TheNewsGuru

Tag: EFCC

  • Kwara to partner EFCC in fight against financial crimes

    Kwara to partner EFCC in fight against financial crimes

    The Kwara government has expressed readiness  to partner the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) in efforts to  tame the scourge of internet fraud and other financial crimes in the state.

    Hajiya Nnafatima Imam, the state’s Commissioner for Social Development, said this during a working visit to the Director, Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, Mr Daniel Isei, on Monday in Ilorin.

    Imam said that building partnership frameworks towards addressing the tide of internet fraud and other financial crimes was paramount to ridding the public and private sector of economic and financial crimes and corruption.

    “The EFCC has continued to make commendable progress in restoring integrity in our institutions and society at large.

    “Your efforts have brought renewed hope and a sense of justice to our people.

    “The state government is keenly interested in working closely with your commission to address the root causes of these crimes. Together, we can change the narrative for our youth,” she said.

    In his remarks, Isei expressed delight at the visit and welcomed the interest of the state government to partner with the commission in addressing financial crimes in the state.

    He said that the EFCC remained committed to not just on enforcement, but also prevention of crimes through public engagement and education.

    “We believe enforcement must go hand-in-hand with advocacy. Cybercrime is not just a legal issue, it is a social one.

    ”That is why partnership with agencies like the ministry of social development is critical.

    “We welcome this collaboration and look forward to creating joint initiatives that target risk communities and empower young people with the right values and opportunities,” he said.

  • Alleged internet fraud: Court fixes July 2 for trial of 109 foreigners

    Alleged internet fraud: Court fixes July 2 for trial of 109 foreigners

    The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, fixed July 2 for the trial of 109 foreigners, over alleged involvement in high-level cybercrime and hacking activities said to be threatening the nation’s security.

    The matter could not go on due to the absence of the trial judge, Justice Ekerete Akpan, in court. The judge was said to be on another official engagement.

    The case was the only matter on the day’s cause list. The court subsequently fixed July 2 and July 3 for trial.

    Recall Justice Akpan had, on Nov. 29, 2024, admitted the foreigners to a N1 billion bail with five suites.

    The judge, who granted them bail, directed that the five sureties must have a landed property worth N200, 000 million each.

    Justice Akpan directed that the sureties must deposit the original and verified documents of their landed property with the deputy registrar of the court.

    The judge also directed the sureties to deposit their international passports.

    While the male defendants were remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre, the court held that the female defendants should be kept at Keffi Correctional Centre in Nasarawa State pending the perfection of their bail terms.

    The defendants, who were arraigned on a six-count charge, all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    The foreigners are said to be citizens of China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, Brazil, Malaysia and Myanmar.

    They were, in 2024, arrested by the police.

    They were apprehended in their residence at Plot 1906, Cadestral Zone 807, Katampe District of Abuja, where they were said to be engaging in cybercrime by allegedly promoting “a fraudulent and unregistered gaming platform.”

    In a six-count charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/599/2024 filed in the name of the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, the foreigners were charged with cybercrime, money laundering and unlawfully residing in Nigeria.

    In one of the counts, they were alleged to have aided, abetted, conspired among themselves “to commit an offence, to wit; cybercrime.”

    They were said to have commited the offence contrary to and punishable under Section 27 (1) (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024).

    They were also alleged to have accessed a computer, network and input with the intention that such inauthentic data will be considered or acted upon as If they were authentic or genuine.

    The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 13 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024).

    Again, they were alleged to have  removed “from Nigeria proceeds generated from operating a fraudulent and unregistered gambling platforms.

    “These platforms are  9f.com, c2.top, 8pg.top and you thereby commit money laundering, contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”

    The defendants were also accused of entering “the territory of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a business permit of 30 days duration and failed to leave the Nigerian territory at the expiration of the said permit.

    The offence is contrary to Section 4 (2) and punishable under Section 44 (1) (c) of the Immigration Act 2015.”

  • Tompolo will have questions to answer – EFCC breaks silence after Nigerians dare

    Tompolo will have questions to answer – EFCC breaks silence after Nigerians dare

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has vowed to investigate Chief Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo, over an alleged case of Naira abuse.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the anti-graft agency’ response comes after a viral video posted on X.com on Sunday by Harrison A, who tweets as #harreceipts with the caption, “EFCC, see Tompolo and the Naira o.”

    The viral video captures Tompolo’s 54th birthday celebration in April showcasing the Niger Delta chieftain dancing while a man lavishly sprays ₦1,000 notes before him.

    TNG understands that Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007 (as amended) stipulates that “spraying of, dancing or matching on the Naira or any note issued by the bank during social occasions or otherwise howsoever shall constitute an abuse and defacing of the Naira or such note and shall be punishable under the law by fines or imprisonment or both.”

    Reacting to the video, many Nigerians on social media dared the EFCC to arrest Tompolo to prove its credibility, while others mocked the agency’s integrity.

    In response to the video , the anti-corruption agency shared a clip from it on its social media page Monday morning, asserting that no one is above the law.

    The post reads: “Nobody is above the law.Tompolo will have questions to answer.”

  • Atiku slams EFCC over detention of Kazaure

    Atiku slams EFCC over detention of Kazaure

    Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the arrest and continued detention of former House of Representatives member, Muhammad Kazaure, describing it as a violation of due process.

    In a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, Atiku said Kazaure’s detention reflects a brazen disregard for the rule of law, accusing the anti-graft agency of operating beyond the limits of the Nigerian Constitution.

    Atiku alleged that the EFCC is increasingly becoming a tool for political repression, citing what he called a troubling pattern of lawlessness under the current administration.

    He said, “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has once again plunged headlong into its well-worn pattern of lawlessness, arresting and detaining citizens with brazen disregard for due process and without offering any justification for its actions.”

    Atiku also referenced the recent arrest of social commentator Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, whose release followed intense public pressure. He suggested that Kazaure’s case fits into a broader trend of state institutions being used to silence dissenting voices.

    “We witnessed this same abuse in the unlawful arrest and detention of Mr. Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, whose release was only secured after massive public outrage and pressure.

    “Now, the EFCC has targeted Hon. Muhammad Kazaure, a former member of the House of Representatives and an unapologetic critic of the gross misgovernance and failings of the Tinubu administration.

    “Abducted in Kano and whisked away to Abuja, Kazaure is presently being held incommunicado, with no formal charge or explanation offered to his family, legal team, or the Nigerian people.

    “Let it be stated without equivocation: even if there were legitimate grounds for arresting any citizen, such action must adhere strictly to the rule of law. The EFCC is duty-bound to publicly disclose the reasons for any arrest and must not detain individuals indefinitely under the guise of investigation.

    “The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is unequivocal on this matter—every detainee must be promptly charged to court or released. By once again trampling on the fundamental rights of a Nigerian citizen, the EFCC is entrenching itself deeper into the mire of impunity and constitutional delinquency.

    “It’s deafening silence regarding the arrest of Hon. Kazaure, a man who represented the good people of Kazaure, Roni, Gwiwa, and Yankwashi federal constituency, lays bare the agency’s contempt for transparency and justice.

    “We are left with no choice but to conclude that Kazaure’s ordeal is a direct consequence of his fearless and unrelenting criticism of this administration. This government’s hypocrisy is as staggering as it is shameless: while it strikes cosy deals with politically connected figures tainted by corruption, it unleashes the machinery of the state to harass and silence its critics.

    “The Nigerian people are watching. And history will not forget.”

  • EFCC arrests 2 Chinese, 6 others for illegal mining

    EFCC arrests 2 Chinese, 6 others for illegal mining

    Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in Lagos, have arrested two Chinese nationals and six Nigerians for alleged involvement in illegal mining activities in the Ogere area of Ogun.

    This is contained in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by the commission in Abuja on Saturday.

    The suspects are Zhang Hang Lin, Gao Pei Hai, Matthew Mathias, Oluwaseun Amoo, Wasiu Ademola Alao, Ajibola Nurudeen, Ibrahim Yinusa, and Saidu Shuaibu.

    The commission said the suspects were apprehended on Friday during a sting operation, following credible intelligence received by the Commission and detailed surveillance of their activities.

    At the point of arrest, operatives recovered three trucks loaded with sacks of substances suspected to be ground lithium powder, along with other yet-to-be-identified solid minerals.

    Other items recovered from the suspects include a Toyota 4Runner SUV, mobile phones, samples of suspected low-grade lithium, ATM cards, international passports, four LED flashlights, and various documents relevant to the investigation.

    The suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.

  • It is a lie against me – VeryDarkMan breaks silence on arrest, money laundering allegation

    It is a lie against me – VeryDarkMan breaks silence on arrest, money laundering allegation

    Controversial online activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM) has broken his silence following his arrest by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    VeryDarkMan, known for his outspoken commentary on social media, was reportedly arrested last week on allegations of cyberstalking and money laundering. He, however, was granted bail some couple of days ago.

    Speaking about his detention, VeryDarkMan disclosed that his phone is still with the EFCC, as he expressed concerns that the agency might have tampered with his personal documents.

    In a now-viral video, VeryDarkMan revealed that upon release, he had to buy another phone to come online.

    He said, “My phone is currently with the EFCC, but I bought another one after I was released. When I tried to log into my iCloud account, I realised I could no longer access it.”

    VeryDarkMan cautioned the EFCC against publishing a photo allegedly taken during his time in custody and labeling the placard with money laundering allegation, warning of possible legal action.

    “EFCC, I want us to start a friendship, but what could ruin that friendship is if you people post the picture you took of me and label it as money laundering,” he said. “If you post that picture claiming it’s about money laundering, then you should also release the full context behind it.”

    He further stressed, “If I see my picture on your website with a caption suggesting money laundering, you’ll have to prove it. That’s where our issue will begin—and we will settle it in court. It might even become the first open court case of its kind.”

    According to him, associating the image with money laundering allegations would imply deliberate misinformation. “If you truly want friendship, remove any association of that image with money laundering, because it’s a lie against me. I don’t mind anything else you put up—no problem. In fact, I even want to use your placard as my profile picture,” he added.

    VeryDarkMan expressed concern that the EFCC had accessed personal data from his phone. “They didn’t just keep my phone—they logged me out of my iCloud account, meaning they now have access to everything on that phone, including many videos and pieces of evidence. I have a strong feeling they won’t return the phone. And even if they do, the phone is as good as gone,” he added.

  • EeZeeTee gets ₦20 million bail in alleged $255,000 forex fraud

    EeZeeTee gets ₦20 million bail in alleged $255,000 forex fraud

    Former manager of gospel artist Mercy Chinwo and music producer, Ezekiel Onyedikachi (known as EeZeeTee) has been granted a ₦20 million bail in connection with an alleged $255,000 forex transaction fraud filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    TheNewsGuru reports that Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court in Lagos in a brief ruling on Friday, set the bail condition, requiring that EeZeeTee present one surety who must reside in Lagos and own property worth at least the bail sum.

    The judge further instructed that the music producer is given 72 hours to fulfil the bail condition.

    The EFCC had initially filed a 14-count charge against EeZeeTee for alleged fraudulent conversion of funds, but later amended the charge to seven counts, accusing him of engaging in foreign exchange transactions without the proper license.

    Prosecuting counsel, Bilikisu Buhari-Bala, informed the court that in June 2023, EeZeeTee negotiated a foreign exchange transaction worth $52,895 with one Mr. Oladotun Olaobaju Mureke, without authorisation from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    Buhari-Bala argued that the transaction violated Sections 5 and 29(1)(c) of the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, Cap F34, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and is punishable under Section 29(2) of the same Act.

    EeZeeTee pleaded not guilty to all charges. The case has been adjourned to June 20, 2025, for trial.

  • Former lawmaker, Kazaure in EFCC net over ₦70 million receipt from Emefiele

    Former lawmaker, Kazaure in EFCC net over ₦70 million receipt from Emefiele

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Gudaji Kazure, a former member of the House of Representatives, for allegedly receiving ₦70 million from Godwin Emefiele, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    TheNewsGuru reports that Kazaure, who represented Kazaure, Roni, Gwiwa, and Yankwashi Federal Constituency of Jigawa State, was taken into custody on Wednesday shortly after a High Court in Kano vacated a restraining order that had previously prevented the EFCC from arresting Kazaure.

    Reports indicated that the former lawmaker, who allegedly received ₦70 million from Emefiele in two installments, was detained by the anti-graft agency shortly after the court ruling.

    A source within the EFCC disclosed that Kazaure received ₦20 million in two separate tranches through an intermediary, named Eric, who reportedly acted on Emefiele’s behalf to facilitate the transactions. The source added that the money was intended to be used to purchase “Sallah Rams.”

    The former lawmaker reportedly received another ₦50 million from Emefiele, which was described as a “donation” following a fire incident at Kazaure’s residence. The source added that the fire incident at Kazaure’s home prompted the alleged donation.

    Kazaure is currently being held at the EFCC’s Kano office, and sources suggest that he may soon be transferred to Abuja to face formal charges.

    In December 2022, Kazaure accused Emefiele of corruption, alleging that ₦89.1 trillion in stamp duty charges had gone missing under Emefiele’s leadership at the CBN.

  • Just In: VeryDarkMan regains freedom from EFCC custody

    Just In: VeryDarkMan regains freedom from EFCC custody

    Controversial online activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been released from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    VeryDarkMan, known for his outspoken commentary on social media, was reportedly arrested some couple of days ago on allegations of cyberstalking.

    The social media influencer’ arrest triggered a strong backlash online, with many accusing the commission of engaging in a crackdown on dissent.

    Earlier, TheNewsGuru reports that some youths on Monday took to the streets of Abuja to demand his immediate release.

    According to the anti-graft agency, the activist’ arrest was due to his failure to honour several invitations over allegations of financial misconduct.

    On Wednesday evening, activist and politician Omoyele Sowore confirmed VDM’s release via his official Facebook page with the short update: “VDM Released!”

    In another post on his 𝕏 handle, Sowore wrote: “Thanks to unrelenting efforts of all VeryDarkMan has been released from unjust detention at the EFCC! He is with his ebullient lawyer, Deji Adeyanju #RevolutionNow”

    The EFCC has yet to issue a formal statement confirming the release.

  • EFCC failed to tender some statements I made – Ex-AGF tells court

    EFCC failed to tender some statements I made – Ex-AGF tells court

    A former Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Ahmed Idris, on Wednesday told an Abuja High Court that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) failed to tender all the statements he made in their office.

    Idris in his evidence in the trial-within-trial ordered by the court following the objection raised by his counsel, Chris Uche SAN to the admissibility of his statements as exhibits, mentioned the three statements he made on the consultancy in question.

    The trial-within-trial was on grounds that the former AGF’s statements the prosecution sought to tender on Nov. 23, 2022 were made on the ground of deception and inducement.

    The EFCC charged the former AGF alongside Geoffrey Olusegun Akindele, Mohammed Kudu Usman and Gezawa Commodity Market and Exchange Limited with 14 counts, bordering on theft, fraudulent diversion of public fund to the tune of N109.5 billion.

    They are being prosecuted by EFCC, before Justice Yusuf Halilu, in the case marked, FCT/HC/CR/199/2022.

    The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    Idris testified for himself in the trial-within-trial.

    “Apart from the 13 statements brought to court by EFCC, I made a total of 16 statements on different days in the course of investigation,” he told me court..

    Led in evidence by Uche, Idris informed the court that he was taken to the procurement unit of the EFCC three times and that he made statements on those times about the consultancy in question and the entire processes involved in the matter.

    Three files were brought, marked certified true copies, to the head of the procurement unit.

    ” I mentioned that the Minister (of Finance) approved the consultancy and that the Federation Account Allocation Committee and the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation Commission and the oil producing state governors were all involved.

    “I am surprised that all the three statements were not brought to court, including the rules with the certified true copies” he said.

    Idris told the court that his lawyer was not present when he made the statements to EFCC on June 10, 2022, June 27, 2022, July 5, 2022, respectively.

    He denied writing any of the cautionary words in the respective statements, adding that the statements were dictated to him by EFCC investigators

    “It is not correct that I made the statement in the present of my lawyer, Mr Gbenga Adeyemi. The statement is a dictation.

    “None of my written statement written were video recorded by my interrogators,” he said.

    After his evidence Halilu adjourned the matter until July 17 for cross examination of the former AGF by the prosecution in the trial-within-trial.