July 2025 | Page 31 of 48

EFCC Raises Alarm as Corrupt Politicians Use Cryptocurrencies to Hide Stolen Funds

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago06 mins

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has revealed that some corrupt Nigerian politicians are now hiding stolen public funds in cryptocurrency wallets to evade detection and scrutiny by anti-graft agencies. Speaking on Thursday at an event marking Africa Anti-Corruption Day, Olukoyede disclosed that virtual asset fraud is on the rise, with public officials increasingly using digital currencies to warehouse illicit wealth and facilitate shady transactions. “Fraudulent politicians are already perfecting schemes and hiding their loot in cryptocurrencies to beat the investigative blackness of anti-corruption agencies,” Olukoyede said during the event monitored in Abuja, Lagos, and Ibadan. He warned that while cryptocurrencies were created to enhance financial convenience, they are now being exploited for money laundering and investment fraud. The EFCC chairman, represented in Lagos by C. E. Michael Nzekwe and in Ibadan by Hauwa Ringin, said the agency was not helpless in tackling these digital crimes. He noted that proactive training, intelligence gathering, and inter-agency collaboration had helped uncover major fraud cases. “Proactive and broad-based training and intelligence are bringing fraudulent schemes to the fore,” he said. The commission cited the CBEX crypto scam, where Nigerians reportedly lost over ₦1.3 trillion, as a recent example of how virtual asset platforms are being weaponised against unsuspecting citizens. Also speaking at the Abuja event, the Deputy Governor of Economic Policy at the Central Bank of Nigeria, Muhammad Abdullahi, said over $56 billion in crypto-related transactions occurred in Nigeria between July 2022 and June 2023, making the country Africa’s top digital asset hub. However, this rapid growth has triggered a spike in financial crimes. According to the CBN’s 2024 Financial Stability Report, 70% of all fraud losses in Nigeria were linked to digital platforms, with over 30 Ponzi schemes flagged. “These developments pose major risks, including loss of consumer confidence, weakening financial integrity, and reputational damage to Nigeria,” said CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso, as represented by Abdullahi. Cardoso disclosed plans to launch a National Virtual Asset Wallet in partnership with the EFCC to warehouse seized digital assets. He added that oversight of banks and fintechs had also been strengthened following discovery of KYC lapses and weak transaction monitoring systems. In Lagos, anti-fraud expert Kaina Garba outlined the mechanics of virtual asset fraud, warning that Ponzi schemes disguised as crypto projects, fake token sales, and phishing scams were spreading fast. “Criminals now exploit virtual assets to defraud unsuspecting investors and disappear after marketing fictitious projects,” he said. According to Garba, the newly passed Investment and Securities Act 2025 now provides a legal framework for digital assets. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has responded by creating a Digital Asset Division and enforcing stricter licensing procedures. “We engage applicants through structured incubation before granting approval,” said John Achile, SEC’s Divisional Head of Legal and Enforcement. In Ibadan, Prof. Oludayo Tade, a criminologist, urged Nigerians to be cautious of schemes promising unrealistically high returns. “Anything that promises 50% returns within a week is a red flag. People must learn to recognise too-good-to-be-true offers,” he warned. In her goodwill message, Oyo FRSC Sector Commander Rosemary Alo, represented by DCC OPS Olugbesan, said improved monitoring of vehicle movements had aided the fight against illicit financial flows and recovery of criminal assets. The Africa Anti-Corruption Day event concluded with a call for stronger awareness campaigns, better regulatory enforcement, and public education, especially among young Nigerians, to combat the growing threat of virtual asset fraud and digital financial crimes.

Jonathan: Buhari Targeted My Aides After 2015, Adoke Was Hunted Over OPL 245 Oil Deal

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago06 mins

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that key officials in his administration were targeted and hunted by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari shortly after he left office in 2015. Jonathan made this known in Abuja on Thursday during the public presentation of a memoir titled “OPL 245: Inside Story of the $1.3bn Nigerian Oil Block,” authored by Bello Adoke, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. Represented by ex-Senate President Pius Anyim, Jonathan said the OPL 245 saga was one of the many instruments used to persecute his former aides, with Adoke becoming a global target despite only implementing a presidential directive in the controversial oil deal. “Shortly after my tenure ended in 2015, the succeeding government launched what many saw as a manhunt against key officers of my administration,” Jonathan stated. “Adoke was hunted across the globe. But today, he is alive, he is healthy, and he is here to tell his story.” The OPL 245 case, widely known as the Malabu Oil scandal, involved the sale of a lucrative oil block to Shell and Eni in 2011 for $1.3bn. Allegations later surfaced that $1.1bn of the payment was diverted through intermediaries as bribes to officials and politicians. Adoke, who faced international and local prosecution under the Buhari administration, was eventually discharged and acquitted by courts in Nigeria and abroad. Speaking at the event, Adoke said the book was written not to attack individuals but to set the record straight and provide clarity about his role in the matter. He said he had forgiven all those involved in his ordeal, including former EFCC Chairman Ibrahim Magu, who later apologised. “This book is not written to denigrate anyone. It is meant to set the record straight and offer my account of what transpired,” Adoke said. He alleged that President Buhari’s pursuit of the case was largely influenced by a sense of revenge on behalf of the Abacha family, who had originally been awarded the oil block in 1998. Adoke lamented the massive public resources expended on his prosecution and expressed concern that Nigerian prosecutors who allegedly lied under oath were never held accountable. Vice President Kashim Shettima, who also spoke at the launch, praised Adoke’s forgiveness and described him as a man of conviction. “I admire Adoke for standing by his convictions. He was not praised — he was mocked — and still came out stronger,” Shettima said. Revealing how Adoke once stood up for the rule of law, Shettima shared a personal story of how Jonathan once considered removing him as Borno State Governor, but Adoke advised against it, saying the President lacked such constitutional powers. “That was the beginning of my lifelong bond with Adoke and Tambuwal,” Shettima added. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde commended Adoke for uniting political rivals at the book launch and stressed the importance of preserving national history through honest storytelling. Makinde noted that OPL 245 contains over nine billion barrels of crude oil, making the block a highly strategic national asset. Former Senate President Bukola Saraki and ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai also lauded Adoke’s courage. El-Rufai particularly stressed that memoir writing must become a norm among public officials. “We should actually thank Adoke for helping to stabilise democracy in 2015. Instead, he was persecuted,” El-Rufai said. He urged leaders in power today to remember that “everyone’s turn will come.” The event brought together politicians from across Nigeria’s political spectrum, reflecting the broad influence and legacy of Adoke’s career — and his turbulent journey through one of Nigeria’s most contentious oil scandals.

GTCO Becomes First West African Financial Institution Listed on London Stock Exchange

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) made financial history on Thursday by becoming the first West African financial institution to list its shares on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), while maintaining its existing listing on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX). The dual listing, celebrated at a formal event at the LSE in London, marks a major milestone for the company and Nigeria’s capital market, as GTCO transitions from its earlier Global Depository Receipt (GDR) structure to a full secondary listing of ordinary shares on the LSE’s main market. In a notice to the NGX, GTCO confirmed that its entire issued share capital of 36.4 billion shares has been admitted to the UK Financial Conduct Authority’s Official List and is now trading on the LSE. The company also launched a public offer of 2.29 billion ordinary shares at N70 per share, with proceeds targeted at raising $100 million in international capital. Segun Agbaje, Group CEO of GTCO, said the listing will allow investors access to the “best of both worlds,” combining African growth potential with international liquidity and visibility. “We have delisted the GDR and listed our ordinary shares, which gives us a strategic backroom to return to the London Stock Exchange for future capital raises,” Agbaje said. “This is about unlocking Africa’s potential on the world stage.” Agbaje added that proceeds from the fundraising would support GTCO’s expansion in African markets and help deliver stronger returns to both local and global shareholders. Tom Attenborough, Head of International Primary Markets at the LSE, described the moment as a “welcome back” for GTCO, noting its pioneering role in listing GDRs on the exchange back in 2007. “Eighteen years later, you are now the first West African bank to dual-list shares on the LSE and NGX, continuing to blaze a trail for African finance,” Attenborough said. Jude Chiemeka, CEO of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), praised GTCO’s high standards of corporate governance and called the listing a win for both the company and Nigeria. “GTCO’s move enhances capital access, liquidity, and visibility while positioning Nigeria as a serious player in global finance,” he said. “This puts Africa in a positive spotlight.” Lanre Buluro, Managing Director at Chapel Hill Denham and GTCO’s Nigerian transaction adviser, said the development is transformational for Nigeria’s capital market. With the new share listing, GTCO’s total issued and fully paid-up shares now stand at 36,425,229,514 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each. The listing is expected to boost foreign investor confidence, deepen liquidity, and open up further pathways for Nigerian corporates to access international capital markets.

AC Milan in Talks to Sign Victor Boniface

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Milan are in talks with Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface. The Nigerian came close to leaving his Bundesliga club in January after reaching an agreement to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassri, but they instead opted to sign Jhon Duran. Bayer Leverkusen would have collected around €60m to sell Boniface to Al-Nassr in January and although no figures have been mentioned regarding Milan’s finances, the 24-year-old holds a Transfermarkt value of €40m. But as reported last month, Bayer Leverkusen appear open to selling Boniface this summer and hope to receive around €50m. Speaking to Bild, Emefie Aneke Atta, agent of Boniface, said: “Victor has ended the season after his trip to the national team. He’s on vacation now, will train hard during his vacation, and then return for preseason. There’s a new coach, a new setup, but still a very good team that’s back in the Champions League. Victor and I have never discussed a transfer.” As reported by Tavolieri, Boniface has opened the door to a permanent move’ to Milan. It’s also unclear as to how the former Union SG forward features in Erik ten Hag’s plans with the Dutchman’s preferred No. 9 being Patrik Schick, while the club are working on a deal for Christian Kofane.

Flying Eagles Hold Hosts Ghana to Draw in WAFU B Opener

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

The Flying Eagles and Ghana’s Black Satellites stifled one another to a 1-1 draw in their opening match of the 2025 WAFU B U20 Boys Tournament at Ghana’s Centre of Excellence in Prampram on Thursday. The Black Satellites took the lead in the 26th minute, with Captain Musbau Azeez finding the back of the net. Thereafter, the Flying Eagles faced significant pressure from their opponents, resulting in a yellow card issued to their captain, Daniel Bameyi, for a hard tackle in the 33rd minute. Despite increasing pressure from the Flying Eagles in the latter stages of the first period, the Black Satellites took their one-nil advantage into the dressing room at recess. Nigeria’s appeal for a penalty in the 66th minute was dismissed by the referee. Subsequently, a free kick taken by defender Odinaka Okoro in the 76th minute narrowly missed the target, as the Flying Eagles went all out for the leveller. As the match approached its conclusion, the Flying Eagles intensified their efforts, culminating in a corner kick awarded in the 84th minute. Mohammed Abdulahi scored with an impressive header to ensure a stalemate in the scoreline.

Mission X: Super Falcons Qualify for 2024 WAFCON Quarter Finals

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Nigeria’s campaign for a 10th continental title at the 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations plodded frontally on Thursday after the Super Falcons bagged all three points against their counterparts from Botswana to reach the competition’s quarter finals. Mexico-based Chinwendu Ihezuo, scorer of the third goal in the 3-0 rout of Tunisia on Sunday, stretched her left leg adroitly to connect from a great pass by Esther Okoronkwo and give Nigeria the day from a largely-scrappy encounter in Casablanca. Refilwe Tholakele indicated early on that it was not going to be an all-Nigeria evening, as her fierce shot from a bold move from the Southern Africans rattled goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who had to make a second save as the ball spilled. Botswana threw women in numbers behind the ball as they opted for damage limitation, and nearly came out in flying colours as captain Rasheed Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, Toni Payne and Rinsola Babajide could find no thoroughfare to the goal-line. Midway into the first stanza, attack-minded defender Ashley Plumptre surged forward again but missed a good chance from Ajibade’s pass. Eleven minutes later, Payne skyrocketed when clear on goal from another cross from the right. The scrappy nature was the same in the second half, with the opposition stifling play with numbers in midfield and defence. Substitute Ihezuo headed over the bar in the 48th minute and the energetic Plumptre saw her tricky shot heaved over the sticks by goalkeeper Maitumelo Bosija in the 64th minute. Substitute Jennifer Echegini came close with a snapshot in the 71st minute, and then called upon the agility of South Africa-based Bosija with an angled shot in the 82nd minute. The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper was finally beaten with a minute left in regulation time, when Okoronkwo foxed the Botswana rearguard before a well-placed pass that Ihezuo converted for all three points. The Super Falcons will take on Algeria in their last match of group B on Sunday evening, at the same Larbi Zaouli Stadium.

US Russian Top Diplomats Hold Talks on Ukraine Syria Iran at ASEAN Summit

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Malaysia – In a rare diplomatic engagement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Thursday to discuss global conflicts including Ukraine, Syria, and Iran. The Russian Foreign Ministry described the 50-minute meeting as a “substantive and frank exchange,” noting both parties expressed interest in de-escalating tensions and restoring diplomatic channels. “Lavrov and Rubio confirmed their mutual desire to find peaceful solutions to conflicts, restore Russian-American economic and humanitarian cooperation, and facilitate unimpeded contacts between the societies of the two countries,” the ministry stated. Rubio, addressing reporters after the session, said he delivered a direct message about the urgency of ending the war in Ukraine. “We need to see a roadmap moving forward about how this conflict can conclude,” Rubio said, adding that President Donald Trump remains “disappointed” with Moscow’s stance and lack of flexibility. He also hinted at a possible meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, during the summit. The ASEAN forum remains one of the few platforms where top officials from rival powers maintain dialogue, with global eyes now focused on whether the Rubio-Lavrov meeting leads to further diplomatic progress.

Iran Demands End to IAEA Double Standards Before Nuclear Talks Resume

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago05 mins

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that Tehran will not resume cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) unless the UN nuclear watchdog addresses what he described as “double standards” in its approach to Iran’s nuclear program. In a phone call on Thursday with European Council President Antonio Costa, Pezeshkian said Iran’s future cooperation with the agency would depend on it acting with impartiality — a demand linked to the IAEA’s silence following recent attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities by the United States and Israel. “The continuation of Iran’s cooperation with the agency depends on the latter correcting its double standards regarding the nuclear file,” Pezeshkian said, according to Iranian state media. He also issued a strong warning against further aggression, stating, “Any repeated attack against Iran will be met with a more decisive and regrettable response.” Backdrop: June Conflict with Israel and U.S. Tensions escalated in mid-June after Israel launched a series of airstrikes targeting Iranian military and nuclear sites, which were followed by U.S. bunker-buster bombings. In retaliation, Iran launched drone and missile attacks on Israel and a U.S. base in Qatar, prompting a 12-day conflict that ended with a fragile ceasefire declared by President Donald Trump. In the aftermath, Pezeshkian signed a law suspending Iran’s cooperation with the IAEA. The agency confirmed that its inspectors have now left Iran, marking a serious breakdown in international nuclear oversight. Iran Alleges IAEA Complicity Iran has accused the IAEA of enabling the attacks by adopting a resolution on June 12 that accused Iran of breaching its nuclear commitments — just one day before the strikes. Tehran claims the agency’s actions showed alignment with Western political pressure and failed to uphold neutrality. “Despite remaining a signatory to the NPT [Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons], we no longer trust the IAEA to act impartially,” an Iranian foreign ministry source told local media. Global Reactions IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said talks with Iran remain a “top priority” and expressed hope for a return to monitoring “as soon as possible.” But he acknowledged the agency has had no access to Iranian facilities since the conflict. Meanwhile, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce called Iran’s withdrawal from cooperation “unacceptable,” insisting: “Iran cannot and will not have a nuclear weapon.” Bruce urged Tehran to “reverse course and choose a path of peace and prosperity,” despite no conclusive U.S. intelligence indicating Iran is pursuing a bomb. BRICS Blasts U.S.-Israel Actions The BRICS bloc of emerging economies on Sunday condemned the U.S.-Israel bombardments of Iran as a “blatant breach of international law.” Iran welcomed the statement, linking the ongoing Gaza war and regional instability to global impunity enabled by Western powers. The situation now raises serious concerns over the future of the Iran nuclear deal, regional stability, and the credibility of multilateral institutions like the IAEA.