EFCC

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, who is facing accusations of involvement in illicit financial dealings, has approached the court in Abuja seeking to stop the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from selling some of her assets.

Madueke also requested the court to retrieve assets that the EFCC has already sold to the public.

In her legal bid, Madueke, through her lawyer Mike Ozekhome, accused the EFCC of violating her rights and denying her the opportunity to defend herself.

She argued that despite receiving a court order for the government to seize her assets, she has not been provided with any official document confirming this action, prompting her to seek the court’s intervention for assistance.

By Anwar Usman

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 21 suspected internet fraudsters in Bauchi State.

The operation was conducted by the commission’s Gombe Zonal Directorate on Saturday, March 15, 2025, following acredible report on the suspects’ alleged involvement in cybercrime.

According to a statement from the EFCC on its X handle, the suspects were arrested on Monday in the Kaure New Government Reservation Area and Awala, Maiduguri Road, in Bauchi.

During the operation, several luxury vehicles were recovered, including a BMW car and a Toyota Camry, among others.

The EFCC reiterated that the suspects would be prosecuted when investigations are completed. 

“Items recovered from them at the point of arrest include one BMW and Toyota Camry cars, three PlayStation 5, 30 expensive phones, one flat-screen television set, six Point of Sale, POS, machines, four iPads, and five laptops,” the statement further revealed.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arrested popular Kano TikTok influencer, Murja Ibrahim Kunya, for allegedly abusing and mutilating the Naira.

Kunya was apprehended on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at Tahir Guest Palace in Kano after evading an earlier administrative bail granted to her in January.

She was initially arrested for allegedly spraying Naira notes in violation of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act but failed to appear in court for her scheduled arraignment.

Following weeks of surveillance, EFCC operatives successfully tracked and detained her. She is currently in custody at the Commission’s Kano Zonal Directorate, awaiting trial.

The EFCC has reiterated its commitment to upholding the integrity of Nigeria’s currency and warned against acts of abuse, including spraying and mutilation of Naira notes.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a couple, Baba Sule Abubakar Sadiq and Hafsat Kabir Lawal, along with two others, Abdullahi Bala and Ladani Akindele, for allegedly defrauding victims of ₦197,750,000 by impersonating the Katsina First Lady, Fatima Dikko Radda. They were charged before Justice Amina Bello of the Kaduna State High Court on March 10, 2025, for obtaining money by false pretense, money laundering, and stealing.

The EFCC alleged that Hafsat posed as the Katsina First Lady to deceive victims into a fake currency exchange deal. She and her accomplices allegedly obtained ₦89 million from a victim under the pretense of exchanging it for $53,300, with the funds deposited into Abdullahi Bala’s account. Investigations further revealed that her husband, Sadiq, provided her with SIM cards registered under the name “Fatima Dikko Radda” on Truecaller to aid the scheme.

All defendants pleaded not guilty. The EFCC’s counsel, Bright C. Ogbonna, opposed their bail applications, arguing they were not yet ready for hearing. Justice Bello ordered their remand in a correctional facility and adjourned the case to March 17, 2025, for the hearing of bail applications.

The EFCC stated that Hafsat fraudulently collected a total of ₦197.75 million from a bureau de change operator, claiming to have $118,300 to sell. The funds were allegedly laundered through various means. The case continues as the EFCC pushes for justice.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Operatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Benin Zonal Directorate, have arrested 19 individuals linked to internet fraud in a series of operations across Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday, February 27, 2025.

The suspects were apprehended after credible intelligence suggested their involvement in various forms of cybercrime, which include romance scams, phishing, and identity theft.

The operation, which was carried out across different locations within the city, led to the recovery of several high-end items, including seven luxury cars, laptops, and mobile phones.

These items are believed to have been acquired through illicit online activities.

The suspects, whose identities have not been fully disclosed, are said to have made useful statements to EFCC investigators.

The arrested individuals are expected to face charges related to cybercrime and other fraudulent activities once investigations are concluded.

The EFCC has vowed to continue its fight against internet fraud and other financial crimes, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious online activities.

As part of its ongoing efforts, the EFCC is also working on measures to track and dismantle criminal networks involved in cyber fraud across the country.

Recall that the commission has warned individuals involved in such illegal activities that they will face the full force of the law.

The EFCC further noted that internet fraud remains a top priority in its efforts to curb financial crimes and protect citizens from financial exploitation.

The suspects, currently in EFCC custody, will soon be charged to court for prosecution as part of the commission’s commitment to bringing fraudsters to justice.

The EFCC has also pledged to strengthen its collaborations with international agencies to combat cross-border cybercrime.

By Anas Abbas

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought charges against 20 foreign nationals accused of engaging in cybercrimes aimed at destabilizing Nigeria’s economy.

The arraignment took place on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Judge Musa Kakaki.

Among those charged are 15 individuals from the Philippines, one from Indonesia, and four from China.

The defendants have been identified as Kayceelyn Remorin, Jonylyn Agulto, Donny Hermanto, Guo Bin, Darwa Esmael, Lari Jane Tayac, Jhena Samiento, Jessa Sai Chui, Rain Torida, Kimbaley Nisperos, Winnie De Jesus, Shairah May Reyes, Gladys Joy May Iba, Jean Calaga, Huo Wen Jie, Zhao Sui Tao, Gong An Pengua Yua, and Anjeannet Topacio.

According to the charge sheet, the defendants, along with the corporate entity Genting International Co. Limited, allegedly accessed computer systems on December 18, 2024, with the intent to significantly disrupt Nigeria’s economic and social structures.

They reportedly recruited local youths for identity theft and misrepresented themselves as foreign nationals to gain financial benefits, violating the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act of 2015 (as amended in 2024).

All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Following their pleas, N.K. Ukoha, representing the prosecution, requested that the court also enter a not guilty plea for Genting International Co. Limited, which was not present in court.

Ukoha urged the court to remand the defendants in a correctional facility until the trial commenced.

In response, defense attorneys Bridget Omoteno and B.A. Ukpai opposed the prosecution’s request and sought a brief adjournment to allow their clients to consider a potential plea bargain.

After considering both sides, Judge Kakaki ordered that the defendants be remanded in custody and scheduled the next hearing for March 18 and 20.

These individuals were among 792 suspects apprehended by EFCC operatives in Lagos during a crackdown in December 2024.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

National Security Adviser (NSA) Malam Nuhu Ribadu has issued a formal demand for a public apology and retraction from Naja’atu Muhammad, a renowned activist and former director of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, following allegations she made in a viral TikTok video.

In the video, Muhammad asserted that during Ribadu’s tenure as chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), he accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senators George Akume, and Orji Uzor Kalu of being among the most corrupt governors in Nigeria 

Ribadu, through his legal representatives, described the allegations as “false, malicious, and highly defamatory.” He insists that the accusations are an attempt to damage his reputation and discredit him in his role as the NSA. Therefore, hehas demanded an immediate and public retraction of the statements and an apology.

“This is a clear case of character assassination. The allegations are not only baseless but also deeply injurious to my reputation,” Ribadu stated through his lawyers.

However, in a recent development, Naja’atu Muhammad has declared that she will neither apologise nor retract her statements. In a media interview, she maintained her claims and dismissed Ribadu’s demand, asserting that she has the right to express her views.

The dispute has stirred political circles, with analysts emphasizing responsible public discourse. Some warn against spreading unverified claims on social media, as they can lead to serious political and legal consequences repercussions. 

Political commentators have also noted that the unfolding situation underscores the increasing tensions within Nigeria’s political space. Many are watching closely to see whether Ribadu will take further legal action or escalate the situation further.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Professor Usman Yusuf, the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), on February 3, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Kuje. Yusuf faces five counts of embezzlement and fraud amounting to N90,439,178.

The charges allege that between 2016 and July 2017, during his tenure as the Executive Secretary of NHIS, Yusuf misused his position to gain improper advantages. One notable charge states that he approved the purchase of a vehicle for himself at a cost of N49,197,775, which exceeded the budgeted amount of N30 million. This action constitutes a violation of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act of 2000.

Another count claims he held a private interest in the GK Kanki Foundation and awarded a contract worth N10,100,000 for training purportedly meant for 90 participants but only engaged 45. Additionally, Yusuf is accused of awarding a contract of N17,500,000 for media consultancy to Lubekh Nigeria Limited, a company owned by his nephew.

When the charges were read, Yusuf pleaded not guilty to all counts. Following his plea, prosecuting counsel Francis Usani requested a trial date, which the defence counsel, O.I. Habeeb, SAN, did not oppose. However, Habeeb requested that Yusuf be remanded in the custody of the EFCC.

Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu granted the request and scheduled a bail hearing for February 12, 2025, while remanding Yusuf at the Kuje Correctional Facility.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has strongly condemned the arrest and detention of the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Professor Usman Yusuf, describing it as a political maneuver aimed at silencing opposition voices.

Professor Yusuf was apprehended by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at his residence in Abuja on January 29, 2025. He was subsequently arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on January 30, 2025.

Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu of the Federal High Court in Abuja refused to grant Yusuf’s bail, stating that the case should be adjourned to allow the EFCC time to amend the charges against him.

Reacting to the development, NEF’s spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, described the arrest as part of a broader political scheme to suppress opposition voices critical of certain government policies.

The group has called for Yusuf’s immediate release and reiterated that silencing dissenting voices undermines the democratic process.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has strongly condemned the arrest and detention of the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Professor Usman Yusuf, describing it as a political manoeuvre aimed at silencing opposition voices.

Professor Yusuf was apprehended by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at his residence in Abuja on January 29, 2025. He was subsequently arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on January 30, 2025.

Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu of the Federal High Court in Abuja refused to grant Yusuf’s bail, stating that the case should be adjourned to allow the EFCC time to amend the charges against him.

Reacting to the development, NEF’s spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, described the arrest as part of a broader political scheme to suppress opposition voices critical of certain government policies. The group has called for Yusuf’s immediate release, emphasising that silencing dissenting voices undermines democracy.