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Category: Crime

  • NDLEA Nabs Man with 1,499 Bottles of Codeine Syrup in Kano

    NDLEA Nabs Man with 1,499 Bottles of Codeine Syrup in Kano

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 45-year-old man, Ashiru Bala, for allegedly possessing 1,499 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup in Kano State.

    The arrest was carried out by operatives of the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command during an intelligence-led operation.

    The command’s Public Relations Officer, Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Kano.

    According to him, the Commander of the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command, Dahiru Yahaya-Lawal, said the suspect was arrested at his residence in Lambu, located in Tofa Local Government Area of the state.

    “The suspect was arrested at his residence in Lambu, Tofa Local Government Area on Feb. 25, 2026 following an intelligence-led operation,” Yahaya-Lawal said.

    He explained that the suspect had transported the consignment from Abuja and intended to deliver it to a local dealer in Kano for illicit consumption.

    Further investigation revealed that Bala had allegedly been involved in transporting illegal drugs for about two years.

    According to the NDLEA commander, the suspect admitted to moving such illicit substances during that period and disclosed that he previously worked in township services in Abuja for four years.

    He also acknowledged receiving substantial payments for each consignment he transported, indicating that he was aware of the illegal nature of the activity.

    Yahaya-Lawal said the arrest underscored the agency’s commitment to safeguarding communities from the dangers posed by illicit drugs.

    “Intelligence-driven enforcement, especially during periods of increased demand such as festive seasons, remains central to the command’s strategy,” he said.

    He added that the command would continue to intensify operations against drug trafficking networks.

    “We will sustain pressure on drug networks and ensure offenders are brought to justice,” the commander stated.

    Yahaya-Lawal further explained that the arrest formed part of the ongoing “Operation Ramadan Mubarak,” an initiative of the NDLEA aimed at strengthening anti-drug enforcement efforts during the Ramadan period.

    The operation aligns with the agency’s renewed national agenda of promoting a drug-free society under the leadership of NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba-Marwa.

  • Alleged N90.4m Fraud: Court Admits More Exhibits Against Ex-NHIS Boss

    Alleged N90.4m Fraud: Court Admits More Exhibits Against Ex-NHIS Boss

    The Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting at Kuchiako, Kuje, Abuja, has admitted additional documentary exhibits in the ongoing trial of former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Usman Yusuf, who is standing trial over alleged financial impropriety.

    Justice Chinyere E. Nwecheonwu admitted the documents on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, following their presentation by the prosecution led by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

    The documents were tendered through the second prosecution witness, James Balami, the Director of Procurement at the National Health Insurance Scheme, during proceedings that commenced earlier in January 2026.

    In her ruling, Justice Nwecheonwu held that the documents were properly admitted in line with extant legal provisions, noting that the defence raised no objection at the point of tendering. Defence counsel, O. I. Habeeb, SAN, did not oppose their admissibility.

    Among the exhibits admitted were Certified True Copies of letters dated November 11, 2016, marked as Exhibits E1–E32. Also admitted were the Certified True Copy of the NHIS Procurement Plan for 2016 (Exhibits F1–F4), the NHIS Procurement Plan for 2017 (Exhibits G1–G5), and the Certified True Copy of the NHIS Procurement Act 2016 (Exhibits H1–H2).

    While being led in evidence by prosecution counsel Francis Usani, the witness narrated his interactions with the EFCC following his invitation by the commission.

    “After I took those documents to the Commission, I made statements. The statements were not made in one day. I can recognise the statements. There are five,” Balami told the court.

    However, attempts by the prosecution to tender the extra-judicial statements of the witness were opposed by the defence.

    Following arguments from both sides, Justice Nwecheonwu adjourned the matter to May 13 and 14, 2026, for ruling on the admissibility of the statements and continuation of trial.

    Professor Yusuf is facing a five-count charge bordering on embezzlement, conferring undue advantage, and fraud involving the sum of N90,439,178.00.

    Public Reactions Trail Trial

    The court proceedings have continued to attract strong reactions on social media, where opinions remain sharply divided.

    While some commentators insist that Yusuf should be allowed to defend himself in court, others have questioned what they describe as selective prosecution by anti-graft agencies.

    Several commenters compared the case with other high-profile corruption allegations involving former governors and senior political figures, arguing that public confidence in the anti-corruption fight depends on fairness and consistency.

    Others cautioned against drawing conclusions before the conclusion of trial, stressing the constitutional principle of presumption of innocence.

    As the case progresses, the court is expected to rule on the disputed extra-judicial statements at the next adjourned date, a decision that could shape the direction of the trial going forward.

  • Yahaya Bello Facing Political Witch-Hunt, Not Money Laundering Trial — JB Daudu

    Yahaya Bello Facing Political Witch-Hunt, Not Money Laundering Trial — JB Daudu

    The defence team of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has bluntly told the Federal High Court, Abuja, that the case instituted against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is nothing more than a political witch-hunt disguised as a money laundering trial.

    Mr Joseph Daudu, SAN, made the assertion on Wednesday before Justice Emeka Nwite, in a sharp rebuttal to remarks by EFCC counsel, Mr Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, during proceedings.

    The stinging exchange unfolded while Olomotane Egoro, the EFCC’s seventh prosecution witness (PW-7) and a compliance officer with Access Bank Plc, was being rigorously cross-examined by the defence.

    Under oath, the witness made a series of admissions that appeared to undermine the prosecution’s case. Egoro confirmed unequivocally that Bello never served as a local government chairman in Kogi State and had no role in awarding any of the contracts under investigation.

    He further admitted that all the contracts referenced by the prosecution were awarded by various local government chairmen, as reflected in Exhibit 33 tendered before the court.

    More damaging to the prosecution, Egoro told the court that Bello’s name did not appear anywhere in the transaction records linked to the alleged money laundering. According to him, “Yahaya Bello” was neither a sender nor a recipient in any of the local government transactions cited by the EFCC.

    The witness also conceded that transactions contained in Exhibit 33(11), particularly those involving local governments and Keyless Nature Limited, were, on their face, consistent with normal banking operations. He admitted he did not know the purposes of several payments made by the 21 local government areas, nor could he establish whether there was any contractual relationship between the councils and the company.

    Egoro further testified that banks only raise red flags where fraud is suspected, stressing that customers are free to spend their money as they choose. He confirmed that Access Bank was not acting under any court order and had no fraud report relating to the transactions in question.

    On payments made to Fayzade Business Enterprise, the witness identified a May 6, 2022 inflow from Okene Local Government Area as payment for the supply of reading materials. He also listed other payments from Ogorimagongo, Okehi, Omala and Yagba local government areas for clearly stated purposes, including education materials, medical items, sporting equipment and medical consumables, with amounts running into several millions of naira. Other transactions, he said, covered agrochemicals, farm inputs and medical supplies.

    When pressed by the defence to confirm whether Bello was a local government chairman in any part of Kogi State, Egoro answered plainly: he was not.

    In an apparent attempt to rescue the prosecution’s narrative, Pinheiro interjected, suggesting that payments in money laundering cases are often disguised. Daudu immediately fired back, insisting that such casual remarks could not mask the reality before the court.

    He maintained that the evidence so far had exposed the trial as politically motivated, declaring that the proceedings would soon be seen for what they truly are — a political prosecution rather than a genuine money laundering case.

    Justice Nwite subsequently adjourned the matter until February 5 for the continuation of the cross-examination of the prosecution witness.

  • EFCC to Arraign Ex-AGF Malami on Money Laundering Charges

    EFCC to Arraign Ex-AGF Malami on Money Laundering Charges

    Abuja, December 30, 2025 – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will arraign former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, his son, and Bashir Asabe, an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on 16 counts of fraud and corruption.

    The case is scheduled to be heard by Justice Emeka Nwite.

    Malami has been under investigation by the EFCC since December 8, 2025.

    The anti-graft agency alleges that between 2015 and 2025, the former AGF, alongside his son and Asabe, engaged in a series of suspicious transactions, attempting to conceal billions of naira through bank accounts and property acquisitions across Abuja, Kano, and Kebbi.

    According to the EFCC, the defendants conspired to disguise the origin of funds, acquire property indirectly, and retain sums they allegedly knew were proceeds of unlawful activity, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Acts of 2011 and 2022.

    Some of the key allegations include:

    Counts 1 and 2: Between July 2022 and February 2021, Malami and his son allegedly concealed over N1.6 billion through Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited accounts at Sterling Bank.

    Count 3: In March 2021, the duo allegedly retained N600 million as collateral for a N500 million loan to Rayhaan Hotels Ltd, knowing the funds were illicit.

    Counts 4–16: The EFCC claims the defendants acquired multiple properties, including luxury duplexes in Maitama and residences in Garki, Asokoro, and Jabi districts, with funds allegedly from unlawful sources. The amounts involved range from N120 million to over N1.3 billion.

    The commission said it plans to call several witnesses, including EFCC staff, bank representatives, Bureau de Change operators, and financial experts.

    Among the key witnesses are Folarin Dare, Chinedu Eneanya, and Sani Lukeman, who are expected to testify on intelligence and petitions received by the EFCC, and Abdulrahman Musa Basheer, who will provide evidence regarding Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd’s role in purchasing properties for Malami.

    Representatives from Zenith Bank Plc and Sterling Bank Plc are also expected to testify.

    The EFCC alleges that the offences span Malami’s tenure as AGF under former President Muhammadu Buhari, highlighting a decade-long pattern of concealing and misappropriating funds through complex financial and property transactions.

  • ActionAid Demands Probe Into Allegations Against NMDPRA Boss

    ActionAid Demands Probe Into Allegations Against NMDPRA Boss

    Abuja — ActionAid Nigeria has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure an independent public review following allegations involving the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed.

    The organisation said the move was necessary to reinforce accountability, transparency, and public confidence in governance institutions.

    In a statement released in Abuja, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr Andrew Mamedu, stressed the importance of institutional integrity and timely responses that strengthen democratic governance nationwide.

    Mamedu referenced media reports alleging foreign education expenses for four children of the NMDPRA boss, noting that the claims remain unproven. He urged calm, lawful scrutiny anchored in due process, fairness, and respect for all parties involved.

    He called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to immediately commence a thorough, transparent investigation, with findings made public.

    ActionAid Nigeria commended Alhaji Aliko Dangote for raising concerns responsibly, describing whistleblowing as a positive civic duty that strengthens accountability and democratic participation.

    Mamedu emphasised the need to protect whistleblowers, describing them as vital partners in safeguarding public resources and promoting a culture where ethical conduct is rewarded and corruption discouraged.

    He said the allegations offered an opportunity for broader governance reforms, including modest leadership standards, verifiable income declarations, and responsible stewardship of public office to reduce inequality and expand opportunities for Nigerians.

    The organisation also highlighted ongoing petroleum supply challenges, calling for increased investment in functional local refineries to ensure fair pricing, energy security, reduced import dependence, and transparent market practices that benefit vulnerable citizens.

    ActionAid Nigeria noted that ending impunity would strengthen democracy, restore trust in public institutions, and reaffirm public service as a platform for national development rather than personal enrichment.

    The group further urged prompt clarification from the official concerned and advocated stronger asset declaration systems, verification processes, and public access to information to empower citizens and oversight institutions.

    ActionAid concluded by calling on Nigerians to actively monitor public resources, engage institutions constructively, and sustain collective demands for accountability, fairness, and effective service delivery across all levels of government.

  • Chris Ngige Faces N1.8B Corruption Trial in Abuja

    Chris Ngige Faces N1.8B Corruption Trial in Abuja

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will arraign former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, on Friday over alleged corruption, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    Ngige, also a former Governor of Anambra State, will appear at a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwarimpa, Abuja, as the sole defendant in an eight-count corruption charge (FCT/HC/CR/726/2025).

    Filed on December 9 by a legal team led by Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, the charges allege that Ngige, while serving under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, used his position to benefit companies linked to his associates.

    He is accused of awarding NSITF contracts worth over N1.8 billion to companies including Cezimo Nigeria Limited, Zitacom Nigeria Limited, Jeff & Xris Limited, Olde English Consolidated Limited, and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited.

    Ngige is also alleged to have accepted gifts totaling N119,783,000 through organisations linked to him, including the Senator Chris Ngige Campaign Organisation and the Chris Ngige Scholarship Scheme, while performing official duties.

    The offences contravene the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, specifically Sections 17(a) and 19, and are punishable under Section 179(c) of the Act.

  • Senate Commends EFCC for Record 4,111 Convictions in 2024

    Senate Commends EFCC for Record 4,111 Convictions in 2024


    …praises anti-graft agency’s resilience, call for stronger legislative support

    The Nigerian Senate has lauded the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for ecuring 4,111 convictions in 2024.

    The upper legislative body said the performance represents the highest annual figure since the anticrime agency was established.

    The commendation came following the adoption of a motion titled “Urgent Need to Commend the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for Its Significant Gains Made in Recent Times, Particularly in 2024, Despite the Challenges It Has Encountered.”

    The motion was sponsored by Senator Emmanuel Udende Memga (Benue North-East) during plenary on Tuesday.

    Presenting the motion, Senator Udende described the EFCC as a “frontline agency mandated to combat economic and financial crimes in Nigeria,” with powers to investigate, prevent, and prosecute offenders involved in money laundering, cybercrimes, advance fee fraud, and other related offences.

    He noted that the Commission has played a crucial role in promoting accountability, transparency, and integrity across the public and private sectors, thereby safeguarding the country’s financial system.

    According to data presented to the Senate, the EFCC in 2024 received 15,724 petitions, opened and investigated 12,000 cases, and filed 5,081 cases in court.

    Despite operational and resource limitations, the Commission recorded 4,111 convictions, marking the highest number in any operational year since its inception.

    Senator Udende said, “The EFCC has remained steadfast and professional in the discharge of its statutory mandate despite threats to its personnel and the increasing sophistication of financial crimes. The Commission’s resilience is commendable.”

    He further disclosed that the EFCC’s efforts in 2024 led to significant monetary recoveries and asset forfeitures that comprised of
    173 automobiles, 378 electronic devices, 1 hotel, 2 gold Cuban chains, 14 landed properties, 784 estates, and Unspecified quantities of petroleum products.

    Seconding the motion, Senator Nwaebonyi Onyeka (Ebonyi East) described the EFCC’s effort as “unprecedented,” commending the Commission’s diligence in recovering the nation’s stolen wealth.

    He emphasized the need for the relevant committees of the National Assembly to strengthen legislative oversight and provide continuous institutional support to the Commission.

    Ruling on the motion, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, commended the EFCC for its dedication and attributed the agency’s recent successes to what he described as “the right choice in the appointment of the Commission’s leadership” by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Akpabio also urged the EFCC to publish the total number of genuine convictions as well as petitions found to be frivolous or politically motivated, as a way of deepening public trust and enhancing the integrity of its anti-corruption drive.

    “Transparency in outcomes will further strengthen the EFCC’s credibility and sustain public confidence in the fight against corruption,” Akpabio stated.

    The Senate President further saluted the integrity and professionalism of EFCC staff, pledging the continued legislative support of the National Assembly to the Commission and other anti-corruption agencies in the country.

    Monetary recoveries included ₦9,477,977,318.78, $2,605,858.30, £1,600.13, and various digital currencies such as 13.37 BTC (worth $572,992.86), 5.97886094 Ethereum ($13,353.06), 298.4770071 Green Satoshi Tokens ($6), 1,002.547631 USDT ($1,002.22), and an additional 2,699,233 USDT (TRC-20).

    The Senate observed that these results have significantly enhanced Nigeria’s global image and public confidence in the country’s anti-corruption drive.


    The Lawmakers also acknowledged the sacrifices of EFCC officers who, despite operating under difficult conditions and personal risks, continue to pursue justice and protect the nation’s economic well-being.

    The upper chamber therefore resolved to commend the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its dedication, professionalism, integrity, patriotism, and remarkable achievements in the fight against financial crimes.

    The Senate reaffirmed its commitment to supporting anti-graft institutions in their pursuit of integrity, national development, and financial accountability.

  • Alleged bribe of $6b: EFCC re-arraigns ex-Power Minister, Agunloye

    Alleged bribe of $6b: EFCC re-arraigns ex-Power Minister, Agunloye

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday re-arraigned Dr Olu Agunloye for alleged infractions in the award of contract for Mambila Hydroelectric Power Station.

    Dr. Agunloye was alleged to have perpetrated the fraudulent act while acting as the Minister of Power and Steel.

    The EFCC had dragged Agunloye, before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Apo, Abuja, on amended seven count- charge, bordering on disobedient to presidential directive, forgery and receiving gratification.

    At the resumed hearing in the matter, Prosecution counsel, M. K. Hussain, holding the brief of Abba Muhammed, SAN, informed the court that he was ready for the cross examination of PW3.

    He also stated that, the prosecution had filed its second amended charge against the defendant.

    He urged the court to allow the defendant to take his plea on the second amended charge.

    But Counsel for Agunloye, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, did not object to his client taking plea to the second amended charge.

    The amended seven count charge was subsequently read to the defendant and Agunloye, however, pleaded not guilty to the amended charge.

    In the amended charge marked FCT/HC/CR/617/2023, EFCC alleged that Agunloye on May 22, 2003 knowingly disobeyed the directive of the President made at the Federal Executive Council meeting of May 21, 2023.

    He claimed that the directive was in pursuant to the President’s powers under Section 5(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

    The prosecution further alleged that the defendant went ahead and signed a letter addressed to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited (SPTCL), conveying the “approval of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the construction of the 3,960 megawatts Mambila Hydroelectric Power Station.”

    EFCC also alleged that on May 22, 2003, Agunloye conspired with Leno Adesanya of SPTCL now at large to do an illegal act to wit; forgery of a letter titled, “Construction of 3,960 megawatts Mambila Hydroelectric Power Station on a build, operate and transfer basis.”

    The commission among others alleged that the former minister on different dates in 2019 received various sums of money, totalling N5.212 million from SPTCL and Leno Adesanya, through Jide Abiodun Sotirin through Agunloye’s Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) account, for conveying the Federal Government’s approval for the construction of the Mambila Hydroelectric Power Station.

    The former minister has consistently maintained his innocence of the charge preferred against him by the anti-graft agency.

    After his not-guilty plea, Hussain informed the court that the PW3, Umar Hussein Babangida, was absent in court.

    He, therefore, pleaded with the court to vacate the earlier dates of Sept. 22 and 25 fixed for hearing the case, adding that the former dates had been communicated to the defence team.

    Based on parties’ agreement, Justice Onwuegbuzie consequently adjourned the matter until Oct. 9 for cross examination of the PW3.

  • Babawale Kolawole, 53, allegedly rapes, impregnates 16-year-old in Ondo

    Babawale Kolawole, 53, allegedly rapes, impregnates 16-year-old in Ondo

    A 53-year-old man, Babawale Kolawole has been arrested and arraigned by the Police Command in Ondo State, accused of raping and facilitating the termination of two pregnancies for a 16-year-old niece.

    DSP Olushola Ayanlade, the command’s spokesperson made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Akure.

    He explained that incident happened at the suspect’s residence at No. 12, Okeodunwo St., Igbado in Ondo West Local Government Area of the state.

    “On the Sept. 13, 2025, a 16-year-old minor, reported at the command that her uncle, Babawale Kolawole, had been subjecting her to repeated sexual assault.

    “The victim further alleged that the suspect engaged in the act almost daily, and that after each episode, he would clean her private part with a piece of cloth.

    “Shockingly, the suspect had also facilitated the termination of her pregnancies on two occasions.

    “Upon receipt of this disturbing report, the Gender-Based Offences Unit of the command immediately swung into action, arrested the suspect, and diligently processed the case for prosecution.

    “The suspect has since been arraigned before a competent court of jurisdiction and remanded in custody pending further trial,” he said.

    Ayanlade reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of women and children, and to ensuring that offenders face the full weight of the law.

    According to him, the achievement is in line with the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

    He explained that the IGP reform-driven leadership continues to strengthen gender-sensitive policing, foster accountability, and reinforce strategic responses against sexual and gender-based violence nationwide. 

  • Court Orders Freeze of Four Bank Accounts Linked to Ex-NNPCL Boss Kyari

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the temporary freezing of four accounts at Jaiz Bank, allegedly linked to Mele Kyari, former Group Managing Director (GMD) of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

    Justice Emeka Nwite gave the order on Tuesday after hearing an ex parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The anti-graft agency told the court that Kyari is under investigation for alleged conspiracy, abuse of office, and money laundering.

    According to an affidavit presented by EFCC investigator Amin Abdullahi, the four accounts — two in Kyari’s name and two belonging to the Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief — were discovered to contain ₦661.4 million suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

    The EFCC alleged that the funds were disguised as payments for a book launch and NGO projects but were in fact linked to suspicious inflows from the NNPCL and oil companies. It further claimed that the accounts were being controlled by Kyari through family members acting as fronts.

    Justice Nwite, while granting the order, said the application had merit and adjourned the matter to September 23 for a report on the investigation.

    The Commission said the freeze order was necessary to preserve the funds while investigations continue, with a view to possible prosecution.