TheNewsGuru

Tag: EFCC

  • EFCC clarifies Achimugu’s investigation in connection to Atiku, Sanwo-Olu

    EFCC clarifies Achimugu’s investigation in connection to Atiku, Sanwo-Olu

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stated that its investigation into Ms. Aisha Achimugu is not politically motivated and has no connection to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    EFCC Spokesperson Dele Oyewale made this clarification in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

    The commission had earlier declared Achimugu, 51, from Ofu Local Government Area in Kogi, wanted for alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

    Contrary to claims in some quarters, Oyewale emphasised that the investigation of Achimugu had no connection to any political figures.

    “She is being investigated for alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering and has since been declared wanted by the commission,” he said.

    He said that the EFCC began its investigation into Achimugu in 2022.

    “Although she sought an injunction in court to prevent the commission from arresting, investigating, inviting, or detaining her, the injunction was challenged and vacated on Feb. 19, 2025, by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

    “The court ruled that no court has the power to stop the investigative powers of the Police, EFCC, or any agency established under the law to investigate crimes when there is reasonable suspicion or ample evidence of an offence.

    “The court also upheld the interim forfeiture order of assets suspected to be proceeds of crime, dismissing Achimugu’s suit as lacking merit.

    “The foregoing clearly establishes that the EFCC’s case against her has no immediate or remote nexus with any politician or any veiled or open reference to any political engagement or transaction.

    “The EFCC is non-partisan and non-sectarian. We encourage the public to continue to have faith in the professionalism of the Commission without imputing any extraneous considerations to its work,” Oyewale said.

  • BREAKING: EFCC declares Sanwo-Olu’s ally Aisha Achimugu, wanted

    BREAKING: EFCC declares Sanwo-Olu’s ally Aisha Achimugu, wanted

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday declared an associate of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu wanted over allegations of money laundering and investment fraud.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the anti-graft agency in a statement by it’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale shared via its social media handles, urged anyone with useful information about the Lagos socialite, Ms. Achimugu to contact the Commission.

    The statement read:  “Achimugu, 51, is an indigene of Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State and her last known address is: 6C, Rudolf Close, Maitama, Abuja.

    “The public is hereby notified that Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu, whose photograph appears above is wanted by the EFCC in an alleged case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.”

  • EFCC probes man over $578,000 cash smuggling

    EFCC probes man over $578,000 cash smuggling

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun investigating Okorie Sunday, arrested at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, with $578,000 by the Nigeria Customs Service.

    EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, saying that the suspect would be charged to court following the investigation’s conclusion.

    Oyewale explained that Effiong Harrison, Area Comptroller of Customs at the airport, handed the suspect over to the EFCC on Friday for falsely declaring currency.

    He said Sunday arrived from Johannesburg, South Africa, on Wednesday and declared $279,000 at the Currency Declaration Desk upon entry into the country.

    However, Customs officials discovered an additional $299,000 concealed in separate packages, bringing the total undeclared amount to $578,000, which led to his arrest.

    Further inspection revealed the suspect also hid €100 and a counterfeit $250 note, further aggravating the breach of currency declaration laws.

    Harrison condemned the act, citing that it violates the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011, which mandates declaring sums above $10,000 or equivalent upon entry or exit.

    Speaking for the Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, Harrison confirmed that the $578,000 would be formally handed over to the EFCC for continued investigation.

    Receiving the suspect, EFCC’s Acting Zonal Director, Lagos, Ahmed Ghali, commended Customs for their cooperation and emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration.

    “We are here to take over a passenger from South Africa who falsely declared the cash he was carrying into the country,” Ghali stated.

    He urged the public to declare any amount above $10,000 when entering or leaving Nigeria, in line with the country’s money laundering regulations.

    Ghali appealed to citizens to avoid false declarations, warning that the law will catch up with those attempting to undermine financial transparency.

    “We will not permit any action that sabotages the economy or financial system, as such conduct increases the risk of money laundering and economic instability,” he said.

    According to him, such actions tarnish Nigeria’s image, making it seem a haven for fraud.

    He pledged continued cooperation to strengthen the economy and financial systems.

  • Court rejects EFCC’s additional proof of evidence against Emefiele

    Court rejects EFCC’s additional proof of evidence against Emefiele

    An Abuja high court on Thursday rejected the additional proof of evidence brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.

    Emefiele is charged with alleged procurement fraud by the EFCC.

    The additional proof of evidence filed on Oct. 15, 2024 by the EFCC, sought to introduce fresh evidence against Emefiele, more than 365 days when the charges against him was filed.

    It also sought to bring two witnesses, Tommy Odama John and Ifeanyi Omeke, whose extra judicial statements were made in August 2024, in respect of the charge that had been filed in August 2023.

    Delivering ruling in a motion on notice filed by Emefiele, Justice Hamza Muazu rejected the additional proof of evidence.

    He held that the anti-graft agency had on Feb. 12, 2024, first filed additional proof of evidence to accommodate the evidence of a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha and one Bamayi Haruna Mairiga.

    The judge noted that the charge against Emefiele was filed Aug. 14, 2023 and his plea taking on Nov. 16, 2023.

    He held that the action of the EFCC had a resemblance of denial of fair trial because Emefiele was not confronted with the new evidence during investigation as required by law.

    The judge held that the action of EFCC amounted to trial by ambush and a clear case of fishing for evidence in the trial that commenced since November 28, 2023.

    He agreed that allowing the additional proof of evidence after the charge had been amended severally was prejudicial to the defendant, as his right to fair hearing is being breached.

    Justice Muaza held that the position of the law, is that the charge was filed upon the completion of investigation.

    He added and prima facie case established against any defendant in a criminal matter, adding that in the instant case, the contrary is the case.

    The judge however, declined to strike out the charge for being a product of incomplete or ongoing investigation and therefore speculative as claimed by Emefiele.

    Justice Muaza held that the charge cannot be struck down because both the defendant and the prosecution had joined issues with each other and trial almost completed.

    The judge held that having gone so far, justice would be served if the trial is completed on its merit and final judgment delivered in the matter.

    He also declined to expunge the evidence of Boss Mustapha and Bamayi Haruna Mairiga from the court records as requested by Emefiele that the evidence of the two witnesses offended Section 36 (2) of the 1999 Constitution on fair hearing.

    Emefiele had in the motion argued by his lead counsel, Mathew Burkaa, SAN complained that the evidence of Mustapha and Mairiga were brought to court by EFCC without confronting him with their extra judicial statements made long after the trial had commenced.

    Meanwhile, Justice Muaza adjourned until June 3, for continuation of trial

    The EFCC charged Emefiele with 20 counts amended charge of criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy obtain by false pretence and obtaining money by false pretence, when he served as the apex bank’s boss.

    The EFCC alleged that the former CBN boss forged a document titled: Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions dated January 26, 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201 and purported same to have emanated from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (AGF).

    He is also accused of using his office as CBN governor to confer unfair and corrupt advantage on two companies; April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd in suit marked: FCT/HC/CR/577/2023.

  • Two Chinese, Nigerian to remain in EFCC custody for alleged conspiracy, economic sabotage

    Two Chinese, Nigerian to remain in EFCC custody for alleged conspiracy, economic sabotage

    The Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday ordered the remand of a Nigerian, two Chinese, and their company, in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for allegedly conspiring to destabilise Nigeria’s economic structure.

    Justice Daniel Osiagor ordered their remand after they took their plea on 12 counts of cybercrime, preferred against them by the EFCC.

    The defendants are Huang Haoyu, Friday Audu, An Hongxu and a company, Gentting International Ltd.

    The defendants are standing trial before Justice Osiagor on 12 counts of cybercrime.

    The EFCC’s prosecution counsel, Mrs Bilikisu Buhari, told the court that the defendants committed the offence sometime in 2024 in Lagos.

    She said they allegedly conspired with one Dualiang Pan, who is now at large, and wilfully caused to be assessed, computer systems, organised to destabilise Nigeria’s economic structure.

    The defendants were alleged to have procured Nigerian youths to falsely represent themselves as persons of foreign nationalities.

    The EFCC also alleged that they procured one Chukwuemeka Okeke to retain the sum of $1.2m in his crypto wallet, which sum they ought to know formed part of fraudulent activities.

    They were alleged to have procured one Alhassan Garba and Ifesinachi Jacobs, to retain the sum of $1.3m in their crypto wallet, being proceeds of crime.

    The commission further alleged that they retained in the Union Bank account of Genting International Ltd the sum of N3.4 bn, which also formed part of the proceeds of their fraudulent activities.

    Tribunal adjourns Nigerian, Chinese firms trademark dispute till March
    Buhari alleged that they transferred, among others, the sums of N106m, and N913m to Dualiang’s UBA account, which also formed proceeds of their fraudulent activities.

    The transfer, as well as several other transfers, was said to be made from Gentting Ltd.

    Besides, the defendants were said to have illegally negotiated a foreign exchange transaction with one Alhassan Garba, to the dollar equivalent of N1.1 bn, N962m as well as other sums.

    The EFCC alleged that they engaged in foreign exchange without going through the official foreign exchange market authorised by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

    All monies are said to have formed part of the proceeds of their fraudulent activities.

  • Again, EFCC nabs popular Nigerian TikToker, Murja Kunya

    Again, EFCC nabs popular Nigerian TikToker, Murja Kunya

    Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)  has rearrested a Kano-based TikToker, Murja Ibrahim Kunya, for allegedly abusing the naira notes.

    The anti-graft agency via its official handle on X disclosed that the online sensation was apprehended on Sunday in Kano for allegedly mutilating the naira notes by “spraying them for fun” at a hotel.

    The EFCC further noted that Kunya had been granted bail after her initial arrest in January but jumped bail and evaded court proceedings which prompted her rearrest.

    The EFCC warned Nigerians against abusing the naira, adding that TikToker is currently in custody awaiting arraignment while

    “Operatives of the Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested popular TikTok influencer, Murja Ibrahim Kunya, for allegedly abusing and mutilating the Naira,” the post reads.

    “Specifically, Kunya was arrested for allegedly spraying  Naira notes for fun during her stay in a hotel room at Tahir Guest Palace in Kano.

    “The arrest followed her diligent pursuit by EFCC operatives after she jumped an administrative bail granted her by the Commission over one month ago.

    “She was initially arrested in January 2025 for violating the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN,  Act which prohibits the abuse and mutilation of the Naira.

    “She was granted an administrative bail by the commission pending her arraignment before the Federal High Court in Kano. However, when it was time for her court appearance, Kunya absconded, evading the legal processes

    “However, after weeks of intensive investigation and surveillance, EFCC operatives successfully re-arrested the TikTok Influencer on Sunday, March 16, 2025.

    “She was subsequently conveyed to the Kano Zonal Directorate of the Commission, where she is currently in custody awaiting her arraignment.

    “The EFCC reiterates its commitment to enforcing laws protecting the integrity of the Nigerian currency and warned against acts of abuse including spraying, stamping, or mutilating the currency during social events.”

  • Top Nigerian businesswoman who hosted lavish 50th birthday party abroad, breaks silence on ‘EFCC arrest’

    Top Nigerian businesswoman who hosted lavish 50th birthday party abroad, breaks silence on ‘EFCC arrest’

    Aisha Achimugu, a founder and managing director of the Abuja-based Felak Concept Group, has dismissed reports suggesting that she was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The top socialite and businesswoman, who hosted a lavish seven-day celebration for her 50th birthday in Grenada, attended by high-profile guests, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a statement on Thursday through her media aide David Abakpa, denied the report, describing it as “fake news” and a “sponsored non-existing rumour” orchestrated by detractors attempting to tarnish her reputation.

    Some online media, not TheNewsGuru alleged that the anti-graft agency had apprehended the business mogul. However, Abakpa clarified that the businesswoman is currently out of the country on a business trip, making the alleged arrest impossible.

    “It is a lie sponsored by enemies! Aisha Achimugu has not been arrested or detained by the EFCC. This blatant lie is a reprehensible act of intentional defamation of character, designed to tarnish Dr. Achimugu’s impecca]ble reputation and drag Felak Concept Group’s image through the mud,” the statement read.

    The statement further urged the public to discard the fabricated report, stressing that the EFCC, as a reputable organisation, had no involvement in the story.

    Abakpa reiterated that the businesswoman remains a law-abiding Nigerian and respected figure both locally and internationally, known for her legitimate business dealings.

  • Rivers Assembly invites EFCC, ICPC to investigate Electoral Commission’s boss

    Rivers Assembly invites EFCC, ICPC to investigate Electoral Commission’s boss

    The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martins  Amaewhule have called on Economics and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offenses Commission(ICPC) to investigate the River Electoral Chairman.

    Amaewhule, who is the Speaker of the Assembly, made the remark during the plenary at the Assembly quarters complex in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

    He said that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) Chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd), should be investigated for alleged misappropriation of the Commission’s fund.

    He said that it is the duty of the Rivers State Assembly, that enacted the state Independent Electoral Commission law and set up the State Independent Electoral Commission, to exercise oversight over it.

    “It is not only constitutional, but it is the convention the world over,” he said.

    Amaewhule said that Enebeli and the Commissioners came before the House of Assembly for screening and confirmation and admitted that they were not going to live above the Constitution or the Rivers’ law.

    “And it is usually the practice that questions are put forth to them, asking them if they will come before the House when questions are needed to be asked.

    “And they also confirmed to us that they will come before the Assembly to answer questions when necessary.

    “Today, we are calling on them and they are refusing to honour the summons of this August Assembly.’’
    He said that the House is vested with the powers in Section 128 of the state Constitution to invite the commission for investigation, for the chairman and members to answer questions put forward to them.

    Amaewhule said that it had become necessary for the house to invite the EFCC and ICPC to assist it, in pursuit of its investigative powers, to find out how funds were spent by the commission.

    He said that the crime commissions should also investigate how public funds were expended by the chairman, who is the chief accounting officer of the commission, in a manner that was unknown to the Assembly.

    Amaewhule said that there was no approval, no budgetary allocation, no appropriation law, and billions of public funds went down the drain in futile actions.

    “It’s important that they come and bring themselves forward for this investigation and that’s exactly what this motion has said,” he explained.

    Amaewhule said that the motion and the prayers were voted in favour by the 26 member against nil.

    He, however, said that the House did not condemn the refusal of the RSIEC’s chairman and others who failed to subject themselves to investigation by it.

    He added that the House had agreed to invite the bankers to the RSIEC to produce the commission’s bank statements from Jan, 1, 2024 till date.

    Amaewhule stated that the power to also investigate the government of the River State was rested on the Assembly by virtue of the provisions of Section 128.

  • EFCC exposes 58 Ponzi schemes defrauding Nigerians (See full list)

    EFCC exposes 58 Ponzi schemes defrauding Nigerians (See full list)

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has exposed 58 fraudulent companies running illegal investment schemes and defrauding Nigerians of their money.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, in a statement on Tuesday disclosed that legal action had already been taken against many of these companies.

    The company, which often pose as legitimate investment entities, were found to be unregistered with both the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

    The revelation came after the two regulatory bodies gave separate correspondences to the EFCC.

    According to Oyewale, five of the firms so far have been convicted, while another five have pleaded guilty and are awaiting a review of facts. Several other cases are still pending arraignment.

    The crackdown is part of the EFCC’s broader efforts to clean up Nigeria’s financial sector and shield citizens from fraudulent operators.

    The full list of the 58 companies identified by the EFCC includes:

    Wales Kingdom Capital

    Bethseida Group of Companies

    AQM Capital Limited

    Titan Multibusiness Investment Limited

    Brickwall Global Investment Limited

    Farmforte Limited & Agro Partnership Tech

    Green Eagles Agribusiness Solution Limited

    Richfield Multiconcepts Limited

    Forte Asset Management Limited

    Biss Networks Nigeria Limited

    S Mobile Netzone Limited

    Pristine Mobile Network

    Letsfarm Integrated Services

    Bara Finance & Investment Limited

    Vicampro Farms Limited

    Brooks Network Limited

    Gas Station Supply Services Limited

    Brass & Books Limited

    Annexation Biz Concept

    Maitanbuwal Global Ventures

    Crowdyvest Limited

    Jadek Agro Connect Limited

    Adeeva Capital Limited

    Oxford International Group

    Oxford Gold Integrated

    Skapomah Global Limited

    MBA Trading & Capital Investment Limited

    TRJ Company Limited

    Farm4Me Agriculture Limited

    Quintessential Investment Company

    Adeprinz Global Enterprises

    Rockstar Establishment Limited

    SU Global Investment

    Citi Trust Funding PLC

    Farm Buddy

    Eatrich 369 Farms & Food

    Globertrot Farmsponsors Nigeria Limited

    Farm Sponsors Limited

    Cititrust Credit Limited

    Farmfunded Agroservices Limited

    Adamakin Investment & Works Limited

    Cititrust Holding PLC

    Green Eagles Agribusiness Solutions Limited

    Chinmark Homes & Shelters Limited

    Emerald Farms & Consultant Limited

    Ovaioza Farm Produce Storage Limited

    Farm 360 & Agriculture Company

    Requid Technologies Limited

    West Agro Agriculture & Food Processing Limited

    NISL Ventures Limited & Estate of Laolu Martins

    XY Connect Investment Limited

    River Branch Unique Investment Limited

    Hallmark Capital Limited

    CJC Markets Limited

    Crowd One Investment

    Farmkart Foods Limited

    KD Likemind Stakeholders Limited

    Holibiz Finance Limited

    Ifeanyi Okpe Oil & Gas Services

    Servapps Nigeria Limited

    Barrick Gold Mining Company

    360 Agric Partners Limited

  • Just in: EFCC grills ex-Tinubu’s minister over alleged N138m scam

    Just in: EFCC grills ex-Tinubu’s minister over alleged N138m scam

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) has quizzed a ex- Minister for Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy Ohanenye for her alleged roles in the mismanagement of N138million.

    The former Minister was one of those fired recently by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    She was alleged to have violated procurement process and diverted public funds of about N138million in the course of disbursing the 2023 budgeted funds for the Ministry.

    She arrived in the anti-graft commission headquarters around 11:00 am and was still facing interrogators on her alleged involvement in the fraud as at the time this story was filed.