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Tag: EFCC

Malami Alleges EFCC Raids Offices and Homes Over Salami Report Reference

Wale busari03 mins

Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has alleged that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) raided his offices and residences in Abuja and Kebbi State. According to a statement issued Wednesday by Malami’s office, the raids were carried out shortly after he publicly referenced Chapter 9 of the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry Report. The statement, signed by Malami’s Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka, claimed that EFCC operatives specifically targeted documents related to that chapter, without prior notice. Malami’s office described the action as “deeply alarming,” suggesting it amounts to intimidation and retaliation. The former AGF had previously called for the recusal of EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede from the ongoing investigation into him, citing alleged bias linked to findings in the Salami Report. Chapter 9 reportedly implicates senior EFCC officials, including Olukoyede, who served as secretary to the commission. “We hereby place Nigerians and the international community on notice that any harm to our personnel or to Abubakar Malami, SAN, will be solely attributable to this pattern of conduct,” the statement warned. The statement urged the media, civil society, professional bodies, and human rights organizations to question the timing and justification of the raids and called for the full release of the Salami Report to ensure transparency. The development comes amid ongoing EFCC investigations into allegations against Malami, including abuse of office, money laundering, and matters related to recovered Abacha loot. Malami has repeatedly claimed political motivation and conflicts of interest in the probe, asserting that Chapter 9 of the Salami Report exposes a clear conflict of interest that undermines the EFCC chairman’s role in matters concerning him.

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Recuse Yourself, Don’t Be Part of Witch-Hunt, Malami Warns EFCC Chairman

Wale busari04 mins

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has demanded that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman recuse himself from an ongoing investigation and threatened prosecution, describing the probe as a politically motivated “witch-hunt.” In a press release on Monday, Malami described the probe as politically motivated, linking it to his recent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He alleged that the EFCC Chairman harbors a longstanding grudge stemming from the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry, which investigated corruption allegations within the EFCC during Malami’s tenure as Attorney-General. “The present investigation—marked by illegal detentions, media harassment, and procedural abuses—bears all the hallmarks of retaliatory persecution motivated by personal vengeance,” Malami said, stressing that the current EFCC leadership cannot conduct a fair or impartial probe into his activities. Malami formally demanded that the EFCC Chairman step aside and that the matter be handed over to another government agency to ensure credibility, impartiality, and public confidence. He also urged the current Attorney-General of the Federation to intervene, warning that continued involvement by the EFCC Chairman could lead to further institutional damage and abuse of prosecutorial powers. He emphasized the need for judicial oversight, insisting on immediate arraignment before a competent court in line with Sections 35(3), (4), and (5) of the Nigerian Constitution. According to Malami, only a court—not a politically compromised agency—can lawfully adjudicate the matter. Malami further accused the EFCC of planning to rely on questionable witnesses, including individuals convicted abroad, calling such tactics “desperate, scandalous, and corrosive to the integrity of Nigeria’s criminal justice system.” His office has formally requested certified copies of the petitions and investigation reports underpinning the EFCC’s actions, citing complaints from Human and Environmental Agenda and Grassroot Advocacy for Peace and Good Governance. Malami concluded by underscoring his commitment to clearing his name through lawful judicial processes and warning against the politicization of anti-corruption agencies. “The law must remain supreme—above politics, above power, and above persons,” he said. The statement was issued by Mohammed Bello Doka, Special Assistant on Media to Abubakar Malami, SAN.

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EFCC Bail Denied for Chris Ngige, Former Minister Remanded in Kuje Prison

Wale busari03 mins

A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Gwarimpa, Abuja, on Friday rejected an oral bail application for former Minister of Labour, Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige, and ordered his remand at Kuje Prison until December 15. Ngige, a former governor of Anambra State, was arraigned the same day by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on an eight-count charge of corrupt practices. He pleaded not guilty to all the allegations. His lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Patrick Ikwueto, attempted to argue a formal bail application, but EFCC counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, opposed it, saying he had only just been served and needed time to respond. Justice Maryam Aliyu Hassan also turned down an oral application for bail, directing that the formal application be heard on Monday, December 15, while Ngige remains in custody. The charges, filed under case number FCT/HC/CR/726/2025, allege that Ngige committed offences while serving as Minister of Labour between September 2015 and May 2023. The eight counts include: Count 1: Awarding seven contracts worth 366,470,920.68 naira to Cezimo Nigeria Limited. Count 2: Granting eight contracts totaling 583,682,686.00 naira to Zitacom Nigeria Limited. Count 3: Conferring eight contracts valued at 362,043,163.16 naira to Jeff & Xris Limited. Count 4: Awarding four contracts worth 668,138,141.00 naira to Olde English Consolidated Limited. Count 5: Granting four contracts totaling 161,604,625.00 naira to Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited. The first five counts are alleged violations of Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. Counts six to eight accuse Ngige of corruptly accepting gifts: Count 6: 38,650,000 naira from Cezimo Nigeria Limited via his campaign organisation. Count 7: 55,003,000 naira from Zitacom Nigeria Limited through his scholarship scheme. Count 8: 26,130,000 naira from Jeff & Xris Limited via the same scholarship scheme. These counts allegedly contravene Sections 17(a) and 17(c) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. Ngige will remain in EFCC custody pending the hearing of his formal bail application on December 15.

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EFCC Arraigns Chris Ngige Over Alleged Contract Fraud, Ex-Minister Pleads Not Guilty

Wale busari01 mins

Former Labour Minister Chris Ngige was arraigned on Friday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged contract fraud. Ngige, who also served as governor of Anambra State, faced an eight-count charge before a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwarimpa. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges. The EFCC’s charge, dated October 31, claims that Ngige used his positions in government to grant undue advantages by awarding multiple contracts to associates and companies linked to him. Ngige was governor of Anambra State from 2003 to 2006 and held the position of Minister of Labour and Productivity from 2015 to 2023. On December 11, his media aide, Fred Chukwuelobe, confirmed that Ngige remained in EFCC custody, dispelling rumours that the ex-governor had been kidnapped.

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EFCC Detains Chris Ngige In Abuja Amid Kidnap Rumour Denial

Wale busari01 mins

Chris Ngige, former governor of Anambra State and immediate past Minister of Labour and Employment, is currently in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Abuja. His former media aide, Fred Chukwulobe, released a statement on Wednesday night confirming that Ngige was with the anti-graft agency, dismissing online claims that he had been kidnapped. Chukwulobe stated, “Former Governor of Anambra State and immediate past minister of labour and employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, is with the EFCC. More details later.” Ngige has drawn public attention in recent days following an attack on his convoy by armed assailants in Anambra State. He was not inside the vehicle when the attackers struck.

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Ex-Minister Stella Oduah Arraigned In Abuja Over N2.4 Billion Fraud

Wale busari03 mins

The Federal Government on Wednesday arraigned former Minister of Aviation Stella Oduah in an Abuja High Court over allegations of fraud totaling N2.4 billion. Oduah appeared alongside Gloria Odita, facing a five-count charge involving fraud, obtaining by false pretence, and criminal breach of trust. According to the prosecution, in January 2014, the defendants allegedly conspired to unlawfully obtain N2,469,030,738.90 from the Federal Ministry of Aviation through Broad Waters Resources Nigeria Ltd and Global Offshore Marine Ltd by submitting false claims. The charges allege that Oduah and Odita “agreed among themselves to obtain the sum of Two Billion, Four Hundred and Sixty-Nine Million, Thirty Thousand, Seven Hundred and Thirty-Eight Naira, Nine Kobo (₦2,469,030,738.90) by false pretence,” claiming it was for “Cost of Technical Supervision” and “Security Integrated and Logistics Support Services,” which the prosecution says was untrue. The offences reportedly violate Sections 8(a) and 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act and carry penalties under Section 1(3). Specifically, the government alleged that on January 13, 2014, the defendants obtained ₦839,780,738.90 by falsely representing it as payment for “Cost of Technical Supervision.” On February 12, 2014, they allegedly obtained ₦1,629,250,000 under the pretext of “Security Integrated and Logistics Support Services.” Counts Four and Five accuse Oduah, as minister at the time, of misappropriating the same funds earmarked for a contract awarded to 1-Sec Security Nigeria Ltd, in breach of Section 311 of the Penal Code. Both defendants pleaded not guilty. Their lawyers, Onyechi Ikpeazu SAN for Oduah and Wale Balogun SAN for Odita, applied for bail. Ikpeazu requested Oduah be granted bail on self-recognition, noting that she voluntarily returned from the United States and had previously been on administrative bail by the EFCC. Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, who appeared for the prosecution, said the government had no objection to bail but urged the court to set a firm hearing date, noting that the defendants had been served with the proof of evidence since November 27. Justice Hamza Muazu granted both Oduah and Odita bail on self-recognition, directing them to deposit travel documents and seek court permission before traveling. The case was adjourned until February 12, 2026, for further proceedings.

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Malami Detained By EFCC Over Alleged Terrorism Financing And Missing Abacha Loot

Wale busari02 mins

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has detained former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), over allegations linking him to terrorism financing, money laundering, and the operation of suspicious accounts. Investigators are probing multiple financial concerns, including an alleged N10 billion investment traced to Kebbi State and the whereabouts of two major tranches of recovered Abacha loot — $322 million returned from Switzerland and another $22 million reportedly repatriated from the Island of Jersey in the UK. As of 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Malami remained in EFCC custody after failing to meet his bail conditions. Officials say the scope of allegations is extensive and may require several days of questioning. One of his wives is also expected to be interrogated over her alleged involvement in the handling of N4 billion released under the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Anchor Borrowers Programme. According to an EFCC source, Malami “has a lot to clarify,” adding that some assets linked to him may be targeted for attachment pending the outcome of the investigation.

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Timipre Sylva’s Aide Condemns EFCC Sealing Former Minister’s Maitama Residence

Wale busari02 mins

Julius Bokoru, Special Assistant to former Minister of Petroleum Timipre Sylva, has strongly criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for sealing his principal’s residence in the Maitama area of Abuja. In a statement issued on Monday and titled “A Grave Breach of Decency: EFCC’s Attempted Raid and Defacement of Sylva’s Family Home,” Bokoru said the commission’s conduct showed a disregard for due process. The action comes after the EFCC declared the former Bayelsa governor wanted in November over an alleged $14.8 million fraud. Before then, military intelligence officers had stormed Sylva’s home, arresting his brother and driver over supposed links to a failed coup attempt. Bokoru, who previously faulted the EFCC for announcing Sylva as wanted without first inviting him, noted that the former minister had already written to the commission last week proposing a mutually convenient date to appear. He described the latest attempt to access the property as an operation carried out “without a single letter, without a subpoena, without a warrant, without notification, and without even the most basic adherence to lawful process.” He added, “No courtesy. No procedure. No humanity. It is behaviour unbecoming of any institution that claims to act in the national interest. What unfolded today at the Maitama residence of His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, was nothing short of an affront to decency and a troubling assault on the very principles that underpin a civilised society.”

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