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Tag: EFCC

Timipre Sylva Challenges EFCC, Requests Mutually Agreed Date To Address $14.8m Fraud Allegation

Wale busari05 mins

Former Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, has written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), requesting a mutually agreed date to respond to its invitation over an alleged $14.8 million fraud. In a letter personally signed and addressed to EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, Sylva rejected the commission’s decision to declare him wanted, stressing that he has never ignored any lawful summons. The letter, dated November 24 and acknowledged by the EFCC on November 26, explained that Sylva is currently receiving urgent medical treatment for a “life-threatening condition.” He noted that he is consulting with his medical team to determine if he can temporarily suspend treatment to appear before the commission. “In view of the foregoing, I most humbly request that a mutually agreed date be set, subject to medical clearance, to enable me appear physically and formally,” he wrote. Sylva emphasized, “I trust that the objective of your invitation is not to unalive, but to genuinely investigate an alleged crime. For only the living can appropriately, fully and responsibly respond to any allegation, which I firmly and respectfully deny.” The former minister recalled recent events that have put him, his family, and associates under pressure, starting with “an unverified accusation” linking him to an alleged plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He said the situation escalated into a military raid on his Abuja residence, during which several staff, including drivers and security aides, were arrested and remain in detention. “While still grappling with the emotional and psychological strain of those events, I was on Monday, November 10, 2025, publicly declared wanted by your esteemed agency over an alleged $14.8 million fraud,” Sylva wrote. He stressed that he had previously honored an EFCC invitation in December 2024 concerning the same matter, after which he was granted administrative bail on self-recognition and told he would be contacted again if needed. Sylva expressed surprise and dismay at being publicly declared wanted without prior notice, rejecting claims that he jumped bail. The former minister also suggested that the actions against him could be seen as a “political witch-hunt,” noting that he has been a target since the start of the current administration. Sylva, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was recently linked to a rumored aborted military coup. His Abuja residence was raided by operatives believed to be from military intelligence, and his younger brother, Paga, his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs, and his driver were reportedly arrested during the operation. His Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Julius Bokoru, confirmed the raid but denied Sylva’s involvement in any coup plot. He accused unnamed politicians of orchestrating the events due to Sylva’s perceived political influence and criticized the EFCC for declaring him wanted without issuing any prior invitation.

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Alleged N4.6bn Arms Fraud : How ONSA’s Security Funds Were Diverted — EFCC Witness

Wale busari05 mins

An operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kazeem Yusuf, on Tuesday told the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that the sum of N4.6 billion from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), meant for the supply of security equipment, was diverted to sponsor pilgrimage to Makkah, the 2015 People’s Democratic Party (PDP) rallies and presidential election, among other uses. Yusuf stated this at the resumed hearing in the ongoing trial of a former Minister of State for Finance, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda; a former National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (retd); former governor Attahiru Bafarawa of Sokoto; his son, Sagir Attahiru; and a company, Dalhatu Investment Limited, owned by the former governor and his son, before Justice Yusuf Halilu, sitting in Maitama, Abuja. The defendants are being prosecuted by the EFCC, on behalf of the Federal Government, on an amended 25-count charge bordering on misappropriation, criminal breach of trust and receiving stolen property. Led in evidence-in-chief by the prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs SAN, Yusuf told the court that investigations revealed that while contracts awarded by ONSA for the purchase of security equipment were not executed, the N4.6 billion involved was diverted to other uses. “Investigation revealed that the contracts were for the supply of security equipment. Responses from the Office of the National Security Adviser also showed that the contracts were for security purposes. “Further investigation also showed that the money (N4.6 billion) was not used for the purpose; it was diverted to other uses. “Investigation also showed from a letter from the Office of the National Security Adviser that the contracts were never executed,” the PW2 told the court. He said that when he commenced the investigation and asked the fourth defendant, Sagir Bafarawa, how the money received was spent, Sagir brought a list of expenditures to the commission. According to the PW2, “When I commenced investigation, Sagir brought a list of what he spent the money on. Some of them include payment for pilgrimage to Makkah, organisation of People’s Democratic Party rallies. “Others also include payment of monies to security agencies for monitoring elections, payment for the (2015) presidential election and other political activities.” Asked to read from the United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Guaranty Trust Bank account statements tendered before the court, the witness informed the court that money was transferred to some beneficiaries. He mentioned some of the beneficiaries to include Sheikh AbdurRahman Al-Sudais Foundation, which he said belonged to former governor Bafarawa, its chairman. The Foundation, he said, received the sum of N500 million. The PW2 also mentioned the 2015 PDP gubernatorial candidate in Sokoto State, Abdallah Wali, who received the sum of N580 million for the election through a company. At the end of Yusuf’s testimony, based on consensus, Justice Yusuf adjourned the case to 9–10 December for cross-examination of the PW2 by the defence counsel.

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EFCC Drags Lawyer to Court for False Information

Wale busari03 mins

The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has arraigned a lawyer, Steve Adamu before Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court, sitting in Kaduna State on a one-count charge of false information peddling. The charge reads: “That you Barrister Steve Adamu (m) on or about the 15th day of September, 2022 in Kaduna, Kaduna State, within the jurisdiction of the Honourable Court, committed an offence to wit: wilfully gave false information to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which information was used to carry out investigation on your complaint to the Commission, which information you knew to be false and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 16(1) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 and punishable under Section 16(2) of the same Act. He pleaded “not guilty”, prompting the prosecution counsel, M.E. Eimonye to ask the court for a trial date, while the defence counsel urged the court to grant the defendant bail. Justice Khobo, thereafter, ordered for the remand of the defendant in the Nigerian Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter till December 20, 2025 for hearing of the bail application. The defendant’s road to the dock began with his petition to the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, in which he had alleged that his landlord had no visible means of livelihood, yet continually acquired costly automobiles and developed landed properties, all about town. However, investigations by the Commission proved the allegations to be false and malicious, prompting his arrest and prosecution.

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EFCC Declares Timipre Sylva Wanted Over Alleged $14.8 Million Fraud

Wale busari02 mins

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, wanted over allegations of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14.8 million. According to a statement issued by the EFCC’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, Sylva is wanted in connection with funds reportedly injected by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for the construction of a refinery. The anti-graft agency said the public should note that a warrant for Sylva’s arrest was issued by the Lagos State High Court on November 6, 2025. “The public is hereby notified that Timipre Sylva, former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and former Governor of Bayelsa State, is wanted by the EFCC in an alleged case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14,859,257. Sylva, 61, hails from Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State,” the notice read. The EFCC appealed to the public for useful information that could lead to his arrest, urging anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts to report to any of its zonal offices nationwide, the nearest police station, or contact the agency through 08093322644 or info@efcc.gov.ng.

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EFCC Wins Court Ruling Against Mompha, No-Case Submission Rejected

Wale busari03 mins

Justice Mojisola Dada of the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has ruled that a prima facie case has been established against social media personality Ismaila Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha, and another defendant in their ongoing fraud trial. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced on its official X account that the court dismissed the defendants’ no-case submission, stating there is sufficient evidence to require them to enter a defence. Mompha and his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, face charges of alleged money laundering and operating an unlicensed bureau de change. The case has been adjourned to January 27 and 28, 2026, for further hearings. The EFCC initially accused Mompha of laundering about ₦32.9 billion, later filing an eight-count charge involving roughly ₦6 billion. The charges include conspiracy to launder funds from unlawful activities, retention of criminal proceeds, and failure to disclose assets. Mompha was granted bail in January 2022 for ₦200 million with two sureties of like sum, but his bail was revoked in June 2022 after he failed to appear in court, leading to the issuance of a bench warrant. In August 2022, the EFCC declared him wanted over alleged retention of criminal proceeds and false asset declarations. He was re-arrested in May 2023 with international assistance over the alleged laundering of ₦6 billion. By July 2024, court proceedings revealed that over ₦30 billion, suspected to be proceeds of crime, had reportedly passed through his accounts. Earlier hearings also included an FBI report suggesting that Mompha’s iPhone was used to send account details abroad and attempt fund transfers. Mompha has denied all allegations, accusing the EFCC of using his case for publicity.

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Oladips Claims EFCC Extorted N10 Million Before His Release

Wale busari01 mins

Rapper Oladips has alleged that officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) extorted N10 million from him before releasing him from detention. During a podcast interview with Hip TV, Oladips recounted his arrest in November 2024 and his five days in EFCC custody, saying no incriminating evidence was found against him. “I was cleared of everything, yet they still collected N10 million from me before I could leave,” he said. “What was the money for? What was all that stress and suffering for?” He expressed frustration over the ordeal, adding, “It’s just Nigeria. Nigeria just happened to me.” The EFCC has not yet reacted to his claims. "It was Zlatan that was sending me food…" Oladips shares details of what he suffered in EFCC custody. pic.twitter.com/uExxcW0lS2 — @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) October 29, 2025

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EFCC Warns Youths Against Greed and Quick Wealth Mentality

Kamal Yalwa05 mins

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised alarm over the increasing involvement of young Nigerians in fraudulent activities, blaming the surge on laziness, greed, and an unhealthy desire for quick wealth. According to the Commission, the obsession with material success among the youth is eroding moral values and weakening Nigeria’s ethical foundations. The EFCC described the trend as a dangerous shift in mindset, where many now prioritise luxury and fame over hard work, discipline, and integrity. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede made these remarks during an orientation and sensitisation programme for new students of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Nigerian Air Force, Mando, Kaduna, for the 2025/2026 academic session. Represented by Chief Superintendent Nana Fatima Abubakar from the EFCC Public Affairs Department, Olukoyede delivered a lecture titled “Dangers of Cybercrime.” He urged Nigerian youths to resist the lure of quick riches through illegal means, reminding them that there is no shortcut to success. “True success is earned through hard work, perseverance, and integrity. The urge to get rich overnight has destroyed many promising lives,” he warned. Olukoyede added that cybercrime not only leads to criminal prosecution but also results in loss of freedom, depression, and even death. The EFCC chairman lamented the growing popularity of internet fraud, widely known as “Yahoo Yahoo,” which many young people now see as an easy route to wealth. He attributed the mindset to social media influencers and peer groups that glamorise extravagant lifestyles. “The constant display of luxury cars, designer clothes, and foreign trips online has created unrealistic expectations among youths, who now believe crime is the only way to achieve success,” he said. Olukoyede encouraged students to channel their energy and creativity into legitimate ventures such as digital entrepreneurship, software development, and innovation. He stressed that the same internet used for fraud can also be a powerful tool for progress and impact. The EFCC also identified greed, laziness, lack of patriotism, and peer pressure as key factors pushing youths into financial crimes. Nana Fatima Abubakar, speaking on behalf of the Chairman, revealed that many cybercrime suspects confessed to being influenced by friends flaunting sudden wealth. “They want to live big without putting in effort. Some even mix fraud with drug use and fetish practices. It’s a dangerous cycle of moral decay,” she noted. The Commission further urged schools to integrate anti-corruption and digital ethics into their curriculum to educate students early. It also called on the public to join the fight against financial crimes by reporting suspicious activities through its Eagle Eye App, assuring that whistleblowers’ identities remain confidential. Olukoyede reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s image and future but stressed that success in fighting cybercrime requires collective responsibility. “Every youth has a choice to make — to build or to destroy. Nigeria needs your creativity and innovation, not crime and corruption,” he concluded. The EFCC’s warning serves as a timely reminder that while technology offers vast opportunities, it also poses risks when misused. The Commission insists that true and lasting success can only come from honesty, hard work, and integrity.

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EFCC Arraigns Ex-NSITF Chair Ngozi Olejeme For Alleged N1 Billion Money Laundering

Wale busari02 mins

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned former Chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Ngozi Olejeme, before a Federal High Court in Abuja for allegedly laundering N1 billion. In a statement on Friday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said Olejeme is facing an eight-count charge bordering on money laundering, criminal conversion, and possession of illicit funds. According to the EFCC, while serving as NSITF board chairman in February 2012, Olejeme allegedly diverted N321.6 million into the Sterling Bank account of Adin Miles International Limited. She was also accused of directing one Chuka C. Eze to convert $2 million into naira for the same company, knowing that the money was proceeds of unlawful activity. Olejeme pleaded not guilty to all eight charges when they were read in court. Prosecuting counsel, Emenike Mgbemele, asked the court to fix a trial date and informed the judge that 14 witnesses would testify against the defendant. Her lawyer, Emeka Ogboguo (SAN), urged the court to grant her bail pending trial. Justice Nwite granted Olejeme temporary release to her counsel and adjourned the case until November 17, 2025, for the hearing of her bail application.  

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