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Category: Crime

  • EFCC alerts Nigerians on 58 illegal Ponzi schemes

    EFCC alerts Nigerians on 58 illegal Ponzi schemes

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has alerted Nigerians on the activities of 58 companies operating illegal Ponzi schemes as investment opportunities.

    The alert is contained in a statement issued by the EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, in Abuja.

    The commission said that the companies were neither registered with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) nor the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), hence, making their operations illegal.

    The commission said it has taken legal action against many of the entities, leading to the conviction of five, while another five have pleaded guilty and are awaiting further judicial processes.

    The commission listed the companies as Wales Kingdom Capital, Bethseida Group of Companies, AQM Capital Ltd., Titan Multibusiness Investment Ltd., Brickwall Global Investment Ltd., and Farmforte Ltd. & Agro Partnership Tech.

    Others are Green Eagles Agricbusiness Solution Ltd., Richfield Multiconcepts Ltd., Forte Asset Management Ltd., (Biss Networks Nigeria Ltd., S Mobile Netzone Ltd., Pristine Mobile Network), and Letsfarm Integrated Services.

    Others are Bara Finance & Investment Ltd., Vicampro Farms Ltd., Brooks Network Ltd., Gas Station Supply Services Ltd., Brass & Books Ltd., (Annexation Biz Concept & Maitanbuwal Global Venturescrowdyvest Ltd.) and Crowdyvest Ltd.

    Also listed are  Jadek Agro Connect Ltd., Adeeva Capital Ltd., Oxford International Group and Oxford Gold Integrated; Skapomah Global Ltd., MBA Trading & Capital Investment Ltd., TRJ Company Ltd.; and Farm4Me Agriculture Ltd.

    Others are Quintessential Investment Company, Deprinz Global Enterprises, Rockstar Establishment Ltd., SU.Global Investment, Citi Trust Funding PLC, Farm Buddy, Eatrich 369 Farms & Food, and Globertrot Farmsponsors Nig. Ltd.

    The commission also listed Farm Sponsors Ltd.; Cititrust Credit Ltd., Farmfunded Agroservices Ltd.; Adamakin Investment & Works Ltd.; ititrust Holding PLC; Green Eagles Agribusiness Solutions Ltd.; and Chinmark Homes & Shelters Ltd.

    Others are include Emerald Farms & Consultant Ltd.; Ovaioza Farm Produce Storage Ltd.; Farm 360 & Agriculture Company; Requid Technologies Ltd.; West Agro Agriculture & Food Processing Ltd.

    Others are NISL Ventures Ltd. & Estate of Laolu Martins; XY Connect Investment Ltd.; River Branch Unique Investment Ltd.; Hallmark Capital Ltd.; CJC Markets Ltd.; Crowd One Investment; and Farmkart Foods Ltd.

    The commission also listed KD Likemind Stakeholders Ltd.; Holibiz Finance Ltd.; Ifeanyi Okpe Oil & Gas Services; Servapps Nigeria Ltd.; Barrick Gold Mining Company and 360 Agric Partners Ltd.

    The anti graft agency assured the public of its continued vigilance in monitoring financial activities across the nation.

    The commission said it remains committed to identifying and prosecuting opportunistic and predatory operators who exploit unsuspecting investors.

    It advised Nigerians to exercise caution when investing and verify the legitimacy of investment firms through appropriate regulatory agencies before engaging in any financial transactions.

  • EFCC Questions Ex-Minister Over Alleged N138m Fraud

    EFCC Questions Ex-Minister Over Alleged N138m Fraud

    Controversial erstwhile Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye has been taken into custody by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegation of stealing N138million.

    The anti-graft agency accused her of breaching procurement rules and diverting public funds while distributing the ministry’s 2023 budget.

    Kennedy-Ohanenye arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday around 11 a.m. and was still being questioned as of the time of this report.

     Sources within the commission claim that donations meant for the P-Bat Cares for Women Initiative were allegedly diverted for personal use. 

    She has not been granted administrative bail, and investigations are ongoing.

    The former minister was among five cabinet members dismissed by President Bola Tinubu in October 2024. Before her removal, she had faced scrutiny from a House of Representatives committee over an alleged N1.5 billion debt owed to contractors. 

    Lawmakers accused the ministry of awarding contracts outside the approved 2023 budget and diverting funds meant for contractor payments.

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) is also looking into the ministry’s handling of funds.

     The former minister has denied any wrongdoing, stating in previous interviews that she was not under investigation for fund misappropriation.

  • CBN, EFCC in legal duel over a N2.7bn property forfeiture case

    CBN, EFCC in legal duel over a N2.7bn property forfeiture case

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has pleaded with the Federal High Court, Abuja to throw out a case filed by the EFCC regarding the forfeiture of a property worth N2.7 billion.

    The property, located in the Karmo District of Abuja, was used as collateral for a loan given through the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL).

    The EFCC had earlier approached the court, seeking permission to temporarily seize the property while investigating Toks Properties Limited.

     The anti-corruption agency also requested approval to appoint someone to manage the property on behalf of the federal government during the investigation.

     In response, Justice Emeka Nwite granted the EFCC’s request in September 2024, barring any sale, lease, or transfer of the property.

    At a court session on Thursday, CBN’s lawyer, Joseph Abah, along with another legal representative from Salis Ventilated Homes Limited, sought permission to join the case as defendants.

     The CBN argued that it plays a key role in regulating banking activities and that the property in question was legally pledged as collateral for a loan under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP).

    According to the CBN, in 2020, it provided a loan of over N3.8 billion to Sadolen Interworld Limited for rice farming. The loan, with a 12-month term, was backed by a third-party guarantee from Toks Properties Limited. 

    To secure the transaction, the property was placed under a legal mortgage, with its title documents handed over to NIRSAL.

     The CBN also stated that the surety had agreed in writing not to sell or transfer the property without prior approval.

    Since the loan has not been fully repaid, the CBN insists that the property remains tied to the loan and cannot be forfeited.

     The bank has requested the court to dismiss the EFCC’s case, arguing that seizing the property would violate its legal rights as the mortgage holder.

    During the hearing, Justice Nwite asked the CBN’s lawyer whether the EFCC had been served with the necessary court documents, to which Abah confirmed they had. 

    The EFCC’s legal team acknowledged receiving the documents but requested more time to respond. The agency clarified that it only sought to secure the property while investigations were ongoing.

    After listening to both sides, Justice Nwite scheduled the next hearing for May 21, 2025, to review all pending applications related to the case.

  • Nigerians are the sixth most terrorised people globally

    Nigerians are the sixth most terrorised people globally

    Nigeria has climbed to the sixth position in the 2025 Global Terrorism Index (GTI), moving up from eighth place in the previous two years. 

    The report, released on March 5, 2025, assessed the impact of terrorism worldwide, with Burkina Faso ranking as the most affected country, followed by Pakistan, Syria, Mali, and Niger.

    The data showed that Nigeria recorded 565 terrorism-related deaths in 2024, continuing an upward trend in fatalities.

     The number had previously dropped to 392 in 2022, the lowest since 2011, but it surged by 34% in 2023 and increased further in 2024. 

    While the global trend shows a decline in terrorism-related deaths since 2015, Nigeria’s situation appears to be worsening.

    One of the key concerns raised in the report was the growing presence of IS-Sahel, a terrorist group that has expanded its reach beyond its usual areas in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.

     In 2024, the group carried out 16 attacks in Nigeria, in addition to several others in neighboring countries.

    The report also indicated that more countries are now experiencing terrorist attacks, with the number rising from 58 in 2023 to 66 in 2024, the highest level since 2018. 

    The Sahel region has become the most violent hotspot for terrorism, accounting for over half of the terrorism-related deaths worldwide last year. 

    The overall number of deaths linked to conflict in the region surpassed 25,000, with nearly 4,000 directly caused by terrorist attacks.

    Despite Burkina Faso maintaining its position as the most impacted country, the number of attacks and fatalities there declined in 2024. 

    However, Niger experienced a sharp rise in terrorism-related deaths, nearly doubling to 930 fatalities. 

    This shift raises concerns that any progress in the fight against terrorism in the region might only be temporary.

    The findings in the report paint a worrying picture of the security situation in Nigeria and the broader West African region. 

    With terrorist groups expanding their activities and more countries seeing a rise in attacks, tackling the growing threat remains a pressing challenge.

  • EFCC takes former Abia Gov, son, and three others to court

    EFCC takes former Abia Gov, son, and three others to court

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken former Abia State Governor, Senator Theodore Orji, his son, Chinedum Orji, and three others to court over alleged mismanagement of public funds.

     The case was heard at the Abia State High Court on Friday.

    The EFCC accused them of conspiracy and misuse of billions of naira meant for state development. 

    Others charged alongside them include former Finance Commissioner Dr. Philip Nto, former Director of Finance Romanus Madu, and a contractor, King Obioma.

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    The charges, filed in October 2024, include allegations of misusing N22.5 billion security funds between 2011 and 2015, N2 billion meant for small and medium enterprises from the Central Bank, and N12 billion from the Paris Club refund.

    They were also accused of misusing N13 billion from a loan granted to the state by the former Diamond Bank.

    During the court session, all the defendants denied the charges.

    The judge granted them bail at N50 million each and set the next hearing for June 18 and 19, 2025, when the EFCC will present its case.

    One of the defence lawyers described the charges as excessive but expressed satisfaction that the court granted bail.

    The EFCC now has the responsibility of proving the allegations against the accused persons when the trial resumes.

  • Foreign fraud rings spreading tentacles in Nigeria – EFCC warns  

    Foreign fraud rings spreading tentacles in Nigeria – EFCC warns  

    The EFCC has raised concerns over the growing presence of foreign fraud syndicates in Nigerian cities. 

    According to its chairman, Ola Olukoyede, these criminal groups are recruiting young Nigerians into cybercrime, particularly cryptocurrency fraud.  

    During a meeting with participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) at the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), Olukoyede revealed that these syndicates are not only engaging in online scams but may also be involved in smuggling weapons into the country. 

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    He stressed that the illegal flow of arms and minerals is fueling insecurity.  

    Recent EFCC operations in Lagos led to the arrest of 194 foreigners from various countries, including China, the Philippines, Tunisia, and Eastern Europe.

    Many of them lacked valid visas and were conducting financial transactions primarily through cryptocurrency.

     Some of those arrested were already convicted criminals in their home countries who had fled to Africa for refuge. Investigations suggest that similar fraud networks are developing in other African nations.  

    The EFCC has called for stronger collaboration among security agencies across Africa to tackle cybercrime and money laundering. The agency stressed that addressing these threats is crucial for national and regional security.  

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    Meanwhile, the National Institute for Security Studies commended the EFCC’s efforts in fighting corruption and financial crimes. 

    It acknowledged the agency’s role in uncovering hidden financial networks used to fund non-state actors, contributing to instability in Nigeria and beyond.

    The EFCC remains committed to dismantling these criminal networks and ensuring accountability.

  • Kidnap kingpin, Evans turns teacher in prison

    Kidnap kingpin, Evans turns teacher in prison

    Convicted kidnap kingpin Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, known as Evans, has informed the Lagos State High Court that he now works as a teacher at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre after obtaining a diploma in economics.

    Evans, who is serving multiple sentences for kidnapping, has requested a plea bargain, offering to surrender his 14 trucks to the Lagos State Government.

     He claimed that the proceeds from their sale should be given to his victims.

    This is his second attempt at a plea deal.

    He had previously approached the Ikeja High Court in January 2025 with a similar request.

    Evans, represented by his lawyer, told Justice Sherifat Sonaike that he had changed during his time in prison. 

    He said he received a scholarship from the Federal Government and is currently studying Political Science at the National Open University of Nigeria.

    He also underwent vocational training in welding and metal fabrication under the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity.

     Documents proving his education and training were submitted to the court.

    During the hearing, the prosecutor, Alaba Kuku, confirmed that Evans and three co-defendants—Joseph Emeka, Victor Aduba, and Linus Opara—had shown interest in plea bargains. However, one of the defendants had not yet submitted an application.

    Justice Sonaike adjourned the case to April 17, 2025, for updates on the plea bargain requests.

  • NAPTIP Rescues 13 trafficking victims, seals Abuja hotel

    NAPTIP Rescues 13 trafficking victims, seals Abuja hotel

    The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on Tuesday shut down a hotel in the Kwali area of Abuja after uncovering a human trafficking operation.

     The agency also rescued 11 underage girls suspected to be victims of sexual exploitation.

    Officials arrested the hotel owner, while other staff members managed to escape.

     The operation took place a month after NAPTIP rescued another group of trafficking victims from a private apartment in Abuja.

    In a separate incident, NAPTIP intercepted 13 young women at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, as they were about to board a flight to Iraq. 

    The women, aged between 19 and 39, were reportedly deceived by illegal recruiters who promised them jobs abroad.

     The agency received a tip-off about their suspicious movement at the airport and intervened.

    NAPTIP’s Director General, Binta Bello, expressed concern over the growing number of trafficking cases. 

    She warned parents to be cautious about job offers that sound too good to be true.

     Investigations revealed that the victims were promised $250 monthly wages but were required to surrender a large portion of their salaries to agents in both Nigeria and Iraq. 

    Many victims in similar situations have ended up being exploited, underpaid, or even harmed by their employers.

    Bello assured that NAPTIP would continue to track and arrest those behind these illegal activities.

     She called for stronger cooperation among security agencies, airlines, and airport officials to prevent more people from falling into trafficking traps.

  • Court Shifts Ganduje’s Bribery Case to April 15

    Court Shifts Ganduje’s Bribery Case to April 15

    A Kano State High Court has moved the bribery and misappropriation case involving Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), his wife, Hafsat Umar, and six others to April 15, 2025.

     The court will address pending preliminary objections before the main trial begins.

    The Kano State Government has filed an eight-count charge against the defendants, accusing them of bribery, mismanagement, and the diversion of public funds running into billions of naira.

     Other individuals and businesses involved in the case include Abubakar Bawuro, Umar Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lasage General Enterprises Limited.

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    During the hearing on Thursday, the prosecution, led by Adeola Adedipe (SAN), was ready to continue the case.

     The legal representatives of Ganduje, his wife, and Umar also confirmed their preparedness. 

    However, some defense lawyers asked for more time to complete their filings.

    Adekunle Taiye-Falola, who represents the 3rd and 7th defendants, requested an extension to submit a reply to a legal document. 

    Sunusi Musa (SAN), representing the 5th defendant, also sought extra time through a motion supported by an affidavit and a written address.

     Meanwhile, Abubakar Ahmed, the lawyer for the 6th defendant, was prepared to proceed, having already filed a preliminary objection. 

    Ibrahim Aliyu-Nasarawa, representing the 8th defendant, was not ready and needed more time to submit his legal response.

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    After listening to the arguments, Justice Amina Adamu-Aliyu approved the requests for additional time and scheduled the next hearing for April 15, 2025. 

    The court will first resolve the preliminary objections before proceeding to the full trial.

    The case has drawn public interest, with many closely following the legal developments.

  • Police recover 115 stolen vehicles, rescue 387 kidnap victims in 1 month

    Police recover 115 stolen vehicles, rescue 387 kidnap victims in 1 month

    The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the Nigeria Police Force recovered 115 stolen vehicles and rescued 387 kidnap victims nationwide in one month.

    Adejobi said at a news conference on Monday in Abuja that the successes were recorded during several operations nationwide in January.

    The police spokesman said 960 suspects were arrested by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) in the month under review.

    He said 244 of the suspects were arrested over armed robbery, 170, kidnapping, 240 murder/homicide, 53, unlawful possession of prohibited firearms, 130, rape and 123, cultism.

    Adejobi said 172 firearms and 3,134 ammunition of various calibers, including 12 rounds of 7.88 mm ammunition, two AK-47 rifles, eight fabricated AK-47 rifles and four fabricated revolver guns were recovered from the suspects.

    The police spokesman said other items recovered were five fabricated semi-automatic pistols, 11 AK-47 magazines and 1,121 AK-47 live ammunition.

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    He said eight of the suspects were arrested by operatives of the IRT in Plateau over gun running and unlawful possession of Prohibited Firearms.

    Adejobi said the suspects were arrested following credible intelligence on activities of a gun running syndicate in Plateau.

    He said the only female suspect in the syndicate had confessed during police investigation that she sold 900 rounds of AK-47 live ammunition to one of the male suspects.

    According to him, one locally made pistol, two rounds of 7.88 mm live ammunition, eight fabricated AK-47 rifles, four fabricated revolver guns and three fabricated semi-automatic pistols were recovered from the syndicate.

    He said two AK-47 magazines and 1,105 AK-47 live ammunition were also recovered from the suspects.

    Adejobi said building on the momentum of the operation, operatives of the IRT on Jan. 28 arrested two additional members of the syndicate.

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    He said the operatives recovered eight fabricated AK-47 rifles, four fabricated revolver rifles, three fabricated semi-automatic pistols and two fabricated AK-47 magazines concealed in the doormat of a red Volkswagen station wagon.

    ]`The suspects confessed to having taken delivery of the recovered firearms from a notorious firearms fabricator, currently at large,” he said.

    Adejobi said efforts were being intensified to apprehend the fleeing firearms fabricator and others fabricating guns and supplying to wrong hands in the country.