Tag: EFCC

Alleged N1.3tr diversion: EFCC arrests Delta ex-Gov. Okowa

Aminu Imam
EFCC arrests Okowa

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested former governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, over alleged diversion of N1.3trillion State funds. Okowa was arrested yesterday for the alleged diversion of the funds, said to be part of the 13% Derivation Funds earmarked for oil-producing States. Sources at the Commission said that the former governor was being investigated for alleged diversion of funds to acquire estates in Abuja and Asaba in Delta State. EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed Okowas arrest to newsmen yesterday night. Officials said that…

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EFCC seeks Yahaya Bellos trial ‘in absentia

Aminu Imam
EFCC seeks Yahaya Bello

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), yesterday asked Justice Emeka Nwite, of the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, to proceed with the trial of the immediate-past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello in absentia, arguing that his non-appearance in court for arraignment should not be allowed to frustrate his trial.  The EFCC, through its lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, (SAN), also urged the court to enter a plea of not guilty on behalf of Bello. Bello is facing trial on 19-count charges bordering on money laundering to the…

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Supreme Court reserves judgement in Govs suit seeking to scrap EFCC

Aminu Imam
S'Court reserves judgement in EFCC

Nigeria’s Supreme Court has reserved judgement in a suit filed by 16 state governments challenging the constitutionality of the laws establishing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and others. According reports, a 7-member panel of justices presided over by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, yestetday reserved the matter after the lawyers in the matter argued their applications. The suit, which was originally filed by the Kogi State Government through its Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, had other states seeking to join as co-plaintiffs. The States that joined in the suit,…

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Falana faults Agbakobas claim on EFCCs legal status

Aminu Imam
Falana faults Agbakoba

Human rights activist and lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has written to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to oppose the view expressed by the ex-president of the Nigerian Bar Association, (NBA), Dr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), regarding the legal status of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. In a letter dated 17 October 2024, Falana disagreed with Agbakobas assertion that the EFCC is an unlawful organisation. The letter read: Our attention has been drawn to separate letters addressed to…

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Alleged N27bn Fraud: EFCC arrests former Taraba Gov. Darius Ishaku

Aminu Imam
AIT IMAGES 43

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the immediate-past governor of Taraba State, Darius Ishaku. The former Governor was arrested at his Abuja residence in the early hours of Friday, over alleged N27 billion fraud. Spokesman of the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the development. It was gathered that Ishaku was detained after he could not provide satisfactory explanations for financial impropriety under his watch as Taraba State governor. Meanwhile, a source within the EFCC said the anti-graft agency has filed at least 6-count charges bothering on criminal breach…

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EFCC Money laundering allegation: Ex-Kogi Gov. Yahaya Bello begs Tinubu to intervene

Aminu Imam

The Media Office of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the confrontation between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), and the ex-governor. In an issued statement signed by Ohiare Michael, the media office condemned the EFCCs conduct, labelling its recent releases and actions as biased The office called on President Tinubu to intervene in the matter, urging him to ensure that the fight against corruption remains impartial. According to Michael, the anti-graft agencys approach to the bid to arrest the…

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“Yahaya Bello arrested in midnight sting operation; didnt surrender” EFCC

Aminu Imam
EFCC Yahaya Bello

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello is currently in custody at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja. The embattled politician is facing accusations of money laundering and financial misconduct amounting to N80.2 billion. According to reliable sources at the Commissions headquarters, Bello was arrested in a midnight sting operation. A source familiar with the development stated that Bello, who had initially claimed to have voluntarily honoured the commissions invitation, was trailed and arrested by EFCC operatives in Lokoja at midnight. Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya…

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Fresh concerns emerge over EFCC’s plans to prosecute top bank executives

Aminu Imam
EFCC's plans on banks

There is growing unease within Nigerias banking sector following the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s announcement of its intention to target top bank executives as part of efforts to combat corruption in the public sector. This coming against the accusation that banks in the country have been identified as major facilitators and conduit pipe for the perpetration of corruption in Government and its agencies, which has severely undermined the countrys economy. The EFCC Executive Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, stirred the hornet’s nest at the weekend, during the gathering of bankers,…

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Money Laundering: EFCC to prosecute top bankers for economic, financial crimes

Aminu Imam
EFCC to prosecute

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is preparing to prosecute some top bankers in Nigeria for their involvement in money laundering and other financial crimes. The development was disclosed by the EFCC Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, during the 17th Annual Banking and Finance Conference, organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), held in Abuja yesterday. Olukoyede revealed that the Commission has completed its investigations into the activities of certain banks and their top officials and that it is set to move forward with prosecutions. It is sad…

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“Most Nigerians hoarding monies at home over fear of ICPC, EFCC, others” – Ex-AGF, Agabi

Aminu Imam
Ex AGF, Agabi

Former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Kanu Agabi, (SAN) has disclosed that the fear of the EFCC, the ICPC, the SSS, the FIRS, the NFIU and the Police has caused many Nigerians to horde their monies at home, instead of taking those monies to the banks. Agabi also said, the fear has now become a source of distress to the nations economy, noting that, The cure is turning out to be worse than the disease. Speaking at the maiden ICPC Conference with State Attorneys General on Strengthening ICPCs Capacity for…

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