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Showing posts with label EFCC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label EFCC. Show all posts

EFCC Arraigns Fake Afghan Soldier for $1000 Internet Fraud in Port Harcourt

EFCC Arraigns Fake Afghan Soldier for $1000 Internet Fraud in Port Harcourt


The Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, March 14, 2024 arraigned David Ikeaghichi before Justice S. D. Pam of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, Rivers State for impersonating an Afghanistan soldier and obtaining money under false pretence.


Ikeaghichi is facing trial on two-count charges, which run contrary to Section 1 (1)(a & b) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.


The Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, March 14, 2024 arraigned David Ikeaghichi before Justice S. D. Pam of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, Rivers State for impersonating an Afghanistan soldier and obtaining money under false pretence.


Ikeaghichi is facing trial on two-count charges, which run contrary to Section 1 (1)(a & b) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

EFCC Arrests Barber, 11 other Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Uyo

EFCC Arrests Barber, 11 other Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Uyo


Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, on Thursday March 14, 2024, arrested a barber, and  eleven suspected internet fraudsters in a sting operation in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.


They were arrested following credible intelligence on their suspected involvement in internet-related offences.


Source: EFCC


Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, on Thursday March 14, 2024, arrested a barber, and  eleven suspected internet fraudsters in a sting operation in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.


They were arrested following credible intelligence on their suspected involvement in internet-related offences.


Source: EFCC

EFCC Arraigns Three former Bankers, One Other for N15.9m Fraud in Enugu

EFCC Arraigns Three former Bankers, One Other for N15.9m Fraud in Enugu


The Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 arraigned three former bankers, Ogbu Kingsley Ibekwem, Nwagbara Chidimma and Uwaezuoke Raymond and Chidubem Angela Mgbeke before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court sitting in Enugu State.


They were arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing to the tune of N15, 944, 100. 00 (Fifteen Million, Nine Hundred and Forty-four Thousand, One Hundred Naira).


One of the counts reads: “That you, Ogbu Kingsley Ibekwe and Chidubem Angela Mgbeke sometimes in January 2023 in Onitsha, Anambra State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire among yourselves to commit felony to wit; retaining the sum of N7, 996, 800. 00 ( Seven Million, Nine Hundred and Ninety-six Thousand, Eight Hundred Naira) meant for evacuation to the Central Bank of Nigeria and property of Access Bank Plc Nottidge Branch, Onitsha which you knew or ought to have known to be proceeds of an unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21 (a) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and punishable under Section 20 (b)”.


They pleaded “not guilty” when the charges were read to them. In view of their pleas, counsel to the EFCC , Ahmad Yusuf Abdullahi, prayed the court for a trial date and for the defendants to be remanded at Enugu State Correctional facility.  Defence counsel, O. O. Orji, however,  informed the court of a bail application already placed before it. 


Justice Umar thereafter adjourned the matter to May 22, 2024 for trial. The defendants were remanded at the EFCC custody pending the hearing of bail application.


Ibekwem, Chidimma and Raymond  were handed over to the EFCC on February 22, 2023  by Access Bank plc for pilfering N15, 944, 100. 00   before it was evacuated to the bullion unit of the bank for subsequent movement to the Central Bank of Nigeria. They were former staff of the Nottidge branch of the bank in  Onitsha, Anambra State.


Source: EFCC 


The Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 arraigned three former bankers, Ogbu Kingsley Ibekwem, Nwagbara Chidimma and Uwaezuoke Raymond and Chidubem Angela Mgbeke before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court sitting in Enugu State.


They were arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing to the tune of N15, 944, 100. 00 (Fifteen Million, Nine Hundred and Forty-four Thousand, One Hundred Naira).


One of the counts reads: “That you, Ogbu Kingsley Ibekwe and Chidubem Angela Mgbeke sometimes in January 2023 in Onitsha, Anambra State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire among yourselves to commit felony to wit; retaining the sum of N7, 996, 800. 00 ( Seven Million, Nine Hundred and Ninety-six Thousand, Eight Hundred Naira) meant for evacuation to the Central Bank of Nigeria and property of Access Bank Plc Nottidge Branch, Onitsha which you knew or ought to have known to be proceeds of an unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21 (a) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and punishable under Section 20 (b)”.


They pleaded “not guilty” when the charges were read to them. In view of their pleas, counsel to the EFCC , Ahmad Yusuf Abdullahi, prayed the court for a trial date and for the defendants to be remanded at Enugu State Correctional facility.  Defence counsel, O. O. Orji, however,  informed the court of a bail application already placed before it. 


Justice Umar thereafter adjourned the matter to May 22, 2024 for trial. The defendants were remanded at the EFCC custody pending the hearing of bail application.


Ibekwem, Chidimma and Raymond  were handed over to the EFCC on February 22, 2023  by Access Bank plc for pilfering N15, 944, 100. 00   before it was evacuated to the bullion unit of the bank for subsequent movement to the Central Bank of Nigeria. They were former staff of the Nottidge branch of the bank in  Onitsha, Anambra State.


Source: EFCC 

How Emefiele Allegedly Awarded Multi-Billion Naira Contracts to Family & Associates - EFCC Witness

How Emefiele Allegedly Awarded Multi-Billion Naira Contracts to Family & Associates - EFCC Witness

A Seventh Prosecution Witness, PW7, in the trial of a former governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele on Monday, March 11, 2024 told Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Abuja, how Emefiele allegedly signed and approved award and payments of contracts to April 1616 Investment Limited and Architekon Nigeria Limited, companies that allegedly belong to Sa’adatu Ramalan Yero, his wife, Margaret Emefiele and his in-law respectively.


The witness,  Agboro Michael, an investigator with the ICPC,  led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo,SAN, was part of the investigation team that comprised the EFCC, ICPC, CCB, DSS and the Nigerian Police. He testified on the count-charge of abuse of office and conferring  an unfair advantage to a public officer and relatives, preferred against Emefiel


“My Lord,  these companies were awarded about 45 contracts to supply Toyota Vehicles. We were worried as investigators as to how a particular company would get bids concurrently to supply vehicles. We did our investigation, and discovered that the company was not even accredited by Toyot


“In the companies my Lord, one has Sa’adatu’s husband and siblings as directors, and the other one has Sa’adatu as the director of the company while she is still a civil servant.


“Document ‘F1’ shows the signature and approval of the defendant to pay the sum of N854, 700,000 (Eight Hundred Fifty-Four Million, Seven Hundred Thousand Naira)  His signature was number three on the document",  he said.  Testifying further, Michael said in ‘F3’, the defendant approved 1, 85,700,000 (One Billion, Eighty-five million, Seven Hundred thousand) for the supply of 47 units of Toyota Hilu


While ‘F4’ was the defendants approval to purchase for the bank an armoured Toyota Avalon car at the cost of N99,900,000 (Ninety-Nine Million, Nine Hundred Thousand Naira), and ‘F5’ was the approval to procure two units of Toyota Hilux for the bank, and all were bought from April 1616 Investment limite


Speaking on the findings of the investigative team on exhibit P26, page 86 of 107 on November 6, 2021. Michael said; “It is a credit into the account from the CBN to the tune of N41, 943, 400, 34 (Forty-one Million, Nine Hundred and Forty-three Thousand, Four hundred and Thirty four kobo


“Page 87 was also a credit in April 2016 from the CBN, N304, 853, 50 (Three Hundred and Four Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty Three Thousand naira, Fifty kobo


“26 January, 2021, April 1616 Investment Nigeria limited also received N304, 853, 720, 55 (Three Hundred and Four Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty Three Thousand Seven Hundred and Twenty Naira Fifty-Five kobo) from the CB


“On the 10th of February, 2021, the CBN paid N201, 23, 323, 31 (Two Hundred and One Million, Twenty-Three Thousand, Three Hundred and Twenty-Three Naira, Thirty-One kobo


The approval of payment of March 24, 2021 was  N304,843,720,85, April 27, 2021 was 60,976,744,17 (Sixty Million, Nine hundred and Seventy Six thousand, Seven hundred and forty-four naira, Seventeen kobo) May 31, 2021 was a payment of 60,976,744,17 (Sixty Million, Nine hundred and Seventy Six thousand, Seven Hundred and Forty-four Naira, Seventeen kobo), and February 21, 2021 was a payment of N50,547,508,30 (Fifty Million, Five Hundred and Forty-Seven Thousand, Five Hundred and Eight Naira Thirty kobo) were equally approved by the defendan


The witness further told the court that the team recorded the defendant’s statement under caution and video recorded in a conducive environmen


Testifying further, the witness said; “In 2019, again,  we discovered the defendant also used his office and position to confer a corrupt advantage to one of the staff of CBN, Sa’adatu Ramalan Yero to supply  one unit of Toyota Land Cruiser V8 at the cost of N73, 800,000 (Seventy-Three Million, Eight Hundred Thousand to her company April 1616 Investment Nigeria limited where she is a director, and equally a director in the CB


“Again my Lord, the defendant also approved the payment of renovation of the CBN Governors’ residence at No 2. Global road, Ikoyi Lagos to a company named; Architekon Nigeria Limited where his wife and brother-in-law are both director

“Sometime in 2020, the defendant used his position as CBN Governor to confer on his wife and brother in-law corrupt advantage by awarding their company landscaping of the CBN governor’s residence in the sum of N39,46,000 (Thirty-Nine Million, Forty Six Thousand Naira”,he said


Continuing, Michael said a contract to procure furniture items was also awarded to his brother in-law in the sum of 97,000,000 (  Ninety Seven Million Naira), and again,  a contract to procure a power line at the same CBN Governor’s residence in the sum of N68,568,740 (Sixty-Eight Million, Five Hundred and Sixty-Eight Thousand, Seven Hundred and Forty naira


While cross examining the witness, counsel to the defendant,  Matthew Burkaa SAN queried the witness  that though there are many signatories in the memo only his client was on trial. In response, the witness told him that the defendant was on trial because he was the approving authority, while others only minuted on the documents to justify the process, and didn’t  have the power to make such payments and approval


Burkaa also wanted to tender the defendant’s  statement at the Nigerian Police force before the court,  but Oyedepo objected, stating it was a public document and needed to be certified before it can be tendered as an exhibit.  Burkaa then withdrew the document and promised to provide the true certified copy at the next adjourned dat


Justice Muazu thereafter adjourned the matter till 25 and 26 April, 2024 for continuation of trial.


Source: EFCC

A Seventh Prosecution Witness, PW7, in the trial of a former governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele on Monday, March 11, 2024 told Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Abuja, how Emefiele allegedly signed and approved award and payments of contracts to April 1616 Investment Limited and Architekon Nigeria Limited, companies that allegedly belong to Sa’adatu Ramalan Yero, his wife, Margaret Emefiele and his in-law respectively.


The witness,  Agboro Michael, an investigator with the ICPC,  led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo,SAN, was part of the investigation team that comprised the EFCC, ICPC, CCB, DSS and the Nigerian Police. He testified on the count-charge of abuse of office and conferring  an unfair advantage to a public officer and relatives, preferred against Emefiel


“My Lord,  these companies were awarded about 45 contracts to supply Toyota Vehicles. We were worried as investigators as to how a particular company would get bids concurrently to supply vehicles. We did our investigation, and discovered that the company was not even accredited by Toyot


“In the companies my Lord, one has Sa’adatu’s husband and siblings as directors, and the other one has Sa’adatu as the director of the company while she is still a civil servant.


“Document ‘F1’ shows the signature and approval of the defendant to pay the sum of N854, 700,000 (Eight Hundred Fifty-Four Million, Seven Hundred Thousand Naira)  His signature was number three on the document",  he said.  Testifying further, Michael said in ‘F3’, the defendant approved 1, 85,700,000 (One Billion, Eighty-five million, Seven Hundred thousand) for the supply of 47 units of Toyota Hilu


While ‘F4’ was the defendants approval to purchase for the bank an armoured Toyota Avalon car at the cost of N99,900,000 (Ninety-Nine Million, Nine Hundred Thousand Naira), and ‘F5’ was the approval to procure two units of Toyota Hilux for the bank, and all were bought from April 1616 Investment limite


Speaking on the findings of the investigative team on exhibit P26, page 86 of 107 on November 6, 2021. Michael said; “It is a credit into the account from the CBN to the tune of N41, 943, 400, 34 (Forty-one Million, Nine Hundred and Forty-three Thousand, Four hundred and Thirty four kobo


“Page 87 was also a credit in April 2016 from the CBN, N304, 853, 50 (Three Hundred and Four Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty Three Thousand naira, Fifty kobo


“26 January, 2021, April 1616 Investment Nigeria limited also received N304, 853, 720, 55 (Three Hundred and Four Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty Three Thousand Seven Hundred and Twenty Naira Fifty-Five kobo) from the CB


“On the 10th of February, 2021, the CBN paid N201, 23, 323, 31 (Two Hundred and One Million, Twenty-Three Thousand, Three Hundred and Twenty-Three Naira, Thirty-One kobo


The approval of payment of March 24, 2021 was  N304,843,720,85, April 27, 2021 was 60,976,744,17 (Sixty Million, Nine hundred and Seventy Six thousand, Seven hundred and forty-four naira, Seventeen kobo) May 31, 2021 was a payment of 60,976,744,17 (Sixty Million, Nine hundred and Seventy Six thousand, Seven Hundred and Forty-four Naira, Seventeen kobo), and February 21, 2021 was a payment of N50,547,508,30 (Fifty Million, Five Hundred and Forty-Seven Thousand, Five Hundred and Eight Naira Thirty kobo) were equally approved by the defendan


The witness further told the court that the team recorded the defendant’s statement under caution and video recorded in a conducive environmen


Testifying further, the witness said; “In 2019, again,  we discovered the defendant also used his office and position to confer a corrupt advantage to one of the staff of CBN, Sa’adatu Ramalan Yero to supply  one unit of Toyota Land Cruiser V8 at the cost of N73, 800,000 (Seventy-Three Million, Eight Hundred Thousand to her company April 1616 Investment Nigeria limited where she is a director, and equally a director in the CB


“Again my Lord, the defendant also approved the payment of renovation of the CBN Governors’ residence at No 2. Global road, Ikoyi Lagos to a company named; Architekon Nigeria Limited where his wife and brother-in-law are both director

“Sometime in 2020, the defendant used his position as CBN Governor to confer on his wife and brother in-law corrupt advantage by awarding their company landscaping of the CBN governor’s residence in the sum of N39,46,000 (Thirty-Nine Million, Forty Six Thousand Naira”,he said


Continuing, Michael said a contract to procure furniture items was also awarded to his brother in-law in the sum of 97,000,000 (  Ninety Seven Million Naira), and again,  a contract to procure a power line at the same CBN Governor’s residence in the sum of N68,568,740 (Sixty-Eight Million, Five Hundred and Sixty-Eight Thousand, Seven Hundred and Forty naira


While cross examining the witness, counsel to the defendant,  Matthew Burkaa SAN queried the witness  that though there are many signatories in the memo only his client was on trial. In response, the witness told him that the defendant was on trial because he was the approving authority, while others only minuted on the documents to justify the process, and didn’t  have the power to make such payments and approval


Burkaa also wanted to tender the defendant’s  statement at the Nigerian Police force before the court,  but Oyedepo objected, stating it was a public document and needed to be certified before it can be tendered as an exhibit.  Burkaa then withdrew the document and promised to provide the true certified copy at the next adjourned dat


Justice Muazu thereafter adjourned the matter till 25 and 26 April, 2024 for continuation of trial.


Source: EFCC

$9.6bn P&ID Fraud: EFCC Tenders Additional Evidence Against MICAD, Nolan

$9.6bn P&ID Fraud: EFCC Tenders Additional Evidence Against MICAD, Nolan

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, March 11, 2024, tendered more evidence against MICAD Project City Services Limited and James Nolan before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuj


Micad Project City Services Limited and James Nolan are standing trial on a 20-count charge of obtaining by false pretense, non-compliance with the Money Laundering Act 2011 (as amended) and criminal conversion of proceeds of crime to the tune N151,394,328.00 (One Hundred and Fifty-one Million, Three Hundred and Ninety-four Thousand, Three Hundred and Twenty-eight Naira


At Monday’s court session,  Prosecution counsel, Bala Sanga informed the court that the EFCC has filed additional evidence before the court  on February 20, 2024  and defense counsel, Micheal Ajara confirmed  that they have been served the evidenc


To this end, Sanga presented the third prosecution witness, PW3, Nnedimma Irene Eyisi, a lawyer.  She told the court how James Nolan informed her that he needed to renew himself as the Director of MICA


“Sometimes in 2016, my principal informed me that a client will give me a form to file a CAC document. Later that day,  I received a call from a client who introduced himself as James Nolan, he informed me he needed to renew himself as the Director of the company. I asked him to give me details about the directors of the company and he did.  I informed him I will prepare a CAC Form 7, so that the required directors will sign”, she sai


Narrating further,  she said, “a couple of weeks later, our Secretary informed me that I have some documents which contained CAC form 7 appointing James Nolan as the director, a consent letter accepting to be a director by James Nolan. On receiving these documents, I proceeded to CAC and  after a couple of days,  I checked back and the application was approved. I made the necessary payment and submitted. I came back days later to collect the CTC of these documents. I packaged it and gave it out for dispatch, I called the client and informed him that the documents are ready”, she sai


The witness further informed the court that she could recognize the document on sight, adding that it bears the name of James Nolan


Eyisi also said that she was invited by the EFCC in respect of the CAC form 7 and wrote a statement on August 31, 2021 which reflected her name. Sanga then applied to the court for the document to be admitted in evidence. The defense counsel did not object to the application


Justice Egwuatu admitted the document in evidence and marked it as Exhibit 

 In the course of cross-examination, Eyisi confirmed that she dispatched the form for the company and the relevant directors  to sign, adding that “CAC form 7 must return all signed and I submitted them all. All I know is that the documents were returned, signed by all directors and the new director.


The judge thereafter adjourned the matter to March 12, 2024 for continuation of hearin

 At the last session on January 18, 2024,  second prosecution counsel, PW2, Hussain Babangida informed the court how directors of Micad City Services Ltd absconded with about N39,450,224.23(Thirty Nine million, Four Hundred and Fifty Thousand, Two Hundred and Twenty Four Naira, Twenty Three kobo) owed as taxes to the Federal government using fake signature


Source: EFCC 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, March 11, 2024, tendered more evidence against MICAD Project City Services Limited and James Nolan before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuj


Micad Project City Services Limited and James Nolan are standing trial on a 20-count charge of obtaining by false pretense, non-compliance with the Money Laundering Act 2011 (as amended) and criminal conversion of proceeds of crime to the tune N151,394,328.00 (One Hundred and Fifty-one Million, Three Hundred and Ninety-four Thousand, Three Hundred and Twenty-eight Naira


At Monday’s court session,  Prosecution counsel, Bala Sanga informed the court that the EFCC has filed additional evidence before the court  on February 20, 2024  and defense counsel, Micheal Ajara confirmed  that they have been served the evidenc


To this end, Sanga presented the third prosecution witness, PW3, Nnedimma Irene Eyisi, a lawyer.  She told the court how James Nolan informed her that he needed to renew himself as the Director of MICA


“Sometimes in 2016, my principal informed me that a client will give me a form to file a CAC document. Later that day,  I received a call from a client who introduced himself as James Nolan, he informed me he needed to renew himself as the Director of the company. I asked him to give me details about the directors of the company and he did.  I informed him I will prepare a CAC Form 7, so that the required directors will sign”, she sai


Narrating further,  she said, “a couple of weeks later, our Secretary informed me that I have some documents which contained CAC form 7 appointing James Nolan as the director, a consent letter accepting to be a director by James Nolan. On receiving these documents, I proceeded to CAC and  after a couple of days,  I checked back and the application was approved. I made the necessary payment and submitted. I came back days later to collect the CTC of these documents. I packaged it and gave it out for dispatch, I called the client and informed him that the documents are ready”, she sai


The witness further informed the court that she could recognize the document on sight, adding that it bears the name of James Nolan


Eyisi also said that she was invited by the EFCC in respect of the CAC form 7 and wrote a statement on August 31, 2021 which reflected her name. Sanga then applied to the court for the document to be admitted in evidence. The defense counsel did not object to the application


Justice Egwuatu admitted the document in evidence and marked it as Exhibit 

 In the course of cross-examination, Eyisi confirmed that she dispatched the form for the company and the relevant directors  to sign, adding that “CAC form 7 must return all signed and I submitted them all. All I know is that the documents were returned, signed by all directors and the new director.


The judge thereafter adjourned the matter to March 12, 2024 for continuation of hearin

 At the last session on January 18, 2024,  second prosecution counsel, PW2, Hussain Babangida informed the court how directors of Micad City Services Ltd absconded with about N39,450,224.23(Thirty Nine million, Four Hundred and Fifty Thousand, Two Hundred and Twenty Four Naira, Twenty Three kobo) owed as taxes to the Federal government using fake signature


Source: EFCC 

EFCC Arraigns Man for Currency Racketeering in Port Harcourt

EFCC Arraigns Man for Currency Racketeering in Port Harcourt


The Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, March 11, 2024 arraigned Azubuike Mamwu Obasi before Justice P. I. Ajoku of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, Rivers State for currency racketeering.

 

Obasi is facing trial on a four-count charge, bordering on illegal acquisition of bank notes and carrying out banking services without an appropriate licence, contrary to Section 18 (1) and (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same

Act.

 

One of the charges reads: "That you, Azubuike Manwu Obasi, on or about the 15th day of February, 2024, at Port Harcourt, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, acquired and retained the cumulative sum of N554,600.00 (Five Hundred and Fifty-four Thousand, Six Hundred Naira) which you knew or reasonably ought to have known, forms part of your unlawful acts, selling or trading in Naira notes and carrying on banking business in Nigeria without a valid licence, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (1) and (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act.”

 

He pleaded “guilty” to all his charges when they were read to him, upon which prosecuting counsel, E. K. Bakam prayed the court for a witness for a review of the facts of the case.


Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, the witness, Adagwu Joshua told the court that the defendant was arrested sometime in February, 2024 at Maddox Night Club in Port Harcourt by the operatives of the Commission for selling naira notes for commercial gains without an appropriate licence.

 

The witness further revealed that the defendant sold the sum of N20,000.00 (Twenty Thousand Naira) of the new bank notes to one Emeka Daniel comprising 100 pieces of N200 notes (Two Hundred Naira) at the cost of N35,000.00 (Thirty Five Thousand Naira), paid into his Access Bank account. The defendant, he said, was also found to have acquired and retained various sums of money from the same unlawful activity.


Justice Ajoku ordered that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody and adjourned the matter till March 14, 2024.

 

Source: EFCC 


The Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, March 11, 2024 arraigned Azubuike Mamwu Obasi before Justice P. I. Ajoku of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, Rivers State for currency racketeering.

 

Obasi is facing trial on a four-count charge, bordering on illegal acquisition of bank notes and carrying out banking services without an appropriate licence, contrary to Section 18 (1) and (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same

Act.

 

One of the charges reads: "That you, Azubuike Manwu Obasi, on or about the 15th day of February, 2024, at Port Harcourt, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, acquired and retained the cumulative sum of N554,600.00 (Five Hundred and Fifty-four Thousand, Six Hundred Naira) which you knew or reasonably ought to have known, forms part of your unlawful acts, selling or trading in Naira notes and carrying on banking business in Nigeria without a valid licence, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (1) and (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act.”

 

He pleaded “guilty” to all his charges when they were read to him, upon which prosecuting counsel, E. K. Bakam prayed the court for a witness for a review of the facts of the case.


Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, the witness, Adagwu Joshua told the court that the defendant was arrested sometime in February, 2024 at Maddox Night Club in Port Harcourt by the operatives of the Commission for selling naira notes for commercial gains without an appropriate licence.

 

The witness further revealed that the defendant sold the sum of N20,000.00 (Twenty Thousand Naira) of the new bank notes to one Emeka Daniel comprising 100 pieces of N200 notes (Two Hundred Naira) at the cost of N35,000.00 (Thirty Five Thousand Naira), paid into his Access Bank account. The defendant, he said, was also found to have acquired and retained various sums of money from the same unlawful activity.


Justice Ajoku ordered that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody and adjourned the matter till March 14, 2024.

 

Source: EFCC 

EFCC Arraigns One for Alleged N85m Contract Fraud in Enugu

EFCC Arraigns One for Alleged N85m Contract Fraud in Enugu


The Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned one Ugwu Alexander Chekwube, before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu State.


The defendant was arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N85, 000,000.00 (Eighty-five million naira only).


One of the four-count charges reads: “That you, Ugwu Alexander Chekwube and one Ugo Sunday Onuaguluchi (At large) from 2nd November 2022, to 6th December 2022 in Enugu, Enugu State within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria with intent to defraud induced one Zod International Developers to deliver to you the sum of N85,000,000.00 (Eighty-five million naira), under the pretence that you will help him secure a contract for the construction of six District Hospitals in Ebonyi State which pretence you knew to be false and you thereby committed 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”.


The defendant pleaded “not guilty” after hearing the charges read to him and following plea,  counsel to the EFCC, Nuradeen Shehu Ingawa, prayed the court for a trial date and the remand of the defendant at the Enugu State Correctional Centre. Defence counsel, M. C.


Onwuzuruoha, however,  told the court about a pending bail application before it.


Justice Umar thereafter adjourned the matter till April 17, 2024 for hearing on the bail application and ordered that the defendant be remanded at Enugu State Correctional facility.


Chekwube was arrested by the EFCC for allegedly luring a construction company, Zod International Developers, to pay him N85, 000,000.00 under the pretence that he would help the company secure a contract for the construction of six district hospitals in Ebonyi State. After collecting the said amount, the defendant neither secured the contract nor refund the money to the petitioner.


Source: Efcc


The Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned one Ugwu Alexander Chekwube, before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu State.


The defendant was arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N85, 000,000.00 (Eighty-five million naira only).


One of the four-count charges reads: “That you, Ugwu Alexander Chekwube and one Ugo Sunday Onuaguluchi (At large) from 2nd November 2022, to 6th December 2022 in Enugu, Enugu State within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria with intent to defraud induced one Zod International Developers to deliver to you the sum of N85,000,000.00 (Eighty-five million naira), under the pretence that you will help him secure a contract for the construction of six District Hospitals in Ebonyi State which pretence you knew to be false and you thereby committed 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”.


The defendant pleaded “not guilty” after hearing the charges read to him and following plea,  counsel to the EFCC, Nuradeen Shehu Ingawa, prayed the court for a trial date and the remand of the defendant at the Enugu State Correctional Centre. Defence counsel, M. C.


Onwuzuruoha, however,  told the court about a pending bail application before it.


Justice Umar thereafter adjourned the matter till April 17, 2024 for hearing on the bail application and ordered that the defendant be remanded at Enugu State Correctional facility.


Chekwube was arrested by the EFCC for allegedly luring a construction company, Zod International Developers, to pay him N85, 000,000.00 under the pretence that he would help the company secure a contract for the construction of six district hospitals in Ebonyi State. After collecting the said amount, the defendant neither secured the contract nor refund the money to the petitioner.


Source: Efcc

How EFCC Grills 10 Suspected Oil Thieves in Uyo

How EFCC Grills 10 Suspected Oil Thieves in Uyo


The Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, has commenced investigation of ten suspected illegal dealers in petroleum products, who were arrested onboard a ship loaded with 100 metric tonnes of petroleum product without an appropriate licence


The ten suspects were arrested on board MT Queen Hansal Ship and handed over to the Command by the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base Ibaka, Akwa Ibom State, along with 100 metric tons of petroleum product


While handing over the arrested suspects and exhibits to the EFCC, the Naval handing over Captain Uche Aneke said the Navy will continue to perform its duty and ensure that the Akwa Ibom State and its environment remained unfavourable for oil thieves


'The vessel MT Queen Hansal was involved in suspicious activities along Exxol Mobil oil field at position Lat 04'12' 956 N, Long 007'40' 186 'E' by switching off its Automatic Identification System (AIS) such  that the Nigerian Navy in its task arrested the ship, so the vessel and the 10 crew members were arrested by NNS OJI on December 28, 2023 during inspection and brought to base on December 30, 2023", he sai


Receiving the suspects and the products from on behalf of the EFCC, Deputy Superintendent of the EFCC, DSE Ayuba Zira thanked the Navy and assured  that a thorough investigation would  be conducted and culpable suspects prosecuted accordingly. 'We want to assure the public that the EFCC is going to investigate this conclusively and everyone found culpable will face justice. The Command will continue to work with the Navy to sanitize our oil industry and waterways", he sai


Source: EFCC 


The Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, has commenced investigation of ten suspected illegal dealers in petroleum products, who were arrested onboard a ship loaded with 100 metric tonnes of petroleum product without an appropriate licence


The ten suspects were arrested on board MT Queen Hansal Ship and handed over to the Command by the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base Ibaka, Akwa Ibom State, along with 100 metric tons of petroleum product


While handing over the arrested suspects and exhibits to the EFCC, the Naval handing over Captain Uche Aneke said the Navy will continue to perform its duty and ensure that the Akwa Ibom State and its environment remained unfavourable for oil thieves


'The vessel MT Queen Hansal was involved in suspicious activities along Exxol Mobil oil field at position Lat 04'12' 956 N, Long 007'40' 186 'E' by switching off its Automatic Identification System (AIS) such  that the Nigerian Navy in its task arrested the ship, so the vessel and the 10 crew members were arrested by NNS OJI on December 28, 2023 during inspection and brought to base on December 30, 2023", he sai


Receiving the suspects and the products from on behalf of the EFCC, Deputy Superintendent of the EFCC, DSE Ayuba Zira thanked the Navy and assured  that a thorough investigation would  be conducted and culpable suspects prosecuted accordingly. 'We want to assure the public that the EFCC is going to investigate this conclusively and everyone found culpable will face justice. The Command will continue to work with the Navy to sanitize our oil industry and waterways", he sai


Source: EFCC 

EFCC Arraigns One for N11.4m Fraud in Enugu

EFCC Arraigns One for N11.4m Fraud in Enugu

The Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 arraigned one Ukwueze Chidera Matthew before Justice F. O. Giwa-Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court sitting in Enugu on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing to the tune of N11, 458, 597. 53 (Eleven Million, Four Hundred and Fifty-Eight thousand, Five Hundred and Ninety-Seven Naira, Fifty-Three kobo).

 

One of the charges reads: “That you,”Ukwueze Chidera Matthew, Chijioke Stephen Thomas (At large) and Chibuike Ignatius Okoli (At large) sometimes between 30th March 2022 and 8th June 2022 in Enugu, Enugu State within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria retained the sum of N11, 458, 597. 53 (Eleven Million, Four Hundred and Fifty-eight thousand, Five Hundred and Ninety-seven Naira, Fifty-three koko) which you stole from Keystone account number 1012123695 belonging to Ajogwu Blessing Ukamaka which you knew or ought to have known to be proceed of your unlawful act and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 20 (b) of Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022”.

 

He pleaded “not guilty” when the charges were read to him and in view of his plea,  counsel to the EFCC, B. Ajogwu prayed the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded at Enugu State Correctional facility. Defence counsel, G. O. Ugwuoke however informed the court about a pending bail application before it.

 

Justice Giwa-Ogunbanjo thereafter adjourned the matter till March 12, 2024 for hearing of bail application and June 26 and 27, 2024 for trial. The defendant was remanded at Enugu State Correctional facility.

 

The defendant was arrested owing to the claims of a petitioner that  he allegedly withdrew N11, 458, 597. 53 from her bank account without her consent.


Investigations revealed that the defendant, who belongs to a syndicate of fraudsters, stole the petitioner’s Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card and used the same to hack into her bank account and diverted the said sum.


Source: EFCC 

The Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 arraigned one Ukwueze Chidera Matthew before Justice F. O. Giwa-Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court sitting in Enugu on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing to the tune of N11, 458, 597. 53 (Eleven Million, Four Hundred and Fifty-Eight thousand, Five Hundred and Ninety-Seven Naira, Fifty-Three kobo).

 

One of the charges reads: “That you,”Ukwueze Chidera Matthew, Chijioke Stephen Thomas (At large) and Chibuike Ignatius Okoli (At large) sometimes between 30th March 2022 and 8th June 2022 in Enugu, Enugu State within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria retained the sum of N11, 458, 597. 53 (Eleven Million, Four Hundred and Fifty-eight thousand, Five Hundred and Ninety-seven Naira, Fifty-three koko) which you stole from Keystone account number 1012123695 belonging to Ajogwu Blessing Ukamaka which you knew or ought to have known to be proceed of your unlawful act and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 20 (b) of Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022”.

 

He pleaded “not guilty” when the charges were read to him and in view of his plea,  counsel to the EFCC, B. Ajogwu prayed the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded at Enugu State Correctional facility. Defence counsel, G. O. Ugwuoke however informed the court about a pending bail application before it.

 

Justice Giwa-Ogunbanjo thereafter adjourned the matter till March 12, 2024 for hearing of bail application and June 26 and 27, 2024 for trial. The defendant was remanded at Enugu State Correctional facility.

 

The defendant was arrested owing to the claims of a petitioner that  he allegedly withdrew N11, 458, 597. 53 from her bank account without her consent.


Investigations revealed that the defendant, who belongs to a syndicate of fraudsters, stole the petitioner’s Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card and used the same to hack into her bank account and diverted the said sum.


Source: EFCC 

Oyo, Ogun Courts Jail 14 Internet Fraudsters

Oyo, Ogun Courts Jail 14 Internet Fraudsters


Justices Ladiran Akintola, O.A. Lajide, Bayo Taiwo, M.O. Ishola of the Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan and Justice E.O. Osinuga of the Ogun State High Court, Abeokuta have convicted and sentenced fourteen (14) internet fraudsters to various jail terms.


They were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charges upon being arraigned by the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, between February 23, 2024 and March 5, 2024.


The convicts are Olajide Oluwadare Samuel, Emmanuel Victor Oluwasegun, Ajibola Najeeb Ayomide, Adebayo Akinwumi Oluwadamilare, Ayodele Wonderful Samson, Olawunmi OlusolaTaiwo, Akorede Habeeblahi Babatunde, Dasilva Olamide Samson, Oyeneye Jeremiah Abiodun, Kodagbese Emmanuel Aduragbemi, Oyebade Ayomide Olamide, Olarewaju Isaiah Oluwadamilare, Abdulazeez Abdulmalik Ifayemi Ayokun and Khalid Ayomide Hammed.


One of the Charges reads:

“That you, Oyeneye Jeremiah Abiodun ‘M’ on or about 5th May, 2023, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated by representing yourself to be a white woman by the name Janet Katty from United States of America, through your email address ([email protected]) to one Necib Akbay, with intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence of personation contrary to Section 484 of the Criminal Code Law Cap 38 Laws of Oyo State, 2000.”


The convicts pleaded “guilty” when their charges were read to them.


Consequent upon their guilty pleas, prosecution counsels, Modupe Akinkoye, Abdulrasheed Suleiman, Shamsuddeen Bashir and Umar Abiso reviewed the facts of the cases and urged the courts to convict and sentence the defendants as charged.

After listening to the counsels, Justice Taiwo convicted and sentenced Samson, Taiwo, Babatunde, Olamide Samson, Olamide and Ayokun to six months community service each and Oluwadamilare to three months community service.


He also ordered Samson, Taiwo, Babatunde, Olamide Samson, Olamide and Ayokun pay the sum of N100, 000.00K (One Hundred Thousand Naira) fine each, alongside their jail terms and “refusal to pay the N100,000.00K fine and restitute their victims within four weeks from the judgment date or their six months community service be converted to two years imprisonment each”.


Furthermore, Justice Akintola convicted and sentenced Aduragbemi to one year imprisonment or One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100, 000.00K) fine, Oluwasegun to six months community service or N50, 000.00K (Fifty Thousand Naira) fine, while Abiodun was convicted and ordered to pay N50, 000.00K (Fifty Thousand Naira) fine.


Also, Justice Lajide convicted and sentenced Ayomide to N750, 000.00K (Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) fine and Akinwumi Oluwadamilare bagged six months community service and N700, 000.00K (Seven Hundred Thousand Naira) fine respectively.


Justice Osinuga convicted Samuel but discharged him without a sentence while Justice Ishola convicted and sentenced Hammed to six months community service.

The convicts were all ordered to restitute their various victims and forfeit all items recovered from them to the Federal Government of Nigeria.


They all bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested at various locations by operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the EFCC. They were subsequently charged to court and convicted.


Source: EFCC


Justices Ladiran Akintola, O.A. Lajide, Bayo Taiwo, M.O. Ishola of the Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan and Justice E.O. Osinuga of the Ogun State High Court, Abeokuta have convicted and sentenced fourteen (14) internet fraudsters to various jail terms.


They were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charges upon being arraigned by the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, between February 23, 2024 and March 5, 2024.


The convicts are Olajide Oluwadare Samuel, Emmanuel Victor Oluwasegun, Ajibola Najeeb Ayomide, Adebayo Akinwumi Oluwadamilare, Ayodele Wonderful Samson, Olawunmi OlusolaTaiwo, Akorede Habeeblahi Babatunde, Dasilva Olamide Samson, Oyeneye Jeremiah Abiodun, Kodagbese Emmanuel Aduragbemi, Oyebade Ayomide Olamide, Olarewaju Isaiah Oluwadamilare, Abdulazeez Abdulmalik Ifayemi Ayokun and Khalid Ayomide Hammed.


One of the Charges reads:

“That you, Oyeneye Jeremiah Abiodun ‘M’ on or about 5th May, 2023, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated by representing yourself to be a white woman by the name Janet Katty from United States of America, through your email address ([email protected]) to one Necib Akbay, with intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence of personation contrary to Section 484 of the Criminal Code Law Cap 38 Laws of Oyo State, 2000.”


The convicts pleaded “guilty” when their charges were read to them.


Consequent upon their guilty pleas, prosecution counsels, Modupe Akinkoye, Abdulrasheed Suleiman, Shamsuddeen Bashir and Umar Abiso reviewed the facts of the cases and urged the courts to convict and sentence the defendants as charged.

After listening to the counsels, Justice Taiwo convicted and sentenced Samson, Taiwo, Babatunde, Olamide Samson, Olamide and Ayokun to six months community service each and Oluwadamilare to three months community service.


He also ordered Samson, Taiwo, Babatunde, Olamide Samson, Olamide and Ayokun pay the sum of N100, 000.00K (One Hundred Thousand Naira) fine each, alongside their jail terms and “refusal to pay the N100,000.00K fine and restitute their victims within four weeks from the judgment date or their six months community service be converted to two years imprisonment each”.


Furthermore, Justice Akintola convicted and sentenced Aduragbemi to one year imprisonment or One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100, 000.00K) fine, Oluwasegun to six months community service or N50, 000.00K (Fifty Thousand Naira) fine, while Abiodun was convicted and ordered to pay N50, 000.00K (Fifty Thousand Naira) fine.


Also, Justice Lajide convicted and sentenced Ayomide to N750, 000.00K (Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) fine and Akinwumi Oluwadamilare bagged six months community service and N700, 000.00K (Seven Hundred Thousand Naira) fine respectively.


Justice Osinuga convicted Samuel but discharged him without a sentence while Justice Ishola convicted and sentenced Hammed to six months community service.

The convicts were all ordered to restitute their various victims and forfeit all items recovered from them to the Federal Government of Nigeria.


They all bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested at various locations by operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the EFCC. They were subsequently charged to court and convicted.


Source: EFCC

EFCC Arraigns One for N67m Fraud in Yola

EFCC Arraigns One for N67m Fraud in Yola


The Gombe Zonal Command of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 arraigned one Zakariyau Yahaya before Justice Benjamin Manji of High Court 9 of the Adamawa State High Court, Yola.


He was arraigned on one-count charge bordering on criminal misappropriation and obtaining to the tune of N67,080,000.00 (Sixty-Seven Million, Eighty Thousand Naira).


The charge reads; “That you Zakariyau Yahaya, sometimes 2022 in Yola, Adamawa State within the jurisdiction of this honorable court, convert to your own use the sum of N67,080,000.00 (Sixty-Seven million, Eighty thousand Naira) property of Alh. Umar Zuhairu, which was meant for the purchase of cotton seeds and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 300 of the Penal Code Law of Adamawa State 2018”.


He pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him in Hausa language.


Following his plea, prosecution counsel, M.O Tijani prayed the court for a speedy trial and the remand of the defendant at a Correctional Centre. Defence counsel, Johnson Altajir informed the judge of a bail application already placed before the court.

Justice Manji adjourned the matter till March 11, 2024 for hearing of bail application and April 8 & 9 for commencement of trial. He also remanded the defendant at a Correctional Centre.


The defendant was arrested for obtaining the sum of N67,080,000.00 (Sixty-Seven Million, Eighty Thousand Naira) from a petitioner for the supply of cotton seeds and maize. He neither supplied the products nor returned the money to the petitioner.

 

Source: EFCC 


The Gombe Zonal Command of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 arraigned one Zakariyau Yahaya before Justice Benjamin Manji of High Court 9 of the Adamawa State High Court, Yola.


He was arraigned on one-count charge bordering on criminal misappropriation and obtaining to the tune of N67,080,000.00 (Sixty-Seven Million, Eighty Thousand Naira).


The charge reads; “That you Zakariyau Yahaya, sometimes 2022 in Yola, Adamawa State within the jurisdiction of this honorable court, convert to your own use the sum of N67,080,000.00 (Sixty-Seven million, Eighty thousand Naira) property of Alh. Umar Zuhairu, which was meant for the purchase of cotton seeds and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 300 of the Penal Code Law of Adamawa State 2018”.


He pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him in Hausa language.


Following his plea, prosecution counsel, M.O Tijani prayed the court for a speedy trial and the remand of the defendant at a Correctional Centre. Defence counsel, Johnson Altajir informed the judge of a bail application already placed before the court.

Justice Manji adjourned the matter till March 11, 2024 for hearing of bail application and April 8 & 9 for commencement of trial. He also remanded the defendant at a Correctional Centre.


The defendant was arrested for obtaining the sum of N67,080,000.00 (Sixty-Seven Million, Eighty Thousand Naira) from a petitioner for the supply of cotton seeds and maize. He neither supplied the products nor returned the money to the petitioner.

 

Source: EFCC 

Court Convicted Man, Two Companies in Kaduna

Court Convicted Man, Two Companies in Kaduna




Justices Darius Khobo, R. M Aikawa and Hawa Buhari of the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna have  convicted and sentenced one Onoja Benjamin Ufedo to two years imprisonment for cheating and  Karamchi Motors Limited and Dawaki Motors Limited for failure to comply with the requirements of the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering, SCUML.


Ufedo was jailed on Monday,  March 4, 2024, after he pleaded guilty to  a lone count charge bordering on cheating upon arraignment by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.


 The lone count charge reads: “that you, Onoja Benjamin Ufedo "M" sometimes in December 2023, in Kaduna, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did dishonestly induce one Sani Abubakar Abbas to pay you the sum of N100,000.00(One Hundred Thousand Naira), which you paid one Mohammed Nasir Sadeeq the sum of N50,000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira), to procure two false certificates of Occupancy of Chikun Local Government with numbers: CH/B/000524 and CH/B/ 000520, and you thereby committed cheating, an offence contrary to Section 306(b) of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017 and punishable under Section 307 of the same Law.


The defendant pleaded guilty to the lone -count charge when it was read to him.


Prosecution counsel, M. O Arumemi, relying on the guilty plea by the defendant, asked the court to convict him accordingly.


Justice Khobo convicted and sentenced Ufedo to two years imprisonment with an option of fine of N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand naira).


In the same vein, Justices Aikawa and Buhari convicted and sentenced Karamchi Motors Ltd and Dawaki Motors Ltd to a fine of N250, 000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) for failing to comply with the reporting requirements of SCUML.


The lone- count charge against Dawaki Motors Ltd reads: “that you, Dawaki Motors Ltd operating the business of motor vehicle dealership, sometime in July, 2022 at Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did in contravention of the law, failed to submit a declaration of your activities to wit: requirements of customer’s identification and submission of returns on transactions to the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML), and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 11(1) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition)Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 11(3) of the same Act.”


While the one- count charge against Karamchi Motors Ltd reads: “that you, Karamchi Motors Ltd, operating the business of general contractors and other businesses, sometime in July, 2019, at Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did an act to wit, failed to report to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in writing within 7 days, your three (3) lodgments of N10,000,000.00(Ten Million Naira) which is in excess of N5,000,000.00 (Five Million naira) and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 10(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition)Act, 2011 (as amended) in 2012 and punishable under Section 10(3) of the same Act.”


Ufedo bagged his imprisonment for procuring a fake certificate of occupancy for a petitioner while Dawaki and Karamchi motors limited were convicted for running afoul of SCUML’s reporting guidelines regarding thresholds in transactions.


Source: EFCC




Justices Darius Khobo, R. M Aikawa and Hawa Buhari of the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna have  convicted and sentenced one Onoja Benjamin Ufedo to two years imprisonment for cheating and  Karamchi Motors Limited and Dawaki Motors Limited for failure to comply with the requirements of the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering, SCUML.


Ufedo was jailed on Monday,  March 4, 2024, after he pleaded guilty to  a lone count charge bordering on cheating upon arraignment by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.


 The lone count charge reads: “that you, Onoja Benjamin Ufedo "M" sometimes in December 2023, in Kaduna, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did dishonestly induce one Sani Abubakar Abbas to pay you the sum of N100,000.00(One Hundred Thousand Naira), which you paid one Mohammed Nasir Sadeeq the sum of N50,000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira), to procure two false certificates of Occupancy of Chikun Local Government with numbers: CH/B/000524 and CH/B/ 000520, and you thereby committed cheating, an offence contrary to Section 306(b) of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017 and punishable under Section 307 of the same Law.


The defendant pleaded guilty to the lone -count charge when it was read to him.


Prosecution counsel, M. O Arumemi, relying on the guilty plea by the defendant, asked the court to convict him accordingly.


Justice Khobo convicted and sentenced Ufedo to two years imprisonment with an option of fine of N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand naira).


In the same vein, Justices Aikawa and Buhari convicted and sentenced Karamchi Motors Ltd and Dawaki Motors Ltd to a fine of N250, 000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) for failing to comply with the reporting requirements of SCUML.


The lone- count charge against Dawaki Motors Ltd reads: “that you, Dawaki Motors Ltd operating the business of motor vehicle dealership, sometime in July, 2022 at Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did in contravention of the law, failed to submit a declaration of your activities to wit: requirements of customer’s identification and submission of returns on transactions to the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML), and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 11(1) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition)Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 11(3) of the same Act.”


While the one- count charge against Karamchi Motors Ltd reads: “that you, Karamchi Motors Ltd, operating the business of general contractors and other businesses, sometime in July, 2019, at Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did an act to wit, failed to report to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in writing within 7 days, your three (3) lodgments of N10,000,000.00(Ten Million Naira) which is in excess of N5,000,000.00 (Five Million naira) and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 10(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition)Act, 2011 (as amended) in 2012 and punishable under Section 10(3) of the same Act.”


Ufedo bagged his imprisonment for procuring a fake certificate of occupancy for a petitioner while Dawaki and Karamchi motors limited were convicted for running afoul of SCUML’s reporting guidelines regarding thresholds in transactions.


Source: EFCC

Alleged $6.2m Fraud: Forensic Expert Confirms forgery of Buhari, Mustapha's Signatures

Alleged $6.2m Fraud: Forensic Expert Confirms forgery of Buhari, Mustapha's Signatures


Bamaiyi Haruna Mairiga, Sixth Prosecution Witness, PW6, in the trial of a former governor of  Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN,  Godwin Emefiele on Thursday, March 7, 2024 told Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court,  Abuja, that forensic examination showed that the signatures of former President Muhammadu Buhari and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF,  Boss Mustapha were allegedly  forged for the payment of $6.2million to foreign election observers in the 2023 General Election.


Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, Mairiga, a forensic expert informed the court that forensic evaluation of the “Presidential Directive on Foreign Observers Election A” and “Presidential Directive on Foreign Observer Election A2,” which were the documents upon which the payment was made by the CBN under Emefiele, showed manifest evidence of forgery of the signatures of Buhari and Mustapha under forensic scrutiny, and a clear evidence that the seal of execution was equally fake.


“My Lord, the conclusion of the examination showed that the questioned signature marked “X-X1” had suspicious evidence of forgery or copying act, as line quality, the form, skill of execution and pen movement were found to be different from the specimen signatures marked A-A2 and B-81", he said.


Continuing, he stressed that, "specifically, the form and formation of the disputed signature marked X and specimen signatures marked 1 were different with respect to pen movement impulses, initial and terminal strokes, loops, tremors, and individual characteristics.


“This confirms that the author of specimen signatures marked B-81 did not write the signature of Muhammadu Buhari on the disputed document marked X. Also, the form and formation of the disputed signature marked X1 and specimen signatures marked A-A2 were also different with respect to pen movement impulses, initial and terminal strokes, loops, tremors, and individual characteristics. This confirms that the author of specimen signatures marked A-A2 did not write the signature of Boss Mustapha on the disputed document marked X1 and the same was produced into a report and returned to the requesting unit"

The “Presidential Directive on Foreign Observers Election A” and “Presidential Directive on Foreign Observer Election A2” were tendered in evidence and admitted by the court.


Under cross-examination by counsel to Emefiele,   Matthew Burkaa ,SAN, Mairiga revealed that he was seconded to the EFCC in 2018 from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and that NIS remained the agency of his primary employment.


After listening to the cross examinations,  Justice Muazu  discharged Mairiga from the dock, and adjourned the matter till March 11, 2024.





Earlier on Monday, February 12, 2024, Ogau Onyeka Michael, a prosecution witness, had disclosed before Justice Muazu that Emefiele approved the payment of $6,230,000 (Six Million, Two Hundred and Thirty Thousand Dollars) in cash for international election observers in the 2023 General Election.


Michael, a former Abuja Branch Controller of CBN, led in evidence by Oyedepo revealed that on January 8, 2023, a request for payment in the sum of $6,230,000  came to his office and that the documents for the disbursement of the money were approved by the then CBN governor in cash for international election observers.


Similarly, another prosecution witness, Boss Gida Mustapha, former SGF on Tuesday February 13, 2024 told Justice Muazu that neither the former President Buhari nor himself raised a memo directing the apex bank to pay the said sum to international election observers in the last general election. Mustapha told the court he never came across the transaction while he served as the SGF.


“My Lord, all through my years in service at my capacity, I never came across such a document. Having served for five years, seven months", he said. 


Source; EFCC 


Bamaiyi Haruna Mairiga, Sixth Prosecution Witness, PW6, in the trial of a former governor of  Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN,  Godwin Emefiele on Thursday, March 7, 2024 told Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court,  Abuja, that forensic examination showed that the signatures of former President Muhammadu Buhari and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF,  Boss Mustapha were allegedly  forged for the payment of $6.2million to foreign election observers in the 2023 General Election.


Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, Mairiga, a forensic expert informed the court that forensic evaluation of the “Presidential Directive on Foreign Observers Election A” and “Presidential Directive on Foreign Observer Election A2,” which were the documents upon which the payment was made by the CBN under Emefiele, showed manifest evidence of forgery of the signatures of Buhari and Mustapha under forensic scrutiny, and a clear evidence that the seal of execution was equally fake.


“My Lord, the conclusion of the examination showed that the questioned signature marked “X-X1” had suspicious evidence of forgery or copying act, as line quality, the form, skill of execution and pen movement were found to be different from the specimen signatures marked A-A2 and B-81", he said.


Continuing, he stressed that, "specifically, the form and formation of the disputed signature marked X and specimen signatures marked 1 were different with respect to pen movement impulses, initial and terminal strokes, loops, tremors, and individual characteristics.


“This confirms that the author of specimen signatures marked B-81 did not write the signature of Muhammadu Buhari on the disputed document marked X. Also, the form and formation of the disputed signature marked X1 and specimen signatures marked A-A2 were also different with respect to pen movement impulses, initial and terminal strokes, loops, tremors, and individual characteristics. This confirms that the author of specimen signatures marked A-A2 did not write the signature of Boss Mustapha on the disputed document marked X1 and the same was produced into a report and returned to the requesting unit"

The “Presidential Directive on Foreign Observers Election A” and “Presidential Directive on Foreign Observer Election A2” were tendered in evidence and admitted by the court.


Under cross-examination by counsel to Emefiele,   Matthew Burkaa ,SAN, Mairiga revealed that he was seconded to the EFCC in 2018 from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and that NIS remained the agency of his primary employment.


After listening to the cross examinations,  Justice Muazu  discharged Mairiga from the dock, and adjourned the matter till March 11, 2024.





Earlier on Monday, February 12, 2024, Ogau Onyeka Michael, a prosecution witness, had disclosed before Justice Muazu that Emefiele approved the payment of $6,230,000 (Six Million, Two Hundred and Thirty Thousand Dollars) in cash for international election observers in the 2023 General Election.


Michael, a former Abuja Branch Controller of CBN, led in evidence by Oyedepo revealed that on January 8, 2023, a request for payment in the sum of $6,230,000  came to his office and that the documents for the disbursement of the money were approved by the then CBN governor in cash for international election observers.


Similarly, another prosecution witness, Boss Gida Mustapha, former SGF on Tuesday February 13, 2024 told Justice Muazu that neither the former President Buhari nor himself raised a memo directing the apex bank to pay the said sum to international election observers in the last general election. Mustapha told the court he never came across the transaction while he served as the SGF.


“My Lord, all through my years in service at my capacity, I never came across such a document. Having served for five years, seven months", he said. 


Source; EFCC 

EFCC Defends Arrest of Suspected Food Smugglers

EFCC Defends Arrest of Suspected Food Smugglers

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 justified the interception and arrest of 21 trucks loaded with food items allegedly being smuggled into neighboring countries, describing it as economic sabotage.


The justification was made in Abuja on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 by the Spokesperson of the Commission, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Dele Oyewale while fielding questions in an interview session with the EFCC Radio, 97.3Fm.


According to him, the EFCC is saddled with the mandate of tackling all forms of economic and financial crimes, especially issues that directly affect the economy to avert sabotage. “Anything that has a negative bearing on the economy is an act of economic sabotage or serving as a leakage, distortion or disequilibrium in the economy, the Commission has a responsibility to tackle it and that is what the EFCC has done”, he said.


Continuing,  the image maker explained that,  “it is not that the Commission is throwing its nets towards the borders, an arrest can be made anywhere, and the smugglers were arrested at the exit routes leading to Cameroon and Chad as a result of the effectiveness of our surveillance. They could have also been arrested anywhere else but the most important thing is that they were arrested for allegedly smuggling food items that could be useful to Nigerians, which they were not allowed to take out of the country”.


He urged the public to commend and support the Commission for spreading its wings across the country, “the Commission is proactive and it is everywhere to ensure that the economy is revamped so that Nigerians can get optimum value. So, I think Nigerians should applaud the Commission more for being so proactive enough to tackle such incidental crimes. We all need to join our hands together to ensure that this problem of economic sabotage is directly addressed”, he said.


Source: EFCC 

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 justified the interception and arrest of 21 trucks loaded with food items allegedly being smuggled into neighboring countries, describing it as economic sabotage.


The justification was made in Abuja on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 by the Spokesperson of the Commission, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Dele Oyewale while fielding questions in an interview session with the EFCC Radio, 97.3Fm.


According to him, the EFCC is saddled with the mandate of tackling all forms of economic and financial crimes, especially issues that directly affect the economy to avert sabotage. “Anything that has a negative bearing on the economy is an act of economic sabotage or serving as a leakage, distortion or disequilibrium in the economy, the Commission has a responsibility to tackle it and that is what the EFCC has done”, he said.


Continuing,  the image maker explained that,  “it is not that the Commission is throwing its nets towards the borders, an arrest can be made anywhere, and the smugglers were arrested at the exit routes leading to Cameroon and Chad as a result of the effectiveness of our surveillance. They could have also been arrested anywhere else but the most important thing is that they were arrested for allegedly smuggling food items that could be useful to Nigerians, which they were not allowed to take out of the country”.


He urged the public to commend and support the Commission for spreading its wings across the country, “the Commission is proactive and it is everywhere to ensure that the economy is revamped so that Nigerians can get optimum value. So, I think Nigerians should applaud the Commission more for being so proactive enough to tackle such incidental crimes. We all need to join our hands together to ensure that this problem of economic sabotage is directly addressed”, he said.


Source: EFCC 

Witnesses Narrate How UniJos NASU Members Lost N178m to Union Executives in Land Fraud

Witnesses Narrate How UniJos NASU Members Lost N178m to Union Executives in Land Fraud


Witnesses in the trial of Kassam Kopte and Yakubu Zwalnan, former Chairman and Secretary, University of Jos’ Non Academic Staff Union of Education and Associated Institution, on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 narrated before Justice S.P Gang of the Plateau State High Court sitting in Jos, how the duo allegedly lured union members into fraudulent land deals and defrauded them of their life savings in the process.


Kopte and Zwalnan are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on three-count charges bordering on criminal breach of trust and conspiracy to defraud union members to the tune of 

N178,583,560.36 (One Hundred and Seventy-eight Million, Five Hundred and Eighty-three Thousand, Five Hundred Sixty Naira, Thirty-six Kobo). The alleged offence contravenes Section 97 of the Penal 

Code Laws of Plateau State, and punishable under the same Law.”


At Wednesday’s court session, Second Prosecution Witness , PW2, Dabup Luka Jacob, a lecturer in the University of Jos, who was led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Steve Odiase, told the court that he lost N448,200 (Four Hundred and 

Forty-Eight Thousand, Two Hundred Naira) to the two defendants, being the total cost of two plots of land he chose to buy.


"My Lord, in 2012, they advertised plots of land to the university community, I subscribed for four plots of land. Two were shown to me, while the remaining two I have no idea about. And the two I was shown have no title documents for me to claim them as mine. No evidence to call them mine. I paid for the two plots through direct lodgments into the NASU plots of land account they gave us, while the remaining two are to be deducted from my salary. I have a photocopy of the evidence of payments because the originals are with the union.”


In his own testimony, Third Prosecution Witness, PW3, James Wazhi Jangfa, narrated that he lost a total of N896,400 (Eight Hundred and Ninety-Six Thousand, Four Hundred Naira) to the two defendants, being the total cost of five plots of land he was deceived into buying by the duo.


"My Lord, I subscribed for five plots of land. I paid for three while the other two were to be deducted from my salary. Three plots of lands were shown to me and I accepted, while I was shown another two in a valley which I rejected . Of the total lands, my Lord, none has a document to back it up even after we paid for land title fees and other formalities. So technically, my Lord, I can't claim any of the land because it has no paper document to back them up,"he said.


Earlier on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, the first Prosecution Witness, PW1,Bitrus Ayuba, had told the court that he lost N448,000.00 (Four Hundred and Forty-eight Thousand Naira) to the two defendants in the fraudulent land purchase.


"As at that time my Lord, in one of our meetings, they advertised plots of land to us, stating that all interested persons should indicate his or her interest and that he or she would get it. We asked them the price of a plot of land and they told us it was N170,000 (One Hundred and Seventy Thousand Naira). I then showed interest and paid the sum of N340,000 (Three Hundred and Forty Thousand Naira) for two plots of land. After a while, they told us again to pay the sum of N54,000 (Fifty-four Thousand Naira) for land title documents and I paid for the two plots I paid for earlier," he stated.


All the evidence of payments made by the witnesses were admitted exhibits in court by Justice Gang after scaling stiff objections from D.G Dashe and I.P Gyang, counsels to the first and second defendants, respectively.  


The judge adjourned the matter till May 14 and 15 2024 for continuation of trial.


Source: EFCC 


Witnesses in the trial of Kassam Kopte and Yakubu Zwalnan, former Chairman and Secretary, University of Jos’ Non Academic Staff Union of Education and Associated Institution, on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 narrated before Justice S.P Gang of the Plateau State High Court sitting in Jos, how the duo allegedly lured union members into fraudulent land deals and defrauded them of their life savings in the process.


Kopte and Zwalnan are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on three-count charges bordering on criminal breach of trust and conspiracy to defraud union members to the tune of 

N178,583,560.36 (One Hundred and Seventy-eight Million, Five Hundred and Eighty-three Thousand, Five Hundred Sixty Naira, Thirty-six Kobo). The alleged offence contravenes Section 97 of the Penal 

Code Laws of Plateau State, and punishable under the same Law.”


At Wednesday’s court session, Second Prosecution Witness , PW2, Dabup Luka Jacob, a lecturer in the University of Jos, who was led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Steve Odiase, told the court that he lost N448,200 (Four Hundred and 

Forty-Eight Thousand, Two Hundred Naira) to the two defendants, being the total cost of two plots of land he chose to buy.


"My Lord, in 2012, they advertised plots of land to the university community, I subscribed for four plots of land. Two were shown to me, while the remaining two I have no idea about. And the two I was shown have no title documents for me to claim them as mine. No evidence to call them mine. I paid for the two plots through direct lodgments into the NASU plots of land account they gave us, while the remaining two are to be deducted from my salary. I have a photocopy of the evidence of payments because the originals are with the union.”


In his own testimony, Third Prosecution Witness, PW3, James Wazhi Jangfa, narrated that he lost a total of N896,400 (Eight Hundred and Ninety-Six Thousand, Four Hundred Naira) to the two defendants, being the total cost of five plots of land he was deceived into buying by the duo.


"My Lord, I subscribed for five plots of land. I paid for three while the other two were to be deducted from my salary. Three plots of lands were shown to me and I accepted, while I was shown another two in a valley which I rejected . Of the total lands, my Lord, none has a document to back it up even after we paid for land title fees and other formalities. So technically, my Lord, I can't claim any of the land because it has no paper document to back them up,"he said.


Earlier on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, the first Prosecution Witness, PW1,Bitrus Ayuba, had told the court that he lost N448,000.00 (Four Hundred and Forty-eight Thousand Naira) to the two defendants in the fraudulent land purchase.


"As at that time my Lord, in one of our meetings, they advertised plots of land to us, stating that all interested persons should indicate his or her interest and that he or she would get it. We asked them the price of a plot of land and they told us it was N170,000 (One Hundred and Seventy Thousand Naira). I then showed interest and paid the sum of N340,000 (Three Hundred and Forty Thousand Naira) for two plots of land. After a while, they told us again to pay the sum of N54,000 (Fifty-four Thousand Naira) for land title documents and I paid for the two plots I paid for earlier," he stated.


All the evidence of payments made by the witnesses were admitted exhibits in court by Justice Gang after scaling stiff objections from D.G Dashe and I.P Gyang, counsels to the first and second defendants, respectively.  


The judge adjourned the matter till May 14 and 15 2024 for continuation of trial.


Source: EFCC 

EFCC Arrests 48 Suspected Internet Fraudsters, Herbalist in Lokoja

EFCC Arrests 48 Suspected Internet Fraudsters, Herbalist in Lokoja


The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested 48 (Forty-eight) suspected internet fraudsters and herbalist for offences bordering on conspiracy and obtaining under false pretence in Lokoja, Kogi State capital.

They were arrested upon credible intelligence on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at various locations in Lokoja, The herbalist, believed to be a spiritual godfather of internet fraudsters, was arrested with various charms.


Items recovered from them include 10 exotic cars, two motorcycles, 11 laptops, 83 mobile phones and charms.


The suspects, all male, between the ages of 17 -34 will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigations.


Source: EFCC 


The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested 48 (Forty-eight) suspected internet fraudsters and herbalist for offences bordering on conspiracy and obtaining under false pretence in Lokoja, Kogi State capital.

They were arrested upon credible intelligence on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at various locations in Lokoja, The herbalist, believed to be a spiritual godfather of internet fraudsters, was arrested with various charms.


Items recovered from them include 10 exotic cars, two motorcycles, 11 laptops, 83 mobile phones and charms.


The suspects, all male, between the ages of 17 -34 will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigations.


Source: EFCC 

WANTED BY THE EFCC – Leno Laitan Adesanya

WANTED BY THE EFCC – Leno Laitan Adesanya

 WANTED BY THE EFCC


Leno Laitan Adesanya is WANTED by the EFCC for offences bothering on economic and financial crimes. Any info on his whereabout? Please contact the EFCC offices or the nearest Police Station. 


#EFCCNigeria

 WANTED BY THE EFCC


Leno Laitan Adesanya is WANTED by the EFCC for offences bothering on economic and financial crimes. Any info on his whereabout? Please contact the EFCC offices or the nearest Police Station. 


#EFCCNigeria

Court Jails Five Internet Fraudsters in Benin City

Court Jails Five Internet Fraudsters in Benin City



Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City has convicted and sentenced five internet fraudsters to various jail terms.


The convicts are Jacob Sunday, Olarenwaju Adewale, Emmanuel Tomiwa Ajayi, Adewale Elufadejin Festus and Seyi Olumeko.


Sunday and Adewale were jailed on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 while the trio of Ajayi, Festus and Olumeko were jailed on Thursday February 29, 2024.


They were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charge bordering on possession of fraudulent documents upon arraignment by the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.


The charge against Ajayi reads: "that you Emmanuel Tomiwa Ajayi (m) on or about 12th February, 2024 in Benin City, Edo State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did have in your possession documents which you knew or ought to have known contain a false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to sections 6 and 8 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act.2006 and punishable under section 1(3)of same Act."


All the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges when they were read to them, prompting prosecution counsels, I.K Agwai, K. Y. Bello, A.A.Ibrahim to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. However, counsel to the defendants pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy as they have become remorseful for their actions.

 

Justice Ikponmwonba convicted and sentenced Sunday, Adewale, Olumeko and Festus to three years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) each while Ajayi bagged three years imprisonment or a fine of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira).


The judge ordered that the convicts forfeit their phones, balances in their various bank accounts being proceeds of crime to the Federal Government of Nigeria. All the convicts are to undertake in writing to be of good behaviour afterwards.


The convicts’ road to the Correctional Centre began following their arrest by operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the Commission based on actionable intelligence regarding their involvement in fraudulent activities.


Source: EFCC 



Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City has convicted and sentenced five internet fraudsters to various jail terms.


The convicts are Jacob Sunday, Olarenwaju Adewale, Emmanuel Tomiwa Ajayi, Adewale Elufadejin Festus and Seyi Olumeko.


Sunday and Adewale were jailed on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 while the trio of Ajayi, Festus and Olumeko were jailed on Thursday February 29, 2024.


They were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charge bordering on possession of fraudulent documents upon arraignment by the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.


The charge against Ajayi reads: "that you Emmanuel Tomiwa Ajayi (m) on or about 12th February, 2024 in Benin City, Edo State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did have in your possession documents which you knew or ought to have known contain a false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to sections 6 and 8 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act.2006 and punishable under section 1(3)of same Act."


All the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges when they were read to them, prompting prosecution counsels, I.K Agwai, K. Y. Bello, A.A.Ibrahim to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. However, counsel to the defendants pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy as they have become remorseful for their actions.

 

Justice Ikponmwonba convicted and sentenced Sunday, Adewale, Olumeko and Festus to three years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) each while Ajayi bagged three years imprisonment or a fine of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira).


The judge ordered that the convicts forfeit their phones, balances in their various bank accounts being proceeds of crime to the Federal Government of Nigeria. All the convicts are to undertake in writing to be of good behaviour afterwards.


The convicts’ road to the Correctional Centre began following their arrest by operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the Commission based on actionable intelligence regarding their involvement in fraudulent activities.


Source: EFCC 

Food Insecurity: EFCC Arrests 21 Food-loaded Trucks into Neighbouring Countries

Food Insecurity: EFCC Arrests 21 Food-loaded Trucks into Neighbouring Countries


Operatives of the Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, arrested 21 trucks loaded with food and non-food items heading towards N’djamena, Chad Republic, Central African Republic and Cameroon.


The trucks were intercepted in a sting operation at major exit routes along Kalabiri/Gamboru Ngala and Bama roads, Borno State.



Investigation showed food items cleverly concealed in the trucks that would have gone undetected, but for the eagle-eyed vigilance of operatives of the Commission.



Further checks showed that the Waybills covering the goods carried by the trucks indicated their destinations as N'djamena, Chad Republic, Central Africa Republic and Cameroon respectively.



The arrest of the trucks is expected to stem the tide of food insecurity occasioned by unscrupulous antics of smugglers across the country.


 Suspects arrested with the trucks are being profiled and would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

 


Operatives of the Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, arrested 21 trucks loaded with food and non-food items heading towards N’djamena, Chad Republic, Central African Republic and Cameroon.


The trucks were intercepted in a sting operation at major exit routes along Kalabiri/Gamboru Ngala and Bama roads, Borno State.



Investigation showed food items cleverly concealed in the trucks that would have gone undetected, but for the eagle-eyed vigilance of operatives of the Commission.



Further checks showed that the Waybills covering the goods carried by the trucks indicated their destinations as N'djamena, Chad Republic, Central Africa Republic and Cameroon respectively.



The arrest of the trucks is expected to stem the tide of food insecurity occasioned by unscrupulous antics of smugglers across the country.


 Suspects arrested with the trucks are being profiled and would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

 

Court Jails Seven Internet Fraudsters in Ogun, Oyo

Court Jails Seven Internet Fraudsters in Ogun, Oyo

The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentencing of seven internet fraudsters to various jail term


The convicts: Adio Peter Olakunle, Adebanjo Oluwafemi Samuel, Ezekiel Papi Kolawole, Lukman Olakunle Alabi, Sakiru Olamilekan Usman, Godwin Moses Abaka and Amosu Oladele Gbenon were arraigned on one -count separate charge each before Justices M.O. Ishola, O.A. Lajide of the Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan and S.O. Adeniyi of the Ogun State High Court, Abeokut


One of the charges reads: “That you, Amosu Oladele Gbenonu, ‘M’ on or about 12th of October, 2023 in Ibadan within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud one Karl Ackman, did falsely represent yourself to be Sarah Williams, a white woman from the United States of America with google account [email protected] which representation you knew to be false, thereby committed the offence of Personation contrary to Section 484 of the Criminal Code Law Cap 38, Laws of Oyo State, 2000


The defendants  pleaded “guilty” to the charges preferred against them by the EFC


Consequently, facts of the cases were reviewed and several incriminating documents were tendered before the courts by the prosecution counsels, urging the courts to convict and sentence the defendants accordingl


After listening to the prayers of counsels, Justice Lajide convicted and sentenced Gbenonu, Abaka, Usman and Kolawole to six months community service each, while Alabi was sentenced to two months community servic


Also, Justice Ishola convicted and sentenced Samuel to six months community service and Justice Adeniyi sentenced Olakunle to four months community servic


Furthermore, Justice Lajide ordered Gbenonu to pay the sum of N2million, Abaka to pay N1million, Usman to pay N800, 000.00k (Eight Hundred Thousand Naira) and Kolawole to pay the sum of N400, 000.00K (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) as fines alongside their jail terms respectivel


Also, the convicts were ordered to restitute their various victims and forfeit all items recovered from them to the Federal Government of Nigeri


They began their journey to the Correctional Centre when they were arrested by operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the EFCC for internet-related offences.  They were investigated, prosecuted and convicted










Source : EFCC 

The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentencing of seven internet fraudsters to various jail term


The convicts: Adio Peter Olakunle, Adebanjo Oluwafemi Samuel, Ezekiel Papi Kolawole, Lukman Olakunle Alabi, Sakiru Olamilekan Usman, Godwin Moses Abaka and Amosu Oladele Gbenon were arraigned on one -count separate charge each before Justices M.O. Ishola, O.A. Lajide of the Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan and S.O. Adeniyi of the Ogun State High Court, Abeokut


One of the charges reads: “That you, Amosu Oladele Gbenonu, ‘M’ on or about 12th of October, 2023 in Ibadan within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud one Karl Ackman, did falsely represent yourself to be Sarah Williams, a white woman from the United States of America with google account [email protected] which representation you knew to be false, thereby committed the offence of Personation contrary to Section 484 of the Criminal Code Law Cap 38, Laws of Oyo State, 2000


The defendants  pleaded “guilty” to the charges preferred against them by the EFC


Consequently, facts of the cases were reviewed and several incriminating documents were tendered before the courts by the prosecution counsels, urging the courts to convict and sentence the defendants accordingl


After listening to the prayers of counsels, Justice Lajide convicted and sentenced Gbenonu, Abaka, Usman and Kolawole to six months community service each, while Alabi was sentenced to two months community servic


Also, Justice Ishola convicted and sentenced Samuel to six months community service and Justice Adeniyi sentenced Olakunle to four months community servic


Furthermore, Justice Lajide ordered Gbenonu to pay the sum of N2million, Abaka to pay N1million, Usman to pay N800, 000.00k (Eight Hundred Thousand Naira) and Kolawole to pay the sum of N400, 000.00K (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) as fines alongside their jail terms respectivel


Also, the convicts were ordered to restitute their various victims and forfeit all items recovered from them to the Federal Government of Nigeri


They began their journey to the Correctional Centre when they were arrested by operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the EFCC for internet-related offences.  They were investigated, prosecuted and convicted










Source : EFCC 

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