Tag: EFCC

  • I’m broke, yet accused of money laundering – VDM breaks silence after EFCC release

    I’m broke, yet accused of money laundering – VDM breaks silence after EFCC release

    Popular social activist Martins Otse, widely known as Verydarkman, has spoken out following his release from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    In a viral video making rounds on social media, Verydarkman is seen seated in a car alongside his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju.

    Speaking directly to the camera, he expressed disbelief over the charges of money laundering brought against him, questioning why such accusations would be directed at someone who is not wealthy.

    “How would they level allegations of money laundering on someone who doesn’t have money? I have done so many charity, they wonder how, they don’t know I use debt for charity,” he said.

    He concluded, adding, “Anyway, we are outside, with my lawyer of course.”

  • EFCC prevented us from providing food to VDM – Friends claim

    EFCC prevented us from providing food to VDM – Friends claim

    Friends and associates of popular Nigerian social media personality and influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), have voiced concern over the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) refusal to allow them to provide him with food.

    Recall that VDM’s legal representative, activist-lawyer Deji Adeyanju, in a statement, alleged that VDM was arrested by EFCC operatives on Friday.

    The arrest has sparked outrage online and raised questions about a certain bank’s alleged complicity in what critics describe as a targeted crackdown.

    In a five-minute video released by Koko Pee, one of VDM’s close friends, he revealed that the EFCC denied him the opportunity to bring food to VDM, stating that the Commission would provide food themselves to him.

    “We are here at the EFCC headquarters, trying to take food and go and see VDM. The body that took the beating needs to eat,” Koko Pee said.

    A few minutes later, he released another video while returning from the EFCC headquarters, saying, “There is a standing order for no one to see him or give him food until Monday.”

    At the time of filing this report, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale was unavailable for comment or call. As all number attached to the EFCC social handles proved abortive.

  • EFCC probes ex-NNPC chiefs over alleged N80bn theft

    EFCC probes ex-NNPC chiefs over alleged N80bn theft

    ABUJA – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is investigating former executives of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), along with recently dismissed managing directors of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries, over the alleged misappropriation of approximately $2.96 billion earmarked for the rehabilitation of the facilities.

    A senior EFCC official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that the probe involves several high-ranking individuals.

    The investigation focuses on funds allocated for the short-term maintenance of the refineries, which have been plagued by long-standing operational challenges.

    Preliminary findings indicate that the EFCC is scrutinising specific disbursements: $1.56 billion for the Port Harcourt refinery, $740 million for the Kaduna refinery, and $657 million for the Warri refinery.

    Several officials have already been arrested, including former Managing Directors Ibrahim Onoja of the Port Harcourt Refining Company and Efifia Chu of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company.

    One of the former MDs is reported to have been in EFCC custody for over a week, after substantial sums were allegedly discovered in his bank accounts. The revelations have sparked concerns that the magnitude of this scandal could exceed that of the infamous “Emefielegate”.

    At the time of filing this report, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale was unavailable for comment.

    Meanwhile, the commission has formally requested comprehensive financial records from NNPCL, including details of emoluments and allowances, to aid its investigation.

  • EFCC traces CBEX funds to 4 countries, says full recovery impossible

    EFCC traces CBEX funds to 4 countries, says full recovery impossible

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said it has traced funds linked to the failed crypto bridge exchange (CBEX) scheme to at least four countries.

    Speaking on a Channels Television programme on Wednesday night, EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said although efforts are underway to recover the stolen funds, full restitution to victims may be impossible.

    Olukoyede said several accounts have been blocked and funds frozen, although the amounts cannot be disclosed yet.

    He said most of the transactions were conducted in cryptocurrency and routed through wallets beyond Nigeria’s jurisdiction.

    “We have been able to block some accounts. We have been able to freeze some funds, for which I will not be able to give you a figure, but we have been able to freeze some reasonable amount of funds.

    “I will not sit down and tell you that we are going to restitute every victim. It will become practically impossible because quite a certain number of money has been dissipated and not within our system.

    “We have traced to three, four countries now. In fact, the principal parties behind the entire scheme, most of them are foreigners, they are not within our jurisdiction, and you know what that entails.

    “In fact, it took our proficiency to be able to even freeze some assets that we have now. So, yes, we’ve embarked on that journey. Whatever we can get back, we will get it back and let Nigerians know. But we will not be able to confirm that we will restitute every victim. That may be practically impossible.” The EFCC chairman added that the agency has arrested three suspects who are currently in custody and have made “very useful statements” to investigators.

    “We have made arrests. Right now, we have about three people in our custody who have made very useful statements,” Olukoyede said.

  • Why EFCC arrested E-Money

    Why EFCC arrested E-Money

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested popular Lagos socialite, Emeka Daniel, also known as E-Money, for allegedly abusing the Naira.

    Vanguard gathered that he was picked up by operatives of the commission on Monday night at his residence in Lagos.

    The socialite is facing allegations of Naira abuse and the defacement of foreign currencies, linked to his alleged act of spraying US dollars, an offence under Nigeria’s Foreign Exchange Act.

    The EFCC stated it has commenced preliminary investigations and plans to charge E-Money to court upon conclusion of its inquiry.

    Vanguard also learned that he has been flown to Abuja for further interrogation by EFCC investigators.

    The alleged currency spraying reportedly took place at a social event in Lagos, although specific details of the occasion remain undisclosed.

    When contacted, EFCC spokesperson, Mr Dele Oyewale declined to comment.

    However, credible sources within the commission have confirmed both the arrest and the ongoing investigation.

  • Interpol joins EFCC in crackdown on N1.3tn CBEX fraud

    Interpol joins EFCC in crackdown on N1.3tn CBEX fraud

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched a full-scale investigation into a suspected N1.3 trillion crypto fraud linked to the now-defunct digital investment platform, CryptoBank Exchange (CBEX).
    The EFCC confirmed it is partnering with the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) to track both local and international culprits behind the scam.

    CBEX, reportedly operated by foreign nationals in partnership with Nigerians, abruptly collapsed on Monday, leaving thousands of investors locked out of their accounts. Many woke up to find their balances wiped out, with the platform demanding additional deposits before access could be restored.

    EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said the commission had already initiated a probe before the collapse, following intelligence reports.
    “We had our intelligence before the incident. We were already working on it, but now that the scheme has collapsed, the major actors and their collaborators will be brought in,” he said on Tuesday.

    He assured Nigerians that the EFCC is committed to exposing and dismantling Ponzi schemes like CBEX, highlighting that several similar operations are also under active investigation. “Additionally, there are similar frauds across the country that people are unaware of, and we are working to uncover them. We are on the local collaborators while we are partnering INTERPOL to trace the foreign operators,” Oyewale added.

    Although the exact scale of losses is yet to be officially verified, unconfirmed reports estimate the stolen funds at over $847 million (about N1.3 trillion), with both Nigerian and foreign investors affected. CBEX, which promised 100% returns within 30 days through online trading, began restricting withdrawals on April 9, 2025.

    In a move widely seen as a red flag, the platform began demanding deposits of $100 to $200 from users to “verify” accounts before allowing withdrawals — a tactic that lured even more unsuspecting victims before the final crash.

    The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently warned against unregistered trading platforms, emphasizing that the new Investment and Securities Act, 2025 makes it illegal to operate such platforms without proper licensing. SEC Director-General Dr. Emomotimi Agama urged prospective operators to seek registration to avoid sanctions.

    Meanwhile, CBEX’s collapse has sparked public outrage. In Ibadan, Oyo State, angry investors stormed the platform’s office in Oke Ado, vandalising the premises and carting away furniture in protest. Security forces, including the Nigeria Police and Operation Amotekun, were deployed to restore order.

    CBEX had been aggressively promoted on social media and among peer networks, luring thousands with the promise of high returns. Reports indicate the platform changed its domain multiple times between January 2024 and February 2025 — a tactic investigators now see as part of a deliberate effort to evade regulatory scrutiny.

  • 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.

  • Arrest of Bauchi AG: EFCC targeting Bala Mohammed for politics, not corruption – CSO

    Arrest of Bauchi AG: EFCC targeting Bala Mohammed for politics, not corruption – CSO

    ABUJA – The Joint Action Movement of Nigeria (JAMN) has condemned the arrest of Bauchi State’s Accountant General, Sirajo Jaja, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging that the move appears politically influenced and aimed at affecting Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration. .

    The group contends that the EFCC’s actions are not a genuine effort to combat corruption but seem designed to challenge the current administration.

    In a statement signed by its spokesman, Kabiru Ibrahim Turaki, JAMN expressed concern over the arrest, which occurred while Jaja was attending the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting in Abuja.

    The group criticised the EFCC’s approach as disruptive and questioned the motives behind the investigation into Governor Mohammed’s alleged involvement in fraudulent activities.

    JAMN warned that the arrest and investigation could discourage public officials from discharging their duties for fear of unwarranted repercussions, potentially leading to governance paralysis.

    The statement also noted that recent developments—such as the removal of the immediate former Accountant General and several permanent secretaries—may indicate a broader impact on Bauchi State’s governance.

    While JAMN acknowledged the need for accountability, it stressed that measures must be pursued fairly and transparently.

    Consequently, they called for stronger safeguards to protect public officials acting in good faith, urging the EFCC to conduct its investigations with professionalism and impartiality to avoid eroding public trust.

    The statement added: “This unexpected turn of events not only raises serious questions about the integrity of the processes involved but also the attempt to cast a shadow over the administration of Governor Bala Mohammed, as the EFCC has claimed an investigation into his alleged involvement in fraudulent activities.

    “Such actions could be politically motivated, aimed at undermining the credibility of the current administration.

    “Moreover, the arrest of Jaja and the subsequent allegations against Governor Mohammed may have a chilling effect on public service and governance in Bauchi State.

    “We are particularly concerned about the manner in which this arrest was executed. Sirajo Jaja was attending the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting—an official duty crucial to the financial governance of our state—when he was abruptly interrupted by the EFCC.

    “The conduct of the EFCC in this matter is deeply troubling. The sensationalism and politicisation surrounding the arrest, coupled with the media trial of a public servant, have given rise to a narrative that many Nigerians perceive as an unacceptable political witch-hunt rather than a genuine effort to combat corruption.

    “Moreover, the ramifications of this investigation have already led to significant developments, including the removal of the immediate former Accountant General and several permanent secretaries.

    “As stakeholders in the governance of Bauchi State, we urge the EFCC to reconsider its approach and to conduct its investigations with the utmost professionalism and respect for due process.

    “JAMN stands firmly against corruption in all its forms, but we equally stand for justice, fairness, and the dignity of public servants. We call on the EFCC to act responsibly and to prioritise the integrity of its operations over sensationalism and political expediency.”

  • Emefiele: Court rejects EFCC’s request to file additional evidence

    Emefiele: Court rejects EFCC’s request to file additional evidence

    ABUJA– A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, at Maitama, on Thursday, dismissed an application the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, brought for permission to file additional proof of evidence in the ongoing trial of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele.

    The court, in a ruling that was delivered by Justice Hamza Muazu, noted that the anti-graft agency sought to introduce fresh evidence in the matter, over a year after the charge was filed.

    EFCC, in the application it filed on October 15, 2024, equally sought the court’s permission to produce two more witnesses whose names were given as Tommy Odama John and Ifeanyi Omeke.

    The court processes revealed that the proposed witnesses made extra-judicial statements in August 2024, while the charge was filed on August 14, 2023.

    Ruling on the matter on Thursday, the court, while upholding an objection the embattled former CBN boss filed in opposition to the application, held that the EFCC had on February 12, 2024, also filed additional proof of evidence against the defendant.

    Justice Muazu held that it was the said additional evidence that accommodated the testimony of a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, as well as that of one Bamayi Mairiga.

    He stressed that the action of the EFCC had a semblance of an attempt to deny fair hearing to the defendant who took his plea on November 16, 2023, since he was not confronted with the new evidence during investigation as required by law.

    The court equally held that the action of the prosecuting agency amounted to trial by ambush and a clear case of fishing for evidence in the trial that commenced on November 28, 2023.

    It was the judge’s position that allowing the additional proof of evidence after the charge had been amended severally would be prejudicial to the defendant as his right to fair hearing would be jeopardised.

    He held that the law made it clear that investigation must have been completed and a prima facie case established before a charge is preferred against a defendant.

    However, the court declined Emefiele’s plea for the charge against him to be struck out for being a product of an incomplete or ongoing investigation and therefore speculative.

    According to the court, the charge could not be struck out since the defendant and the prosecution had already joined issues with each other and the trial was almost completed.

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

    He further declined to expunge the evidence of the former SGF Mustapha and Bamayi Mairiga from the court’s records as requested by Emefiele who contended that evidence of the two witnesses was offensive to the tenets of fair hearing provided in section 36 (2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

    The erstwhile CBN governor had through his team of lawyers led by Mr. Mathew Burkaa, SAN, insisted that he was not afforded the opportunity to respond to extra-judicial statements the two witnesses made after his trial had already commenced.

    Meanwhile, the court adjourned further hearing in the charge against Emefiele marked FCT/HC/CR/577/2023 till June 3.

    EFCC had in the amended charge before the court, accused the defendant of complicity in procurement fraud totalling about N1.2 billion.

    The anti-graft agency alleged that the former CBN governor illegally awarded contracts for the purchase of 43 vehicles between 2018 and 2020 worth N1.2 billion.

    He was further accused of giving a corrupt advantage to one Mrs. Sa’adatu Ramallan Yaro, by awarding her a contract for the procurement of 37 Toyota Hilux Vehicles valued at N854 million.

  • EFCC nabs Bauchi accountant general over alleged N70bn fraud

    EFCC nabs Bauchi accountant general over alleged N70bn fraud

    Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested Alhaji Sirajo Mohammed Jaja, the Accountant General of Bauchi State, for his alleged involvement in a N70 billion fraud.

    The arrest, which took place in Abuja on Wednesday, also involved Aliyu Abubakar, an unlicensed bureau de change operator associated with Jasfad Resources Enterprise, and Sunusi Ibrahim Sambo, a Point of Sale (PoS) operator.

    The trio is under investigation for alleged money laundering, diversion of public funds, and misappropriation of state resources.

    Sources within the commission revealed, “Investigations have shown that cash withdrawals totalling N59 billion were made through various bank accounts opened and operated by the Accountant General on behalf of the state government. The funds were subsequently transferred to Abubakar and Sambo, who then made cash payments to party agents and associates of the governor. Abubakar, the bureau de change operator, had previously jumped bail and has now been rearrested.”

    When contacted, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC spokesperson, confirmed the arrests and indicated that the investigation is linked to the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed.