Advocacy Group Calls for Investigation Into Defence Minister’s Alleged Misconduct An anti-corruption watchdog, the Young Guardians of Accountability (YGA), has formally petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to investigate Defence Minister Mohammed Abubakar Badaru over allegations of abuse of office and conflict of interest. The petition, signed by YGA Chairman Adediran Raymond, accuses the minister of violating federal regulations that prohibit public officials from engaging in private business activities while in office. Allegations Against the Defence Minister According to YGA, Mr. Badaru allegedly maintains directorships in multiple private companies despite his ministerial position. The petition specifically names companies such as: The advocacy group further alleged that Mr. Badaru continues to file annual returns for these businesses, with records as recent as last year, raising concerns about a conflict of interest and potential violations of anti-corruption laws. “Most alarmingly, he operates a licensed Bureau de Change (BDC) while holding a federal ministerial position, blatantly disregarding laws meant to prevent corruption,” the petition stated. Calls for Investigation and Minister’s Suspension YGA urged authorities to probe whether the minister fully disclosed his business interests in his official asset declaration, arguing that his continued involvement in these companies signals a serious breach of ethical and legal standards. The group is demanding urgent action, including: “The Ministry of Defence, a key pillar of Nigeria’s security, should not be led by an individual accused of exploiting state resources for personal gain,” the petition reads. Awaiting Official Response As of the time of this report, the minister and his representatives have not responded to the allegations. Additionally, neither the EFCC nor the ICPC has issued an official statement regarding the petition. Conclusion The petition raises serious concerns about public accountability and ethical governance in Nigeria. If these allegations hold weight, they could have significant legal and political consequences for the Defence Minister. For more details on anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria, visit EFCC Official Website. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
Abuja – Former Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, is currently under interrogation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of financial mismanagement, procurement law violations, and the misappropriation of N138,413,253.89 in public funds. The funds in question were allocated in the 2023 budget for projects under the ministry but were allegedly diverted for unauthorized personal use, including the P-BAT Cares for Women Initiative. EFCC Interrogation Underway A credible source revealed to Vanguard that Ohanenye arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja at approximately 11:00 AM on Thursday and has been under questioning since then. “Investigators are probing Uju Kennedy Ohanenye concerning her alleged involvement in the diversion of N138 million originally designated for women-focused programs in the 2023 Ministry budget,” the source stated. Allegations of Procurement Violations Preliminary investigations indicate that a substantial portion of the funds intended for women empowerment initiatives were diverted for personal enrichment, breaching financial regulations and due process in the ministry’s expenditure. Additionally, the former minister is being scrutinized for violations of procurement policies and unauthorized spending of public funds. As of the latest update, Ohanenye remains in EFCC custody while further inquiries continue. For more updates on this developing investigation, visit Vanguard or follow EFCC’s Official Website for authoritative reports. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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Discover how a former South-South governor is under investigation by the EFCC and ICPC for allegedly diverting N4.5 billion security votes intended for security agencies. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have received petitions against a former governor of a South-South state for allegedly misappropriating N4.5 billion in security votes. The petitions, submitted by the Network Against Corruption and Human Trafficking Initiative (NACAT), were officially acknowledged by both anti-graft agencies. These documents include detailed records of transactions, such as bank account numbers and payment trails, reportedly made by the former governor to various security agencies operating in the state. However, the petition alleges that the funds never reached the intended recipients, including the Nigerian Army, Navy, Civil Defence, and Department of State Services (DSS). Allegations Backed by Evidence At a press briefing held in Abuja, Fejiro Oghenedoro, NACAT’s Executive Director of Investigations, disclosed that over N4.5 billion was withdrawn within six months, purportedly for security operations. He further alleged discrepancies in the funds allocated and the amounts received by the security agencies. Oghenedoro claimed that the funds were siphoned off under the guise of security votes, with none of the agencies receiving the full allocations. NACAT Demands Justice “As Nigeria’s foremost anti-corruption group, it is our duty to expose such acts of corruption and ensure accountability. We cannot allow the blatant embezzlement of public funds to go unchecked,” Oghenedoro stated. He emphasized that justice must prevail and called on the EFCC and ICPC to act swiftly in their investigations to hold the former governor accountable for these alleged offenses. Public Interest and Call for Action NACAT urged the anti-corruption agencies to bring transparency to the case and ensure that justice is served. The group reaffirmed its commitment to uncovering corruption and advocating for good governance. 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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A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the EFCC approval to freeze 24 bank accounts over alleged involvement in terrorism financing and money laundering. Court Approves EFCC’s Motion to Freeze 24 Bank Accounts Over Terrorism Financing Abuja, Nigeria – A Federal High Court in Abuja has authorized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to freeze 24 bank accounts across various financial institutions over allegations of terrorism financing. Justice Emeka Nwite granted the EFCC’s request following an ex-parte motion moved by the commission’s counsel, Martha Babatunde. The accounts will remain frozen for 90 days, enabling the EFCC to conclude its investigations into the matter. Allegations and Investigation Details The ex-parte motion, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1897/V/2024, was filed by senior advocate Ekele Iheanacho. The accounts under investigation are owned by Lawrence Lucky Eromosele, who is allegedly linked to kidnapping and money laundering activities. According to preliminary investigations, these accounts have been used by individuals exploiting cryptocurrency platforms to manipulate the naira’s value and launder illicit funds. Mohammed Khalil, an investigator with the EFCC’s Special Investigation Team under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), affirmed the ongoing probe. Threats to Security Personnel Khalil disclosed that the EFCC launched the investigation after directives from National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu. A syndicate had threatened senior NSA operatives and their families, demanding ransom payments while sharing sensitive personal details like home addresses and movements. The investigation identified Eromosele as a key suspect, with bank accounts linked to these criminal activities. Khalil provided evidence, including chat logs and bank statements, to substantiate the claims. Court Ruling Justice Nwite approved the EFCC’s request to freeze the accounts, citing the need to preserve funds linked to terrorism and money laundering until the investigation concludes. The matter is set for a follow-up hearing on March 24, 2025. 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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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
