ANTI-CORRUPTION CONCERT
Join the EFCC Anti-Corruption Concert to be spiced up with drama, music, comedy and talk show. Guest speaker shall be EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede and date is Easter Sunday, 31st March, 2024. Venue is Unity Fountain, Abuja. Gate fee is free! Come and be part of the anti-corruption crusader.
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EFCC, NFVCB Join Forces against Criminal Content in Videos
The Executive Chairman of the Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has called on the National Film and Video Censors Board, NFVCB, to continually work against glamourisation of internet fraud and mutilation of currencies in films and movies meant for the public.
He made the call when the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, CEO of the Board, Dr. Shuaibu Hussaini and his team paid him a courtesy visit at the corporate headquarters of the Commission.
According to him, films, videos and movies are meant to promote good moral standards and encourage accountable conduct in the society and the NFVCB should step up its censorship roles in achieving this. “We believe we have the right partner with you. Films and videos are meant to promote good moral standards. Your Board should continue to discourage glamourisation of crimes in the film industry”, he said.
He charged the Board to team up with the Commission in fighting corrupt practices, maintaining that, “the work of fighting corruption is for all of us”. He particularly frowned at undue demonization of the EFCC by skit makers through false characterization of the works of the Commission. “There are several skits flying around with an untrue portrayal of the EFCC and its officers. The NFVCB should look into this and stop such unprofessional practices”, he said.
Earlier in his opening remark, Hussaini said the Board was in the EFCC to seek robust collaboration with the Commission. He also said that the Board was working hard against the glamorization of crimes in films and videos.
“We are trying as much as possible to discourage the glamourization of crimes in our movies. We are also trying to eliminate all those things movie makers are putting in their works that will make young people jump into schemes that are criminal in real life. In doing this, we are starting from script writers, then the producers because the producers are the ones who supervised the contents”, he said.
He frowned at the activities of skit makers discrediting the works of the EFCC by creating contents that do not reflect the real operations of the Commission and called for more enlightenment of Nigerians to support the EFCC. “We are not only editing films but also enlightening the people. Crimes are damaging to the society. The NFVCB will continue its strategic collaboration with the EFCC to achieve its mandate”, he said.
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Court Jails 26 Internet Fraudsters in Benin City
The Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, between Friday, March 22, 2024 and Tuesday March 26, 2024 secured the conviction and sentence of 26 internet fraudsters before Justices Efe Ikponmwonba and M. Itsueli of the Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City.
The convicts are Balogun Oladipupo, Ehigiamusoe Desmond, Jeffery Enogieru, Awoke Godstime ThankGod, Gabriel Ugolo, Erhabor ThankGod Idahosa, Obaretin Osahebrunwen Samuel, Ilevba Endurance, Ilevba Isowanmwen, Osakhuwomwen Osayende, Eruangu Salvation, Destiny Osasenagu Osafanmen, Emmanuel Osafanmen, Azuka Victory Nzel, Enehizena Michael, Emmanuel Oladotun Oladotun, Abdulsalam Enakhe.
Others are Cyril Nowanmagbe Ojo, Wisdom Desmond John, Samuel Joseph, Ime Joseph Etim, Imafidon Kelvin, Sylvester Gabriel, Victor Jonathan Chika, Ejike Favour Madukaku and Abdullahi Rahman
They were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence, possession of fraudulent documents upon arraignment by the Benin Zonal Command of the EFCC.
The charge against Ilevba reads: “that you Endurance Osahon Ilevba sometime in 2023 in Benin City, Edo State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did with intent to defraud represent yourself to be Jason Statham, an American actor and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 384 (1) of the criminal Law of Edo State Law 2022.”
All the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges when they were read to them, prompting prosecution counsel, F. A. Jirbo. I. M. Elodi, I.K Agwai, K.Y. Bello, Bala-Ribah and Salihu Ahmed to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. However, counsel to the defendants pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stressing that they have become remorseful for their actions.
The duo of Ilevba and Endurance Osahon Ilevba bagged two years imprisonment or a fine of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) each while the quartet of Idahosa, Oladuton Cole, Michael and Abdullahi got two years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) each. Twenty others were sentenced to three years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) each.
The judges ordered that the convicts forfeit their phones, laptops, three Mercedes-Benz vehicles, balances in their various bank accounts including the sum of Four Million, Fifty Two Thousand, Fifty Two Naira, Fifty Three kobo (N4,052,052.53) in the account of Ilevba being instrument and proceeds of crime to the Federal Government of Nigeria while Abdullahi was ordered to refund N480,000 to his victim. All the convicts are to undertake in writing to be of good behaviour afterwards.
The convicts’ road to the Correctional Centre began following their arrest by operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the Commission based on actionable intelligence regarding their involvement in internet- related fraud.
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EFCC Arrests Five for Suspected Illegal Mining Activities in Ilorin
Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested five persons for possession and conveyance of three truckloads of assorted solid minerals suspected to be mined without an appropriate licence.
The suspects are three truck drivers and two truck boys.
Their arrest, which was effected along Maraba road, Ilorin Kwara State and Ogbomosho, Oyo State between March 21 – 22, 2024, followed credible intelligence and surveillance.
The suspects were arrested while conveying solid minerals suspected to be marble stone, white powder, lithium and lepidolite, to Shagamu and Alakija in Ogun and Lagos States respectively for commercial purposes without a requisite licence.
The Ilorin Zonal Command had on February 5, 2024 arrested 41 persons over suspected illegal mining activities and impounded 12 truckloads of assorted minerals mined without an appropriate licence.
The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
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EFCC CONNECT
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is doing everything not only to investigate and prosecute cases of economic and financial crimes but the Commission also pays serious attention on the preventive mandate. Get connected via the Facebook and X Platforms tomorrow by 6pm as knowledgeable officers shall be speaking on how to Stay Safe Online.
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Port Harcourt Court Jails One for Currency Racketeering
The Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, March 21, 2024 secured the conviction and sentencing of Azubuike Mamwu Obasi before Justice P. I. Ajoku of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State for currency racketeering.
Obasi was jailed after pleading guilty to a four-count charge bordering on illegal acquisition of bank notes and carrying out banking services without an appropriate licence.
One of the charges reads: “That you, Azubuike Manwu Obasi, on or about the 15th day of February, 2024, at Port Harcourt, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, acquired and retained the cumulative sum of N554,600.00 (Five Hundred and Fifty-four Thousand, Six Hundred Naira) which you knew or reasonably ought to have known, forms part of your unlawful acts, selling or trading in Naira notes and carrying on banking business in Nigeria without a valid licence, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (1) and (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act.”
He pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read to him.
In view of the plea of the defendant, prosecuting counsel, E. K. Bakam prayed the court to convict and sentence him accordingly. Defence counsel, B. E. Onuoha, did not oppose the prayers of the prosecution but urged the court to temper justice with mercy maintaining that the defendant is a first time offender with no previous criminal records.
Justice Ajoku thereafter found the defendant guilty as charged, sentenced him to six months in the Correctional Service on count one to four with N100,000( One Hundred Thousand Naira only) as an option of fine payable into the Consolidated Revenue Account of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Sentence is to run concurrently with effect from the date of arrest.
The court also made an order forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria the sum of Five Hundred and Fifty Four Thousand, Six Hundred Naira (N554,600), Twenty Thousand Naira new bank notes and the POS device recovered from the convict.
Additionally, the sum of Thirty Five Thousand Naira paid into the Access bank account of the convict by an EFCC covert operative was forfeited and returned to him. The convict should also depose an affidavit of good behavior.
Obasi’s journey to the Correctional Centre began when he was arrested for currency racketeering by operatives of the EFCC. He was charged to court and convicted.
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Alleged N2.7b Fraud: Court Commences Trial May 30
Justice O.O. Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos has slated the commencement of trial of one Christopher Jackson Edeh for May 30, 2024.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on February 28, 2024 arraigned him before Justice Abike-Fadipe on nine- count charges bordering on fraudulent false accounting contrary to Section 337 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, and unauthorised access to computer contrary to Section 387 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
One of the charges reads: “That you Christopher Jackson Edeh, sometimes in September 2023 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst in the employment of Fidelity Bank Plc, with intent to defraud, altered the customer account details of Dangote Cement Plc in possession of Fidelity Bank.”
Another charge reads: “Christopher Jackson Edeh, sometimes in September 2023 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to facilitate the stealing of the total sum of N2,737,784,800.00 (Two Billion, Seven Hundred and Thirty-seven Million, Seven Hundred and Eighty-four Thousand, Eight Hundred Naira) kept in custody of Fidelity Bank Plc, secured the unauthorised access to Entrust portal of Fidelity Bank Plc.”
He was also alleged to have with intent to defraud altered the bank account details of the Kano State Government – Power Intervention Fund, NNPC Trading Limited, Stallion Vision Ltd, the Lagos State Government-Blue Line, State Contributory Pension Account, and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ujukwu University.
He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to him.
Following his plea, counsel to the EFCC, Z.B. Atiku, informed the court that the prosecution was ready to prove its case against the defendant.
However, the defence informed the court of the bail application of the defendant, prompting the court to adjourn till Tuesday, March 19, 2024 for hearing of the application.
At the resumed hearing of the bail application, defence counsel, G.A. Daniel moved the bail application of his client and urged the court to grant bail as the offence was a bailable one.
Ruling on the application, Justice Abike-Fadipe granted him bail in the sum of N5 million, with two sureties in like sum, one of whom must be a blood relation to the defendant.
“The sureties shall depose to affidavit of means, must be gainfully employed and resident within jurisdiction of the court, must show evidence of tax payment for over the last three years to the Lagos State,” the trial judge added.
Justice Abike-Fadipe thereafter adjourned the case till May 30 and June 6, 2024 for commencement of trial.
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Alleged N2.2bn Oil Subsidy Fraud: EFCC Presents Additional Witness against Mamman Ali, One Other
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, March 25, 2024, presented another prosecution witness, Popoola Olayiwola, a staff of the Debt Management Office, DMO, against Mamman Nasir Ali and Christian Taylor, who are being prosecuted for an alleged N2.2bn oil subsidy fraud, before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.
They were arraigned alongside Nasaman Oil Services Limited on amended 49-count charges bordering on conspiracy to obtain money by false pretence, contrary to Section 8 and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006; obtaining money by false pretences, contrary to Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006; forgery, contrary to Section 363 (3)(j) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011; and use of false documents contrary to Section 364 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.
One of the counts reads: “Nasaman Oil Services Ltd, Mamman Nasir Ali, Christian Taylor, Oluwaseun Ogunbambo (now at large) and Olabisi Abdul-Afeez (still at large), on or about the 9th day of November 2011 at Lagos, within the Ikeja Judicial Division, with intent to defraud, conspired to obtain the sum of N749,991,273.36 (Seven Hundred and Forty-Nine Million, Nine Hundred and Ninety-One Thousand, Two Hundred and Seventy-Three Naira Thirty-six Kobo) from the Federal Government of Nigeria by falsely claiming that the sum of N749,991,273.36 represented subsidy accruing to Nasaman Oil Services Ltd under the Petroleum Support Fund for the importation of 10,031,986 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), which Nasaman Oil Services Ltd purported to have purchased from SEATAC Petroleum Ltd of British Virgin Islands and imported into Nigeria through MT Liquid Fortune Ltd of British Virgin Islands and imported into Nigeria through MT Liquid Fortune Ltd Ex MT Overseas Lima, which representation you knew to be false.”
Another count reads: “Nasaman Oil Services Ltd, Mamman Nasir Ali, Christian Taylor, Oluwaseun Ogunbambo (now at large) and Olabisi Abdul-Afeez (still at large),on or about the 11th day of April 2011 at Lagos, within the Ikeja Judicial Division, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of N1,480,074,125.61 (One Billion Four Hundred and Eighty Million, Seventy-Four Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty-Five Naira Sixty-One Kobo) from the Federal Government of Nigeria by claiming that the sum represented subsidy accruing to Nasaman Oil Services Ltd under the Petroleum Support Fund for the importation of 20,492,982.50 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS),which Nasaman Oil Services Ltd purported to have purchased from SEATAC Petroleum Ltd of British Virgin Islands and imported into Nigeria through MT Liquid Fortune Ex Mt. Hellenic Blue and Ex MT. Milleura, which representation you knew to be false.”
They pleaded “not guilty” to all the charges when they were read to them.
They were initially standing trial before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.
However, Justice Onigbanjo withdrew from the case,thereby prompting the re-assignment of the case to Justice Dada.
At the resumed sitting on Monday, the prosecution witness, Olayiwola, told the court that his designation was Operations Officer 1 as at the time the Sovereign Debt Note, SDN, in contention was issued.
Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, S.K. Atteh, Olayiwola said: “I’m Assistant Chief Operations Officer in the DMO now. In 2012, I was in charge of preparation of SDN in favour of oil marketers for their subsidy claim. I also prepare letters of issuance notification to the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and supervise the collection of SDN by oil marketers”.
Olayiwola told the court that he was also in charge of preparing redemption letters at the maturity of SDN to the CBN. “I also do reconciliation with CBN on the SDN,” he added.
Olayiwola explained that SDN was the short term financial instrument issued by the DMO under the Petroleum Support Fund, which was operated by the Federal Government of Nigeria between 2010 and 2015.
He further highlighted the various features of the SDN, which he said included the crest of the Federal Government, which is the issuer of the SDN; the amount of subsidy claimed/dues to oil marketers, a serial number that distinguishes each SDN in a batch of subsidy claim.
He said: “It also has an issue date, the maturity date, signature of the Director General, and DG of the DMO. When it is collected from the DMO, a photocopy of the ID card of the person who collected it is taken with a copy of the SDN.”
He also testified that he knew the company, Nasaman Oil Services Limited, as one the companies that he prepared SDN for in 2012.
“I got to know the company during the course of my duty at the DMO.
In total, according to the record available at the DMO, about five SDNs were prepared for Nasaman Oil Services Limited,” he said.
He, thereafter, identified in the open court two copies of the SDN, which were already before the court as Exhibit P13. “I can confirm that the two in contention were issued to Nasaman Oil Services Limited,” he said.
According to him, “Based on the exhibits before me, I can confirm that the person who collected the said SDN from the DMO is Christian Taylor, and he also acknowledged receipt.”
Identifying the two SDNs in contention, he said: “The amount involved for SDN with serial number FGN/2011/01/Y110586 is N749,991,273.36. “For the second SDN with serial number FGN/2012/01/B12B/0692, the amount is N1,480,074,125.61.”
The witness identified Christian H. Taylor in the dock, saying, “He collected the two SDNs.”
The judge adjourned the matter till March 26, 2024.
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National Youth for Women Empowerment and Education in Nigeria, a Non – Governmental Organisation, on Monday, 25th March, 2024, visited the EFCC Headquarters on a courtesy call and conferred on the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, “A Mrs. Ladi Kwali Platinum Leadership Award of Excellence as Icon of Women Development”. They were received by the Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, Nwanyinma Okeanu and the team from the Enlightenment and Re-orientation Unit of the department.
Kaduna Court Jails Three Fraudsters for Currency Racketeering
Justices J. Aikawa and Hawa’u Buhari of the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna, have convicted and sentenced three currency racketeers to different jail terms.
The convicts are, Adamu Seidu Abdul, Musa Gideon and Justice Musa.
They were jailed on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 19 and 20, 2024, after pleading guilty to one-count charge bordering on currency
racketeering, following their arraignment by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The one- count charge against Justice reads: “that you, Justice Musa, sometime in February, 2024 in Kaduna within the Judicial Divison of this Honourable Court,did commit an act to wit: engaged yourself in selling Naira Notes and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21(4) and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007”.
They pleaded guilty to the one-count separate charges when they were read to them. Based on their pleas, prosecution counsel, M.E Eimonye and M.U Gadaka urged the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
Thereafter, Justice Aikawa convicted and sentenced Abdul and Gideon to six months imprisonment while Musa was also convicted and sentenced to six months imprisonment by Justice Buhari.
The convicts’ journey to the Correctional Centre began when they were arrested by operatives of the EFCC along Yakubu Gowon way, Kaduna, for currency mutilation and racketeering.
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