRA Chief Executive Farouk Ahmed. The request follows Dangote’s withdrawal of a previous petition from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to “accelerate the prosecution process,” according to his legal representative, Dr. O.J. Onoja.

    Through a formal petition filed at the EFCC headquarters, Dangote urged the commission to investigate claims of abuse of office and corrupt enrichment against Ahmed and to prosecute him if found culpable. Onoja stressed that the EFCC is strategically positioned to handle financial crimes and corruption cases efficiently, citing past legal precedents supporting swift prosecution.

    The allegations center on Ahmed’s reported lavish spending on his children’s education, including four children attending elite secondary schools in Switzerland at an estimated cost of $5 million, and $2 million on tertiary education, including a $210,000 2025 Harvard MBA programme. Dangote argued that such expenditures raise questions about potential conflicts of interest and regulatory integrity in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.

    The petition emphasized that swift EFCC action would serve as a deterrent to other public officers and reinforce accountability in the oil and gas industry. Dangote’s team noted that Nigerians deserve clarity on the source of these funds, especially given the financial struggles of ordinary citizens in Ahmed’s home state of Sokoto.

    Ahmed resigned as NMDPRA chief in December amid the controversy, denying the allegations. Dangote’s petition to the EFCC signals his commitment to transparency and public confidence in Nigeria’s regulatory institutions while seeking legal accountability for financial misconduct.

  • Court adjourns ₦5.78b fraud trial of former Kwara gov Ahmed to February 16

    Court adjourns ₦5.78b fraud trial of former Kwara gov Ahmed to February 16

    The trial of former Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, and his former Commissioner for Finance, Ademola Banu, resumed on Thursday at the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin, with the testimony of a prosecution witness from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The defendants are being prosecuted by the EFCC’s Ilorin Zonal Directorate over alleged fraud involving ₦5.78 billion.

    Testifying before Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar, the sixth prosecution witness, Stanley Ujilibo, told the court that the EFCC obtained bank statements of the Kwara State Government from Polaris Bank and Guaranty Trust Bank as part of its investigation.

    Led in evidence by EFCC counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), Ujilibo said letters dated August 1, 2025, were written to the managing directors of the banks—then Skye Bank, now Polaris Bank, and GTBank—requesting statements of the state government’s accounts.

    “My Lord, we wrote to the then Skye Bank, now Polaris Bank, and Guaranty Trust Bank to request the statements of accounts of the Kwara State Government,” the witness said, adding that the banks acknowledged the requests and supplied the documents, which were admitted in evidence.

    The EFCC alleges that Ahmed and Banu approved the diversion of Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) matching grant funds to pay salaries of civil servants, contrary to the purpose for which the funds were released. The grants were meant to support basic education infrastructure across the state’s 16 local government areas.

    At an earlier sitting, a former Accountant-General of Kwara State, Suleiman Oluwadare Ishola, testified that the Ahmed administration in 2015 borrowed ₦1 billion from UBEC matching grants to pay salaries and pensions.

    Ujilibo further told the court that the investigation was triggered by a petition from the Kwara State Government, which led to additional correspondence with the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General.

    However, when the prosecution attempted to tender responses from the ministry and the accountant-general’s office, defence counsel, led by Kamaldeen Ajibade, objected on procedural grounds. Justice Abdulgafar adjourned the case to February 16, 2025, for further hearing.

  • Court Approves Bail for Malami and family

    Court Approves Bail for Malami and family

    Picture Credit: The Cable

    Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday granted former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, his son Abdulaziz Malami, and an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, Hajia Asabe Bashir, bail of N500 million each pending trial. The bail is in connection with a 16-count money laundering charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging the concealment of proceeds from unlawful activities worth billions of naira.

    The judge ordered that Malami provide two sureties with landed properties in Maitama, Asokoro, or Gwarimpa, which will be verified by the Deputy Chief Registrar. He must also deposit his travel documents with the court and is prohibited from leaving the country without its express permission. The former AGF and his sureties are required to submit two recent passport photographs to the court, and Malami remains in Kuje Prison until bail conditions are perfected.

    The charges against the trio allege that they conspired to conceal funds used to purchase luxury properties in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and other locations between November 2015 and June 2025. Counts include allegedly using Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited and Rahamaniyya Properties Limited to launder sums exceeding N1 billion and millions of naira paid for various real estate acquisitions, including properties on Amazon Street, Maitama, and Jabi District, Abuja.

    During the bail hearing, the EFCC opposed their release, citing Malami’s international connections and influence, which it claimed could be used to evade trial or interfere with witnesses. However, Justice Nwite ruled that the EFCC’s allegations were speculative, noting that no witnesses were identified as having been compromised, and emphasized that the Constitution presumes the innocence of the accused until proven guilty.

    The court fixed February 17, 2026, for the commencement of trial. Malami has been in EFCC custody since December 8, 2025, after failing to meet earlier bail conditions. His lawyers and associates have been actively working to secure his release, which is expected to allow him to prepare for trial while complying with the court’s stringent bail requirements.

  • Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed Accuses FG of Using EFCC for Political Intimidation

    Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed Accuses FG of Using EFCC for Political Intimidation

    Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed has accused the Federal Government of using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to intimidate him for refusing to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The governor made the allegation on Wednesday in Bauchi during the signing of the 2026 appropriation bill into law at the Government House.

    Mohammed expressed concern over the continued detention of one of his commissioners by the EFCC, describing the action as politically motivated and unfair.

    He said that despite his constitutional immunity as a sitting governor, his name was mentioned in a court motion, which he described as disturbing and unprecedented.

    According to the governor, the APC-led federal government believes it can deploy state institutions, including the judiciary and anti-corruption agencies, to harass opposition figures.

    Mohammed insisted that such actions amount to persecution rather than genuine prosecution and warned that the misuse of public institutions threatens democratic principles.

    He  therefore maintained that no level of pressure or intimidation would compel him to abandon his political party or align with the APC.

  • EFCC Hands Over Recovered Properties, Vehicles to Fraud Victim

    EFCC Hands Over Recovered Properties, Vehicles to Fraud Victim

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over three properties, two luxury vehicles, and N1.1 million recovered from a convicted fraudster to a victim, Daniel Babatunde Attiogbe.

    The recovered assets belonged to Fatai Olalere Alli, also known as Baba Abore or Baba Osun, who was found guilty of advance fee fraud and operating as a fake spiritualist.

    The properties include a five-bedroom duplex with a three-bedroom bungalow in Kasumu village, Odo-Ona, Elewe, Ibadan; a bungalow containing two three-bedroom flats at Lapiti Layout, Akanran Road, Amuko, Ibadan; and a three-bedroom bungalow at Idi Ayunre village, Oluyole Local Government Area, Ibadan.

    The vehicles recovered are a grey Honda Pilot SUV (chassis 2HKY18414H621545, plate LND 696 CK) and a Toyota Corolla Saloon (chassis 2T1BU40E49C142502).

    The handover was conducted at the Ibadan Zonal Directorate’s Conference Hall by Assistant Commander of EFCC, Hauw Garba Ringim, on behalf of EFCC Chairman Mr. Ola Olukoyede.

    While presenting the documents to Attiogbe, Olukoyede emphasized that the recoveries were released following a court order. “Obeying court orders is mandatory, and this demonstrates the EFCC’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law,” he said.

    Olukoyede added that the agency would continue to fight economic and financial crimes and ensure that individuals tarnishing Nigeria’s image through fraud are brought to justice.

    Receiving the assets, Attiogbe thanked the EFCC for its professionalism, diligence, and unwavering commitment to combating corruption. “I almost gave up, but the EFCC rekindled my hope. Having submitted my petition, here we are today,” he said.

    The handover follows a final forfeiture order by Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court in Ibadan, stemming from a case that began in 2019. Alli was convicted of defrauding the victim of over N200 million by claiming to provide spiritual cleansing to avert visions of untimely death.

    Alli was initially charged on 33 counts, later amended to a single count, and sentenced to three years’ imprisonment. He was also ordered to cooperate with the Department of State Services (DSS) and refrain from engaging in criminal activity.

  • Bill Seeks to Curb President’s Power Over EFCC Boss

    Bill Seeks to Curb President’s Power Over EFCC Boss

    The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill seeking to amend the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 to strengthen the agency’s autonomy and reduce political interference in its operations.

    The bill, sponsored by Yusuf Gagdi (APC–Plateau), was debated and adopted during Thursday’s plenary session presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

    Gagdi said the proposed amendment aims to modernise the EFCC’s legal framework to reflect global best practices and equip the agency to tackle emerging forms of economic and financial crimes, including cybercrime, cryptocurrency manipulation, terrorism financing, and real estate-based money laundering.

    He argued that the existing Act leaves the Commission vulnerable to political influence, as the President currently has the sole authority to remove the EFCC Chairman without legislative approval.

    “The EFCC operates under outdated provisions that do not adequately address the new realities,” Gagdi said. “This amendment seeks to make the Commission independent, professional, and transparent.”

    One of the key proposals would require a two-thirds majority approval of both the Senate and House of Representatives before any EFCC Chairman can be removed from office—curtailing the President’s unilateral power under Section 3(2) of the current Act.

    Gagdi said the change would “restore public confidence in the EFCC” and “strengthen Nigeria’s global anti-corruption reputation.”

    Also speaking, the Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Crimes, Ginger Onwusibe (LP–Abia), described the initiative as long overdue, stressing that many modern financial crimes are not covered by the 2004 law.

    The bill was unanimously passed for second reading and referred to the relevant committee for further legislative work.

  • Pictures Of 28 Suspected ‘Yahoo Boys’, Recovered Cars, Phones, Laptops Emerged

    Pictures Of 28 Suspected ‘Yahoo Boys’, Recovered Cars, Phones, Laptops Emerged

    Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 arrested 28 suspected internet fraudsters in Ilorin, Kwara State.

    The arrests followed credible intelligence linking the suspects to cybercrime activities across the state capital. The suspects were picked at Tanke, University Road, Oshin, and Agbabiaka areas.

    During the sting operation, seven exotic cars, including a latest model Toyota Corolla and a Lexus, two motorcycles, as well as expensive phones and laptops believed to be tools of the suspects’ illicit trade were recovered from them.

    The suspects would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigations.

    

  • Ohanaeze Youth Urges Sujimoto To Cooperate With EFCC

    Ohanaeze Youth Urges Sujimoto To Cooperate With EFCC

    The youth wing of the Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, has called on Olasijibomi Ogundele, CEO of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, to stop creating unnecessary public drama over his invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Ogundele, popularly known as Sujimoto, has been under scrutiny after being declared wanted by the EFCC for allegedly failing to deliver 22 Smart School projects awarded by the Enugu State Government. The government claims he defrauded the state of nearly N6 billion.

    In a statement on Wednesday, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, emphasized that public protests or displays of emotion would not prevent the government from recovering public funds.

    Okwu described Governor Peter Mbah as a “game changer” and noted that the era of contractors absconding after receiving government funds was over.

    “It is no longer business as usual. Contractors who lack capacity should not accept projects. Receiving payment and then failing to deliver while seeking public sympathy is unacceptable,” Okwu said.

    He added that the Smart School projects under Sujimoto’s contracts remain at the foundation stage despite significant payments, calling it a “clear sabotage of government efforts” and urging Nigerians to condemn such actions.

    Okwu praised Governor Mbah for sending a strong signal to other contractors, stressing that government funds must be protected and mismanagement punished.

    He urged the governor to ensure every kobo belonging to the government is refunded and called for strict action against any contractor undermining public projects.

    “For Sujimoto, our advice is to cooperate with the EFCC and avoid unnecessary drama,” Okwu said, adding that surrendering himself would be the appropriate step.

    The statement reinforces a broader call for accountability and transparency in the execution of government contracts in Enugu State.