Diezani Alison-Madueke Seeks Court Intervention to Reclaim Seized Assets Former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has filed a legal challenge against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), urging the Federal High Court in Abuja to direct the retrieval of her seized properties from their current owners. The embattled former minister, through her legal counsel, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), is seeking an order to nullify the EFCC’s public auction of her assets, arguing that the sale was conducted in violation of legal provisions and her constitutional rights. Key Legal Arguments Against EFCC’s Asset Sale In her amended application submitted before Justice Inyang Ekwo, Alison-Madueke contends that: ✅ The public auction violated statutory provisions, including the EFCC Act of 2004 and the Proceeds of Crime Recovery and Management Act of 2022.✅ The forfeiture orders were obtained without due process, infringing on her right to a fair hearing under Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).✅ The EFCC should be barred from further disposal of her properties, and the court should reverse its prior public notice enabling the sale.✅ The court should grant an extension of time for her to formally challenge the forfeiture orders and seek their reversal. EFCC’s Defense: Due Process Was Followed In response, the EFCC filed a counter-affidavit on March 14, urging the court to dismiss Alison-Madueke’s suit. According to litigation officer Oyakhilome Ekienabor, the forfeiture orders issued on July 9 and September 10, 2019, were: ✔️ Legally binding and obtained through due process.✔️ Not in violation of her right to fair hearing, as proper notice was given.✔️ A result of extensive investigations into her tenure as Minister of Petroleum. Ekienabor further stated that prior to the asset sales, the Federal High Court had ordered the EFCC to publish a public notice, inviting any interested parties to contest the forfeiture. He noted that Alison-Madueke was represented in at least one proceeding, where the court reviewed submissions from her legal team before granting final forfeiture orders. Background: The Case Against Diezani Alison-Madueke Alison-Madueke, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources from 2010 to 2015, has been at the center of multiple investigations related to corruption and financial misconduct. The EFCC has accused her of embezzling billions of dollars from Nigeria’s oil sector, leading to: What’s Next? Legal Battles Continue With both parties maintaining strong legal positions, Justice Inyang Ekwo is expected to deliver a ruling on the matter in the coming weeks. If Alison-Madueke succeeds, the EFCC may be forced to reclaim and return the auctioned assets, setting a precedent for future forfeiture cases. : EFCC Official Website READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Abdullahi Mukit for allegedly defrauding unsuspecting victims of $3,500 through online scams. The arraignment took place at the Ikeja Special Offences Court on Wednesday, where Mukit faced two charges: possession of fraudulent documents and obtaining money under false pretenses. Mukit pleaded not guilty to the charges when read before the court. EFCC’s Counsel Seeks Trial Date Prosecuting counsel, Ahmed Yerima, requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant at a correctional facility pending the start of the trial. However, defense counsel, Idowu Alaba, informed the court of an ongoing plea bargain agreement on behalf of his client. Alaba requested a short adjournment to conclude the agreement and suggested that the defendant remain in EFCC custody. Court’s Decision Justice Mojisola Dada approved the defense’s request, ordering Mukit to remain in EFCC custody until December 9, when the court will hear the plea bargain agreement. Details of the Alleged Offense According to EFCC, Mukit committed the offenses on April 18 in Lagos. The defendant allegedly used fraudulent documents linked to his text-plus account and mobile number to scam victims by impersonating a female. He reportedly obtained $3,500 from unsuspecting members of the public. These acts, according to the EFCC, violate sections 1(1)(2), 6(8)(b), and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006. Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear:
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The Kwara Transparency and Accountability Initiative (KTAI) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate alleged financial mismanagement by two key officials in Kwara State. Dr. AbdulWasiu Tejidini, head of the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP), and Baba Okanla, Chairman of the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC), are accused of misappropriating N14.2 billion in public funds. Breakdown of Allegations In a detailed petition sent to EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede on November 28, 2024, and obtained by The Guardian, the Executive Director of KTAI, Nurudeen Adebayo, outlined grave concerns: Call for Accountability Adebayo emphasized the importance of holding these officials accountable, arguing that their actions undermine federal efforts to combat corruption and alleviate poverty. He urged the EFCC to act swiftly by arresting and prosecuting those responsible to restore public trust. “These offices, which should drive development, have allegedly become channels for siphoning public funds, worsening hunger, frustration, and disenfranchisement among citizens,” Adebayo stated. Concerns Over Local EFCC Office In a notable move, the petition bypassed the EFCC’s Ilorin Zonal Office, citing fears of undue influence from the Kwara State Governor. Adebayo warned of an alleged alliance between the governor and the Ilorin office, which could compromise investigations. Instead, the petition was directed to EFCC Headquarters in Abuja, urging decisive intervention. Public Outcry Over Corruption The allegations come at a time when EFCC Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede has reiterated that corruption remains one of Africa’s biggest obstacles to development. KTAI’s petition paints a picture of a state administration plagued by corruption, with citizens bearing the brunt of its consequences. “This administration appears to be the most corrupt in Kwara State’s history. It’s time for decisive action to end this trend and hold public officers accountable,” the petition concluded. Key Takeaways The ball is now in the EFCC’s court to address these pressing allegations and deliver justice to the people of Kwara State. READ ALSO:
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained Julius Anelu, the Accountant General of Edo State, along with two other government officials as the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki in Edo State comes to a close. According to reports, the officials who were arrested were detained for allegedly making large withdrawals from the State’s derivation account. This comes after Obaseki’s administration was accused by Senator Monday Okpebholo “of last-minute borrowings and looting.” According to PUNCH, which cites a reliable source at the EFCC, N14 billion was left over a week after N24.6 billion was transferred into the government’s account. Approximately two to three people, including the state’s accountant general, were arrested. We have been looking into the Godwin Obaseki has been the state’s governor since 2022, but certain withdrawals from the state’s derivation account led to this most recent arrest. “Huge sums of money were taken out. For example, N24.6 billion was deposited into the account a few weeks ago. However, the account had roughly N14 billion left in less than a week. We have to act fast to save the state. The insider stated, “We are not doing that in any way to ground the state activities.” As of the time of this publication, the EFCC has not yet responded to the development in an official manner. Philip Shaibu, the deputy governor of Edo State who was restored, expressed concern about his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki, allegedly plotting to embezzle funds from the state treasury. During a press event in Benin City, Shaibu said that he was offering a N1 million monetary prize to anyone with information about suspected government property looting as the administration comes to an end. He had also stated that he had proof of the last-minute borrowing from banking institutions and the purported looting in some areas. READ ALSO: 33 million Nigerians would experience a food catastrophe in 2025. Additionally, he had urged the Department of State Services (DSS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and other pertinent organizations to investigate the purported misappropriation of funds intended for the ongoing Radisson Hotel project, the Ministry of Roads and Bridges, and last-minute appointments made by the departing administration. We love having you back, Kindly Subscribe to our Newsletter.
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced a significant achievement, reporting the recovery of over N248 billion within the past year. This information was revealed by Wilson Uwajaren, the Director of Public Affairs for the Commission, during a press briefing on Thursday, where he provided an overview of the agency’s recent accomplishments in combating financial crimes. In addition to the impressive monetary recoveries, Uwajaren noted that the EFCC has also managed to recover more than £53,000 and €172,000. He highlighted that €5,000 was specifically recovered for victims of crime based in Spain, illustrating the Commission’s commitment to supporting those impacted by financial wrongdoing. Uwajaren emphasized that the EFCC is enhancing its rapid response strategies, which are expected to lead to a notable reduction in cybercrime activities across the nation. This proactive approach aims to deter potential offenders and bolster public confidence in the Commission’s effectiveness. READ ALSO: Wike: Young People Who Disapprove of Taxi Driving in Nigeria Accept It Abroad Furthermore, he reported that the EFCC has successfully secured over 35 convictions related to the abuse of the Naira by individuals at social events, demonstrating the agency’s determination to tackle financial misconduct in various sectors. To expand its reach and improve operations, Uwajaren announced that three new directorates will be established in the states of Ekiti, Katsina, and Anambra. This strategic expansion is part of the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to enhance its capabilities in fighting economic and financial crimes throughout Nigeria. We Love To Have You Back. Pease kindly Provide Us With Your Email.
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Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has refuted reports that his administration sued the EFCC to stop a planned prosecution after he left office. In a statement, Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Lawal Pedro clarified that the EFCC is not looking into the governor. According to a previous report, Governor Sanwo-Olu has sued the EFCC for harassment before Federal High Court Justice Joyce Abdulmalik in Abuja. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos State, has refrained from suing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over purported intentions to detain and charge him following his term in office.Sanwo-Olu reportedly filed a lawsuit to enforce fundamental rights before Federal Judge Joyce Abdulmalik. High Court in Abuja via Darlington Ozurumba, his attorney. Sanwo-Olu never gave permission for a lawyer to bring the lawsuit on his behalf, according to Lawal Pedro, the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.Twitter Why doesn’t Sanwo-Olu oppose the EFCC? Pedro stressed that, considering his constitutional immunity and the fact that he has over three years left in office, the governor does not need to brief a lawyer on this issue, according to Daily Trust.Pedro said that the EFCC has never invited Sanwo-Olu or threatened to arrest any of his employees, and that the agency is not looking into the matter. READ ALSO How the complaint was filed without their knowledge is currently being looked into by the Lagos State administration. Pedro commended Sanwo-Olu for providing excellent service and managing public resources, claiming that when he steps down in May 2027, he has nothing to be afraid of. Petro emphasizes that Sanwo-Olu is committed to providing high-quality governance and that his goal of bettering the lives of Lagosians is unshakeable. To prevent deceiving the public, the governor’s administration advised the media to exercise caution while disseminating news.
