WANTED PERSONS BY EFCC

 

EFCC Re-arraigns Fadama Society Executives for Alleged ₦178m Fraud in Jos

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, May 29, 2025, re-arraigned two executives of the Covenant Fadama Multi-purpose Cooperative Society, its Secretary, Okewole Dayo, and Chairman, Bishop Katung Jonas before Justice Sharon T. Ishaya of the Federal High Court sitting in Jos, Plateau State.

The duo were docked on a 23-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence, and money laundering to the tune of ₦178,885,000 (One Hundred and Seventy-Eight Million, Eight Hundred and Eighty-Five Thousand Naira).

Investigations by the EFCC revealed that the defendants allegedly formed the cooperative society to fraudulently induce unsuspecting members of the public into investing substantial sums of money. The funds were then laundered through multiple bank accounts and withdrawn using proxies. The proceeds were allegedly used to acquire properties in Jos and Kaduna.

 

One of the charges, Count 2, reads:

"That you, OKEWOLE DAYO (Alias OKEWOLE DAVID DAYO) and BISHOP KATUNG JONAS, being Secretary and Chairman of Covenant Fadama Cooperative Society, sometime in 2012 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did knowingly transfer the sum of ₦50,000,000 (Fifty Million Naira) from Covenant Fadama Cooperative Society’s First Bank Account number 2003050001625 into Dadin Kowa Micro Finance Account, First Bank Account number 2016452671, which sum represents proceeds of unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act."

 

Count 8 read: "That you, OKEWOLE DAYO (Alias OKEWOLE DAVID DAYO) and BISHOP KATUNG JONAS, being Secretary and Chairman of Covenant Fadama Cooperative Society, sometime in 2012 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did, with intent to defraud, obtain the sum of ₦10,000,000 (Ten Million Naira) from Reke Vida Ltd under the false pretence that you were going to invest the money in Covenant Fadama Cooperative Society as members and pay a monthly 10% dividend as return on investment, which you knew to be false, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act."

 

Both defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.

 

Prosecution counsel, Ibrahim Buba, informed the court of the EFCC's readiness to proceed. "In view of the defendants’ not guilty pleas, we are ready to open our case and bring in our witnesses. We already have a date fixed for tomorrow, my Lord," he said.

 

However, defence counsels raised concerns over their availability.

 

Counsel to the second defendant, J.J. Achi told the court that he would not be available due to a personal emergency.

"My Lord, my brother is critically ill and was brought from Kaduna. He is to be moved into theatre, and my attention is urgently required," he explained.

 

The first defendant's counsel, C.I. Nwogbo, also expressed his inability to proceed, citing logistical constraints.

"I just recently joined the case and applied for the Certified True Copies of documents attached to the proof of evidence on April 2. I’ve not received them yet, and there are logistical issues with my client who does not reside in Jos," he stated.

 

Justice Ishaya expressed concern over the delays and the impact on the prosecution’s efforts. "The prosecution is coming all the way from Abuja. I do not appreciate a situation where counsel travels such a distance without making any progress," she said.

 

She then asked the prosecution how many witnesses they intended to present in the course of the trial.

 

Buba responded: "We initially had 18 witnesses on our list, but due to the passage of time, some are now inaccessible and two are deceased. There may be a need to add new witnesses."

 

After listening to all submissions, Justice Ishaya adjourned the case to July 22 and 23, 2025 for continuation of trial.

Source: EFCC 

Alleged N76bn and $31.5m fraud: Court Adjourns Ex-AMCON MD, Kuru, Others’ Trial Till June 4

Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, adjourned till June 4, 2025 further hearing in the trial of Mallam Ahmed Kuru, a former Managing Director of Assets Management  Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, and four others,  over alleged N76bn and $31.5m fraud.  

Kuru , alongside Capt. Roy Ilegbodu, Managing Director of Arik Air, Kamilu Omokide, Receiver Manager of Arik Air, Union Bank Nigeria Plc and Super Bravo Limited is facing trial on a six-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, and abuse of office to the tune of N75bn and $31.5m fraud.

At the resumed sitting on Wednesday , the second prosecution witness , PW2, Austine Obigwe, a former  Group Executive Director of Union Bank Plc, stated that in 2011, two years after he exited Union Bank,  Arik Air was indebted to his company, Staal, to the tune of $2.3m. 

 He, however, said: “I am not interested in collecting it.  I wrote it off when I discovered that Arik Air started having challenges.”

During cross-examination by the defence counsel, including Olasupo Shasore, SAN (for the second defendant); Olalekan Ojo, SAN (for the fourth defendant); and Tayo Oyedepo, SAN (for the fifth defendant),  the  PW2 also confirmed that following his exit from Union Bank, he began consultancy engagements with Arik Air and other companies. 

When asked whether the founder of Arik Air, Johnson Arumemi-Ikhide, was a personal acquaintance, he responded in the affirmative.

He, however, added  that “ I currently don’t have any formal relationship with the airline, I maintain a relationship with Arumemi-Ikhide.”

Obigwe stated that he participated in an inspection of 26 aircraft belonging to Arik Air in 2009, and found them to be airworthy and in good condition based on assessments provided by Lufthansa.

“I had no reason to doubt Lufthansa’s evaluation,” he said, adding that the purpose of the inspection was to ensure that the airline’s fleet had not been depleted.

When asked about the airline’s compliance with its loan obligations, Obigwe testified that during his tenure at Union Bank, there were no complaints from other financial institutions suggesting that Arik Air was defaulting on its loan obligations. 

He also confirmed that Arik Air was servicing its loan with Union Bank during his tenure.

Responding to a letter dated April 23, 2009, allegedly written by AMCON to Union Bank concerning a N46.11 bn debt owed by Arik Air, the witness stated that the letter was not brought to his attention while he was still with the bank.

When asked to speak about the character and management of Arik Air, the witness said: “I can only speak for the period I was there. When I was in Union Bank, Arik Air was one of the best companies.”

Also, when asked about the options available to lenders when a loan becomes non-performing, Obigwe said that the lender might choose to transfer the loan to another bank, reassign it, or enforce the security tied to the loan.

“ A lender is legally empowered to dispose of the security in the event of default by the borrower,” he added. 

The matter was adjourned till June 4, 2025 for the continuation of trial.

Source: EFCC 

Abductions of the NANS President, #VeryDarkMan (VDM) Lack Civility, affect our economy, business environment Says Peter Obi

Peter Obi 

Labour Party Presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections Mr Peter Obi has described the allegations of Abduction of the NANS President Atiku Abubakar Issah and  the manner of arrest of Mr Martin Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM) as lacking in Civility.

According to Obi in a statement made available through his verified social media hands, the Recent developments in our nation continue to raise serious concerns about the direction we are headed as a democracy. The tension in the land aggravated by hardship is being needlessly fueled by our attitude to the rule of law and human rights.

He said the arrest of Martin Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), though perhaps within the legal rights of security agencies, was carried out in a manner that left many Nigerians unsettled.

Peter Obi stated that the display of force, lacking in transparency and civility, closely resembled an abduction, a disturbing method that not only creates fear but also risks being mimicked by criminal elements. If Nigerians begin to struggle to distinguish between legitimate arrests and unlawful abductions, we will lose a vital layer of national security and accountability.

"This trend is not new. We must recall that even our esteemed judges, the last line of defence for justice, have suffered similar indignities in recent years. When those who interpret the law are treated with such disregard, it is difficult to expect that ordinary citizens will feel protected under the law."

"Moreover, these methods are beginning to affect our economy and business environment. The backlash directed at GTBank, allegedly linked to the circumstances surrounding Mr. Otse’s arrest, has had serious reputational consequences. At a time when investor confidence is already fragile, we must do all we can to avoid actions that tarnish institutions or undermine the trust of both citizens and the international community."

"One cannot help but ask: was it impossible to invite Mr. Otse in a civil, transparent, and legal manner? Would that not have spared Nigerians, GTBank, and our national image the unnecessary shame and losses we now witness?

'Similarly troubling are allegations surrounding the so-called adoption of the NANS President If true, it raises critical questions about the independence of student leadership and the subtle erosion of young voices in our democracy. Nigeria’s youth should not feel coerced, silenced, or absorbed into political agendas that do not reflect their will. The oppression of young voices, whether through force, patronage, or intimidation, is a dangerous path that we must not normalize."

'We must return to a Nigeria where justice is done and is seen to be done without theatrics or abuse. A country where youth can speak freely, judges can serve with dignity, and institutions act responsibly. That is the Nigeria we must rebuild. Obi concluded.

A new Nigeria is POssible!

Court Jails Man Eight Years for Impersonation in Lagos

Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday,  April 22, 2025, convicted and sentenced one Tobor Efeturi Godspower to eight years imprisonment for impersonation.

 

Godspower was arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a two-count charge bordering on fraudulent impersonation and possession of fraudulent documents.

 

One of the counts reads; “That you, Tobor Efeturi Godspower, on or about the 24th day of October, 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one 'Stephen Townsend', purporting to be a military man stationed in Syria, with intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015.

 

The second count reads: “That you, Tobor Efeturi  Godspower, on or about the 24th day of October, 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently held yourself out as the manager of crypto account bearing the name 'Rosemarie Altez', with intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22(3) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015.”

 

He pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read to him.

 

In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, S.I.Suleiman, tendered the defendant’s statements dated October 28 and 30, 2024 and November 1, 4 and 6, 2024; a Toshiba laptop computer; iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 11 Pro Max; a casio wristwatch; fraudulent documents printed from his device as well as the sum of $300 restitution made by the defendant. 

 

Suleiman, therefore, urged the court to convict him as charged and sentence him accordingly. 

 

He also prayed that the exhibits recovered from the defendant be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. 

 

Justice Aluko found the defendant guilty of the offences and sentenced him to four years imprisonment on each of the two counts. 

 

The Judge also gave him an option of fine of N600,000( Six Hundred Thousand Naira only) on each of the counts. 

 

The exhibits were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

 

The convict bagged his imprisonment when he was arrested  for fraudulently impersonating one 'Stephen Townsend', purporting to be a military man stationed in Syria and defrauded innocent victims in the process.

Source: EFCC 

How EFCC Operatives Arrest 40 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Niger State

Operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 40 suspected internet fraudsters in Bida and Minna Local Government Areas of Niger State.

They were arrested following credible intelligence that linked them to suspected fraudulent internet activities.

Items recovered from them include three cars, eight power generating sets, one Hisense air conditioner, two power stabilizers, 10 motorcycles, eight laptop computers, four bluetooth speakers and 60 android phones.

Also recovered were fetish items that included three calabashes, adorned with feathers, traditionally made soap and sponge, a bottle of hot drink, 20 cowries, a waist bead and four lady’s underwears.

They would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

Source: EFCC 

EFCC presents first witness against Sierra Leonean for Non-Decleration of $90,000

The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Okotie-Eboh, Ikoyi, Lagos, onTuesday, April 15, 2025,  presented its first prosecution witness, PW1, Danladi Ibrahim, an operative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in the trial of  Alhaji Ahmed Shaw , a Sierra Leonean, before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The defendant was arrested on March 3, 2025 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos by operatives of the NDLEA, for non-declaration of the sum of $90,000( Ninety Thousand United States of America Dollars). 

Upon his arrest, the Agency , on Friday, March 5, 2025, handed him over to the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, Okotie Eboh, Ikoyi, Lagos for further investigations.

Consequently, he was arraigned on Thursday, April 3, 2025  on a one-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering. 

The  count reads: “That you, ALHAJI AHMED SHAW, on the 3rd  day of March, 2025 in Lagos , within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, failed to make a declaration of the sum of $90,000 (Ninety Thousand United States of America Dollars) to the Nigeria Customs Service at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Act, 2022.”

The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the charge when it was read to him. 

At the resumed sitting on Tuesday,  Ibrahim,  led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Z.B. Atiku said: “On March 3, 2025 , at the new arrival hall of MMIA , I intercepted Alhaji Ahmed Shaw. I asked him where he was coming from and he said Sierra Leone. I then requested his passport. Thereafter, I conducted a search, and found the money concealed in his hand luggage.”

He further told the court that the defendant, upon enquiry, said the money was for a business trip. 

According to Ibrahim, the defendant, his lawyer, the arresting officer and the exhibit officer were present when the money was counted.

When asked by the prosecution counsel to identify certain documents, he did, saying they were the statement made by the defendant in the NDLEA custody, a transfer note from the NDLEA to the EFCC , and the sum of $90,000. 

Atiku then sought to tender, as evidence,  the defendant’s statement to the NDLEA, the transfer note from the NDLEA to the EFCC, and the sum of $90,000."

The defence counsel, however,  objected to the admissibility of the transfer note from the NDLEA to the EFCC on the grounds that the witness was not the author but “only the arresting officer.”

In view of this, the prosecution counsel withdrew the handing over letter. 

Justice Dipeolu Admitted the statement made by the defendant and the sum of $90,000 as exhibits. 

 

While cross-examining the witness, the defence counsel asked him about his encounter with the defendant.

 

When asked if he saw the defendant finish his clearance from the Immigration  Service, and why he stopped him out of other passengers, the witness replied that “He was profiled and asked routine questions, including  where he was coming from and what he does for a living.  

“He said he was a businessman but I was not satisfied with his response; so, I ordered my officers to search him.”

Also , when asked the witness if the defendant showed proof that he was a businessman, the witness said “ No”.

Asked if there were officers from other agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service around him on that day, the witness said he could not respond to the question because he was at his own duty post.

“ It is my duty to do the investigation. Mine was to question whether the money was declared and the defendant did not respond to that question EFCC Presents First Witness Against Sierra Leonean for Non-declaration of $90,000

The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Okotie-Eboh, Ikoyi, Lagos, onTuesday, April 15, 2025, presented its first prosecution witness, PW1, Danladi Ibrahim, an operative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in the trial of Alhaji Ahmed Shaw , a Sierra Leonean, before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The defendant was arrested on March 3, 2025 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos by operatives of the NDLEA, for non-declaration of the sum of $90,000( Ninety Thousand United States of America Dollars). 

Upon his arrest, the Agency , on Friday, March 5, 2025, handed him over to the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, Okotie Eboh, Ikoyi, Lagos for further investigations.

Consequently, he was arraigned on Thursday, April 3, 2025 on a one-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering. 

The count reads: “That you, ALHAJI AHMED SHAW, on the 3rd day of March, 2025 in Lagos , within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, failed to make a declaration of the sum of $90,000 (Ninety Thousand United States of America Dollars) to the Nigeria Customs Service at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Act, 2022.”

The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the charge when it was read to him. 

At the resumed sitting on Tuesday, Ibrahim, led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Z.B. Atiku said: “On March 3, 2025 , at the new arrival hall of MMIA , I intercepted Alhaji Ahmed Shaw. I asked him where he was coming from and he said Sierra Leone. I then requested his passport. Thereafter, I conducted a search, and found the money concealed in his hand luggage.”

He further told the court that the defendant, upon enquiry, said the money was for a business trip. 

According to Ibrahim, the defendant, his lawyer, the arresting officer and the exhibit officer were present when the money was counted.

When asked by the prosecution counsel to identify certain documents, he did, saying they were the statement made by the defendant in the NDLEA custody, a transfer note from the NDLEA to the EFCC , and the sum of $90,000. 

Atiku then sought to tender, as evidence, the defendant’s statement to the NDLEA, the transfer note from the NDLEA to the EFCC, and the sum of $90,000."

The defence counsel, however, objected to the admissibility of the transfer note from the NDLEA to the EFCC on the grounds that the witness was not the author but “only the arresting officer.”

In view of this, the prosecution counsel withdrew the handing over letter. 

Justice Dipeolu Admitted the statement made by the defendant and the sum of $90,000 as exhibits. 

 

While cross-examining the witness, the defence counsel asked him about his encounter with the defendant.

 

When asked if he saw the defendant finish his clearance from the Immigration Service, and why he stopped him out of other passengers, the witness replied that “He was profiled and asked routine questions, including where he was coming from and what he does for a living.  

“He said he was a businessman but I was not satisfied with his response; so, I ordered my officers to search him.”

Also , when asked the witness if the defendant showed proof that he was a businessman, the witness said “ No”.

Asked if there were officers from other agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service around him on that day, the witness said he could not respond to the question because he was at his own duty post.

“ It is my duty to do the investigation. Mine was to question whether the money was declared and the defendant did not respond to that question appropriately”, he added.

Justice Dipeolu adjourned the case till May 7, 2025 for continuation of trial.

Source: EFCC 

EFCC Arraigns Man for Non-declaration of £8,020, $704 at Airport

The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, arraigned one Agudosi  Christopher Okechukwu for alleged non- declaration of the sums of £8,020 (Eight Thousand and Twenty Pounds Sterling)  and $704 ( Seven Hundred and Four United States Dollars)  before Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The defendant was arrested in December 2024 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos by operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, for non-declaration to the tune of £8020 and $704 and was subsequently  handed over to the EFCC for further investigations.

Consequently, he was arraigned on Tuesday on a two-count charge bordering on money laundering.

The  count reads: “That you , Agudosi Christopher Okechukwu, on the 10th day of December, 2024 in Lagos, within the Jurisdiction of this Honorable Court , failed to make a declaration of the sum of £8,020  (Eight Thousand and Twenty Pounds Sterling) to the Nigeria Customs Service at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”

The defendant pleaded “guilty” to the charges when they were read to him.  

Following his guilty plea, prosecution counsel, C.C. Okezie called on Abubakar Magaji, an operative of the EFCC, to review the facts of the case.

Magaji told the court that the NCS handed over the defendant to the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, Okotie Eboh, Ikoyi, Lagos for further investigation after he was arrested with the sum of £8020 and $704.

He further told the court that “ His statement was recorded under caution.  He stated that he was arrested at the MMIA Airport with a total sum of £15,020 , and $704. He also stated that he declared £7000 and forgot to declare the sums of  £8020 and $704  on him”

“ He said he did not  make the declaration because he claimed to have suffered a loss and was going to bring back the corpse of his brother . 

He submitted the death certificate of his brother, his brother’s pictures and other documents”.

Thereafter, Magaji  identified the defendant’s statement, the handing-over note from the NCS , the arresting officer’s statement as well as the sum of £8020, and  $704 to the EFCC.

The prosecution counsel then sought to tender, in evidence, all the documents. 

Justice Bogoro admitted and marked them as exhibits P1-P11.

The Judge adjourned the case till May 2, 2025 for judgment and ordered that the defendant be remanded in a Correctional Centre.

Source: EFCC 

EFCC Arrests 47 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Benin City

Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 arrested 47 suspected internet fraudsters at different locations in Benin City, Edo State.

The suspects were arrested following credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities.

Items recovered from them at the point of arrest included five exotic cars, smartphones and laptop computers.

They would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

Source: EFCC 

EFCC Arraigns Chinese for Giving False information in Lagos

The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Monday, April 14, 2025, arraigned a Chinese, Liu Beixiang, before Justice Ayokule Faji of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The defendant is standing trial on a one- count charge of giving false information to an officer of the EFCC.

The charge reads: “That you, LIU BEIXIANG (A.K.A LAO LIU), sometime in December, 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did give information, which you knew to be false, to an officer of the Federal Government of Nigeria in the discharge of his duties and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 16 (1) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004.”

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the offence when the charge was read to him.

In view of his plea,  prosecution counsel, Babatunde Sonoiki, asked the court for a trial date and also prayed that the defendant be remanded in a Correctional Facility.

Responding,  defence counsel, F.A. Dalmeda, informed the court of an application submitted to the EFCC seeking a plea bargain .

“We filed an application for a plea bargain and we have also filed a motion for bail, which the EFCC responded to this morning.

“We need a date for us to report on the plea bargain.

Consequently, Justice Faji adjourned the matter till June 23, 2025 for a report on the plea bargain and remanded the defendant in a Correction Centre.

Source: EFCC 

EFCC Arrests 17 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Uyo

Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 17 suspected internet fraudsters in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The suspects are: Osita Emmanuel (25 years), Saint Johnson, (20 years), Peter Lucky (26 years), Samuel Asuquo, (28 years), Raphael James, (29 years), Chimobi Moses, (29 years), Edara Ubong, (21 years) and Nchekwube Paul, (23 years).

Others are, Happiness Anietie Michael (23 years), Christopher Edet (32years), Amadi Justice (27 years), Patrick Ahiakwo, (30 years), Sunday Umoh (24 years), Michael Ekerette Sunday, (25 years), Kennedy Etim Okokon, (29 years), Igwe Greg, (30 years), and Goodnews Ita, (23 years).

They were arrested on April 11 and 14, 2025 in an intelligence-driven sting operation in Use- Offot Nwaniba,  Urua Ekpa, Ring Road 3, Ikot Ekpene Road, Calabar Itu Road and the Mechanic Village areas of the state capital.

Items recovered from them included 26 smartphones, three laptop computers, a white-coloured Lexus IS 250 with registration number ABJ- 739AV, a metallic grey-coloured Toyota  Corolla with registration number KTE-687EP, a black-coloured Lexus 350 with registration number BWR-36LN and a black-coloured GLE with Registration number FST-863JS.

They would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

Source:

EFCC Arrests 19 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Benin City

Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Saturday April 12, 2025 arrested 19 suspected internet fraudsters at different locations within Benin City, Edo State.

The suspects were arrested based on credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities.

Items recovered from them included five exotic cars and smartphones.

They would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

EFCC Arraigns Man for Alleged Possession of Counterfeit $4,350 in Lagos

The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, on Thursday, April 10, 2025, arraigned one Moshood Mustapha Olanrewaju on a four-count charge bordering on alleged currency counterfeiting before Justice Yellin Bogoro of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Olanrewaju is facing trial for alleged possession of 98 pieces of $50 USD, totaling $4,350 USD

One of the counts reads: “That you, Moshood Mustapha Olanrewaju (Male), adult, sometime in January, 2025, in Lagos State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, had in your possession 21 pieces of counterfeit $50 USD (Fifty United States Dollars) bank note,  totaling $1,050 (One Thousand and Fifty United States Dollars), with  serial numbers MB61754676C, MB61754979C, MB61754988C, MB61754449C, MB61753319C, MB61753235C, MB61753885C, MB61754732C, MB61754432C, MB61754435C, MB61753868C, MB61753216C, MB61753103C, MB61753126C, MB61753124C, MB61754037C, MB61753352C, MB61753866C, MB641753346C, MB61753352C and MB61753363C, knowing the same to be counterfeit and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 5 (1) (b) and punishable under Section 5 (2) of the Counterfeit Currency (Special Provisions) Act, Cap C35, Laws of the Federation Of Nigeria, 2024.”

Another count reads: “That you, Moshood Mustapha Olanrewaju (Male), adult, sometime in January, 2025 in Lagos State, within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, had in your possession 26 pieces of counterfeit $50 USD (Fifty United States Dollars) bank note totaling $1,300 (One Thousand Three Hundred United States Dollars), with  serial numbers MB61753344C, MB61753471C, MB61753133C, MB61753302C, MB61753228C, MB61753812C, MB61754665C, MB61 753138C, MB61753851C, MB61753272C, MB61753782C, MB61753115C, MB61753470C, MB61753888C, MB61753898C, MB61754441C, MB61753833C, MB61753872C, MB61754437C, MB61753367C and MB61754675C knowing the same to be counterfeit and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 5 (1) (b) and punishable under Section 5 (2) of the Counterfeit Currency (Special Provisions) Act, Cap C35, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2024.”

The defendant, however, pleaded  not guilty to the charges when they were read to them

In view of his plea,  prosecution counsel, Zeenat Atiku, asked for a trial date and also urged the court to remand him in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCS. pending the commencement of trial.

The defence counsel, in his response, asked the court for a short date to enable him file a bail application on behalf of his client

Justice Bogoro adjourned the matter till June 9, 2025 for trial and ordered that the defendant be remanded in the custody of the  Correctional Service.

Source: EFCC

MONEY LAUNDERING: Court Jails Man One Month for Non-declaration of $40,000 at Airport in Lagos

Justice A.O.Owoeye of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday, April 4, 2025, convicted and sentenced one Igboezue Emeka to one month imprisonment for money laundering.

The convict was arrested on February  12, 2025 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos by operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, for false currency declaration to the tune of $40,000( Forty Thousand United States of America Dollars).

The NCS had, on the same day, handed him over to the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos for further investigations and prosecution.

Consequently, he was arraigned on Friday on one-count charge bordering on money laundering.

The charge reads: “That you, IGBOEZUE EMEKA, on or about the 12th day of February, 2025, at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, within the Lagos Judicial Division of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, failed to make a declaration of the sum of $40,000.00 USD (Forty Thousand United States Dollars) to the Nigerian Customs Service and thereby committed an offence contrary to the provisions of Section 3(3) of the Money Laundering Act, No. 14 of 2022 and punishable under Section 3 (5) of the same Act.”

He pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

Following his guilty plea,  prosecution counsel, Nnaemeka Omewa, called on Michael Olayemi, an operative of the EFCC, to review the facts of the case.

Olayemi told the court about the events that led to the investigation of the defendant, saying “ At 1.20p.m. on February 12, 2025, we got an intelligence report from the Nigerian Customs Service that it intercepted the defendant with the monetary exhibit of the sum of $40,000. 

“Upon this, I detailed one of my team leads whom I supervise, Lanre Michael, to go and pick the individual and the exhibit from the Nigeria Customs at Murtala Mohammed Airport”, he said. 

Continuing, he said: “At about 4pm, he reported with the defendant, the monetary exhibit and the defendant’s international passport. The defendant was in possession of two phones with which he called his lawyer and relatives.

“In the presence of his relatives, he volunteered his statement under words of caution, where he admitted that he was travelling via Qatar Air to Seoul, the capital of South Korea. 

“He also stated that he was accosted by Customs Officers, where he was asked if he had any currency on him to declare, to which he said "No ". 

In his further evidence, Olaremi told the court that “The statement warranted me to invite the personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service, Ogar Sadin John. 

“John, in his statement, said that when he accosted Igboezue, he claimed that he had no money. He, however, said he was skeptical. 

“Upon searching him, he found the money hidden in one of his shoes in his hand luggage.”

He added that the monetary exhibit was registered with the exhibit keeper , while the suspect was served with an administrative bail.

Omewa, thereafter, sought to tender the defendant’s statement and the monetary exhibit recovered from him. 

The Judge admitted the documents and marked them as exhibits. 

Justice Owoeye thereafter found Igboezue guilty and sentenced him to one month imprisonment, with effect from the date of his arrest on February 12, 2025.

Source: EFCC 

Court Orders Final Forfeiture of Abuja, Kano Properties

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Thursday, April 3, 2025 secured a final forfeiture of two properties to the federal government before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja. The properties are located in FCT, Abuja and Kano state.

Both properties which are linked to Aminu Sidi Garunbabba, a senior staff of the Federal Inland Revenue Services, FIRS are a four bedroom terrace masonite with boys quarter, situated in Barumark Groove Estate, Plot 667 Cadastral Zone BO3, Wuye District, Abuja and the other at N0 5 Lodge Road, Kano State.

The order was given following a motion ex-parte for their final forfeiture, dated March 16, 2022 and filed by the Commission, through its counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, pursuant to Section 44(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Section 17 of Advance Fee Fraud and other Related Offences Act, No 14, 2006.

 

The court had on February 16, 2022, granted an interim forfeiture order of the properties and directed the publication of the order in a national newspaper to make for any interested party to show cause as to why the properties should not be finally forfeited to the federal government.

Moving the motion for the final forfeiture order at Thursday’s sitting, the prosecution counsel informed the court that the property was reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities.

However, the defence counsel in a preliminary objection, raised concerns that a public officer cannot be investigated and prosecuted when an ongoing administrative disciplinary action is yet to be concluded.

Justice Egwatu after listening to the submissions of the counsel dismissed the objection and granted the request of the prosecution for a final forfeiture.

The judge held that the matter was a non-conviction based forfeiture which is different from a criminal charge that targets an individual and the simultaneous actions do not amount to abuse of court process.

“This case targets properties suspected to be proceeds of crime, the two cases are different. A criminal case requires proving beyond reasonable doubt while in this case, only a suspicion suffices. Both actions can go on simultaneously and one cannot abate the other. The parties are different, the target in both cases are different, one is proved beyond reasonable doubt and the other is reasonable suspicion. The issues are also different, a person cannot be allowed to benefit from illegitimate acts. The respondent failed to show any reasonable cause that the funds used in purchasing the property is from his legitimate earnings, so the request for final forfeiture is granted”

The journey to the final forfeiture started with EFCC’s intelligence that unraveled the corrupt activities of staffers of FIRS who conspired among themselves and defrauded the Service of millions of naira under the guise of Duty Tour Allowances for non-existence trips.

Source: EFCC 

Alleged Money Laundering: EFCC Arraigns Sierra Leonean for Non-declaration of $90,000 At Airport

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The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Okotie-Eboh, Ikoyi, Lagos, has arraigned a Sierra Leonean, Alhaji Ahmed Shaw, for non-declaration of the sum of $90,000 (Ninety Thousand United States Dollars) before Justice D.I.Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. 

The defendant was arrested on March 3, 2025 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, for non-declaration of the sum of $90,000( Ninety Thousand United States of America Dollars). 

Upon his arrest, the Agency had, on Friday, March 5, 2025, handed him over to the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, Okotie Eboh, Ikoyi, Lagos for further investigations.

Consequently, he was arraigned on Thursday, April 3, 2025 on a one-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering. 

The count reads: “That you, ALHAJI AHMED SHAW, on the 3rd day of March, 2025 in Lagos , within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, failed to make a declaration of the sum of $90,000 (Ninety Thousand United States of America Dollars) to the Nigeria Customs Service at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, keja, Lagos and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Act, 2022.”

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him. 

In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, C.C. Okezie, asked for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded at a Correctional Centre.

Justice Dipeolu adjourned till April 15, 2025 for commencement of trial and also ordered the remand of the defendant at a Correctional Centre.

Source: EFCC 

Alleged $9.6b P&ID Scam : EFCC Tenders more Evidence against Kore Holdings

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC  on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 tendered additional evidence against Kore Holdings Limited before Justice J. O. Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court Abuja.

The Commission is prosecuting the company alongside Muhammed Kuchazi (now deceased) in connection with the Process & Industrial Development, P&ID fraud portfolio on amended four-count charges that border on non-compliance with Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment requirements, money laundering and other illegal acts.

At Wednesday’s proceedings, Second Prosecution Witness, PW2, Umar Umar, while being led in his testimony by prosecution counsel, Bala Sangha, advanced eleven documents which were tendered in evidence in court. They include, a letter of request to Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, letter of request to Special Control Unit against Money Laundering, SCUML, extra-judicial statements of Kuchazi which he voluntarily made to the EFCC, statements of other directors of the company: Mustapha Kuchazi, Bello Kuchazi, Belkisu Kuchazi, Aisha Kuchazi and statement of PW1, Temitope Erinomo.

 

The witness, while disclosing that Kore Holdings Limited was not a liquidated entity but was active and did businesses in Nigeria, submitted that “The status of Kore Holdings Limited through our investigation and interaction with Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC and First Bank of Nigeria Limited revealed that there was no evidence to show that it was liquidated or closed up because the documents showed that the company is active. 

“Kore Holding Limited and Muhammed Kuchazi continually facilitated meetings between Rilwanu Lukman, the then Minister of Petroleum and the Process and Industrial Developments, P&ID for a fee of three per cent of the net profit of P&ID project which led Kuchazi to testify against the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the High Court of England and Wales in the matter of Nigeria Vs P&ID in the first quarter of 2023 in which judgment was delivered in favour of Nigeria,” he said.

Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter till September 24, 2025 for continuation of trial.

Source: EFCC 

Court Jails Man Arrested With $578,000 Six Months in Lagos

Justice Deinde I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, convicted and sentenced Okorie Sylvernus Sunday to six months  imprisonment for money Laundering.

The convict was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, by the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, with $578,000 for false currency declaration.

The Area Comptroller in charge of the Nigeria Customs Service, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, E.J. Harrison, had, on Friday, March 21, 2025, handed him over to the acting Zonal Director of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Okotie Eboh , Ikoyi , Lagos for further investigations.

He was subsequently arraigned on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 on a four-count charge bordering on money laundering and counterfeit currency.

One of the counts reads: “That you, Okorie Sylvernus Sunday, on the 19th day of March, 2025 in Lagos, within the Jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, failed to make a declaration of the sum of $299,000 (Two Hundred and Ninety Nine Thousand United States Dollars), which you concealed in Relaxer containers to the Nigerian Customs Service at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, and thereby committed an offence Contrary to and Punishable under Section 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”

He pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him.

Consequently, Justice Dipeolu adjourned till March 26, 2025 for the commencement of trial and also ordered the defendant to be remanded in the  Correctional Centre.

However, at the resumed sitting on Wednesday, defence counsel, U. Okoronkwo, told the court that the defendant would like to change his plea from “not guilty” to “guilty.”

In view of this  prosecution counsel,  C.C.Okezie, prayed the court to withdraw counts three and four of the charges.  The judge, thereafter, removed both counts three and four of the charges preferred against the defendant.

However, while the defendant was about to change his plea, he slumped during the proceedings and was immediately taken to the clinic.

Thereafter, Okezie, told the court that “ We were informed by the clinic upstairs that he requires medical attention.  However, the Correctional Centre does not have the facility to do so in time.”

Okezie, therefore, prayed the court to remand the defendant in the EFCC custody, so  he could be “assisted, medically.”

The Judge remanded the defendant in the EFCC custody and also stood down the case.

When the court resumed sitting, the defendant “pleaded guilty” to the two-count charges preferred against him. 

Following his guilty plea, Okezie, called both N.B. Tonbor, an operative of the NCS and Felicia Paul, an operative of the EFCC, to review the facts of the case .

Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel , Tonbor told the court  he works in the Anti-money Laundering Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service, Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

He added that his job entailed profiling passengers departing and arriving at the Airport.

He said: “ On March 19, 2025, at 9:10.p.m., Mr. Okorie Sunday approached the Currency Declaration Desk and was asked how much he had on him. He declared that he had the sum of $ 279,000. 

“My team was not convinced by the declaration, so they searched further.  By checking the bags , they found money concealed in a pack of cream .  The said money was tied in a nylon and wrapped with a cello tape”

“When  it was unveiled, we saw various amounts and the sum total was counterfeit $299,000 United States Dollars and One Hundred Euros, which were not declared. 

“Upon discovery of the money, a call was placed to our Area Comptroller, who gave the order for the passenger to be refrained.  He  was later handed over to the EFCC, being the body tasked to prosecute money launderers.”

When he was shown the declaration form and the handing-over note, the witness identified the Declaration Form of the defendant, the handing-over note from the Customs as well as the undeclared sums of money.

Okezie, thereafter, sought  to tender , in evidence, the documents.

Justice Dipeolu  admitted and marked them as exhibits 1, 2 and 3.

In her review of the facts, Paul told the court that the NCS contacted the EFCC that it had arrested a suspect from South Africa, adding that “The defendant was handed over to the Commission along with the sum of $578,000 and €100.

“Thereafter, the defendant was interviewed.  During the interview,  he said he arrived in Nigeria and went to declare the cash that he brought to the country to the Nigeria Customs Service.

“After being interviewed under caution, he said he could not write; so, his son, Okorie Emeka, wrote his statement on his behalf . 

 

“ In his statement, he stated that he declared $279,000 , but did not declare $299,000 and €100.

“He said he did not declare them because he did not know the actual amount, as he was given the money by some of his friends from South Africa to give to a bureau de change operator in Ikeja, Lagos.”

Paul further told the court that Sunday was served with an administrative bail, but he could not fulfill the required conditions.

 He added: “ He was, therefore, detained in our custody and the bureau de change operator he was to give the money to was also invited to the office . His name is Abdul Rasheed Suleiman. He was interviewed and his statement was also recorded.”

Paul identified the statement of the defendant, statement of the bureau de change operator and the statement of the Nigeria Customs’ officer who handed over the defendant to the EFCC. 

The prosecution counsel then sought to tender, in evidence, the documents.

Justice Dipeolu admitted and marked them as exhibits  5 , 6 and 7, respectively.

Delivering judgment , Justice Dipeolu held that “ I have read exhibits  5 and 7 as well as the statements of the defendant and found 

the defendant guilty on counts  1 and 2. He is accordingly convicted as charged.”

Okezie prayed the court that the undeclared sums of Two Hundred and Ninety-nine United States  Dollars ($299,000) and One Hundred Euros ( €100 ) be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria and that the defendant be sentenced. 

The defence counsel, while addressing the court, said that the defendant  “is a first-time offender, who has no criminal record.

“ He pleaded guilty to the offences as captured at the next opportunity upon  arraignment and did not waste the time of the court.”

He, therefore, urged the court “to see  it as a sign of remorse.”

He further described the convict as “a businessman, who allowed himself to be misled and did not know the extent and gravity of the offence. 

“He has realised his decision was wrong and  would do things differently. “

He, therefore, prayed the court to temper justice with mercy and consider forfeiture of the sums undeclared as a punishment in this circumstance. 

Justice Dipeolu convicted and sentenced the defendant to six months imprisonment.

The Judge also ordered that the sums of Hundred and Ninety-nine United States  Dollars ($299,000) and One Hundred Euros ( €100 ) be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigera.

Source: 

EFCC Arrests 37 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Ilorin

Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 arrested15 suspected internet fraudsters in Tanke Oke-Odo area of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

Officers of the Directorate had earlier on Friday, March 22, 2025 arrested 22 suspected internet fraudsters in Tanke, Alao Farm Estate, Yidi Road, and Irewolede areas of Ilorin.

The arrest of the suspects followed credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. Items recovered from them at the point of arrest included eight luxury cars, smartphones and high-end laptop computers.  

Both arrests brought to 37, the number of suspected internet fraudsters, rounded up in Ilorin by the anti-graft in a space of one week.

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

Source: EFCC 

EFCC Commences Investigation of Suspect Arrested with $578,000 in Lagos

Operatives of the Lagos Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC,  have commenced investigations of a suspect,  Okorie Sylvernus Sunday, arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, by the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, with $578,000( Five Hundred and Seventy Eight Thousand United States of America Dollars)

The investigations commenced  on Friday, March 21, 2025 when the Area Comptroller in charge of the NCS at the airport  on Friday, March 21, 2025, handed over Sunday to the EFCC for false currency declaration.

The suspect was arrested by the Customs upon arrival in the country from Johannesburg , South Africa, on Wednesday, March 19,  2025. 

On arrival, he had approached the Currency Declaration Desk and declared the sum of $279,000( Two Hundred and Seventy-nine Thousand United States Dollar).

However, an additional sum of $299,000( Two Hundred and Ninety-nine Thousand USD) was found to be neatly concealed in different packages, thereby totaling  $578,000 (Five Hundred and Seventy Eight Thousand USD).

During further examination, the suspect was found to have also concealed the sum of 100 Euros (One Hundred Euros) as well as a counterfeit $250 (Two Hundred and Fifty USD)."

Speaking during the handing over,  Harrison said: “ This is in contravention of the provisions of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011, which stipulates that any currency or other forms of negotiable instruments , where the value exceeds $10,000 threshold or its equivalent must be properly declared for inbound and outbound passengers.”

Harrison, who spoke on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, added that “ The Command will be handing over a total sum of Five Hundred and Seventy-eightThousand, United States Dollar ($578,000) to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for false currency declaration.”

While receiving the suspect, the acting Zonal Director, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, Okotie Eboh, Ahmed Ghali, commended the NCS for its cooperation with the EFCC.

He stated that inter-agency collaboration was very crucial to achieving a common goal, adding that “We are here today to take over one passenger coming from South Africa for falsely declaring the cash he was carrying along .  I want members of the public to be weary of this kind of act . It is incumbent on each and every person going out or coming into the country to declare any cash in excess of $10,000. It is mandatory by virtue of the provisions of our laws, especially the money laundering law”.

 

He also appealed to the members of the public to desist from the act of false declaration or non-declaration, adding that the long arm of the laws would always catch up with anyone involved in the criminal act.

“ We will not allow anyone to sabotage the economy or the nation’s financial system. This is because this kind of act exposes the country to a lot of risks, in terms of money laundering; it also makes the country to be seen as a haven of fraud.  We will continue to  synergise  to make sure we have a better country , a stronger economy and a more functional financial system”, he said.

Source: EFCC