Tag: EFCC

We Will No Longer Tolerate Obstruction of Our Operations

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission wishes to warn members of the public that it is a criminal offence to obstruct officers of the Commission from carrying out their lawful duties.

Section 38(2)(a(b) of the EFCC Establishment Act makes it an offence to prevent officers of the Commission from carrying out their lawful duties. Culprits risk a jail term of not less than five years.

This warning becomes necessary against the background of the increasing tendency by persons and groups under investigation by the Commission to take the laws into their hands by recruiting thugs to obstruct lawful operations of the EFCC.

On several occasions, operatives of the Commission have had to exercise utmost restraint in the face of such provocation to avoid a breakdown of law and order. Regrettably, such disposition is being construed as a sign of weakness.

The Commission, therefore, warns that it will henceforth not tolerate any attempt by any person or organisation to obstruct its operation as such will be met with appropriate punitive actions.

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EFCC Arraigns Cubana Chief Priest for Alleged Naira Abuse

The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, arraigned a businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, a.k.a Cubana Chief Priest, on a three-count charge bordering on abuse of the Naira before Justice Kehinde Ogundare sitting at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Count one reads: That you, Okechukwu Pascal, on 13th February, 2024, at Eko Hotel Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, while dancing during a social event, tampered with funds in the denomination of N500(Five Hundred Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying, thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act, 2007.”

Count two reads: “ That you, Okechukwu Pascal, sometime in 2020, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, during a social event tampered with funds in the denomination of N500( Five Hundred Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same for two hours and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act, 2007.”

Earlier during the proceedings, defence counsel, Chikaozolu Ojukwu, SAN, notified the court of two applications: a preliminary objection and a summons for bail. He, however, prayed that the defendant be allowed to take his plea, and the said applications taken when they are ripe.

He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to him.

In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, Bilkisu Buhari, asked the court for a trial date. Responding, counsel to the defendant, Ojukwu informed the court of an application for bail.

He said: “My lord, we have an application dated and filed 17th April, 2024 for an order admitting the defendant to bail in liberal terms.

The order is predicated on eight grounds, 25 paragraph affidavit and a written address. We rely on the affidavit that the defendant has been on an administrative bail and has not breached the condition of the bail”.

Continuing, Ojukwu stressed that, “the offence of which he is being charged is a misdemeanour for which the punishment is an option of fine or a sentence of not more than six months. I urge the court to exercise your kind discretion in favour of the defendant. I also urge my noble lord to give us 14 days to enable him perfect the bail condition, in the event that bail is granted.”

Upon hearing the submission of the counsel, Justice Ogundare granted the defendant bail in the sum of N10m, with two responsible sureties.

The sureties must be gainfully employed within the Federal or State Government Parastatal and must not be less than Grade Level 16 officers. They must possess landed properties and the documents verified by the prosecution.

The Judge also ordered the defendant to submit his passport with the court and all addresses verified by the prosecution. The bail condition is to be perfected within seven days upon an undertaking by the defence counsel to produce him.

The case was adjourned till May 2, 2024 for hearing of the application.

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NOA Commends EFCC’s Efforts against Naira Abuse

The Director-General of National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on its drive against all forms of Naira abuse.

Onilu gave the commendation in Abuja in a letter addressed to the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr Ola Olukoyede. According to him, the actions being taken by the Commission against Naira abuse amount to “preservation of the integrity of the national currency, the Naira.”

“On behalf of the management and staff of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), I write to commend the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and especially the Chairman, for the recent actions of the Commission with regard to the preservation of the integrity of the National Currency, the Naira”.

“The arrest of cross-dresser Idris Okuneye also known as Bobrisky over the abuse of the naira accords with our objective to stop the abuse of the naira and other national symbols”, he said.

Already, the EFCC has secured 24 convictions across the country on the issue of Naira Abuse while those facing prosecution across the Commissions’ 14 Zonal Commands and corporate headquarters are 200.

Onilu expressed hope that the arrests and prosecutions would “serve as deterrent to other Nigerians who still abuse the Naira”, and assured the EFCC of his agency’s stronger support in the initiative. “Count on us strongly in this fight to stop the abuse of the Naira and other national symbols. It is our hope and aspiration that jointly, we shall win this fight,” he said.

Olukoyede had on February 7, 2024 raised a Special Task Force against currency racketeering, dollarization of the Nigerian economy, abuse and mutilation of naira notes at the Commission’s headquarters and zonal commands.

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Olukoyede Seeks Diligence and Godliness in Fight against Corruption

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede has called on Christian clerics across the country to strive towards diligence and godliness as work ethics and potent weapons against economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.

He made this call in Abuja on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 while receiving the Founder and Chaplain of Voice of God Chaplaincy, Reverend Francis Obioha who paid him a courtesy visit at the corporate headquarters of the Commission.

According to Olukoyede, priests play significant roles in nation building through their prayers, accountable conducts, diligence and righteous way of life. “It is a privilege when we have men of God in our midst, we believe in prayers and doing the right thing. Fighting corruption is a calling, asking people to do the right thing is also a calling, so our mandate is similar to your mission. Let us work diligently and righteously at all times and we will be able to save our nation”, he said.

The EFCC’s boss pointed out that preaching and practicing what is good have more impact on people. “Let us talk to ourselves because doing the right thing also begins with us. You can`t be preaching to people when you are not showing examples. Let’s do the right things more than we preach it, for righteousness exalts a nation” he said.

He went further to commend Obioha for taking the initiative to establish Christian chapels in law enforcement environments in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. He pledged that the EFCC will support the mission by making sure that anti-corruption messages are passed across the country.
Earlier, Obioha in his speech, thanked the EFCC’s boss for making himself available for God to use him to serve the people. He pointed out God chose him for service and impact. “I want to let you know that all eyes are on you. God chose you for a purpose and I pray God will continue to give you boldness, courage and grace to do the work”, he said.

The cleric explained that God gave him a mandate to preach the gospel to uniformed people. “Till date, God has used us to establish over 25 worship centers in various law enforcement agencies in Abuja. I love the EFCC so much. What you are doing is commendable. Do not be afraid of anybody. You will not fail”, he said.

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Alleged $6bn fraud: Court Dismisses Agunloye’s Motion against Prosecution by EFCC

Justice Jude Onwueguzie of the Federal High Court sitting in Apo, Abuja on Monday, April 15, 2024, dismissed a motion raised by former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye challenging the powers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC to prosecute him.

Agunloye is facing trial for an alleged fraudulent award of contract of the Mambilla project to the tune of $6billion (Six Billion United States Dollars)

At the last adjournment, the former minister, through his lawyer, Adeola Adedipe SAN filed a motion arguing that the EFCC lacked both investigative and prosecutorial powers to prosecute him on the charges preferred against him.

He also made a solemn application to the court to allow the participation of Amicus Curiae, also known as friends of the court during the hearing of the preliminary motion, suggesting notably, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice and President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA.

At Monday’s’ sitting, Justice Onwueguzie ruled that the basis for the application was not necessary as the court was not a novice and the friends of the court were not parties in the matter. He also said that the law was clear on matters to be prosecuted by the EFCC, citing Section 177 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

“I have studied the issues to be considered in this matter by the defendant whether the motion ought to be charged by the EFCC. It is eminent to note that the learned counsels in this case before the court are seasoned counsels, issues of such should not arise.

The court is not a novice, neither is it confused or in doubt on matters like this, so the intervention of friends of the court is not needed. Therefore the motion is hereby dismissed”, he said.

After dismissing the motion, Justice Onwueguzie adjourned the matter to April 22, 2024 for hearing of preliminary motion.

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EFCC Arrests Suspected Internet Fraudster in Port Harcourt

Operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested a suspected internet fraudster, Ali Desmond Chinedum in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

He was arrested following credible intelligence on his suspected involvement in internet-related offences.

Items recovered from him include, one iPhone 11 Pro Max, One Redmi 12 Android mobile device, two United States Navy identity cards with number: 100040041245 and 100010041159, one Mercedez Benz GLK and one HP Laptop computer device and charms.

He will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

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EFCC Arraigns Father-in-Law, Daughter-in-Law for Alleged Forgery in Lagos

The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, April 15, 2024, arraigned a father-in-law, Alaba Alakija and his daughter-in-law, Oyinkansola Alakija before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos on an amended two-count charge bordering on alleged conspiracy and using false documents.

One of the counts reads: “Alaba Alakija and Oyinkansola Alakija, on or about the 6th day of August, 2015 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to financially benefit from the property located at No.10, Keffi Street, South-west, Ikoyi, Lagos, conspired amongst yourselves to use a false document titled: “Vesting Deed by Dr. Omodele Alakija and Mr. Afolabi Alakija”, the executors of the estate of the late Sir Ademola Alakija, purporting same to be made by Dr. Omodele Alakija and Mr. Afolabi Alakija.”

The defendants pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were to them.

In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel ,M. S. Owede prayed the court for a trial date and the remand of the defendants at a correctional facility.

Counsel to the first defendant, M.O. Akangbe, SAN, informed the court of the bail application of his client, which he said he had filed and served on the prosecution. While praying to move the application, he urged the court to grant bail to his client in the most liberal terms.

However, counsel to the second defendant, Victor Giwa, prayed the court to move the bail application of his client orally. He told the court that he was informed about the matter late and that he came from outside the jurisdiction of the court.

Giwa further stated that his client, whom he described as a lawyer, has a two month-old baby, whom she still breastfeeds, and that she would not jump bail. However, in a dramatic twist, the second defendant’s husband debunked the claim and told the court that their baby is nine months old.

After listening to both parties, Justice Dada granted bail to the first defendant in the sum of N10 million, with sureties in like sum, who must submit their international passports to the court.

The court, however, took possession of the passport of the second defendant.

Both defendants were released to their lawyers pending perfection of their bail conditions.

The judge adjourned the matter to May 28, 2024 for commencement of trial.

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Alleged N4.8bn Fraud: Court Adjourns Cletus Ibeto’s Case till May 27

Justice Oyindamola Ogala of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday, April 15, 2024, adjourned the alleged N4.8 billion fraud brought against a businessman, Chief Cletus Ibeto, till May 27, 2024.
The matter, which was initially before Justice I.O. Ijelu, of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, suffered several adjournments due to the absence of the defendant to take his plea with respect to the 10-count charges raised against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

He was charged alongside his companies, Ibeto Energy Development Company and Odoh Holdings Ltd.

Ibeto had approached the appellate court , following the bench warrant issued against him by Justice Ijelu pending his arraignment. The defendant, through his lawyer, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, had also approached the appellate court, challenging the jurisdiction of the High Court to hear the matter.

At the resumed sitting on Monday, defence counsel, Adebayo Oshodi, prayed the court to withdraw the application for stay of proceedings, pending the determination of the appeal and the one challenging the court’s jurisdiction filed by Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN.

He also told court that he had filed a notice of preliminary objection, challenging the jurisdiction of the court, and prayed the court to allow him to move the application.

However, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacob, SAN, opposed the application on the grounds that the defendant had filed an appeal on the same issue before the Lagos Division of Court of Appeal. He also told the court that the appellate court had yet to decide on it.

He also informed the court that the defendant, in his bid for out-of-court settlement, had repaid the sum of N2 billion in installments to the Commission.

After listening to both parties, Justice Ogala ruled that hearing the defendant’s application would amount to nothing because the same issue “is currently pending before the appellate court.”

The Judge further held “There is nothing to sway me to hear it in a hurry. The defendant is not here. The court of appeal will sit on it. I will not waste time writing a ruling, while the case is still pending at the Appeal Court. If there was nothing in the Court of Appeal, I would have heard the application.”

Consequently, Justice Ogala adjourned the matter till May 27, 2024.

The Judge further directed the parties to notify the Court on the outcome of appeal, which has been fixed for May 7, 2024, at the appellate court.

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Court Jails Three Internet Fraudsters in Ilorin

Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar of the Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin on Monday, April 15, 2024 convicted and sentenced three internet fraudsters, Qudus Temitope Ismail, Kolade Adetola Toheeb and Abdulmalik Timileyin Khalid to various jail terms.

They were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charges bordering on internet fraud.

The charge against Toheeb reads:
“That you, Akolade Adetola Toheeb sometime in July, 2023 in Ilorin, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did cheat by personation when you pretended to be one Throndsen Waylen, a football match forecaster with phone number +23481260084504 with which you created a telegram account, and you fraudulently deceived one Jake Cooper to send $200.00 (Two Hundred Dollars) through paypal to you, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 321 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 324 of the same Penal Code”.

They all pleaded guilty to their respective charges when they were read to them.

Upon their pleas, counsel to the EFCC, Mustapha Kaigama reviewed the facts of the case and tendered the statements of the defendants. He also tendered in evidence items recovered from them at the point of arrest.

Justice Abdulgafar, thereafter, passed six months’ suspended sentence on each of the defendants and ordered that phones, laptops and the sum of €100 (One Hundred Euro) and $200USD (Two Hundred Dollars) recovered Akolade be forfeited to the Federal Government.

The convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested by operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC for internet-related offences. They were charged to court and convicted.

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