News

4 Ex-govs, 2 Ex-ministers Charged As EFCC Recovers N248bn, Foreign Assets

Published

10 months ago

November 1, 2024

Editor

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced the successful prosecution of four former governors and two former ministers over the past 12 months under the leadership of Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede.

During a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Olukoyede, represented by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, highlighted the commission’s significant achievements in asset recovery and fraud prevention.

He stated that high-profile figures charged include former governors Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Willie Obiano (Anambra), and Darius Ishaku (Taraba) for serious allegations involving billions in state funds. Bello faces charges related to over N190 billion, Ishaku and a former official for N27 billion, Ahmed and his former finance commissioner for mismanagement of N10 billion, and Obiano for money laundering and theft of N4 billion.

He disclosed that the EFCC has also charged former ministers Saleh Mamman and Olu Agunloye for misappropriating funds from the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project (N33.8 billion and $6 billion, respectively). Hadi Sirika faces two cases, including fraud involving N5.8 billion.

He explained that the investigation continues into Betta Edu, the sacked Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, for alleged misconduct, with N30 billion recovered and 40 linked bank accounts under scrutiny.

Olukoyede emphasized that the EFCC is tackling illegal vote trading and has pursued individuals involved in vote-buying during recent elections.

Regarding social media influencer Idris Okuneye also known as Bobrisky, the EFCC stated it will not tolerate corruption within its ranks after allegations of bribery to drop money laundering charges against the cross-dresser.

Olukoyede added that the agency has made significant progress in combating illegal mining, leading to arrests and investigations.

He explained that in the past year, the EFCC reclaimed assets worth N248.7 billion and has made strides against currency hoarding, achieving over 35 convictions.

According to him, the EFCC also focused on asset repatriation, returning $180,300 and 53 vehicles to Canada and €5,100 to Spain. Domestically, 14 properties were returned to the Enugu State government.

Abia ex-commissioner to EFCC: I’m tired of endless invitations
The EFCC chairman reiterated that the agency remains committed to transparency and accountability in combating corruption in Nigeria.

The EFCC announced, “In Ola Olukoyede’s one year as EFCC Chairman, from October 18, 2023, to October 18, 2024, the Commission has charged four former governors—Yahaya Adoza Bello (Kogi), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Willie Obiano (Anambra), and Darius Dickson Ishaku (Taraba)—to court for alleged corruption.

“The Commission under my watch secured 3,455 convictions across all categories of financial crimes and corruption. The monetary asset recoveries have been noteworthy as well, with N248,750,049,365.52 recovered in Naira. In the same year, the EFCC recorded $105,423,190.39 in foreign currencies, demonstrating a strong focus on asset recovery.

“We have a comprehensive docket of cases that span various sectors of society, including the mining sector.

“Regarding the investigation into the allegations by Bobrisky and VeryDarkman, I am certain that the investigative process will conclude effectively. If any misconduct is confirmed, appropriate action will be taken. Throughout my years here, I have witnessed law enforcement personnel being held accountable for professional misconduct.

“On vote trading, the commission has done significant work in preventing both the buying and selling of votes in recent elections, especially in runoff elections. This effort aims to deter such behaviour, and I am aware that we have conducted several prosecutions when arrests were made.

“According to the law, it is the responsibility of INEC to prosecute electoral offences. However, we face challenges, and the message is that we must remain vigilant.

“We need to focus on addressing cases and charges against those involved in electoral offences.

“It’s important to note that different agencies have distinct mandates. While the EFCC handles law enforcement, other regulatory bodies have their responsibilities within the ICT ecosystem.

“On former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, when the investigation began, we provided updates on our progress. The Chairman mentioned monitoring over 40 accounts, which takes time to review thoroughly. These matters are ongoing.

“A senior government spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, stated that a report was submitted to the President, who acted on it by appointing a new Minister of Humanitarian Affairs. I respect this information and its source.”

News

DSS Issues Warning, Arrests Man For Circulating Fake Recruitment Materials

Published

19 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed the arrest of one Mr. Eze Ezenwa Benard, who was recently apprehended for circulating fake DSS recruitment past questions and answers on Facebook.

The agency, while warning the public in a statement on Saturday, said the suspect operated through a page known as “Jobs and Education”, where he advertised the fraudulent materials and charged unsuspecting members of the public one thousand naira (N1,000) for access.

“The public is hereby cautioned to disregard any materials, as the DSS does not sell or distribute recruitment questions, answers, or examination guides through private individuals or social media pages. Recruitment into the Service, when necessary, follows specialised procedure in accordance with extant laws and due process,” the statement reads.

News

‘Na Only People You Gave Work Love You,’ Singer Speed Darlington Tells Tinubu

Published

20 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Singer Speed Darlington has told President Bola Tinubu that public admiration cannot be bought, warning that only those who received appointments or jobs from the government truly support him.

In a video posted on Saturday, August 23, the singer said, “Everything isn’t about the economy! There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you.”

Darlington, an Igbo man, urged Tinubu to focus on police reform and respect for human rights. “The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate. Please, before you leave office, please speak to your Yoruba brother IGP man,” he added.

News

Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu

Published

20 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Popular controversial singer Speed Darlington has called on President Bola Tinubu to reform the Nigerian Police Force, urging the government to prioritise citizens’ rights alongside economic growth.

In a video posted on Saturday, the entertainer criticised what he described as the police’s systemic human rights violations and oppressive practices.

“Mr President, before you leave office, whether you secure a second term or not, try your best to improve Nigeria. Everything isn’t about the economy!

“There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you,” he said.

The singer, who identifies as Igbo, urged Tinubu to engage with the Inspector-General of Police and implement reforms.

“As an Igbo man, the advice I can give you so people will know your name and remember you for something good is to reform the police. Reform the police.

“The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate,” he added.

Darlington also recounted his personal ordeal with law enforcement, highlighting the system’s abuse of power.

“I was held for two months after the judge had ordered my release. FID held me for two months. According to my lawyer, the Nigerian law gives only 28 days for investigation.

“They held me for two months. What is the extra month for? Because they can. If you give them money, they oppress your enemy. I have experienced it,” he said.