EFCC

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has suspended one of its senior prosecutors, Samuel Chime, over allegations of bribery linked to the sabotage of corruption cases.

The action followed the outcome of an internal investigative panel constituted by the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, after multiple petitions were submitted by civil society organisations, non-governmental groups, and concerned individuals accusing Chime of misconduct and financial inducement.

Sources within the commission disclosed that the EFCC leadership expressed strong displeasure over the development, warning that such behaviour could damage the agency’s credibility.

One official said, “Chime was suspended after extensive internal probe revealed that he had compromised some cases due to financial inducements.” Another insider added that “the commission might end up dismissing him, but he has been begging the chairman, and pleading for clemency.”

Chime had served as lead prosecutor in several high-profile cases across different Federal High Courts, including matters involving former public officials and alleged fraud suspects in Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt.

Following his suspension, the EFCC has requested adjournments in the affected trials, informing courts that the prosecutor had “proceeded on a sick leave,” a move aimed at safeguarding the commission’s public image.

Further findings from petitions accused him of duplicating charges in separate courts to frustrate defendants, an act said to contradict established prosecutorial standards and EFCC policy.

Consequently, the commission has directed other prosecutors to review both pending and concluded cases previously handled by Chime as investigations continue.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kano Zonal Directorate, on Thursday, February 5, 2026, arraigned a former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Dutsinma (FUDMA), Professor Armaya’u Hamisu Bichi, before the Katsina State High Court over an alleged N19.7 million bribery scheme.

Bichi was docked before Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar alongside two others—Lawal Tukur Mani and Aliyu Lawal Jari—on a five-count charge bordering on bribery.

According to the EFCC, Bichi, while serving as Vice-Chancellor, allegedly received kickbacks from contractors through the two co-defendants in exchange for the award of contracts at the university. One of the charges alleged that he obtained N5 million in July 2023 from a contractor as gratification for contracts involving the supply of medical equipment and laboratory furnishing, with the funds paid into a bank account belonging to one of the co-defendants.

All three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following their pleas, prosecuting counsel, Salihu Sani, requested a trial date, while defence counsel moved applications for bail. Justice Abubakar granted each defendant bail in the sum of N5 million with one surety in like sum and adjourned the case to March 12, 2026, for the commencement of trial.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has strongly rejected allegations by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, that it is being manipulated by political figures to harass him and officials of his administration.

In a statement released on its official Facebook page today, the anti-graft agency said it regarded the governor’s claims as unfounded and misleading.

The Commission described the allegations as “wild” and “far-fetched,” insisting that it remains a neutral institution that carries out its mandate without political influence.

EFCC stated that it was “an independent agency created to fight economic and financial crimes” and maintained that it operates in a non-partisan manner.

The Commission criticised attempts to portray it as an agency that bends to political pressure. It described such portrayal as “mischievous and condemnable.”

EFCC also faulted the governor for linking its activities in Bauchi State to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. It stressed that “no political office holder is in a position to influence the investigative activities of the Commission.”

The agency further stated that Governor Mohammed was previously standing trial for alleged money laundering before becoming governor. It said the case was suspended only because of the constitutional immunity attached to his office.

It queried who influenced the Commission to investigate and prosecute him in 2016.

EFCC disclosed that charges relating to some Bauchi State Government officials have already been filed before the court. It stated that the public could examine the court documents and determine whether the case is motivated by vendetta or by professional investigation.

The Commission explained that Governor Mohammed was named in the charge because he serves as the approving authority in the state.

Reacting to the governor’s claim of terrorism financing persecution, EFCC said such allegations amounted to “clutching at straws.” It stated that it did not create the law and would fail in its responsibility if it refused to act where offences are established by law.

The agency urged politicians across party lines to make public accountability their priority. It described it as “the height of hypocrisy” for politicians to allege persecution when opposition figures are investigated while remaining silent when members of the ruling party face similar legal action.

EFCC recalled that it recently arraigned a senior member of the ruling party over alleged corruption, without any outcry of persecution from any political bloc.

The Commission advised Governor Mohammed to concentrate on governance in Bauchi State and allow it to continue its statutory responsibility of addressing financial crimes nationwide.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered 41 properties allegedly linked to Abubakar Malami, a former attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice.

Findings indicate that the assets include hotels, residential houses, schools, parcels of land, and a printing press. These properties are spread across Kebbi State, Kano State, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Assets located in Kebbi State carry an estimated value of N162,195,950,000.

Properties identified in Kano State are valued at N16,011,800,000. Those situated in the FCT are estimated at N34,685,000,000.

In addition, the federal government has filed a 16-count charge against Malami and his son, Abdulaziz Malami. The charges border on money laundering. Both men are accused of committing offences contrary to Sections 15, 18, and 21 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.

A full breakdown of the traced assets has also emerged.

Kebbi State Assets

Total Valuation: N162,195,950,000

Educational institutions dominate the list in Kebbi. Rayhaan University Permanent Site is valued at N56,000,000,000. Rayhaan University Temporary Site stands at N37,800,000,000. The third site of the university carries a valuation of N2,450,000,000. The Vice Chancellor’s House is valued at N490,000,000.

Rayhaan Model Academy is listed at N11,200,000,000, while Rayhaan Primary and Secondary School stands at N8,750,000,000.

Rayhaan Agro Allied Factory & Commercial properties include factory buildings valued at N4,200,000,000, machines and plant units valued at N10,500,000,000, and a factory mosque valued at N2,450,000,000. Rayhaan Mill Staff Quarters, which consist of ten units, are valued at N1,487,500,000. Rayhaan Bustan Building carries a valuation of N3,150,000,000.

Other identified properties include a printing press valued at N1,050,000,000, Al-Afiya Energy Tanker Garage valued at N2,450,000,000, Amasdul Oil and Gas Ltd Structure valued at N1,050,000,000, and Rayhaan Radio valued at N78,750,000.

Azbir Brand properties also feature prominently. Azbir Hotel is valued at N10,325,000,000. The gallery stands at N581,000,000. Gardens are valued at N392,000,000. The mosque is valued at N252,000,000. Azbir Clothing is valued at N350,000,000, while Azbir Pharmacy and Supermarket stands at N175,000,000.

Several residential and foundation-related assets were also traced. Malami House in GRA is valued at N350,000,000. Malami House behind Mobil is valued at N490,000,000. Malami Residence behind the cemetery stands at N350,000,000. Abdulaziz’s house, described as the first son’s house, is valued at N1,659,000,000. Ahbiru’s house, listed as the second son’s house, carries a valuation of N2,989,000,000. Malami Support Organization Building at ADC is valued at N210,000,000. Kadi Malami Foundation Building stands at N56,000,000. Rayhaan Security House is valued at N245,700,000. An uncompleted three-storey complex carries a valuation of N665,000,000.

Kano State Assets

Total Valuation: N16,011,800,000

In Kano State, Zeennoor Hotel leads the list with a valuation of N11,200,000,000. Zeennoor Mosque stands at N84,000,000. Zeennoor Old Hotel Building is valued at N280,000,000. Rayhaan Hotel Kano carries a valuation of N2,240,000,000. Rayhaan Gym Kano is valued at N1,225,000,000. A house described as the wife’s house along Ahmadu Bello Way is valued at N982,800,000.

FCT Abuja Assets

Total Valuation: N34,685,000,000

Properties traced to the FCT include a duplex on Amazon Street, Maitama, valued at N5,950,000,000. Meethaq Hotel in Jabi is valued at N8,400,000,000. Meethaq Hotel in Maitama carries a valuation of N12,950,000,000. Forty-two units of bungalows at Efab Estate are valued at N385,000,000. Harmonia Hotels in Area 11, Garki, stands at N7,000,000,000.

The cumulative valuation of all 41 properties traced to Malami stands at N212,892,750,000.

By Anas Abbas

The former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, on Wednesday appeared at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja.

Kyari, who had previously been placed on the agency’s watchlist, arrived at the commission around 2:30 p.m. for questioning.

Daily Trust reported from sources within the EFCC that the former NNPCL boss is being interrogated over the management of funds allocated for the maintenance of Nigeria’s refineries during his tenure.

“Yes, he is in our office. He will face interrogation by our team of crack investigators,” a senior official of the commission confirmed.

It will be recalled that a Federal High Court in Abuja recently ordered the freezing of all bank accounts linked to Kyari at the request of the EFCC.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Chief Magistrate Court No. 15 in Kano has ordered police to investigate Daily Nigerian publisher, Jafar Jafar, and a staff of the newspaper, Audu Umar, over allegations of criminal defamation against the Director General of Protocol, Government House, Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo.

Rogo filed the case, accusing the duo of maliciously describing him as a “thieving aide” to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in two reports published on August 22 and 25, 2025. He argued that the stories, carried by Daily Nigerian, were deliberately crafted to tarnish his reputation and portray him as corrupt.

One of the reports, titled “Gov. Yusuf Defends Thieving Aide, Says Protocol Directorate Under Ganduje Spent N20 Billion in 3 Months”, and another alleging that anti-graft agencies traced ₦6.5 billion to his office, were cited as damaging to his image.

The complaint, filed under Sections 106 and 107 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2019, and Sections 114 and 393 of the Penal Code, seeks prosecution for defamation and breach of public peace.

Chief Magistrate Abdul’aziz M. Habib subsequently directed the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone One, to launch a full-scale investigation.

Meanwhile, Rogo has also filed a civil suit at the Kano State High Court demanding damages for defamation.

By Anwar Usman

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has detained two senior officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria over alleged fraud linked to the 2025 Hajj exercise.

Anonymous sources at the EFCC reliability confirmed the arrests, noting that both officials were currently in custody.

“They are with us. We asked them to return the money they took, but they have yet to do so. That is why they remain in our custody,” a source stated.

In a statement signed by the commission’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Usara, on behalf of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, NAHCON emphasized its commitment to accountability and due process.

Although the commission neither confirmed nor denied the detention of its officials, it stated that it maintains an open and ongoing relationship with relevant government agencies, including anti-corruption and regulatory bodies.

“This cooperation is a standing principle of the commission’s operations and its belief in due process and the rule of law. The commission would not shield any staff or process found wanting,” the statement read.

Usara also appealed to the public and the media to avoid speculation, urging that due process be allowed to run its course.

“However, the commission respectfully urges the public and especially the media to exercise restraint on speculations and allow the appropriate authorities to conclude their work in accordance with established procedures, without subjecting perhaps innocent persons to indignity through media trials.”

The statement further added that “the commission remains focused on post-Hajj evaluations, addressing operational challenges, and strengthening measures to ensure even better service delivery in future Hajj operations”.

Efforts to reach the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

By Uzair Adam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 25 individuals suspected of internet fraud in a sting operation in Kano.

According to a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday by the commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the arrest took place on Monday opposite Bayero University Kano (BUK) New Site.

Oyewale revealed that the suspects were apprehended following actionable intelligence that linked them to various cybercrime activities.

“All suspects apprehended are confirmed to be undergraduate students of BUK,” he stated.

Items recovered during the operation include several mobile phones, laptops, internet routers, and a Honda Accord vehicle.

He added that the arrest followed weeks of surveillance and monitoring related to suspected involvement in internet fraud, identity theft, and financial scams.

Oyewale further said the suspects will be prosecuted once investigations are concluded.

By Mohammed Mohammed

Like many others, I was shocked when I recently saw an advisory by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declaring Alhaji Auwalu Tijjani Rabi’u wanted for alleged money laundering involving over $1.9 million.  

My shock, and that of many others, stemmed from the general belief in Alhaji Auwalu’s reputation as a businessman of integrity over the years and across his business constituencies in Nigeria, the UAE, and beyond. 

Having gone through the details of the transactions in question, including the reports of a reputable audit firm, which audited the transactions between Alhaji Auwalu and the purported petitioner, one Ifeanyi Ezeokoli, it’s quite clear that the former took advantage of Alhaji Auwalu’s tendency to trust people even without due diligence sometimes, which stems from his sheer clean-mindedness.   

According to the available records, Alhaji Auwalu made an overpayment of more than $3 million to  Ifeanyi Ezeokoli in 2022 as part of a business transaction that spanned a year. And though Ifeanyi was aware of the mix-up behind the regular overpayment, he turned a blind eye and continued receiving payments not due to him. 

And knowing that the bubble would burst one day, he continued to use different companies’ bank accounts, most of which were for third parties, apparently to complicate the auditing of the transactions. Yet, when it appeared to him that his game was over, he came up with an allegation that Alhaji Auwalu owes him over $1.9m, and even went ahead to file a case at the EFCC, which, in turn, declared him wanted. 

However, now that the Federal High Court in Kaduna has issued an interim order restraining the EFCC from taking any measures against Alhaji Auwalu pending the determination of his complaint before it, things have begun to take the right direction, which will undoubtedly culminate in not only absolving Alhaji Auwalu but also enabling him to recover his money from Ifeanyi. 

After all, if for nothing, Alhaji Auwalu is a man whose life seamlessly blends the acumen of business with the compassion of philanthropy. Known across communities not just for his remarkable business success, but more so for his boundless generosity, Auwalu stands tall as a symbol of service and humility. 

Alhaji Auwal’s journey in the business world is one of resilience and integrity. He has built an impressive legacy, earning respect not only for his achievements but for how he achieved them, with fairness, foresight, and a deep sense of responsibility. Yet, what truly sets him apart is that he never allowed success to cloud his sense of duty to others.

Through quiet acts and major initiatives alike, Auwalu has touched countless lives. From supporting the vulnerable and other acts of charity, his contributions have brought light and hope to individuals and entire communities. For many, he is not just a benefactor; he is a lifeline, a silent force who sees a need and responds with action, not applause.

His philanthropy is not showy or self-serving. It is driven by sincere empathy and a belief that every life uplifted enriches us all. Whether in times of ease or crisis, Auwalu has remained steadfast, ever ready to give without hesitation and serve without seeking recognition.

To speak of Auwalu is to talk about impact. His name inspires admiration, but more importantly, it inspires others to give, to build, and to believe in a better world.

Auwalu is more than a businessman. He is a builder of dreams, a guardian of dignity, and a blessing to many.

Mohammed Mohammed wrote from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has unveiled plans to launch a national job portal by 2026, designed to connect student loan beneficiaries with employment opportunities both within and outside Nigeria.

Speaking at a press briefing, NELFUND Managing Director Akintunde Sawyerr stated that the platform will serve as a bridge between graduates and employers, featuring job listings from both the public and private sectors, as well as international recruiters. “Though we cannot guarantee employment, we aim to ease the job search process for our beneficiaries,” Sawyerr said.

He clarified that student loan repayment will commence only after a beneficiary secures a job and completes their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Repayments will be deducted at a flat rate of 10% from monthly salaries. In the event of unemployment, deductions will be suspended, and in the event of death, the loan will be written off entirely.

In response to recent complaints from students who paid tuition before receiving their loans, NELFUND has directed institutions to refund the affected students or return the funds to the agency. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) are currently investigating defaulting institutions.

NELFUND, which manages over 3.2 million student records, expects an additional one million loan applications by the end of 2025. The agency also announced the rollout of a new vocational loan programme, with a pilot phase launching in Enugu. The initiative will finance training, transport, stipends, and tools — all interest-free.