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Tag: EFCC

  • EFCC arraigns 11 Chinese over alleged cyber-terrorism, Internet fraud

    EFCC arraigns 11 Chinese over alleged cyber-terrorism, Internet fraud

    LAGOS—The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday, arraigned 11 Chinese and a company, Genting International Co. Ltd., before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, over alleged cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism, possession of documents containing false pretence and identity theft, among others.

    Trial judge in the matter is Justice C. Aneke.

    The defendants are Liu Ke Fan, Huang Hai Tao, Zhang Kian Feng, Wua Wang and Xiao Xin. Others are: Wang Hong Lin, Wu Yong An (a.k.a Zenga Niu), Chen Yuan (a.k.a Xiao Doa), Chen Dong Dong (a.k.a Cun Zhao) Weng Mao Rong, (a.k.a A Xiang and Wang) and Xiong Wei (a.k.a Xiao Bai).

    They are members of the syndicate of 792 alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects arrested on December 10 , 2024, in Lagos during a surprise operation tagged “Eagle Flush Operation” by operatives of the EFCC.

    The suspects were arraigned on separate charges bordering on alleged cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism, possession of documents containing false pretence and identity theft, among others.

    They all pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to them.

    In view of their pleas, the prosecution counsel, M. Bashir, asked the court for trial dates and for the defendants to be remanded in prison custody.

    Justice Aneke adjourned the matter till February 21, and March 7, 2025, for trial and remanded the defendants in Ikoyi prison, Lagos.

  • EFCC arraigns 57 foreign nationals over alleged attempts to destabilise Nigeria’s constitutional structure

    EFCC arraigns 57 foreign nationals over alleged attempts to destabilise Nigeria’s constitutional structure

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday, arraigned 58 foreign nationals, comprising Chinese and Filipinos, before a Federal High Court in Lagos on charges of alleged impersonation, fraud and attempts to destabilise Nigeria’s constitutional structure.

    They were separately arraigned before Justice Ayokunle Faji, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, Justice Denide Dipeolu, and Justice Alexander Owoeye, respectively.

    The commission earlier in the day secured an interim forfeiture order for digital assets valued at $222,729.86, over fraudulent activities allegedly linked to Chinese and Filipino nationals.

    Justice Owoeye granted the interim forfeiture order following a motion ex-parte moved by Zeenat Atiku, a prosecuting counsel with the EFCC.

    Some of the defendants who were arraigned before four separate courts are Cherry De Leon (A.K.A Yesh De Leon), Khurram Shanzad, Fernad Fu Fang (A.K.A Kim), Tan Soon Kar, Rex Jose Dilag (A.K.A Madison), Jamal Polea, Jamilyn Jaynee Gonzalez (A.K.A Jam Galanza) and Hannah Jaramillo (A.K.A Max De Leon).

    Others are Lin Haobo, An Hongxu (a.k.a Ruike), Shitou Shizilong, Pan Jiong, Zhow Kunji, Huang Xiao Liang (a.k.a Liu Xiao Liang), Peng Sen Lin (a.k.a Peng Song Lin, Pen Sen Ling, Dong Fang Hong, Huang Ren Jan, Shi Yang Xiong, Lu Yi Liang, Guo Giang (a.k.a Lisa), Wen Zong Xu, Pan Cai Yu, and Guo Zhi Yong.

    Other defendants are Danica Manulit (A.K.A. Dan Ruiz), Vera Dela Cris (A.K.A. Nina Vera Gonzal), Joey Gracia, Beverlyn Gumayo Casino (A.K.A. Sumayo), and Tricia Jenylyn Castro (Alias T. J. Castro).

    The defendants were among a group of suspected fraudsters apprehended on December 10, 2024 by the

    EFCC at their hideout on 7, Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, following credible intelligence gathered by the EFCC.

    They were arraigned by EFCC team of prosecutors comprising Bilikisu Buhari-Bala, Suleiman Suleiman, Chineye Okezie, Hannatu Kofarnaisa, N. Ukoha, T. Banjo and M. Owede.

    They were arraigned on separate charges bordering on alleged cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism, possession of documents containing false pretence and identity theft, among others.

    The defendants were accused of secretly procuring and employing several Nigerian youths for identity theft and other computer related frauds.

    The offences are punishable under Sections 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.

    After the charges were read to each defendant individually, they all pleaded not guilty.
    Following their not guilty plea, the court ordered that the defendants be remanded in the prison custody.
    The females defendants were remanded in Kirikiri prison, while their male counterparts were remanded at the Ikoyi prison.

    EFCC told the court that on or about December 18, 2024 in Lagos, the defendants, willfully caused to be accessed computer systems organised to seriously destabilise the constitutional structure of Nigeria (which prohibits and prevents cyber and related crimes) when they procured/employed Nigerian youths for identity theft and to hold themselves (Nigerians) out as persons of foreign nationality, with the intent to gain financial advantage for themselves (the defendants).

  • EFCC officer found dead in Lagos

    EFCC officer found dead in Lagos

    An unidentified officer of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) attached to the Lagos Division has been found dead in an undisclosed part of Lagos State.

    A video circulating online on Monday revealed the incident, showing the lifeless body of the officer, who was not in uniform, surrounded by sympathisers, including police officers.

    The officers searched the deceased’s bag and identified him as an EFCC operative through his identity card.

    A voice in the video confirmed, “He works with EFCC. His ID card is with him.”

    EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the incident and disclosed that the commission is investigating the cause of the officer’s death.

    “Yes, the man is our officer. His death is being investigated. The incident happened on Sunday,” Oyewale said.

    This comes weeks after another troubling incident involving the anti-graft agency. On January 15, an EFCC officer, Assistant Superintendent Aminu Salisu, was shot dead by a suspected internet fraudster, Joshua Ikechukwu, during a raid in Onitsha, Anambra State.

  • EFCC promotes 900 officers, reinstates life, property Insurance

    EFCC promotes 900 officers, reinstates life, property Insurance

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has given the green light to the promotion of approximately 900 officers.

    The commission also reinstated life and property insurance for its operatives.

    EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, revealed this at the commission’s 2024 Rewards and Recognition ceremony in Abuja on Saturday.

    Olukoyede stated that the commission, under his leadership, is working tirelessly to improve the welfare of its personnel.

    He revealed that some staff members had been awaiting promotion for six or seven years.

    Similarly, according to him, the commission is taking steps to address the long-standing issue of insurance, which has been absent for 20 years.

    “We have approved the promotion of about 900 staff, some of whom have been awaiting promotion for about six or seven years.

    “We are also taking steps to solve the issues of insurance. For 20 years, we have not had any life and property insurance.

    “I believe that in another one or two months, we should be done with our life insurance and also the property insurance,” he said.

    According to Olukoyede, the commission has recently taken delivery of 84 apartment units in the Lekki area of Lagos State.

    He said the apartments would be distributed and sold to staff members at cost, without any interest charged on the purchase price.

    Oloyede further confirmed that he was working on a package to adjust the cost of living for officers, adding that this would be unveiled soon.

    “You are aware that we have just taken delivery of about 84 units of apartment in Lekki area in Lagos.

    “They are going to be distributed and sold to staff at cost without charging one dime interest on the purchase cost of purchase value,” he explained.

    The EFCC chairman emphasised that the commission would do everything possible to ensure the welfare of its personnel was well taken care of, within the limits of its resources.

    “We are going to do everything possible to ensure that our welfare is well taken care of within the limits of our resources.

    “Even if we have to stretch ourselves, I think we deserve it by virtue of the risk we take in this job,” he said.

    He also stressed the importance of integrity, stating that it is the best preservation and assurance.

    “Indeed, this recognition coming at a time like this when some bad eggs in our fold are trying to bring back the hand of the clock against our cherished values is a morale booster.

    “It shows that hard work pays and integrity has good rewards. For those taking shortcuts to help themselves, I equally charge you to retrace yourself to accountable conduct.

    “The internal cleansing going on in the commission will spare no one.

    “I will continue to stress the need for us to do the right thing. Integrity is the best preservation and assurance.

    “Anything short of it is a disaster waiting to happen. Excellence is not about doing things right once in a while. It is about doing things right at all times.

    “You need to continue to offer your best as the reward for hard work is no work.

    “Government expects us to do more. Nigerians expect us to do more. And we cannot afford to fail,” he said.

    During the ceremony, Alvan Gurumnaan was awarded an SUV car for emerging as the best staff member in 2024, while 35 others received cash awards for their outstanding performance.

    The Sokoto Zonal Directorate was also recognised as the Best Directorate in 2024.

  • Alleged 6bn fraud: Court grants EFCC permission to amend charge against ex-minister Agunloye

    Alleged 6bn fraud: Court grants EFCC permission to amend charge against ex-minister Agunloye

    Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the High Court of a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Thursday granted leave to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to amend charges against a former Minister of Power, Dr Olu Agunloye.

    The former minister is being prosecuted by the EFCC, on behalf of the Federal Government, in the suit, marked FCT/HC/CR/617/2023, on a seven-count charge bordering on forgery, disobedience of presidential order, and corruption in the Mambilla power plant project in Taraba State.

    The commission alleged that Agunloye on May 22, 2003, awarded a contract titled “Construction of 3,960 Megawatt Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station on a build, operate, and transfer basis to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited without any budgetary provision, approval, and cash backing.

    It also, among others, alleged that it traced some suspicious payments made by Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited to accounts of the former minister, who served in the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

    The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him.

    Ruling on the defendant’s objection to the amended charge filed by the prosecution on June 25, 2024, Justice Onwuegbuzie held that having gone through the affidavit in support of the motion for amendment, the court is convinced to allow the amendment.

    He noted that the court may permit an alteration or amendment to a charge or reframing of a new charge at any time before judgment is pronounced.

    He further held that whenever the prosecution decides to amend the charge already before the court, it can proceed to do so without asking permission or leave to do so in so far as it is in line with the provisions of Sections 216 and 217 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.

    The judge held that, contrary to the defendant’s submission that the attempt by EFCC to amend the charge was to overreach him, the amendment of the charge was not meant to overreach the former minister.

    “The stage at which the prosecution is amending the charge still gives the defendant an opportunity to put up his defence.

    ” The matter is still at the stage of examination in chief of the prosecution. The matter is yet to get to the defence stage.

    “It is my humble view that the amendment is not intended to overreach the defendant and cause injustice to him.”

    He then adjourned until Feb. 3 for the rearrangement of the defendant on the amended charge.

    Agunloye had, through his counsel, Adeola Adedipe SAN, on Nov. 13, 2024, while adopting his written address on his objection to the amended charge, told the court that the prosecution’s attempt to amend the charge was an overreach.

    Adedipe argued that the amendment sought is an overreach, submitting that Leno Adesanya, whose name is being imported into the amended charge by the virtue of the judgment of Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had acquired a declarative right in the realm.

    According to the senior advocate, that right was enforceable by the court by virtue of Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

    He, therefore, urged the court to dismiss the prosecution’s application to amend the charge by holding that no cogent and verifiable reasons have been adduced for such amendment.

    The prosecuting counsel, Abba Muhammed SAN, informed the court that the motion on notice seeking to amend the charge against the former minister was brought pursuant to Sections 216(1) and (2) and 217 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

    He then urged the court to grant the prosecution’s prayers, seeking an order granting leave to amend the instant charge against the defendant and an order seeing the amended charge filed on June 25, 2024, against the former minister, properly filed and served. (NAN)

  • Otudeko, Onasanya Arraignment Stalled Amidst Service of Process Controversy

    Otudeko, Onasanya Arraignment Stalled Amidst Service of Process Controversy

    The much-anticipated arraignment of prominent Nigerian businessman, Oba Otudeko, and former First Bank Managing Director, Stephen Onasanya, took an unexpected turn when their legal teams vehemently protested the lack of proper service of the charges. This procedural hurdle effectively stalled the proceedings, leaving the courtroom in a state of uncertainty.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has leveled a 13-count indictment against Otudeko, Onasanya, and several others, including former Honeywell board member, Soji Akintayo, and Anchorage Leisure Limited. These charges stem from allegations of obtaining a substantial N12.3 billion from First Bank through fraudulent means.

    The courtroom drama unfolded as defense lawyers, led by renowned legal luminaries Bode Olanipekun (SAN) and Olumide Fusika (SAN), argued that their clients had not been duly served with the charges, a fundamental requirement for a fair legal process.

    Fusika, representing Onasanya, expressed deep concern over the media trial his client had endured, emphasizing that such premature publicity could severely prejudice public opinion and undermine his right to a fair hearing.

    “My Lord, it is deeply concerning that my client has been subjected to intense media scrutiny without the formal service of charges. This not only compromises his right to a fair trial but also infringes upon his fundamental right to dignity,” Fusika stated, his voice laced with a sense of urgency.

    The EFCC, represented by Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), countered these claims, asserting that multiple attempts had been made to serve the defendants at their last known addresses. While acknowledging the presence of media reports on the impending arraignment, Oyedepo vehemently denied any involvement by the EFCC in disseminating such information. He suggested that journalists may have independently gathered information through other sources.

    “My Lord, we categorically deny any involvement in the release of any information to the media regarding this case,” Oyedepo stated, seeking to distance the commission from any perceived attempts to influence public opinion.

    Read Also:

    EFCC Boss: Procurement Fraud Fuels Nigeria’s Corruption Woes

    ICYMI: First Bank Seeks to Freeze Assets of Oil Company, GHL, Over $225 Million Loan:

    Despite the initial impasse, the court ultimately allowed Fusika to accept service of the charges on behalf of his client. This procedural maneuver paved the way for the court to adjourn the proceedings until February 13th, a date set for the formal arraignment of the defendants.

    The EFCC alleges that the defendants engaged in a complex web of fraudulent activities between 2013 and 2014. These alleged offenses include conspiracy to defraud First Bank, obtaining loans under false pretenses, and engaging in sophisticated money laundering schemes.

    The charges further allege the use of forged documents to deceive the bank and secure credit facilities for various entities, including V-Tech Dynamic Links Limited and Stallion Nigeria Limited.

    This case has captivated public attention, highlighting the gravity of financial crimes and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat such illicit activities. The upcoming arraignment promises to be a pivotal moment in this legal saga, with far-reaching implications for the defendants and the financial landscape of Nigeria.

  • Anambra NMA: Man Who Killed EFCC Officer Not a Medical Doctor

    Anambra NMA: Man Who Killed EFCC Officer Not a Medical Doctor

    The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has refuted claims that Joshua Ikechukwu, the alleged killer of an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operative, is a medical doctor.

    The EFCC, on Sunday, accused Ikechukwu of killing Aminu Salisu, an assistant superintendent officer (ASO), during an operation in Anambra State. According to the agency, Ikechukwu is involved in internet fraud and deals in coding and online medical supplies of questionable authenticity.

    Despite these allegations, several reports identified Ikechukwu as a medical doctor allegedly affiliated with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) in Nnewi, prompting clarification from the NMA.

    In a statement on Monday, Obiaeli Ifeanyi, secretary of NMA’s Anambra chapter, categorically denied Ikechukwu’s membership in the medical profession, attributing the misrepresentation to his dealings in medical supplies.

    “Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu is NOT a member of NMA Awka Zone, and no member has been able to identify such a name as either a colleague or member of NMA,” the statement read.

    “Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu is NOT a Medical Doctor (not even an academic doctor) as widely published by the media though he deals in medical supplies and has been addressed as a Doctor.

    “This calls for concern about the flagrant abuse of the title Medical Doctor by imposters and quacks, dragging the image of the revered medical profession to the mud.”

    The NMA also called on the public and media outlets to refrain from addressing Ikechukwu as a doctor, stressing the importance of preserving the integrity of the medical profession.

    The association further demanded a public retraction from the EFCC and media organizations that published reports falsely attributing the suspect’s identity to the medical profession.

  • Five Katsina Revenue Officials in EFCC Net Over Alleged N1.29 Billion Fraud

    Five Katsina Revenue Officials in EFCC Net Over Alleged N1.29 Billion Fraud

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained five officials of the Katsina State Internal Revenue Service over allegations of diverting N1.29 billion in state funds.

    In a statement on Monday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale revealed that the suspects colluded to misappropriate funds meant for the Katsina State Government. The detained officials are Rabiu Abdullahi, Sanusi Mohammed Yaro, Ibrahim Kofar Soro, Ibrahim Aliyu, and Nura Lawal Sauri.

    “They were arrested following a petition from the Katsina state government alleging that the suspects colluded and diverted the sum of N1,294,337,676.53 accruing to the state from the World Health Organization (WHO), Medicins Sans Frontiers, and the **Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA),” the statement read.

    The EFCC’s preliminary investigation revealed that Rabiu Abdullahi, a former director of collections and now permanent secretary of the revenue board, authorized the opening of a bank account at Sterling Bank under the name “BOIRS.” He allegedly designated Sanusi Mohammed Yaro, Director of Revenue Account, and Ibrahim Kofar Soro as sole signatories to the account.

    “Subsequently, the account became the primary channel through which all the funds were allegedly funneled to the main beneficiary, Nadikko General Suppliers, a company owned and controlled by Nura Lawal Kofar Sauri, an assistant director of career skills/staff welfare of the board,” the EFCC said.

    The commission further revealed that Nura Lawal and his company, Nadikko General Suppliers, were used as conduits to launder the stolen funds. The misappropriated funds were traced to various bank accounts belonging to the suspects.

    The EFCC confirmed that the suspects are being held at its Kano Zonal Command and will face legal charges upon the conclusion of investigations.

  • EFCC records historic asset recovery with seizure of 753 units of duplexes, others in Abuja Estate

    EFCC records historic asset recovery with seizure of 753 units of duplexes, others in Abuja Estate

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has achieved its largest asset recovery to date with the final forfeiture of a 150,500-square-meter estate in Abuja, containing 753 duplexes and other apartments.

    The statement from the commission on its official X page revealed that the property is linked to a former high-ranking government official, who is currently under investigation by the EFCC.

    The ruling, delivered by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie on December 2, 2024, follows a successful application for the final forfeiture of the estate, located on Plot 109 Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja.

    Justice Onwuegbuzie disclosed the respondent failed to justify retaining the property, which is suspected to have been acquired through unlawful activities.

    “The respondent has not shown cause as to why he should not lose the property, which has been reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities. The property is hereby finally forfeited to the federal government,” he stated 

    The forfeiture was made under the commission’s mandate to ensure that individuals engaged in corruption and fraudulent activities are deprived of the proceeds of their crimes.

    The ruling relied on Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14, 2006, and Section 44(2) B of the 1999 Constitution.

    Asset recovery 

    The road to the final forfeiture began with an interim order issued on November 1, 2024. The property was built by a former high-ranking government official currently under investigation by the EFCC.

    The Commission described the asset seizure as a critical step in depriving the individual of the proceeds of their alleged crimes.

    EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, while addressing the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption stated that recovering illicit assets is a complex process, essential to the anti-corruption fight, as depriving suspects of their crime proceeds prevents them from using those resources to resist investigations.

    “If you understand the intricacies involved in financial crimes investigation and prosecution you will discover that to recover one billion naira is war.

    “So, I told my people that the moment we start an investigation we must also start asset tracing because asset recovery is pivotal in the anti-corruption fight; and one of the potent instruments that you can deploy as an anti-corruption agency for an effective fight is asset tracing and recovery.
    If you allow the corrupt or those that you are investigating to have access to the proceeds of their crime, they will fight you with it.

    “So one of the ways to weaken them is to deprive them of the proceeds of their crime. So, our modus operandi has changed simultaneously. The moment we begin an investigation, we begin asset tracing. That was what helped us to make our recoveries,” Olukoyede stated.

    What you should know 

    The EFCC Establishment Act empowers the Commission to investigate and recover properties acquired through illicit means.

    Section 7 of the Act states: 

    “The EFCC has the power to cause investigations to be conducted as to whether any person, corporate body or organization has committed any offence under this Act or other law relating to economic and financial crimes and cause investigations to be conducted into the properties of any person if it appears to the Commission that the person’s lifestyle and extent of the properties are not justified by his source of income.” 

    This recovery represents a milestone in the EFCC’s operations and is viewed as a testament to the government’s commitment to combating corruption. The EFCC described the process as following due procedure, with the asset recovery aligning with its operational mandate and legal frameworks.

    Abuja Estate, EFCC, EFCC historic asset recovery, Ola Olukoyede

  • Why Bobrisky was re-arrested in Lagos – EFCC

    Why Bobrisky was re-arrested in Lagos – EFCC

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has given reasons for re-arresting controversial crossdresser Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye known as Bobrisky.

    Speaking in a telephone conversation on Friday morning, the EFCC spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, said the self-styled ‘Mummy of Lagos’ was arrested because he refused to honour several invitations sent to him.

    Oyewale noted that the crossdresser was arrested in connection with the allegation of bribery against him.

    “We arrested him last night and we took him to Abuja because our team investigators are in Abuja,” the EFCC spokesman said.

    He continued: “He was trying to run away from mentioning those he said collected bribes from him. We sent him an invitation, but he refused to honour our invitation, and he was trying to leave the country.

    “This was why we arrested him. We want him to come and mention the names of the officials involved in the bribery, but he has not shown up.”

    The Guardian gathered Friday afternoon that Bobrisky has been flown to Abuja to answer questions relating to allegations of bribery and corruption.

    Bobrisky was stopped and removed from an Amsterdam-bound KLM flight at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and detained by immigration officers late Thursday night while attempting to leave the country for London, the United Kingdom.

    The popular crossdresser posted on his Instagram page to alert followers about the arrest, stating that he had sustained injuries during an altercation with the immigration officers.

    Bobrisky alleged that the EFCC was responsible for his detention.

    He wrote, “Nigerians help me, EFCC just arrested me. I’m badly injured.”

    Bobrisky had, in a voice note shared by a controversial social critic, Martins Otse (aka VeryDarkMan) allegedly said he bribed EFCC officers with N15 million to drop money laundering charges against him.

    Although the EFCC denied the allegations, it set up a committee to investigate the matter.

    At a press briefing on Thursday, the Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwajaren, had hinted that Bobrisky could face a fresh charge from the commission if the allegations against the EFCC were false.

    Uwujaren stated that one could be charged for giving false information to the EFCC, let alone making false allegations against the commission.