Alleged N4bn fraud: Court hears Obiano’s motion on jurisdiction, March 7

The Federal High Court, Abuja has fixed March 7, to hear a motion filed by former Anambra Governor, Willie Obiano, challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the alleged N4 billion fraud charge filed against him by the federal government. The former governor is answering a nine-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering to the tune of N4billion, proffered against him the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC). He allegedly directed the diversion of the total N4 billion from the state’s account between April 2017 and March 2022, and spent the money for purposes unconnected to the security affairs of Anambra. On Monday, the Prosecution which was scheduled ready to called their witnesses was halted as Counsel to Obiano, Mr Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, informed the court that he had filed a motion challenging jurisdiction on behalf of his client. Confirming the service of the motion on notice, the prosecution counsel, Mr Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, however, said that he had yet to file a reply because he was served the motion on Monday morning in court. He drew the attention of these court that the issue on jurisdiction had been settled by the Supreme Court, adding that charges bordering on money laundering are decided at the Federal High Court. Justice Inyang Ekwo advised the prosecutor to do his part by filing his response to the motion. “It is not for you to tell the court the Supreme Court’s decision on the issue. Respond to the motion and leave the court to decide.” Obiano, who was governor from March 2014 to March 2022, allegedly diverted the money from the state’s account dedicated to security funds in his last five years in office. The Prosecution alleged that the finds were diverted through companies that had no business relationship with the Anambra government, converted to dollars and handed over to the former governor in dollars. The case, filed by EFCC detailed the nine companies allegedly used for diverting the funds from the state government’s security vote account. The federal government claimed that from Feb. 16, 2018 to March 9, 2018, an aggregate sum of N223,371,000 was paid from the security vote account into the account of Connought International Services Limited. The charge sheet claimed that from Oct. 30, 2018 to Nov.13 2018, a total sum of N95 million was paid from the security vote account into the bank account of S.Y. Panda Enterprises. Also, the prosecution alleged that from April 11, 2017 to June 21, 2019, a total of N416,000,000 was diverted from security vote account into the account of Zirga Zirga Trading Company Limited.

Alleged N10b fraud: How witness, threatened by EFCC appeared in court

There was a mild drama at the Federal High Court, Abuja, Tuesday, as Rabiu Musa, a witness, allegedly threatened by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) suddenly appeared in court. The Abuja based Bureau De Change operator, is that prosecution star witness in an alleged N10billion fraud suit against Ali Bello and Daudu Suleiman. At the resumed trial, Tuesday, Counsel to EFCC, Hannatu Kofamaisa informed Justice James Omotoso that the witness, was alleged to have been threatened, following his appearance at the last trial and got scared. Hannatu explained that the witness would not be in court to continue his evidence, based on his experience of threats at the last adjourned date, adding that she had called the witness five times but that he was no longer picking her calls. She therefore seeks for an adjournment of the trial. Responding, Counsel to Ali Bello, Abdullahi Aliu, SAN, said that he would not react to the EFCC’s allegations because they were not targeted at his client and did not oppose the request for an adjournment. However, drama unfolded when the witness alleged to have been threatened away from court and would not attend the trial, suddenly walked into the court room without any signs of apprehension. The counsel to Ali Bello got up and drew the attention of Justice Omotoso to the quiet arrival of the witness into the court room. It took the intervention of Justice Omotoso to doused tension lawyers to Ali Bello and Daudu Suleman from joining issues with EFCC on the allegations. In his testimony, the witness identitied one of his record books of transactions seized from him by EFCC during a raid of his office at Wuse, in Abuja and also admitted knowing Ali Bello. Under cross examination by Nureni Jimoh SAN who stood for Daudu Suleman, the Bureau De Change operator who claimed to be an illiterate said most of the transactions were recorded for him by one Mubarak who he said was literate and now a student at a University. The witness also said that parts of the transactions were recorded in his absence but that he was always briefed upon his arrival at the office. Meanwhile, the matter has been adjourned till February 22 and 23 for continuation of trial.

EFCC Declares Emefiele’s Wife Wanted

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday announced the pursuit of Margaret Dumbiri Emefiele, the wife of the ex-governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.  The anti-graft agency also sought Eric Ocheme Odoh, Jonathan Omoile, and Anita Joy Omoile for their alleged involvement in converting substantial amounts of government funds alongside the former CBN governor.  The EFCC accused them of committing felony, including obtaining money through false pretenses and stealing, under Sections 411, 287, and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.  The public notice urged individuals with information on their whereabouts to contact the EFCC offices or call 08093322644.  Godwin Emefiele is presently facing trial on multiple charges related to corruption, conspiracy, breach of trust, forgery, and obtaining funds by false pretenses, amounting to $6,230,000.00.

EFCC Arrests Pastor for N1.3billion Fake Grants, Money Laundering

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested the General Overseer of Faith On The Rock Ministry International, Apostle Theophilus Oloche Ebonyi, for defrauding church members and other Nigerians to the tune of N1, 319,040,274.31(One Billion Three Hundred and Nineteen Million, Forty Thousand, Two Hundred and Seventy Four Naira, Thirty One Kobo) by using fake grants from the Ford Foundation. Ebonyi was arrested for defrauding his victims, comprising Non Governmental Organisations, NGOs and individuals by advertising an intervention project through his NGO (Theobarth Global Foundation) claiming that the Ford Foundation was offering a grant of $20,000, 000 (Twenty Billion United State Dollars) to assist the less-privileged in the society. He allegedly beguiled his victims to subscribe as beneficiaries of the phony grant by asking them to pay for registration forms and clusters. Each subscriber was made to pay N1,800,000 (One Million, Eight Hundred Thousand Naira) only. Through this arrangement, Ebonyi allegedly raked in N1,391,040, 274.31. His subscribers are innocent and unsuspecting Nigerians and NGOs across the country. Investigations by the EFCC showed that Ford Foundation had no arrangement, grant, relationship or business with Ebonyi. The Foundation pointedly disclaimed him and his NGO stressing that it had no link whatsoever with them. The Commission has also traced five properties he acquired as proceeds of his criminal dealings. Ebonyi is still reportedly reaching his subscribers on some social media platforms to market his spurious grant from Ford Foundation. He would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

EFCC uncovers religious sect laundering money for terrorists

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has revealed that the anti-graft agency uncovered how a religious sect in Nigeria is laundering money for terrorists. He stated this during a public engagement on youth, religion, and the fight against corruption. This was as he also revealed that another religious body was found to be protecting a money launderer after some money suspected to have been laundered was traced to the organisation’s bank account. Speaking during a public engagement on youth, religion, and the fight against corruption, as well as the launch of the fraud risk assessment project for ministries, departments, and agencies, Olukoyede stated that the EFCC was investigating a N13bn fraud case when it discovered that N7bn of the N13bn was linked to a religious body’s bank account. He noted that religious organisations, institutions, sects, and bodies have been found culpable of money laundering. Olukoyede said, “A religious sect in this country had been found to be laundering money for terrorists.” He, however, noted that the religious organisation quickly obtained a restraining order to prevent the EFCC from probing its leaders. “We were able to trace some laundered money to a religious organisation, and when we approached the religious organisation about it and we were carrying out our investigation, we got a restraining order stopping us from carrying out our investigation,” he said. Olukoyede further said the commission will not give up on the investigation as it is appealing the restraining order to recover the stolen funds. The one-day event is aimed at addressing the challenges of youth involvement in cybercrimes and how religion could be used as a weapon for their reorientation. The event, themed “Youth, Religion and the Fight Against Corruption,” featured the launch of the Interfaith Preaching and Teaching Manual developed by the Interfaith Anti-Corruption Advisory Committee of the Commission as a resource to promote abhorrence for corruption among adherents of Islam and Christianity. The EFCC’s Fraud Risk Assessment Prevention and Control Project for Ministries, Departments and Agencies was also launched at the event.

BREAKING: Obiano to be arraigned over alleged ₦4bn fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission will arraign the immediate-past governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, on Wednesday, January 24, before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, over alleged money laundering to the tune of N4,008,573,350. The ex-governor will be arraigned on nine count charges. The development comes over a week after the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede vowed to review all abandoned high-profile cases, especially those involving former Governors and Ministers. An impeccable source revealed, “We found that Obiano moved N4,008,573,350 from security votes into different accounts. The money at various times was changed into dollars and returned to Obiano by cash.” EFCC’s lead counsel, Slyvanus Tahir, SAN, will lead eight other lawyers in the trial of the former governor Some of the charges against Obiano include, “That you, Chief Willie Maduabuchi Obiano, whilst being the executive governor of Anambra State of Nigeria between March 2014 – March 2022, sometime between 7th February, 2018 to 18th February, 2019 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, indirectly transferred through Mr Willie Nwokoye, your then principal private secretary, the sum of N156,800.00 only from the Anambra State Government Security Vote Account No: 5030050875 domiciled in Fidelity Bank Pic into the Fidelity Bank Ple Account No: 6060018819 belonging to C.I. Patty Ventures Nigeria Limited (an entity that had no business relationship with the Anambra State Government), which funds were dissipated for purposes unrelated / unconnected with the security affairs of Anambra State, which you reasonably ought to have known that such funds formed part of the proceeds of your unlawful act, to wit: (Stealing and Corruption) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15 (2) (b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) in 2012 and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act. “That you, Chief Willie Maduabuchi Obiano, whilst being the executive governor of Anambra State of Nigeria between March 2014 — March 2022, sometime between 9th August, 2017 to 4th March, 2020 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, indirectly transferred through Mr Willie Nwokoye, your then principal private secretary, the sum of N261,268,585.00 only from the Anambra State Government Security Vote Account No: 5030050875 domiciled in Fidelity Bank Plc into the Fidelity Bank Plc Account No: 5600062873 belonging to Easy Diamond Integrated Link (an entity that had no business relationship with the Anambra State Government), which funds were dissipated for purposes unrelated / unconnected with the security affairs of Anambra State, which you reasonably ought to have known that such funds formed part of the proceeds of your unlawful act, to wit: (Stealing and Corruption) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15 (2) (b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) in 2012 and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.” When contacted by our correspondent on Tuesday, the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale confirmed the development while noting that Obiano will be arraigned on Wednesday. “Yes, we’re arraigning Obiano tomorrow,” Oyewale noted. The ex-governor was first arrested at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Lagos, on March 17, 2022, as he was preparing to board a flight to Houston, the United States of America. The arrest took place at about 8.30 pm, hours after he left office as governor and, thus, lost his immunity from arrest and prosecution. He had been on the EFCC’s watchlist for some time before he was eventually arrested over corruption allegations. “Obiano was arrested for alleged misappropriation of public funds, including, N5 billion Sure-P and N37 billion security vote which was withdrawn in cash. Part of the funds was also allegedly diverted to finance political activities in the state,” EFCC had noted at the time.

EFCC arrests ex-NSIPA CEO, Halima Shehu – hours after suspension

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested Hajia Halima Shehu, the suspended National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency, NSIPA, for alleged financial malpractices, hours after her suspension from office. Recall that Shehu was suspended from office by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday. Shehu was said to have been interrogated for hours by operatives of the EFCC in her office located at Maitama, Abuja before her arrest on Tuesday. But, as of the time of filing this report, the Presidency, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation have yet to make any official statement about the alleged suspension of the NSIPA National Coordinator. Shehu was expected to handover starter packs to victims of the kidney harvest at Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State on Tuesday. The event was suspended following an alleged directive to that effect through a letter purportedly signed by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu. Men of the anti-graft agency later stormed her office at Taraba Crescent in Maitama, to engage her in certain interrogations. According to reports, the secret meeting between Shehu and the EFCC operatives, which began at 9 a.m.,ended around 4:30 p.m. with the former accompanying the EFCC officials to an unknown location. Recall that before her recent confirmation by the Senate, Hajia Shehu was the National Programme Coordinator of the National Conditional Cash Transfer Office (NCTO) under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

EFCC Clears Air On University Students Involvement In Yahoo Yahoo

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has addressed reports misinterpreting remarks made by its Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, regarding the involvement of Nigerian university students in cybercrimes.Contrary to circulating claims, the EFCC emphasized that Olukoyede’s comments were misunderstood.  According to the agency’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, the chairman’s concerns centered on the rising trend of internet-related crimes among youths.In a statement released, Oyewale clarified that Olukoyede’s remarks highlighted the need for increased media awareness among youths to combat the surge in cyber fraud.  He reiterated that the chairman did not categorize “seven out of 10” Nigerian students as criminals but rather expressed worry about the potential future ramifications if the prevalence of cybercrimes among youths remains unchecked. Part of the statement reads, “He did say that reports and intelligence available to him indicated that, unless this trajectory of youth involvement in internet fraud is addressed and reversed, the future of their leadership of our great nation may be threatened and if it continues in the next 10 years, 7 out 10 of our youths may be getting involved in cybercrimes. At no time did he say that “seven out of 10″ Nigerian students are criminals”. His concerns still bother on breaking the jinx of mass indulgence of youths in cybercrimes”.

Court Orders EFCC, CBN To Release Ex-NNPC Boss, Andrew Yakubu’s $9.8m Cash

Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Monday ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to immediately release the $9.8 million belonging to the former Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Andrew Yakubu. The anti-graft agency had refused to release the cash they took from Yakubu’s house, despite an earlier judgment ordering the release of the money. The court said the money must be deposited with the Chief Registrar of the court, in the interest of justice. Yakubu had approached the court seeking an order compelling the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and two other defendants to release his money. Yakubu in April 2023 sued the EFCC, Central Bank of Nigeria and Guaranty Trust Bank for failing to release the money after a court acquitted him of money laundering charges filed against him by the anti-graft agency. Recall that EFCC had urged Justice A.R Mohammed to convict Yakubu after it discovered $9, 772, 800 (9.7 million dollars) and £74, 000 from an apartment linked to him in 2017. In his defense, Ahmed Raji SAN, asked the court to dismiss the EFCC’s case for lacking in merit. Justice A.R Mohammed, on March 31, 2022, had quashed the money laundering charges instituted against Yakubu. Yakubu also testified before the judge that the monies found in his house were gifts from friends and associates. The judge had agreed with the defendant’s submissions; acquitted him and ordered the release of his money. But Yakubu’s lawyer approached another court presided by Justice Inyang Ekwo over the non-release of the money as directed by the other court. By way of originating summons, he had urged the court to order the release of his money or in the alternative, direct that the money be deposited with the FHC registrar pending the determination of the suit. But the EFCC, through its lawyer, Faruk Abdullah, raised an objection to the application, saying appeals have been entered against the subsisting trial court judgment. The EFCC also contended that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter. Passing his judgement on Monday, Justice Inyang Ekwo dismissed the preliminary objection of the EFCC, saying the arguments of the respondents contradicted themselves and called to question the whereabouts of the money. Ekwo held it would be in the interest of justice if the sum is kept in a neutral custody pending the conclusion of proceedings, in line with rules of court. Ekwo held that based on the contradictory arguments of the respondents about on whose custody the money was domiciled, the justice of the case demands that they must produce the money. “The plaintiff has made a compelling case and it succeeds and I so hold. “An order is hereby made directing the first and second defendant to immediately transfer $9.8 million into the account under the control of the Chief Registrar of this court,” the Judge held.