EFCC

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for recovering assets worth more than N1.23 trillion and securing 10,872 convictions between October 2023 and July 2026.

Tinubu, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, spoke on Tuesday in Abuja at the opening of the eighth EFCC and National Judicial Institute (NJI) workshop for judges and justices.

The three-day workshop, which ends on Thursday, October 15, is themed “Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Financial Crimes in a Digital Age”.

The president said the commission had made significant progress in tackling financial crimes, recovering illicit assets and improving Nigeria’s standing in the international financial system.

He also praised the EFCC’s efforts to combat cryptocurrency fraud and recover virtual assets.

“The EFCC’s recent momentum in tackling cryptocurrency fraud and its commendable strides in recovering virtual assets is highly reassuring,” he said.

Tinubu cited the prosecution and subsequent deportation of 192 foreign nationals arrested over alleged cyberterrorism and cryptocurrency fraud as evidence of efforts to address technology-driven crimes.

According to figures released by the EFCC, the commission received 49,673 petitions and investigated 39,615 cases between October 1, 2023, and July 31, 2026.

The investigations led to 14,476 court filings and 10,872 convictions, representing a conviction-to-filing ratio of 75.1 per cent.

The commission also reported recovering N1.233 trillion, $684.48 million, £373,905.78 and €9.34 million during the period.

Tinubu said the growing sophistication of financial crimes, particularly those involving blockchain technology and artificial intelligence, made continuous training essential for investigators, prosecutors and judicial officers.

He pledged the government’s continued support for judicial capacity development and described an independent, reform-oriented judiciary as crucial to the fight against corruption.

The president urged the EFCC and the judiciary to strengthen prosecutorial discipline and address procedural gaps that could delay trials or allow defendants to frustrate proceedings.

He warned that major corruption cases lost on procedural technicalities could weaken public confidence in the justice system.

Tinubu added that the fight against corruption required cooperation among all arms of government, rather than being treated as the sole responsibility of the executive.

He also said asset recoveries had supported social intervention programmes, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP).

EFCC Seeks Faster Trials, Stronger Investigations

EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede said the commission had introduced operational reforms to improve asset recovery and increase convictions.

He said the agency was expanding intelligence-led investigations, strengthening forensic capabilities and improving domestic and international cooperation while building its capacity to investigate emerging financial technologies.

“We do not seek simply to investigate more people; we seek to investigate more intelligently,” Olukoyede said.

“We do not seek merely to prosecute more cases; we seek to prosecute cases that are properly investigated and capable of meeting the required standard of proof.”

Olukoyede said the commission also wanted to ensure that asset recoveries were lawful, transparent and sustainable.

He identified institutional bottlenecks, procedural delays, frivolous adjournments and frequent changes of legal counsel as obstacles to the prosecution of complex financial crime cases.

He warned that prolonged trials could weaken evidence, affect witnesses and undermine public confidence in the judiciary.

The EFCC chairman urged judges to handle corruption cases with integrity, judicial courage and respect for the rule of law.

He stressed that the commission was not asking judges to compromise due process or manufacture evidence to secure convictions, but to ensure that cases were decided rigorously and without unnecessary delays.

He added that effective prosecution required investigators to understand evidentiary standards, prosecutors to anticipate legal challenges, forensic specialists to present digital evidence clearly and judges to understand emerging forms of financial crime.

CJN Insists On Fair Hearing In Financial Crime Cases

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, called on the judiciary to strengthen its capacity to handle emerging financial crimes without compromising fair hearing, due process or judicial independence.

She said cryptocurrency transactions, encrypted communications, electronic records and cross-border financial activities had introduced new complexities into criminal proceedings.

Kekere-Ekun said judges needed to understand how digital evidence was collected, preserved, authenticated and assessed in court.

She emphasised that the seriousness of an allegation must not determine the outcome of a trial, noting that prosecutors must establish their cases through credible and legally admissible evidence.

The CJN also urged judges to apply the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, effectively by preventing unnecessary delays while protecting the rights of all parties.

She said continued judicial education had improved judges’ ability to handle financial crime cases.

Kekere-Ekun cited Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force’s grey list on October 24, 2025, as an important milestone that required sustained commitment from relevant institutions.

She urged the judiciary to maintain high professional standards in cases involving corruption, money laundering and other financial crimes.

By Uzair Adam 

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to immediately launch an independent investigation into an alleged $2.1 million land transaction involving Jordan Wike, son of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

HURIWA said the allegations, which are currently before an FCT High Court, should not be treated solely as a private civil dispute, particularly because the claimants allege that $2 million of the disputed amount was meant for the FCT Minister.

The civil society organisation questioned why neither the EFCC nor the ICPC had publicly indicated that it was investigating the allegations.

HURIWA said Nigerians deserve to know whether the anti-corruption agencies are aware of the claims and, if so, why they have not commenced investigations to establish the facts surrounding the alleged transaction.

An FCT High Court sitting in Maitama on Tuesday ordered Jordan Wike to produce his American international passport after he told the court during cross-examination that he was outside Nigeria on September 26, 2025.

Justice Sylvanus Oriji issued the order during the resumed hearing of suit No. CV/008/2026 filed by Safwan Garba GY and GY Global Oil and Gas Nigeria Ltd.

According to HURIWA, the claimants allege that Jordan promised to facilitate the acquisition of 60 hectares of land in Katampe and Guzape, Abuja.

The claimants further alleged that Jordan demanded $2.1 million as facilitation fees, comprising $2 million allegedly intended for his father and $100,000 allegedly for himself.

They also alleged that the money was delivered on September 26, 2025, in the presence of Adamu Sani, Aliyu Sarki and Sai Wani, while Jordan was allegedly present.

HURIWA said the claimants further alleged that the proposed land acquisition did not materialise and that the money was not refunded.

Jordan, however, has denied the allegations in his statement on oath before the court.

During cross-examination by counsel to the claimants, Hamza Dantani, Jordan also denied knowledge of the allegations and documents presented to him.

When asked where he was on September 26, 2025, Jordan told the court that he was outside Nigeria.

He said he travelled with his American international passport and indicated that he could produce the document if required.

Following the response, Dantani applied for an order compelling him to produce the passport.

Justice Oriji granted the application and directed Jordan to bring the passport to court.

HURIWA said the court’s order further highlighted the need for the relevant anti-corruption agencies to independently examine the allegations rather than wait for the conclusion of the civil proceedings.

The organisation stressed that it was not declaring anyone guilty, noting that the allegations remain subject to determination by the court.

However, it maintained that credible allegations involving substantial sums of money, public officials or possible abuse of public office warranted investigation by the appropriate authorities.

HURIWA therefore asked the EFCC and ICPC to clarify whether they were investigating the matter.

The organisation said that if the agencies were not investigating, they should explain why they had not deemed the allegations worthy of investigation.

It argued that Nigeria could not strengthen public confidence in its anti-corruption system if allegations involving politically exposed persons were ignored or left entirely to private litigants to pursue through civil proceedings.

HURIWA called on the EFCC and ICPC to establish the source, movement and alleged beneficiaries of the $2.1 million; determine the purpose of the alleged payment; ascertain whether any public official was involved; and establish whether the allegations disclose any criminal offence.

The organisation also urged the agencies to conduct any investigation professionally, independently and without fear or favour.

It warned that what it described as selective application of anti-corruption laws could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.

HURIWA maintained that nobody should be treated as a sacred cow, while no individual should be declared guilty before the conclusion of a fair investigation and due process.

Jordan was represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ogwu Onoja, while some documents were tendered through him.

The court adjourned the case until Wednesday, September 30, 2026, for continuation of hearing.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has raised concerns over the scale of alleged corruption involving public officials in Nigeria.

Olukoyede spoke in Abuja on Thursday at an event organised to mark the 80th birthday of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi.

According to the EFCC chairman, the commission receives more than 20,000 petitions concerning alleged public-sector corruption each year. He said some of the cases reveal disturbing levels of financial misconduct.

“I receive over 20,000 petitions in a year in respect to public corruption, all terrible. What is going on? Like every minute, public officers take money, and if you go through some of our case files you will weep.

“The way people take national resources and Nigerians are victims of these fraudulent activities. And we must come together for once in our lifetime and say no to the activities of some of our leaders,” Olukoyede said.

He alleged that some public officials enter government with less than N100,000 in their bank accounts but accumulate substantial wealth within a few years of assuming office.

Olukoyede said investigations by the commission had traced millions of dollars to some officials who allegedly had modest financial resources before taking public positions.

He also alleged that some officials acquire hundreds of houses while still serving in government.

The EFCC chairman said the alleged misuse of public resources was having serious consequences for the country and described corruption as a major threat to Nigeria’s development.

He called on public officials to account for their activities and decisions while in office.

Olukoyede further stressed the need for accountability and transparency across the public service, saying those entrusted with public resources must be prepared to explain how they handled them.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has returned N84 million to an Edo State businessman, Ekhahon Abraham, after recovering the money from a woman accused of diverting the funds.

The EFCC’s Benin Zonal Directorate presented a draft for the recovered amount to Abraham, according to a statement issued by the commission.

The commission said its operatives recovered the money from Anita Eborome after an investigation into a petition filed by the businessman.

According to the EFCC, Abraham had paid Eborome N84 million for a parcel of land measuring 115ft by 135ft in a community in Edo State.

The businessman reportedly constructed a perimeter fence on the property after making the payment. However, the fence was later demolished by a man who claimed to be the rightful owner of the land.

The development prompted Abraham to seek a refund of his money from Eborome, but he reportedly failed to recover the funds.

The EFCC said its investigation later established that Abraham transferred the money to Eborome, who allegedly diverted it for personal use.

The commission quoted Abraham as saying:

“Abraham said after making payment, he erected a parameter fence on the land but it was pulled down by a man who claimed to the be rightful owner.

“Based on that incident, he sought for a refund of his money but met a brick wall as Eborome came evasive hence he was advised to petition the Commission.

“During investigation, it was discovered that Abraham transferred the money to Eborome but she diverted the money for her personal use.”

The draft was presented to Abraham by the acting Zonal Director of the EFCC, Deputy Commander Sa’ad Hanafi.

Hanafi said the commission would continue to carry out its responsibilities professionally and prevent fraudsters from benefiting from funds that do not belong to them.

The EFCC said the recovery followed its investigation into the complaint and the tracing of the funds transferred to Eborome.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Kogi West senator and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Dino Melaye, has cautioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against inviting the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, for questioning over alleged financial crimes.

Melaye issued the warning on Thursday at the ADC All Support Groups town hall meeting in Abuja, where he opposed renewed calls for investigations into allegations against the former vice-president.

The meeting, themed “Together we can Build the Nigeria We Desire”, focused on grassroots mobilisation, polling-unit coordination, vote protection and greater participation of youths, women and support groups ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Melaye argued that Atiku had undergone several investigations by government institutions over the years without any conviction.

“Atiku was part of the government that created the EFCC. You cannot use the EFCC to torment the creator of the EFCC,” he said.

His remarks followed a petition by former House of Representatives member, Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, who urged the EFCC to reopen investigations into allegations involving Atiku.

Agbonayinma, through his lawyer, Hannibal Uwaifo of Sagitarian Law Firm, reportedly gave the commission 14 days to act on the petition. The request referred to an EFCC investigation and report concerning Atiku from 2005 and 2006, when he served as vice-president.

The petition also cited a 2010 report by the United States Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, which allegedly contained claims of money laundering and other financial offences involving the former vice-president.

Melaye maintained that the allegations had already received extensive attention from the government during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

“I, as Dino Melaye, I am aware that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar have been investigated by Olusegun Obasanjo and the federal government time and time and time and time again,” he said.

“In fact, federal government versus Atiku Abubakar, 13 cases. And Atiku Abubakar won all the 13 cases.”

‘Invite Atiku And See Trouble’

Melaye further warned that any attempt to invite or arrest Atiku over what he described as politically motivated petitions would face resistance from the ADC and its supporters.

“My note of warning is this. And this note of warning is straight to the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. That the day EFCC invites Atiku Abubakar before election, then Tinubu will know that government is not owned by those in government,” he said.

“Government is owned by the people. Any day, due to these frivolous petitions, you invite, arrest or interview Atiku Abubakar, and we are not saying it with fear or favour; we mean it. Invite Atiku and see trouble.”

Drawing from the 2011 uprising in Tunisia, Melaye said Nigerians could also challenge the government if they became convinced that state institutions were being deployed against opposition politicians.

“We will tell you that what happened in Tunisia can happen in Nigeria. We will prove to you that those in government are less than one percent of the population of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

“We will prove to you that the people own government. Government is not owned by those in government.”

‘They Have Investigated Atiku Everywhere’

The former senator also dismissed the renewed allegations against Atiku, insisting that authorities had subjected him to investigations in several places.

“They have investigated Atiku everywhere. The only thing they are yet to find out about Atiku is where his placenta was buried. They have done everything,” he said.

The development comes shortly after Atiku rejected calls for the EFCC to reopen the allegations against him. He said the issues had previously been considered by the EFCC, an administrative panel, the National Assembly and the courts.

Atiku also stated that no court had convicted him over the allegations and challenged anyone with credible evidence against him to submit it for legal examination.

The former vice-president accused supporters of the administration of President Bola Tinubu of reviving old allegations in an attempt to divert public attention from Nigeria’s economic and security problems.

The EFCC has not publicly disclosed whether it will act on Agbonayinma’s petition.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed that public funds were allegedly transferred from a local government account to a private company before being moved into cryptocurrency wallets.

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, made the disclosure on Monday in Abuja during an engagement with media executives and journalists.

He said the commission’s Fraud Risk Assessment and Control Department detected the suspicious transactions and temporarily froze the account for 72 hours to determine the destination and purpose of the funds.

Olukoyede did not identify the local government, company or state involved in the transaction.

Defending the commission’s intervention, the EFCC chairman said suspicious movement of public funds should not be allowed to continue unchecked.

He said, “When we see money moving suspiciously, we move in and freeze it in the interim. I know some of you are calling for my head. The account was frozen for 72 hours. Okay, come and show where this money is going? Why are you moving money? We saw money being moved from the local government account to a company. Apart from that phase, we discovered that the money has gone into cryptocurrency wallets.

“Is that the road to build? Is that the power to generate cryptocurrency wallets for your people? Are you asking me to close my eyes and not do something like that? Then you don’t need me in this office.”

According to him, the development demonstrated the importance of preventing suspicious transactions before public funds are lost rather than waiting until after theft has occurred.

“Why must we be waiting for money to be stolen? Why can’t we change the narrative? And that’s the main thing we need to bring to the office,” he said.

The disclosure followed controversy earlier in August after the EFCC froze an account belonging to the Osun State Government shortly before the August 15 governorship election.

However, Olukoyede did not connect the transaction he disclosed with Osun State or any other state.

The EFCC chairman also warned that cybercrime in Nigeria had moved beyond the conventional “Yahoo Yahoo” narrative. He said some young Nigerians were allegedly being used by public officials to conceal and transfer funds through cryptocurrency wallets.

He said, “We have gotten to a stage in Nigeria now that public officials steal money and they put it in cryptocurrency wallets.

“Most of the directors we are investigating now, you can’t trace tangible assets to them. They steal this money, give it to students, give it to young people. They open cryptocurrency wallets all over the world. They plunder the money there within 24 hours.

“The money moves abroad. They buy a house anywhere in the world, buy luxury items. Those are the recent trends.”

Olukoyede said the commission had developed the ability to track cryptocurrency wallets, particularly those connected to virtual asset platforms registered in Nigeria.

He noted that regulatory measures had led to the licensing of about 40 virtual asset platforms in the country.

“Now we also have the capacity to trace cryptocurrency wallets now, at least with those that are registered in Nigeria, and we are doing that,” he said.

Speaking on the EFCC’s achievements over the past three years, Olukoyede disclosed that the commission had recovered virtual assets linked to the CBEX fraud.

He, however, identified the management of confiscated cryptocurrency as a challenge that had previously raised concerns about accountability.

“When you recover virtual assets, where do you put them? No accountability. That’s why we can’t continue like this,” he said.

According to him, the Federal Government had approved a national confiscation wallet for virtual assets recovered by law enforcement agencies.

“Today, now we have a national confiscation wallet. So if I confiscate virtual assets now, it’s a national wallet that we put into those,” he said.

The EFCC chairman further called for greater technological capacity among financial institutions and law enforcement agencies to address the growing use of cryptocurrency in the movement of illicit funds.

He said, “When we are talking about cybercrime, please cooperate with us, understand the scope. Not just Yahoo. Some of the people you are calling Yahoo, see your young children; they are stealing on behalf of London, on behalf of public servants.”

Olukoyede also disclosed that the EFCC’s anti-corruption operations had contributed to revenue recovery, with federal and state tax recoveries reaching approximately N288.1bn during the period under review.

He said federal tax recoveries accounted for about N173.2bn, while N114.9bn was attributed to State Internal Revenue Services.

The EFCC chairman further revealed that more than 40 commission personnel had been dismissed over alleged corruption and financial misconduct within the past two and a half to three years.

He added that some of the dismissed officers were already facing prosecution, while case files involving others were being prepared for prosecution.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, to appear before the agency for questioning over an alleged $14.86m fraud case.

The commission declared Sylva wanted in connection with an alleged case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion involving $14,859,257.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, made the call on Monday while responding to accusations by the former governor that the anti-graft agency had become more of a political arm of the All Progressives Congress than a state institution.

“He has been declared wanted; he should make himself available to the commission,” Oyewale said.

The development came on the same day Sylva announced his resignation from the APC after more than a decade as a member of the ruling party.

In his resignation letter, which was addressed to the APC chairman of Ward 4 in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Sylva said he had also sent copies to the national chairman of the party, the EFCC chairman and the APC chairman in Bayelsa State.

Sylva said his decision followed consultations with his family, associates, colleagues and supporters.

He described the APC as a “floundering ship whose fate appears to have been sealed by its irredeemable load of iniquities.”

The former governor also accused the party’s leadership of abandoning the principles that informed its creation.

In the letter dated August 31, 2026, Sylva wrote, “As a founding member of the APC, and one who joined other well-meaning Nigerians in building the Party with sweat and money, it is deeply saddening to witness how the ideals we espoused have been so thoroughly and unrecognisably thwarted.

“Moreover, I cannot, in all good conscience, continue to belong to a Party whose leaders believe that ‘all is fair in politics;’ and have consistently demonstrated that belief in practice.

“All cannot be fair in any endeavour of life. The demands of basic decency and morality forbid it. Unfortunately, this mentality appears to underpin virtually every action, and even inaction, of this administration.”

Sylva further criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, claiming that the Federal Government had failed to live up to the expectations of Nigerians.

“The present Government, formed under the banner of the APC we once loved, has disappointed the vast majority of Nigerians. And I can see neither a credible attempt nor any possibility of a revamp,” he stated.

He said he had decided to leave the party because he believed Nigerians would seek a political change at the next election.

“I am therefore left with no other choice than to jettison a floundering ship whose fate appears to have been sealed by its irredeemable load of iniquities. I have no doubt that, in the coming election, Nigerians will vote for Nigeria and free the Country from this stranglehold on our beautiful country,” he said.

Sylva also explained why he copied the EFCC in his resignation letter, accusing the commission of acting in a manner that suggested political alignment with the APC.

He wrote, “I am deliberately putting the EFCC in copy of this letter because, of late, it has conducted itself more as an organ of the APC than as an institution of State.

“I am fully aware that this action of mine may invite a redoubled witch-hunt against me and my associates, but that is a risk I am willing to take.”

The EFCC had declared Sylva wanted in November 2025 over the alleged $14.86m transaction.

The former governor has also been linked to an alleged plot against the Tinubu administration. He is listed as a defendant in a 13-count Federal High Court charge that includes allegations of treason, terrorism-related offences, conspiracy and money laundering.

He has denied involvement in the alleged plot.

Reports linked Sylva to an alleged financial contribution of about N785m to the purported operation through Purple Waves Limited, an Abuja-based company. Investigators reportedly traced the money through the company and a bureau de change operator.

The wider investigation allegedly involved more than N5bn, which investigators said was pooled for the operation. Funds paid into Purple Waves were also reportedly linked to contracts from the Niger Delta Development Commission and loans secured by the company.

The allegations remain before the courts, and Sylva has not been convicted of the offences.

In July 2026, the Department of State Services arraigned five associates of the former governor over allegations that they concealed his whereabouts after he was declared wanted in connection with the alleged plot. They pleaded not guilty and were granted bail.

Earlier, in May 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted an interim forfeiture order over nine properties linked to Sylva following an application by the EFCC.

Sylva served as governor of Bayelsa State from 2007 to 2012, although his tenure was affected by court decisions. He later served as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

By Anwar Usman

The Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, says more than 40 staff members have been sacked for corruption and financial related matters in the last three years.

The Chairman revealed this on Monday in Abuja at a media interactive session to mark his three-year stewardship at the commission’s headquarters.

Olukoyede also said that other five of the commission’s staff are currently being prosecuted for corrupt practices.

“In the past two and a half to three years of my service, I have asked them to dismiss over 40 staff on account of corruption and financial malpractice. More than five of them are being prosecuted at the moment,” he said.

The EFCC chairman further revealed that, some of the affected staff members are already being prosecuted, while case files involving others are being prepared for prosecution.

“You can follow those cases in court; they are public knowledge.

“If that is what people do in other agencies and I arrest them, I investigate them, I prosecute them, why must I just dismiss you if you do it within our own system and I’m not prosecuting you?” he asked.

Olukoyede said the disciplinary measures were part of efforts to ensure EFCC personnel were held to the same standards of accountability the agency demanded from other Nigerians.

“You must be sure that your hands are clean. You can’t be fighting corruption when your hands are soiled with corrupt practices,” he said.

The EFCC chairman also announced the renaming of the commission’s former Internal Affairs Department to the Department of Ethics and Integrity as part of its drive for “internal cleansing.”

He said the commission had also introduced a gift policy to strengthen transparency and prevent conflicts of interest.

According to him, under the policy, staff will be required to declare gifts above a specified value, including those received from friends and relatives at home and abroad.

“The commission will also define the categories of gifts personnel can accept and require officers to account for their sources of income and standard of living,” he added.

NAN reports that, the commission called for stronger institutional reforms and policy changes to fight corruption, saying law enforcement alone could not win the war.

“The most effective system that fights financial crime is not law enforcement. It is the policy regime, institutional reforms that close leakages,” he said.

He urged the media and civil society to return to their watchdog roles.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission have opened investigations into the management of a N12bn intervention fund released by the Federal Government to the Nigeria Football Federation.

The fund was approved by President Bola Tinubu in 2024 to settle outstanding wages, allowances and bonuses owed to members of Nigeria’s national teams.

A source familiar with the investigation told journalists on Thursday that some officials connected to the matter had been invited by the anti-corruption agencies and had made statements.

“They have been under our radar before now. We invited some officials over to our offices, and they gave their statements. Presently, they are on administrative bail. We have not ended our investigation,” the source said.

The development came to light through a response issued by the NFF to a request for access to financial records and utilisation documents linked to the fund.

The response was contained in a letter signed by Onoja Joshua, Esq., on behalf of the NFF General Secretary. The letter was dated August 18, 2026, and addressed to the Principal Partner of Cromwell & Okeke.

The law firm had earlier written to the federation on August 7, 2026, with the correspondence received by the NFF on August 11.

The request, made under the Freedom of Information Act, sought financial records and other documents relating to the N12bn intervention fund reportedly released for the payment of players’ wages and bonuses.

The federation, however, declined to provide the documents, citing the ongoing investigations by the EFCC and ICPC.

“I am directed to refer to the above subject matter and your correspondence dated 7th August, 2026 but received on 11th August, 2026,” the letter stated.

“It is my instruction to inform you that the subject matter of the request under the Freedom of Information Act is subject of investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

“Therefore, all documents relating to the request are before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.”

The Federal Government had announced the release of the N12bn in January 2024, shortly before the Super Eagles began their campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.

A statement from President Tinubu’s Media Centre said the intervention covered outstanding salaries owed to coaches of the senior national team, as well as allowances and other payments due to several national teams.

“President @officialABAT has approved the payment of N12bn outstanding backlog for Nigeria’s National teams of various sports, which includes Super Eagles and others,” the statement read.

“The payment entails the clearing of the senior national team coaches’ salaries running up to 15 months, payments of allowances and promises due to the senior national teams, women’s teams, and U-20 national team.”

Despite the intervention, complaints over unpaid allowances and bonuses have persisted within Nigerian football.

In November 2025, the Super Eagles reportedly refused to train in Rabat, Morocco, before a crucial 2026 World Cup play-off against Gabon. The players cited unpaid allowances dating back to 2019, including payments linked to achievements such as qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup play-offs.

In April 2026, reports also emerged that members of Nigeria’s 2023 and 2025 Flying Eagles teams were demanding about N1.5bn from the NFF.

The amount reportedly covered qualification bonuses for six major tournaments as well as pre-tournament camping allowances accumulated over about 65 days.

The latest investigation comes amid wider concerns over the management of Nigerian football. The Super Falcons recently failed to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, while the Super Eagles also missed the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, who assumed office after his election at the federation’s congress in Benin City in September 2022, is seeking another term at the proposed September 27 elective congress.

His administration has faced increasing criticism, although the NFF board has denied claims that the National Sports Commission is seeking to halt the election and establish a normalisation committee to oversee Nigerian football.

Efforts to obtain comments from the EFCC and ICPC spokespersons, Dele Oyewale and John Odey, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing the report.

By Uzair Adam

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has remanded Maryam Isah Shehu, a final-year student of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), in prison custody following her arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged cyberbullying offence.

Shehu, who is also identified as a Kano-based blogger, was arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on an amended charge dated August 20, 2026.

In the charge, the EFCC alleged that Shehu, on or about June 21, 2026, intentionally published a message on her Instagram account, @maryam_shehu, which the Commission said was aimed at damaging its reputation.

The EFCC alleged that the publication claimed that its officials assaulted one Ahmed Uthman on the instruction of a zonal director who allegedly received N20 million from one Usman Iya Abbas.

The Commission said the alleged publication amounted to an offence under Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024, and is punishable under Section 24(2)(c)(ii) of the amended law.

The amended charge was signed by Elizabeth Alabi of the EFCC’s Legal and Prosecution Department.

The case followed allegations raised by Shehu regarding the conduct of some EFCC officials.

According to human rights lawyer Abba Hikima, Shehu was arrested in Kano and subsequently taken to Abuja after making allegations of corruption against officials of the Commission.

Hikima said Shehu was not arrested over allegations of stealing, fraud or money laundering, but in connection with a publication she made concerning the EFCC and its officials.

He further alleged that she had spent more than 30 days in EFCC custody before being brought before the court.

An account of Thursday’s proceedings indicated that Shehu had already spent close to 30 days in detention before her arraignment.

Following the proceedings, Justice Abdulmalik ordered that Shehu be remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre pending further proceedings. She is to remain in custody until August 31, 2026.