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Tag: EFCC

  • Former Sokoto governor, Tambuwal detained, grilled at EFCC headquarters

    Former Sokoto governor, Tambuwal detained, grilled at EFCC headquarters

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is currently interrogating the former Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal.

    According to New Telegraph, Senator Tambuwal was invited at the anti-graft agency’s corporate headquarters in Abuja where he’s currently being held over alleged fraudulent cash withdrawals to the tune of ₦189 billion.

    The withdrawals are in flagrant violation of the Money Laundering ( Prevention & Prohibition) Act, 2022.

    The governor arrived at the EFCC’s Headquarters around 11:30 am and faced interrogators on the alleged financial crime.

    EFCC’s Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, declined comment on the matter.

  • Obasanjo library opens up over invasion of premises by EFCC

    Obasanjo library opens up over invasion of premises by EFCC

    Management of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, has berated the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly invading its premises.

    The management accused the EFCC of violating the rights of guests during a private event in the early hours of Sunday.

    EFCC operatives reportedly stormed the Green Legacy Hotel, located within OOPL, and arrested some persons suspected to be internet fraudsters.

    The EFCC operatives carried out the raid during a pool party at the premises of the library.

    Reacting to the incident, OOPL management, through Mr Kayode Adeyemi, Special Adviser on Media to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, described it as an invasion of private property.

    Adeyemi also described the EFCC’s action as an infringement of corporate rights and a blatant violation of the rights of those who gathered for the event.

    He alleged that more than 50 armed men, claiming to be EFCC operatives and led by one “Olapade,” stormed the complex without presenting a warrant.

    He further demanded an explanation for these actions and an apology to all affected, including those injured during the chaos allegedly induced by the operatives.

    According to him, shots were fired, causing panic and injuries as guests fled the premises.

    “This morning, at about 2 a.m., the OOPL premises were invaded by a Gestapo-like gang of over 50 armed men.

    “They were shooting guns, threatening to kill people, and claiming to be from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    “The invasion, led by one ‘Olapade,’ caused panic and chaos, resulting in serious injuries as participants tried to escape the near carnage.

    “On inquiry by phone, ‘Olapade’ told the OOPL Managing Director, Mr Vitalis Ortese, they acted on an intelligence tip about a private event.

    “It should be noted that the event had been publicly advertised to members of the public days before. This gangster-like action caused terror among residents and guests,” Adeyemi said.

    He said the library management would escalate the matter to EFCC leadership, the police, and the Department of State Services (DSS), demanding an explanation and apology.

    Adeyemi warned that failure to address the grievances could lead to legal action and calls for sanctions against those responsible.

    “Management reiterates that this EFCC action is a clear invasion of private property and a blatant violation of OOPL’s rights as corporate citizens.

    “Investigations into the invasion have commenced, and the matter will be pursued with the EFCC, police, and Department of State Security (DSS),” he added.

  • EFCC arrests 93 suspected internet fraudsters in Abeokuta

    EFCC arrests 93 suspected internet fraudsters in Abeokuta

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 93 suspected internet fraudsters in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Its Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    According to him, the suspects were arrested in a sting operation in Abeokuta on Sunday. He said that the arrest was sequel to a credible intelligence about their suspected involvement in internet crimes.

    “Upon their arrest, 18 vehicles and mobile devices were recovered from them. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded,” he said.

  • Just in: Confusion as EFCC officers raid Obasanjo’s hotel nab alleged scammers

    Just in: Confusion as EFCC officers raid Obasanjo’s hotel nab alleged scammers

    There was confusion in the early hours of Sunday when operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reportedly stormed the Green Legacy Hotel, located within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) complex, arresting several youths suspected of internet fraud during a poolside party.

    The operation, carried out by officers from the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Office, threw the premises into chaos as gunshots rang out, sending guests and partygoers scrambling for safety.

    Eyewitnesses said the operatives arrived without prior warning, swiftly seizing vehicles and valuables. Videos circulating online showed terrified guests fleeing the scene.

    Sources disclosed that more than 20 luxury cars were impounded during the raid.

    The incident comes just days after EFCC operatives from the Ibadan Zonal Directorate raided K-Hotel in Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area, arresting 55 suspects, one of whom was allegedly found with two locally made pistols.

    A social media user on X (formerly Twitter), identified as A. Ayomide, recounted how he narrowly avoided being caught in Sunday’s raid.

    “Literally left my house past midnight to go to OOPL, got there and the crowd was too much. I don’t like the settings, my guy doesn’t like the settings, so we were just at the car park.

    When contacted, the Managing Director of OOPL Ventures, Vitalis Ortese, confirmed there was an incident but declined to provide further details.

    “Yes, they did. There was an incident this morning. We will find out and we will let you know,” he said.

    EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Command spokesperson, Ayo Oyewole, said he was not aware of the operation but promised to investigate.

  • EFCC boss breaks silence on reported arrest of NNPCL GCEO

    EFCC boss breaks silence on reported arrest of NNPCL GCEO

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has finally opened up on the reported arrest of Bayo Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, to have said the reports on the alleged arrest of Ojulari are “damning, defamatory, and dangerous”, and cannot be ignored or treated with levity.

    Recall that People’s  Gazette had on Saturday,  August 2, 2025 reported that Olukoyede and Adeola Ajayi,  Director General of the Department of State Security (DSS), pressured the GCEO of NNPCL to sign a resignation letter.

    “Against the furore generated by an unsubstantiated report by an online portal,  People’s Gazette alleging that the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede  “abducted the head of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd… and forcing him to resign at a secret rendezvous in Abuja”,  the EFCC’s boss has demanded a retraction of the story and public apology within 48 hours,” a statement by the Commission reads.

    It added: “In the fairy tale concocted by the medium, insinuations were also made that Ojulari was repeatedly questioned about what he might know of Olatimbo Ayinde, a British-Nigerian oil businesswoman who has recently emerged as one of the most powerful forces steering the Tinubu Administration”.

    “In a follow-up story,  the online news portal went on to state that “officials said Mr. Ojulari was summoned to the Presidential Villa, where First Lady Remi Tinubu insisted his resignation wouldn’t be accepted. The security chiefs who coerced Mr. Ojulari into signing the resignation letter had been acting on the order of Olatimbo Ayinde, Mr Tinubu’s paramour, whose growing influence in the administration has recently raised alarm”.

    “Oluoyede described the reports as uncharitable and capable of casting him in the mould of someone that has “betrayed and subverted public trust by submitting the authority of his public office and trust as Chairman of the EFCC to the dictates and directives of one Olatimbo Ayinde”.

    In a letter addressed to the Editor of Peoples Gazette Limited and signed by his legal counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, Olukoyede stressed that “the publications and the imputations conveyed by them are so damning and cannot be ignored or treated with levity”.

    He, therefore, demanded that the medium “acknowledge your wrongdoing, expressly admit that what you published and imputed against my client are false, apologise for it unreservedly and retract and pull down the stories from your newspaper website and social media handles”.

    Additionally,  Olukoyede’s lawyer warned that any failure of compliance with his demand would result in the issuance of a “Writ in the tort of defamation in order to afford you an opportunity to prove what your disparagement of my client’s character and reputation, especially in the way of the office he holds as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission”.

  • Just in: Appeal Court restores EFCC’s forfeiture order on Yahaya Bello’s Burji Khalifa apartment, 13 others

    Just in: Appeal Court restores EFCC’s forfeiture order on Yahaya Bello’s Burji Khalifa apartment, 13 others

    The Court of Appeal in Lagos has restored the interim forfeiture order obtained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to seize 14 properties allegedly linked to Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.

    Justice Yargata Nimpar who read the unanimous judgment which was delivered virtually on Wednesday, set aside a Federal High Court ruling that struck out the order and held that the lower court erred in law by relying on Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution.

    Section 308 of the Constitution grants immunity to sitting governors from civil and criminal proceedings.

    Justice Nimpar in restoring the preservation order held that immunity does not extend to properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity, and such assets can be investigated and preserved pending the outcome of a forfeiture application.

    The other justices of the panel who concurred with decision are Justice Danlami Senchi and Justice Paul Bassi. They directed the EFCC to proceed to a final forfeiture hearing.

    In February 2023, Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court, Lagos, had granted an interim forfeiture order in favour of the EFCC.

    Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) who argued the ex parte application on behalf of the EFCC had told Justice Oweibo that the assets were suspected to be proceeds of crime.

    The judge granted the order which allowed the anti-graft agency to temporarily seize 14 properties located in Lagos, Abuja, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), which were suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity.

    The court also directed the EFCC to publish the order in two national newspapers, and to invite interested parties to show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

    Following the publication, Governor Bello filed a notice of intention to oppose the forfeiture and applied to vacate the interim order.

    Bello argued that the properties were acquired before his election as governor and therefore could not have been purchased with Kogi State funds.

    He invoked Section 308 of the Constitution, which grants immunity to sitting governors from civil and criminal proceedings, contending that the EFCC lacked the authority to institute any action against him while in office.

    His legal team further argued that the Proceeds of Crime Act, 2022 could not be applied retrospectively, as the properties were allegedly acquired before the law came into effect.

    They further argued that EFCC’s action violated an order of a Kogi State High Court restraining the agency from investigating state accounts and that the Federal High Court in Lagos lacked jurisdiction, as the properties were located in Abuja, Kogi, and Dubai, while he resides in Lokoja.

    In response, the EFCC counsel asked the court to uphold the interim forfeiture order, arguing that no Nigerian court had barred the commission from carrying out its constitutional duties.

    He maintained that the properties, including a luxury apartment at the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, were reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activity. He also sought the forfeiture of an additional N400 million linked to the same investigation.

    The forfeiture order, which was earlier granted by Justice Nicholas Oweibo on February 22, 2023, was subsequently lifted by him on April 26, 2023, on the ground that Section 308 of the Constitution protected a sitting governor from any civil or criminal proceedings.

    The judge concluded that the court lacked jurisdiction and struck out the case.

    Dissatisfied with the decision, the EFCC appealed, asking the Court of Appeal to restore the interim forfeiture order.

    In its judgment, delivered virtually, the appellate court agreed with the EFCC that such assets can be investigated and preserved pending the outcome of a forfeiture application.

    “The trial court erred in striking out the case rather than proceeding to determine whether the properties should be finally forfeited,” the court ruled.

    The Court of Appeal dismissed Bello’s preliminary objection as lacking merit, reinstated the interim forfeiture order, and directed the EFCC to proceed with the final forfeiture hearing.

  • EFCC nabs 25 varsity students for alleged fraud In Kano

    EFCC nabs 25 varsity students for alleged fraud In Kano

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended 25 students of Bayero University Kano (BUK) over alleged involvement in internet fraud, following a sting operation carried out on Monday in Kano State.

    The anti-graft agency’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, confirming that all the suspects are undergraduates of the university.

    According to Oyewale, the suspects were picked up opposite the university’s new site after weeks of surveillance based on credible intelligence.

    “The arrest followed actionable intelligence linking the students to suspected cybercrime activities. All suspects apprehended are confirmed to be undergraduate students of BUK,” he said.

    The EFCC said the operation led to the recovery of various digital devices and a vehicle believed to have been used in carrying out fraudulent activities.

    “Items recovered during the operation include mobile phones, laptops, internet routers, and one Honda Accord car,” Oyewale stated.

    He added that the arrests were made possible through discreet surveillance efforts aimed at curbing the rising trend of internet-related fraud and financial scams among young Nigerians.

    The EFCC noted that investigations are ongoing, and the suspects would be charged to court as soon as inquiries are concluded.

    “The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” the statement read.

    The commission reiterated its commitment to combating cybercrime and warned students and young people against indulging in fraudulent online schemes.

  • EFCC arrests 25 BUK undergraduates

    EFCC arrests 25 BUK undergraduates

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 25 suspected internet fraudsters in a sting operation in Kano.

    Its Spokesperson Dele Oyewale said this in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday.

    Oyewale said that the suspects were arrested on Monday, opposite  Bayero University Kano (BUK) New Site, Kano.

    According to him, their arrest was sequel to actionable intelligence on their suspected involvement in cybercrime activities.

    “All suspects apprehended are confirmed to be undergraduate students of BUK. Items recovered during the operation include, mobile phones, laptops, internet routers and one Honda Accord car,” he said.

    He said that the suspects included Ismaíl Nura, Suuleyman Ayeh, Usman Abdulrazaq, Emmanuel Chigozie, Akabe Seth, Daniel Imoter, Abdulganiyu Jimoh and Jafar Abubakar.

    Others, he said, were Usman Nuraddeen, Mohammad Adnan, Abubakar Abusufyan, Abdulmalik Ibrahim, Abubakar Sadiq, Daniel Masamu, Abdulrasheed Abdulsamad and Issac Dosunu.

    Also arrested were Nuraddeen Ogunbiyi, Onyeyemi Kaleem, Miracle Joseph, Danjuma Musa, Ibrahim Mubaraq, Yusuf Salihu, Lawal Ibrahim Edebo, Abdulmajeed Suleiman and Dauda Abdulhamid.

    He said that the arrest was possible following  weeks of surveillance linked to  their alleged involvement in internet  fraud, identity theft, and financial scam.

    “The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” he said.

  • Court strikes out charge against Oba Otudeko, others

    Court strikes out charge against Oba Otudeko, others

    A Federal High Court, Lagos, on Wednesday, struck out a charge preferred by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), against Chairman of the Honeywell Group, Oba Otudeko and others.

    Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, struck out the charge, following EFCC’s information to the court that parties had achieved full settlement in the case.

    EFCC preferred a 13-count charge against Oba Otudeko and a former Managing Director of First Bank Plc, Olabisi Onasanya.

    Also charged were a former board member of Honeywell, Soji Akintayo and a firm, Anchorage Leisure Ltd.

    At the last adjourned date of March 17, first defense counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), had informed the court that a meeting involving all counsel, had been convened at the instance of the Attorney General (AG).

    He had said that this was aimed at reaching a peaceful settlement of the case.

    The prosecution, had confirmed the position to the court, which then adjourned the case for a report of settlement.

    When the case was called on Wednesday, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) announced appearance for the prosecution together with Mrs Bilikisu Buhari and S.I Suleiman.

    Mr Bode Olanipekun (SAN) appeared for the first defendant, Mr A Olumide-Fusika (SAN) appeared for the second defendant, and Mr Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN) appeared for the third defendant.

    Meanwhile, Mr Elijah Akefe appeared for the fourth defendant while Mr B.O Ofulue, appeared for the nominal complainant (First Bank).

    Counsel to the first defendant (Olanipekun), then informed the court that all outstanding issues between the first defendant and the nominal complainant (first bank), had been resolved.

    He told the court that same had been duly communicated to the appropriate authorities, including the prosecution.

    Counsel to the nominal complainant (Ofulue), confirmed the position to the court.

    In response, the prosecutor confirmed the position to the court that there had been settlement of the issues, and gave a detailed recall of all incidences, including the meetings held as well as resolutions.

    Citing the provisions of section 180 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, he averred that in the interest of justice, public policy and the need to prevent abuse of court process, the AG decided that the matter be discontinued.

    Counsel to all defendants confirmed the position as stated by prosecution.

    Justice Aneke, consequently held: “This charge is hereby struck out”.

    Meanwhile, in a statement by its Counsel, Olasumbo Abolaji, Honeywell welcomed the development, calling it a reaffirmation of Otudeko’s integrity.

    “Honeywell Group confirms that the legal proceedings initiated by the EFCC against our Chairman, Oba Otudeko, in connection with matters relating to First Holdco Plc, have been formally withdrawn.

    “This development marks the closure of a chapter that, while challenging, never diminished our confidence in Otudeko’s integrity or our belief in the principles that have guided his life and leadership.

    “At no point was there any finding or admission of wrongdoing, and this conclusion further affirms what we have always maintained, that this was a commercial transaction, investigated by the EFCC and resolved eight years ago.

    “Otudeko’s service, enterprise, and nation-building record stand firm and unblemished.

    “For over six decades, he has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s economic and institutional development, including distinguished tenures across banking, industry, and public service,” he said

    The Group reaffirmed its commitment to creating value through enterprise in food, energy, infrastructure, and financial services.

    “As we move forward, we do so strengthened by experience, focused on the future, and anchored in the enduring values that have always shaped our journey”.

  • CBEX promoters granted N10m bail each

    CBEX promoters granted N10m bail each

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted a bail to two of the detained Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX)’s promoters in the sum of N10 million each with two sureties each in like sum.

    Those admitted to bail by Justice Mohammed Umar are Awerosuo Otorudo and Chukwuebuka Ehirim.

    Justice Umar, in a ruling, ordered that the sureties must have property worth the bail sum within the jurisdiction of the court.

    He directed that the residence of the sureties must be verified by the registrar of the court.

    The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until Oct. 13 for commencement of trial.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Umar had, on July 7, adjourned for ruling on their bail application, after it was argued by the defendants’ lawyer, Justice Otorudo, and opposed by EFCC’s counsel, Fadila Yusuf.

    The development followed their arraignment by the anti-graft agency on three-count charge over allegations bordering on illegal financial operations and unlicensed investment activities.

    They were arraigned on amended three-count charge marked:

    In the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/216/2025, the defendants were alleged to have collected public funds and promised up to 88 per cent returns on investment without regulatory approval.

    In a related development, Justice Umar has also fixed July 25 for ruling on the bail application filed by Adefowora Abiodun, Managing Director of ST Technologies International Limited, allegedly using another company, CBEX, to perpetrate investment scam.

    Justice Umar fixed the date after his bail application was argued, following Abiodun and his company’s arraignment on amended eight-count charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/215/2025.

    While Abiodun is the 1st defendant, ST Technologies International Limited is named as 2nd defendant in the amended charge dated July 9.

    ‎The allegations, in the earlier charge, bordered on alleged case of obtaining by false pretense, money laundering and carrying on the activities of other financial institutions without having the required license from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Security and Exchange Commission (SEC).

    They, however, pleaded not guilty to the amended counts.

    The defendants’ lawyer, Babatunde Busari, informed the court of a bail application dated and filed on Abiodun ‘s behalf on June 30.

    Busari urged the judge to admit his client to bail on liberal terms.

    He said the charge showed that the alleged offences against his client were bailable.

    Besides, he said two critical exhibits attached to their application showed that Abiodun voluntarily submitted himself to the commission for investigation.

    “He (Abiodun) came to us as counsel and we took him to the commission.

    “He also has a medical report that shows that the 1st defendant requires urgent eye surgery and that has not been possible for him for the past 80 days that he has been in detention.

    “We, therefore, urge the court to admit the defendant on bail as the total of the monetary claim Is about N20 million naira,” he said.

    Busari prayed the court to release Abiodun to him for the purpose of bail.

    But EFCC’s lawyer, Fatsuma Mohammed, vehemently opposed the bail plea, saying a counter affidavit dated July 7 was filed in respect of the motion.

    The lawyer urged the court to refuse bail and order for expeditious trial of the case, adding that investigation had been concluded “and we are ready for trial.”

    “Is it a bailable offence?” the judge asked.

    Responding, Mohammed said: “The section consequent to which the defendant is being charged, upon conviction, is seven years and it is enough number of years which is enough for him to try to run.”

    Justice Umar,who adjourned the matter until July 25 for ruling, ordered Abiodun to be remanded in the EFCC’s custody pending ruling on bail application.

    NAN reports that CBEX was one of several digital platforms that collapsed after allegedly collecting billions of naira from unsuspecting investors.

    NAN reports that Justice Emeka Nwite of a sister court had, on April 24, gave the EFCC the go-ahead to arrest and detain six operators of CBEX over their involvement in the fraud.

    The judge, who gave the order after the EFCC’s lawyer, Fadila Yusuf, moved an ex-parte motion to the effect, said the detention would be pending the conclusion of investigation of the alleged offences and possible prosecution.

    The six suspects include Adefowora Abiodun, Adefowora Oluwanisola, Emmanuel Uko, and Seyi Oloyede.
    Others are Avwerosuo Otorudo and Chukwuebuka Ehirim as 1st to 6th defendants respectively.

    In the motion ex-parte dated and filed April 23 by Yusuf, the anti-graft agency gave four grounds for its application.

    She said the EFCC had a statutory duty of prevention and detection of financial crimes through investigation.

    Yusuf said that “the defendants are at large and a warrant of arrest is required to arrest the defendants for proper investigation and prosecution of this case.”

    NAN reports that Adefowora Abiodun (1st defendant), Avwerosuo Otorudo (5th defendant) and Chukwuebuka Ehirim (6th defendant) had been in the EFCC custody on investigation.

    Justice Nwite had, also on June 30, declined to grant the bail application filed by the three detained alleged promoters of CBEX.

    The judge, in a ruling, held it was obvious that from the totality of the affidavit evidence of both parties, it was glaring that the character of evidence against the defendants was strong.

    He also held that due to the nature of the case, the EFCC obtained an order of remand of the defendants by court of competent jurisdiction.

    The EFCC, in the affidavit in support of the motion ex-parte filed before Justice Nwite, said sometimes in April 2025, it received an intel bothering on an alleged investment scheme fraud against the defendants.

    It alleged that the defendants and their company, ST Technologies International Limited, using another company, Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX), perpetrated the alleged fraud and the case was received and assigned to its Cybercrimes Section for investigation.

    The EFCC averred that the defendants promised unrealistic return on investment of up to 100%.

    “That the victims were made to convert their digital assets into a stable coin of USDT for onward deposit into the suspects crypto wallet.

    “That the victims were initially given full access to the platform to monitor their investment.

    “That following deposits valued at over one Billion Dollars by the victims, the CBEX investment platform became inaccessible to them and they could no longer withdraw from the investment made.

    “That the victims later discovered that the said scheme is a scam.

    “That during the course of investigation, it was discovered that the said ST Technologies International Limited, though registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), it was not registered with the security and Exchange Commission (SEC) for investment purposes.

    “That it was also discovered during investigation that the defendants had moved out of their last known address in Lagos and Ogun States.”

    The anti-graft agency said that a warrant of arrest was required to place the defendants on red watch list so that they could be traced and arrested to answer to the case against them.

    According to the commission, investigation into the allegation against the defendants revealed a prima facie case of investment scam. It said it would be in the interest of justice to grant the application.