A Federal High Court in Abuja has approved the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) request to freeze 67 bank accounts linked to an alleged ₦52.9 million fraud case. Key Highlights:Justice Emeka Nwite granted the EFCC’s application after the agency’s counsel, Martha Babatunde, presented an ex-parte motion. The motion, filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1895/V/2024, sought permission to halt transactions in these accounts pending the conclusion of investigations. The accounts, domiciled in various banks, reportedly contain proceeds of a crime linked to unauthorized withdrawals and internet fraud. Details of the Case The investigation began following a criminal petition submitted to the EFCC on October 17, 2023, by Advance Development Services Engineering Limited (ADSEL). The complaint accused Taiwo Abubakar Oluwajuwon and Heasy Enterprises of fraudulent activities involving ₦52.9 million. According to the EFCC’s investigator, Ikenna Chukwueze, a preliminary investigation revealed: The EFCC presented several exhibits to support their findings, including account statements of the alleged beneficiaries and details of the transactions. EFCC’s Request The EFCC argued that freezing the accounts is essential to prevent the dissipation of the fraud proceeds while investigations continue. Justice Nwite approved the application, noting its merit, and set the next hearing date for March 24, 2024. Investigation Insights Chukwueze disclosed that a BVN search revealed additional accounts linked to the suspects, further complicating the case. Key findings include: The EFCC emphasized that freezing these accounts is critical to preserving the funds while investigations proceed. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
The EFCC has secured a court order for the final forfeiture of a warehouse and 54 steel containers in Ogun State linked to fraudulent activities. The Federal High Court in Lagos has issued a final forfeiture order for a warehouse and 54 steel containers located in Ogun State. These properties, suspected to have been acquired through fraudulent means, have now been handed over to the Federal Government. Presiding over the case, Justice Dehinde Dipeolu granted the order on December 17, 2024, in response to a motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The motion, filed by EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), was part of suit FHC/L/MISC/820/24. According to the EFCC, the properties were suspected to have been purchased or developed using proceeds from unlawful activities. Details of the Forfeited Properties: The confiscated assets include: The EFCC highlighted that the forfeiture request was in line with Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, which empowers the court to grant such reliefs. This decisive legal action reinforces the EFCC’s commitment to combating fraud and recovering assets obtained through illegal means. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has postponed the arraignment of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to November 27, 2024, following new 16-count charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Bello, along with Shuabu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, is facing charges related to criminal breach of trust and conspiracy involving N110.4 billion. During the session, EFCC counsel Jamiu Agoro requested a delay to ensure Bello’s presence, noting that the 30-day court-issued summons, starting from October 3, was still valid. Previously, the court ordered a public summons for Bello’s appearance, to be published in a widely read newspaper and displayed at his last known address and around the court premises. Agoro also requested an extension and permission to post a hearing notice at Bello’s last known address, emphasizing that proceeding before the expiration of the summons would be inappropriate. Meanwhile, Bello’s co-defendants, Oricha and Hudu, have received administrative bail from the EFCC. Aliyu Saiki, SAN, representing the 2nd defendant, confirmed the bail and supported the adjournment. ZE Abass, counsel for the 3rd defendant, also agreed. READ ALSO: The EFCC prosecutor mentioned that both sides had agreed to reconvene on November 27, as November 20 was not suitable. Justice Anenih approved the adjournment and the posting of the hearing notice, stating, “I have considered the application for adjournment by the complainant, the issuance of a hearing notice, and the submissions from the 2nd and 3rd defendants. The application is granted.”
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Former Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has affirmed he has nothing to conceal about his eight-year administration following an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).Okowa stated that the commotion surrounding his visit to the EFCC’s office was a calculated move by unnamed political figures in Delta State ahead of the 2027 elections. According to a statement by Olisa Ifeajika, Chief Press Secretary to the former governor, many decisions taken by Okowa during his tenure are already driving economic progress in the state.He explained that his visit to the EFCC’s office in Port Harcourt after returning from vacation was meant to show transparency regarding his time as governor.Okowa dismissed the claim of misappropriating N1.3 trillion, emphasizing that it was implausible to embezzle such an amount during his two terms in office.Okowa, who was also the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election, criticized some media outlets for sensational and distorted reporting, with few exceptions.Part of the statement read: “It must be stated that the EFCC has not established any case against Dr. Okowa. As is standard practice, the former governor was invited to address some petitions filed by certain dissatisfied parties.“Upon his return from vacation, Dr. Okowa, with a clear conscience, reported to the EFCC office in Port Harcourt as requested. The petitions alleged he misused state funds to gain an 80 percent stake in Premium Trust Bank and used public resources to build housing estates and hotels in Asaba and Abuja. However, Dr. Okowa refuted these claims, stating that the Abuja estate is owned by a known public figure, while the Asaba estate is shared with other residents who own their homes.“ He added that the hotels in Asaba are owned by individuals known to the public and the EFCC, while he holds no financial interest in Premium Trust Bank. These facts can be verified with the Corporate Affairs Commission and through the Freedom of Information Act.Okowa highlighted that the state’s audited financial reports during his tenure showed total revenue of N2.65 trillion, with N628.5 billion spent on salaries, N141.22 billion on pensions and related benefits, and N489.83 billion on overhead and consolidated revenue charges, among other expenditures. The statement also detailed his achievements, including the construction of over 2,000 kilometers of roads and 1,400 kilometers of drains, the establishment of three new universities, six technical colleges, and successful youth entrepreneurship programs that empowered thousands of youths to become entrepreneurs.The statement noted that Delta State was recognized as the best in Human Capital Development in a 2017 peer review by the National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria, and that peace and security were maintained during Okowa’s administration.Addressing the allegation that the state’s investment in the first Floating Liquefied Natural Gas project with UTM, a private company, was a sham, Okowa described the claim as baseless, pointing out that the Delta State Executive Council and House of Assembly approved the N42.05 billion equity purchase. READ ALSO: GeneralTroops Arrest 12 Suspected Kidnappers In Taraba This investment has since appreciated to N190.85 billion, showcasing the administration’s foresight.Okowa reiterated that he governed with transparency, fiscal responsibility, and effective resource management, evidenced by multiple World Bank awards for fiscal transparency, public expenditure efficiency, and debt sustainability.
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The New Delta Coalition (NDC), an advocacy group for good governance, has reacted to the recent arrest of former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged misappropriation of N1.3 trillion in state funds. In a statement from Godwin Anaughe, the group’s convener, the NDC expressed disappointment but noted that the allegations were not surprising. These funds, which represent the 13% derivation allocation intended to support Delta State residents between 2015 and 2023, were reportedly misused by Okowa for personal property investments in Abuja and Asaba. The NDC described Okowa’s tenure as marred by corruption and a lack of transparency, which they claim impeded the state’s development despite significant federal funding. The group commended the EFCC for its investigation and emphasized the need for recovering misappropriated funds and holding those accountable.The NDC also highlighted Okowa’s alleged redirection of N40 billion meant for investment in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas, viewing it as a violation of public trust. They pointed to Delta State’s struggles, including unpaid wages, pension arrears, and increased debt, as evidence of the former governor’s financial mismanagement.The coalition further called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who succeeded Okowa, to cooperate with federal authorities in the investigation and implement safeguards against future financial misconduct. They noted that despite receiving an additional N239.6 billion in derivation funds between June 2023 and July 2024, Delta State has seen little progress. The NDC urged Oborevwori to take a proactive approach to address past misdeeds and promote transparency in governance. READ ALSO: Trump Vows to Overturn Biden’s Gender Policies: ‘On Day One, Only TwoGenders Will Be Recognized
