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Tag: EFCC

  • That ‘fake’ Sanwo-Olu vs EFCC suit: Whodunit? Who sponsored it? – By Ehichioya Ezomon

    That ‘fake’ Sanwo-Olu vs EFCC suit: Whodunit? Who sponsored it? – By Ehichioya Ezomon

    Strange things happen in Nigeria, one of the latest being a suit purportedly filed by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to prevent the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from investigating, arresting, detaining or prosecuting him or his aides after his eight-year tenure of office in 2027.

    However, the Lagos Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), has debunked the widely-publicised suit, saying Sanwo-Olu neither sued nor authorised any legal practitioner to file a suit on his behalf concerning the matter, adding that the EFCC isn’t investigating the governor and hasn’t invited him or threatened to arrest any of his staff, domestic or otherwise.

    The odder and curiouser angle to the alleged pre-emptive writ at the Federal High Court in Abuja is that it’s filed in June 2024, almost three years ahead of Sanwo-Olu’s terminal governance of Nigeria’s commercial capital, the richest State in the Federation, and the fifth largest economy in Africa as of 2022 GDP figures, which Sanwo-Olu’s pledged to advance further by 2027.

    Thus, the suit is a new one on Nigerians, as the proverbial bridge is way too far off – 36 months to Sanwo-Olu’s end of tenure – to attempt to cross before getting there! Snapets from EFCC’s moves against outgoing governors are telegraphed a few months or weeks before they bow out of office, so giving them the jitters. They either begin to express being squeaky clean, alleging political witch-hunt or daring the EFCC to carry out its threat to make them account for their stewardship.

    Since democracy returned in Nigeria in 1999, a few ex-governors have escaped overseas and were forced to return to Nigeria to face prosecution; many have remained in the country to face the EFFC and years of legal ordeal; a couple of them, such as former Ekiti State Governors Ayo Fayose and Kayode Fayemi, have presented themselves to the commission for interrogation and/or prosecution.

    Some former governors have engaged in a hide-and-seek, for instance, Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, who’d gone underground for months only to unexpectedly show up at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja in October 2024, and yet wasn’t booked, interrogated, or detained having been on the wanted list of the EFCC and the courts; two have been tried, jailed and served their sentences; one was tried and jailed but his sentence overturned on appeal and was released from prison; while one was tried overseas and served his sentence before returning to the country.

    Lately, the EFCC threat to investigate, arrest, detain or prosecute former governors has become mostly academic, and the norm rather than the exception. It appears some ex-governors now relish being dragged by the EFCC, at least, as a way to keeping themselves in the news after missing the years of free spotlighting.

    But even as Sanwo-Olu’s reported  counsel, Darlington Ozurumba, sues the EFCC as sole defendant over the said threat to arrest, detain and prosecute the governor after his tenure, the EFCC has denied knowledge, contemplation or plans by the commission or any of its officers to harass, intimidate, arrest or prosecute Sanwo-Olu after May 29, 2027.

    As reported by The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), when the matter was called for mention on October 29, Ozurumba informed the court that he’d withdrawn the earlier originating summons, and that the EFCC had been duly served with the latest court documents, which the commission’s counsel, Hadiza Afegbua, said she’s yet to sight, even as the proof of service of the processes wasn’t in the court file, and Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to November 26 for further mention.

    In an originating summons, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/773/2024, dated and filed on June 6, Sanwo-Olu, reportedly raising seven questions and seeking 11 reliefs, prays for a declaration that, under and by virtue of the provisions of Section 37 of the amended 1999 Constitution, “the plaintiff, as a citizen of Nigeria, is entitled to right to private and family life as a minimum guarantee encapsulated under the Constitution, before, during and after occupation of public office created by the Constitution.”

    Besides craving a declaration that, upon community reading of the provisions of Sections 35(1) & (4) and 41(1) of the Constitution, the threat of his investigation, arrest and detention by the EFCC during his tenure of office as governor is illegal, Sanwo-Olu allegedly prays the court to declare that the incessant harassment, threat of arrest and detention against him upon the EFCC’s instigation by his political adversaries based on false and politically-motivated allegation of corruption, is a misuse of executive powers and abuse of public office.

    Hence, he purportedly seeks, among others, an order restraining the EFCC from harassing, intimidating, arresting, detaining, or prosecuting him in connection with his tenure as the governor of Lagos State.

    However, the EFCC, describing as speculative and a conjecture the alleged Sanwo-Olu’s claims and reliefs in his fundamental right enforcement suit, has denied it threatened, invited or took any step at all to encroach on the governor’s right to freedom of movement or violated his right to private and family life and personal liberty.

    Countering the originating summons Ozurumba purportedly filed on behalf of Sanwo-Olu, the EFCC, in an affidavit filed on October 31 by its lawyer, Hadiza Afegbua, the deponent, Ufuoma Ezire, told Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, that the plaintiff’s depositions in Paragraphs 4, 5, 6, 7 and even 8 are unfounded, untrue and unknown to the defendant, and calculated to mislead the court, and are hereby denied.

    Noting that the EFCC isn’t investigating Sanwo-Olu, and has never invited him or threatened to arrest any member of his staff, domestic or otherwise, Ezire states that the EFCC invites members of the public for interview, interrogation or any engagement vide a written invitation, phone calls or text messages by any of its officers, who shall introduce themselves by name, rank, designation, and section to enable the invitee trace the officer easily.

    Ezire says the EFCC is unaware of any threat to arrest Sanwo-Olu’s “aides, accusation of maladministration or diversion of Lagos State’s funds nor is it aware of any likelihood of a breach of the applicant’s right to liberty or right to own movable and immovable properties in this case.”

    Stressing that there’s no petition or any intel gathered before the EFCC to warrant its officers to invite, or threaten to arrest the plaintiff at the moment, Ezire asserts that the entirety of the alleged Sanwo-Olu’s dispositions isn’t true, as the application is “misconceived and brought in bad faith to mislead this honourable court,” adding that, “it will be in the interest of justice to refuse the reliefs sought by the plaintiff.”

    Similarly, Mr Pedro, the Lagos Attorney General, in a statement on October 29 rebutting “the news circulating in a section of the media, titled: ‘Sanwo-Olu sues EFCC over alleged plan to arrest, prosecute him after tenure,’” clarified as follows:

    “Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at no time, sued or briefed any legal practitioner to file a suit on his behalf concerning the above subject matter. Moreover, it is implausible for the Governor, who enjoys immunity as conferred by the Constitution, and has almost three years remaining in office, to engage any lawyer on this matter.

    “To the best of my knowledge, my inquiry confirmed that the EFCC is not investigating the governor and has never invited him or threatened the arrest of any member of his staff, domestic or otherwise. We are currently investigating how the case came to be without our knowledge.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has demonstrated exemplary service delivery and prudent, judicious management of public resources. Therefore, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is tirelessly working to improve the living conditions of all Lagosians, has no cause for concern when he eventually leaves office at the end of his tenure in May 2027.

    “We, therefore, urge media organisations to be cautious about the reports they publish on their esteemed platforms to avoid misleading the public.”

    Needless to ask: Whodunit? Who sponsored it? Without a doubt, the so-called Sanwo-Olu’s suit, filed by an “unauthorised legal practitioner,” against the EFCC is the handiwork of his political adversaries trying to induce, instigate or coerce the anti-graft agency to embark on a fishing expedition it’s no reasonable grounds for, either from a petition(s) or intel that points to a likelihood of (mis)appropriation of funds and resources of Lagos by the governor or his aides.

    That said, many will defend Governor Sanwo-Olu for perceptively seen as deploying the resources at his disposal to upgrade and develop existing and new infrastructural and human capital needs to match the Lagos motto of “The State Of Excellence” and its Mega City status that’s attracted unprecedented public and private investments.

    These include the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA-) managed ground-breaking Blue and Red Rail Lines, the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) system, the proposed Fourth Mainland Bridge, the Atlantic City project, the fully-automated Imota Rice Mill, and the Lekki Free Trade Zone that houses the multibillion dollar 650,000bpd-capacity Dangote Petroleum Refinery – the largest single-train refinery in the world at full capacity – which’s Nigeria’s window to self-sufficiency in production and supply of petroleum products.

    Other areas in the Lagos socio-economic sphere: Education, ICT, innovation and technology, healthcare, commerce, agribusiness, small-scale industries, entertainment, showbusiness, tourism, and youth and sports development are receiving adequate attention, and have become a source of pride to Lagosians, and emulation by other States in Nigeria.

    Lagos, a hub of international engagements all-year-round, has moved up the ladder as one of the most preferred destinations on the continent of Africa, and is up-scaling on the global leisure spots, thanks to Governor Sanwo-Olu and his vastly young, professional, dynamic and dedicated team, who’ve deployed their expertise in various fields to achieve a shared dream of Lagos leading or being among the best in all human endeavours.

    Sanwo-Olu isn’t just a workaholic delivering on the promises of his administration, but he’s the epitome of the alias, “Mr Project,” in the true sense of the lingo in our clime. So, why should he be worried about the EFFC when he’s deploying the resources of Lagos to develop the state to an enviable standard! The “amiable” governor should free his mind and continue “to finish strong” with the good works he’s been doing, for which he’s received unblemished praises, accolades and awards within and outside Nigeria.

     

    Mr Ezomon, Journalist and Media Consultant, writes from Lagos, Nigeria.

  • Supreme Court dismisses case challenging constitutionality of EFCC, others

    Supreme Court dismisses case challenging constitutionality of EFCC, others

    The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed the suit by 16 states against the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), challenging the constitutionality of the acts establishing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and two others.

    The other agencies are the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

    A seven-member panel of justices, in a unanimous judgment, held that the suit was unmeritorious.

    In the lead judgment by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, the Supreme Court resolved the six issues raised for determination in the suit against the plaintiffs.

    The court held that the laws establishing the anti-corruption agencies were validly enacted by the National Assembly within its legislative competence.

    It faulted the claim by the plaintiffs that the EFCC Act, being a product of the United Nations convention on corruption, ought to be ratified by majority of the state’s houses of assembly.

    The plaintiffs had, in their suit, argued that the Supreme Court, in Dr Joseph Nwobike Vs Federal Republic of Nigeria, had held that it was a UN Convention against corruption that was reduced into the EFCC Establishment Act and that in enacting this law in 2004, the provision of Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, was not followed.

    They argued that, in bringing a convention into the Nigerian law, the provision of Section 12 must be complied with.

    According to them, the provisions of the constitution necessitated the majority of the states’ Houses of Assembly agreeing to bringing the convention in before passing the EFCC Act and others, which was allegedly never done.

    While delivering judgement on Friday, Justice Abba-Aji ruled that “the EFCC Act, which was not established from a treaty but a convention, does not need the ratification of the houses of assembly.”

    “Let me first look at the constitutional provision. The plaintiffs rely on Section 12 of the constitution in their argument. Treaty is an agreement reached by two or more countries which has to be ratified.

    “Conventions are agreed by a larger number of nations. Conventions only come into force when a larger number of countries had agreed.

    “Therefore, the EFCC Act, which is not a treaty but a convention does not need the ratification of the houses of assembly.

    “A convention would have been ratified by members state and the National Assembly can make laws from it, which will be binding on all the states in Nigeria as it is the case of EFCC Establishment Act,” the judge said.

    The apex court, therefore, dismissed, the suit in its entirety and resolved the case against the plaintiffs.

    “In a country like Nigeria, the federating units do not have absolute power. The NFIU guideline is to present a benchmark and not to control the funds.

    “Where an Act of law is made by the National Assembly like the NFIU and its guideline, it is binding on all. Any act that has been competently enacted by the National Assembly cannot be said to be inconsistent,” she said.

    The judge held that where the National Assembly had enecated several laws on corruption, money laundering, etc, no state had the right to make law to compete with it.

    “The investigative power of the EFCC cannot be said to be in conflict with legislative powers of the state’s houses of assembly.

    “I must agree with the honourable AGF that the plaintiffs’ argument, that is, the houses of assembly of the plaintiffs states, is not tenable in law,” she added.

    Abba-Aji ruled that the NFIU guideline had not contravened the provision of the constitution in the management of the state’s funds and resolved the issues against the plaintiffs.

    All other judges agreed with the lead judgment, saying all the issues raised in the states’ suit had no merit “and are accordingly dismissed.”

    Justice Abba-Aji had earlier dismissed all objections of the Federal Government to the suit filed by the states.

    Justice Abba-Aji said the plaintiffs’ case was against the AGF and not any of the agencies mentioned, hence, the Supreme Court had jurisdiction to determine it.

    “Since the AGF is assumed to be the chief law officer of the federation, he is by all means the proper and necessary party in the suit.

    “The AGF has locus standi to institute action against any one and the AGF can be sued in any civil matter against the government.”

    The judge held that it was clear that the Federal Government had legal tussle with the states based on the directive of the NFIU which the states were contending.

    “Therefore, the preliminary objection is hereby dismissed,” he ruled.

    Reacting, the Counsel to Kogi Attorney-General, Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, said, “This is an issue we have raised before the Federal High Court, it was not addressed.

    “We raised it at the Appeal Court and was not addressed. This is going to enrich our jurisprudence. We thank your lordship for hearing us out.”

    Representative of the AGF, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, said:”we convey our gratitude to the court for your wisdom.

    “Your lordship has permanently settled the legality of the anti-corruption agency in fighting corruption.”

  • EFCC arraigns Chinese for alleged bribery, N301m fraud

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)  on Thursday brought a Chinese, Zhengjia Jin,  before an Ikeja Special Offences Court, for alleged bribery and N301 million fraud.

    Jin, was arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on retention of stolen property, bribery and stealing.

    The EFCC counsel, Mr Ahmad Usman, told the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offences between March 5 and Aug. 9 in Lagos.

    He alleged that the defendant dishonestly retained an aggregate sum of N301 million  in his account number- 1861390260 domiciled in Access Bank, which belonged to Golden Diamond Industrial Manufacturing Company Ltd.

    The prosecutor submitted that the defendant, while working at the company, accepted directly into his bank account the said money as kickbacks from vendors, thereby conferring undue advantage for himself.

    The prosecutor said that the defendant’s action was contrary to the company’s employee condition of service. The anti-graft agency also stated that the defendant dishonestly converted  N301 million to his personal use.

    According to EFCC, the offences contravene Sections 83, 328, Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011 and Section 280 (2) and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    The Defence Counsel, Mr A.C. Ezenduka informed the court of a bail application. Counsel to EFCC, however, told the court that the prosecution had not been served.

    Justice Rahman Oshodi, remanded the defendant at Ikoyi Custodial Centre, pending hearing of his bail application. Oshodi adjourned the case until Nov. 22 for hearing of bail application.

  • EFCC arrests 11 suspected currency racketeers in Port Harcourt

    EFCC arrests 11 suspected currency racketeers in Port Harcourt

    Operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the  Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) have arrested 11 suspected currency racketeers and internet fraudsters.

    The EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said this in statement on Wednesday in Abuja. According to Oyewale, the suspects were arrested around Apara Street, New GRA,  Port Harcourt, based on credible intelligence on their suspected involvement in Naira abuse and internet fraud.

    “The suspects are Rafael Obi, John Daniel, Dominion Sambo, Solomon Nwoke, Solomon Daniel, Stanley Uche, Micheal Markson, Chima Onwra, Arinze Damian, Vizor Richard and Chidera Orji.

    “Items recovered from them include, cash totalling  N1.485 million, five luxury vehicles, smartphones and several  incriminating documents. They will be charged to court as soon as the investigations are concluded,” Oyewale said.

  • I received N416m in 8 months – BDC operator testifies in ex-Gov. Obiano’s trial

    I received N416m in 8 months – BDC operator testifies in ex-Gov. Obiano’s trial

    A Bureau De Change (BDC) Operator, Ayuba Tanko, says between April and December 2017, a total sum of N416 million was paid into a company’s account he used, by proxy, in the ongoing trial of former Governor of Anambra, Mr Willie Obiano.

    Ayuba told Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday while being led in evidence by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s counsel, Slyvanus Tahir, SAN.

    Ayuba, who was the 5th prosecution witness (PW-5), said the N416 million which was received in tranches, was given back as 1.137 million US dollars equivalent.

    “I am a trader. I trade in forex exchange. I trade in USDs, Euros and pounce sterling

    “I do source for customers and I do exchange and collect commission,” he said.

    The PW-5 said he used two companies; Sauki Bureau De Change and Zigaziga Trading and Company Ltd for his business.

    He said he was invited by the EFCC, through its Investigation Department, in 2023 and was questioned about Zigaziga Trading and Company Ltd’s account domiciled in one of the commercial banks.

    When the senior lawyer asked him how much he received at the period, the witness said: “Between April 2017 to December 2017, the total money I received at that period  was 416 million in naira.

    “And I gave a dollar equivalent as 1, 137, 000.00 US dollars,” he said.

    Ayuba said besides this transaction, he did not do any other business with the Anambra government under Gov. Obiano.

    Obiano’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, during cross examination, asked the PW-5 if he had ever had any dealing with the ex-governor directly, Ayuba said: “I did not deal directly with the defendant.”

    The prosecution counsel also called three bankers, who gave their testimonies in the alleged money laundering charge.

    After the four witnesses testified and were cross examined by Ikpeazu, Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter until Feb. 24, Feb. 25 and Feb. 26, 2025 for continuation of trial.

  • Nigerians will shed tears If they see our investigation – EFCC boss discloses reason for constant national grid collapse

    Nigerians will shed tears If they see our investigation – EFCC boss discloses reason for constant national grid collapse

    The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede has accused  electricity companies awarded the projects to supply electrical equipment, of buying substandard goods for power operations, noting that this has been responsible for the constant collapses of the national grid.

    The EFCC chair made this known on Tuesday when the House Committee on Financial Crimes visited the headquarters of the anti-graft agency in Abuja.

    The anti-graft boss also lamented that Nigerians would be in tears if the Commission discloses what it has uncovered during its investigations, as he idenitified one of Nigeria’s problems in the last 15 to 20 years to below 20 per cent budget performance.

    He noted that the country could not achieve infrastructural or other forms of growth under such conditions.

    Olukoyede said, “As I am talking to you now, we are grappling with electricity. If you see some of the investigations we are carrying out within the power sector, you will shed tears. People who were awarded contracts to supply electrical equipment, instead of using what they call 9.0 gauge, would go and buy 5.0.

    “So every time, you see it tripping off, getting burnt, and all of that. It falters, and it collapses. This is part of our problems.”

    “We discovered that in the last 15 to 20 years, we have not achieved up to 20% of our capital project implementation and execution. And if we don’t do that, how can we expect infrastructural development? How can we grow as a nation? So our mandate this year is to work with that directorate and with the National Assembly to see if we can reach 50% of capital project execution for the year.

    “If we achieve 50%, we will be fine as a nation. The lack of implementation of the capital budget is one of Nigeria’s major problems. And if we tackle that effectively, we will make progress as a nation. We are doing everything possible to prevent that, with your support.”

    Olukoyede stated that the commission had received over 17,000 petitions, adding that over 20,000 cases are currently under investigation.

    “We have several cases filed in court, apart from those with convictions, reaching thousands. In the last year, we have received over 17,000 petitions in the EFCC. And currently, as I am speaking, we are investigating over 20,000 cases.

    “Between last October and now, we have opened over 4,800 new cases. And what is our staff count? We are less than 5,000. Now, with the additional responsibility of over 700 MDAs, 36 states, 774 local governments, and all of that,” he added.

  • Senate to increase EFCC budget allocation

    Senate to increase EFCC budget allocation

    The Senate Committee on Anti-corruption and Financial Crimes has expressed determination to increase budgetary allocation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)  to effectively carry out its anti-graft obligation.

    The Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, Senator Emmanuel Udende, said this when he led the committee members on an oversight visit to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, on Monday.

    The committee chairman said in honesty, the EFCC required more funding.

    “When the EFCC chairman is telling you that he needs a software that will tackle virtual and fraudulent cryptocurrency trading, valued at about N3.4billion, then, you will understand why they need more funding.

    So, they really, really need a lot of money. What you can do is that through budgeting processing, you will be able to also increase their budget,” Senator Udende stated.

    He also said that the EFCC deserved a percentage of its recoveries to assist its operations just like the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) gets a certain percentage of its seizures too.

    “Like customs do, they are entitled to a percentage of whatever they get for the year. And if we do it to EFCC, we will be able to work from the proceeds of crime that they recover,” he said.

    Olukoyede had earlier called on the National Assembly to support the agency  by increasing its allocation in the 2025 budget by 300 per cent.

    He said that this was to enable it acquire requisite state of the art technology to fight illicit financial flows, economic sabotage.

    According to him, one of the agency’s greatest challenges is inadequate funding, the agency will need about 300 per cent increment of its 2024 budget to carry out its duties effectively

    He also sought the cooperation of the lawmakers in terms of changing the negative perception of Nigerians about  the agency.

    The chairman also stated that the EFCC is currently investigating the extractive industry and very soon, indicted persons will be charged to court.

    Olukoyede, who lamented the effects of corruption on the general activities in Nigeria, said EFCC would investigate government agencies, who corruptly divert budgetary allocations to other things or outrightly embezzle the funds.

    He announced that the commission had been granted access to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System to monitor and track all disbursements and ensure proper utilisation.

    While seeking the cooperation of the senators in carrying out the agency’s duty, Olukoyede said the EFCC would also be monitoring their constituency projects.

    “We now have a relationship with the Accountant General’s Office. We have been given access to the IPPIS. We want to monitor the releases and track where the money goes.

    “So, I am pleased to inform you, distinguished members of the Senate, that we will be monitoring your constituency projects. I hope you will cooperate with us.

    “There will be no problem. We will monitor the allocation, and I believe you will also help us champion this cause,” he said.

  • What is required to curb corruption in Nigeria – EFCC Chairman

    What is required to curb corruption in Nigeria – EFCC Chairman

    Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Olanipekum Olukayode, has underscored the need for collaboration and capacity building of security agencies to tackle corruption.

    Olukayode said this during the graduation of the Executive Leadership and Strategic Management Course, Batch 5/2024, of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), on Friday in Abuja.

    Represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Mr Mohammad Hamman-Joda, the EFCC boss emphasised the importance of training senior managers in security agencies as key to curbing corruption in the country.

    He reiterated the commitment of the commission to continue to train to be ahead of the criminals, who are always trying to advance. According to him, there are a lot of innovations in terms of crime, particularly crypto-currency.

    “So, we have to up our game to catch them, if not, we will be left behind. We have trained a total of 100 participants from the EFCC, along with other participants from sister security agencies, Department of State Security, DSS, Defense Intelligence Agency, DIA and Nigerian Army amongst others,” he said.

    Olukayode said that the training was conducted in five batches, with participants drawn from senior and middle cadres of the commission.

    He expressed the hope that the knowledge gained would impact positively on operations of the EFCC while appreciating NARC for the wealth of experience they shared.

    “We look forward to more collaboration in the future,” he said.

    The EFCC boss expressed condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Army and Nigerians on the death of Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

    The Director-General of NARC, retired Maj.-Gen. Garba Wahab, said the course was designed to bring participants from the security architecture together to understand themselves and the challenges ahead.

    Wahab said the training would also enhance the level of collaboration and cooperation between the security agencies saddled with the responsibility of fighting corruption for better performance.

    According to him, the solution to Nigeria’s problems lies with them, and the solutions must come from them.

    “Joint training is the way forward, so that everybody will know their strengths and weaknesses and understand each other.

    “Somewhere along the line, it is not possible for one agency to solve the security situation they are facing, not only in Nigeria, anywhere in the world.

    “Above all, reach across boundaries and borders to make friends, socialize, network and that is one of the challenges it brings to the participants,” Wahab said.

  • Bobrisky regains freedom after aggressive EFCC’s rearrest

    Bobrisky regains freedom after aggressive EFCC’s rearrest

    Nigerian crossdresser, Idris Okuneye better known as Bobrisky has regained freedom after his controversial detention.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the social media personality was apprehended on Thursday night at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos as he attempted to board a KLM flight bound for Amsterdam.

    In the video that surfaced on social media captures the moment, Bobrisky was disgracefully and forcefully dragged off the flight.

    The crossdresser’s rearrest comes after Isaac Fayose, the younger brother of former Ekiti Governor Ayo Fayose took to his Instagram page to disclose that he met Bobrisky on his way to London.

    In the Instagram post, Isaac Fayose wrote; “See who is on the same flight ✈️ with me to London @bobrisky222.

    Shortly after the post, Bobrisky was forcefully removed. He was subsequently taken to EFCC headquarters in Abuja, where he faced questioning over allegations of bribing EFCC officers to drop previous money laundering charges.

    The allegation stemmed from a voice note shared by social media critic Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, in which Bobrisky allegedly claimed to have paid N15 million to EFCC officials to halt the charges.

    However, late Friday night, Bobrisky was said to have been released on bail after completing the necessary procedures.

    EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale confirmed the release, declining further details.

    However, sources disclosed that Bobrisky denied all bribery claims during his questioning, challenging the authenticity of the voice note and demanding that the individual responsible for posting it come forward with evidence.

    “He denied everything about releasing money to any official as a bribe to drop the money laundering charges against him. He denied it in his statement. He said the fellow who posted the voice note should come over to justify it. He said nobody requested money from him in the EFCC and he didn’t give anyone anything”, said the source.

  • Court orders final forfeiture of $2.04m linked to Emefiele

    Court orders final forfeiture of $2.04m linked to Emefiele

    A Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday, ordered a final forfeiture of 2.04 million dollars, linked to the suspended Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele.

    Justice Isaac Dipeolu also ordered final forfeiture of landed properties as well as share certificates of Queensdorf Global Fund Ltd Trust, all linked to Emefiele.

    The court made the final orders of forfeiture, after holding that the former CBN governor or any other interested party did not contest same after an earlier interim forfeiture order.

    The court held that the respondent was not able to connect his lawful earnings from Zenith bank and the CBN, to acquisition of the properties.

    Tthe Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) had by a motion on Aug. 15, sought an order to forfeit the properties on grounds that they were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities

    Oyedepo had added that the orders sought were pursuant to Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006, Section 44 (2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the court’s inherent jurisdiction.

    The court had granted the interim order of forfeiture on the properties and had adjourned for any interested party to appear in court and show cause.

    In its ruling on Friday, the court held that the respondent failed to provide documents or links to show that he owned the properties.

    The court held that the conclusion that can be deduced is that there must be something dark about acquisition of the properties, which the respondent and the companies do not want to come to light.

    The judge consequently, held that “the interested party has failed to demonstrate any lawful interest in the properties and that they were aquired from his legitimate earnings”.

    “I, therefore order the final forfeiture to the Federal Government of Nigeria, of all those properties, which are reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful
    activities”.

    The properties are: two fully detached duplexes of identical structures, lying being and situated at No. 17b Hakeem Odumosu Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

    “An undeveloped land, measuring 1919.592sqm at Oyinkan Abayomi Drive Ikoyi, Lagos; a bungalow at No. 65a Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi, Lagos and a four-bedroom duplex at 12a Probyn Road, Ikoyi.

    Others are an industrial complex under construction, 22 plots of land in Agbor, Delta State; eight units of an undetached apartment at No. 8a Adekunle Lawal Road, Ikoyi, and a full duplex together with all its appurtenances on a plot of land at 2a Bank Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.