Flowerbud News

Tag: EFCC

  • EFCC Arraigns Kano Couple for N410million Fraud

    EFCC Arraigns Kano Couple for N410million Fraud

     

     

    By Biola Lawal

    Kano (Flowerbudnews): The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  has arraigned Aisha Salihu Malkohi (a.k.a Ummitah, Arab Money) and her husband, Abubakar Abubakar Sadiq Mahmoud( at large) on five- count charges of misappropriation to the tune of NN410,518,000 (Four Hundred and Ten Million, Five Hundred and Eighteen Thousand Naira only).

    They were arraigned on Friday, December 8, 2023 before Justice Aisha Mahmud of the Kano State High Court sitting in Kano, Dele Oyewale, EFCC Spokesperson disclosed in a statement.

    One of the charge reads ‘’’that you Aisha Salihu Malkohi and Abubakar Sadiq Mahmoud (now at large) on or about 2022 in Kano, Kano state within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did obtain the sum of Two Hundred and Twenty-Five Million, Two Hundred and Fifty Nine Thousand Naira only (225,259,000) belonging to Farida Ibrahim between 6th January to 16th December, 2022 into account bearing Abubakar Sadiq Mahmoud domiciled at Zenith Bank that the said money were paid to you for the purchase and supply of 64 cars, from Saudi Arabia facts which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (a)&(b) and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related offences Act,2006’’

    The defendant pleaded not guilty to all the five counts when they were read to her.

    In view of her plea, EFCC counsel, Zarami Mohammed prayed the court for a trial date.  Defence counsel, G.I Abubakar moved a bail application for his client which was opposed by Mohammed.  Justice Mahmud thereafter adjourned the matter till December 15, 2023 for ruling on the bail application. She also remanded the defendant in EFCC custody pending ruling on her bail application.

    Malkohi was arrested by investigators of the EFCC in Kano following a petition from two petitioners, Farida Ibrahim and Ibrahim Mohammed Abdulrahman alleging that she conspired with her husband and defrauded them of their hard earned monies under the guise of supplying them with cars, gold, electronics and kitchen utensils from Saudi Arabia.

    Upon the receipt of the petition, the Commission swung into actions and conducted thorough investigation which so far  revealed that the defendant had collected a total sum of N410,518,000 (Four Hundred and Ten Million, Five Hundred and Eighteen Thousand Naira only) through bank accounts belonging to her company, Golden Grass Hill International Ltd and her husband’s Zenith Bank account. Further investigation also revealed that the defendant, alongside her husband,  who is still at large, diverted the monies into several bank accounts. (Flowerbudnews)

  • EFCC closes case in alleged N3.1bn suit against Suswam, Oklobia

    EFCC closes case in alleged N3.1bn suit against Suswam, Oklobia

     

    Abuja:  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Wednesday, closed its case in the trial of former Gov. Gabriel Suswam of Benue and his co-defendant and ex-Finance Commissioner during his tenure, Omadachi Oklobia, after calling eight witnesses.

    EFCC’s Counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, informed Justice Ahmed Mohammed of a Federal High Court, Abuja that he would be closing his case at the conclusion of the testimony of 8th prosecution witness (PW8), Adewale Agunbiade.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the anti-graft agency had, in the 11-count amended charge dated Oct. 15, 2020, accused the duo of diverting N3.1 billion belonging to the state.

    The EFCC alleged that the money formed part of the proceeds of the sale of shares owned by Benue and its firm, Benue Investment and Property Company Limited in some companies.

    Upon resumed hearing on Wednesday, Atolagbe told the court of the presence of his last witness, Agunbiade, a Compliance Officer with Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), in court.

    The PW8 told the court that Suswam operated a naira account and a dollar account with the bank.

    The witness said over $200,000 was deposited in the dollar account between Aug. 2014 and July 2015 in tranches.

    He said Suswam, on his own, paid a total of $175,000 in cash into the account between Feb. 18 and July, 2, 2015, at the Garki Area 11 branch.
    The prosecution tendered some documents through the witness, including statements of transaction in both accounts from Jan. 2007 to Dec. 31, 2015.

    Reading from the statement of account, Agunbiade gave details of other transactions in the dollar account to include August 8, 2014 where he said that a cash deposit of $10,000 was made by Ibrahim A.at the Ikoyi branch of the bank.

    “On 11th August, 2014, there was a cash deposit of $10,000 dollars by Aremu at Garki, Area 3 branch; on 29th September, 2014, a cash deposit of $10,000 was made by Ibrahim Sanni Magaji at Wapa, Kano branch.

    “On 29th October, 2014, a cash deposit of $10,000 paid by self was made at Garki, Area 11 branch in the FCT; on 30 October, 2014, a cash deposit by self of $10,000 was made at Area 11 Garki branch.

    “On 3rd November, 2014, a cash deposit of $10000 by self was paid at Area 11, Garki branch; on 17th February, 2015, a cash deposit of $20,000 was made by self at Area 11, Garki branch,” the witness said.

    During cross examination by Suswam’s lawyer, Chinelo Ogbozor, the witness said he became a compliance officer in GTB in Sept. 2020.
    Agunbiade said there were substantial steady credit inflows into the dollar account between Sept. 14, 2011 and Sept. 16, 2015,
    The PW8 said the credit inflows between 2014 and July 2, 2015 were not unusual.

    When asked if the two accounts were currently blocked, the witness said: “I do not know the status of the accounts as at today, but I believe they were restricted at some point.

    “I do not know the circumstances under which the accounts were restricted. I do not know if there is a court order freezing the accounts.”
    Agunbiade, while being cross examined by Oklobia’s counsel, Paul Erokoro, SAN, said it was the EFCC that wrote his bank to demand for information about the accounts.

    On whether the transactions in the accounts breached any known regulation, the witness said: “I did not notice any infraction in the transactions in the accounts.”

    While Ogbozor told the court that she would need time to consult with her client on what next step to take after EFCC closed its case,

    Frokoro told the court that his client would opt for a no-case submission, which he said would be filed within two weeks.

    Justice Mohammed, consequently, adjourned until Jan. 9, JN. 10 and Jan. 11, 2024 for the adoption of the 2nd defendant’s written address in respect of his no-case submission and the possible opening of defence by the 1st defendant.(NAN)(www.nannnews.ng)/Flowerbudnews

  • Olukoyede  Seeks Media Enlightenment of Youths in Fight Against Internet Fraud

    By Biola Lawal

    Abuja (Flowerbudnews):Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,   Ola Olukoyede has urged the media to intensify enlightenment of youths in the country on the effects of indulgence in internet fraud.

    He made the call in Abuja on Monday,  while receiving a delegation of Daar Communication plc that came on a courtesy visit to the corporate headquarters of the EFCC in Jabi, Abuja, a statement by Dele Oyewale Head, Media and Publicity disclosed.

    Olukoyede decried the unsavoury effects of youth’s involvement in internet-related crimes,  pointing out that the practice has become a menace and cankerworm in the society.  He called on the media to design programmes aimed at enlightening youths on the evil of the crimes.

    “ We are looking towards Daar Communications to enlighten our youths on the evils of cyber crimes.  It is worrisome that seven out of ten students today are involved in cyber crimes.  These are the youths we are preparing to be leaders of tomorrow. The media should not relent in enlightening them on the evils of such criminal practices”, he said.

    He commended the management of Daar Communication on its commitment to broadcasting in Nigeria,  pointing out that its impact is real.

    He also applauded the media outfit for its contributions to the enlightenment campaigns of the EFCC against corrupt practices,  promising that the Commission will continue to partner with it in its continuing public awareness against economic and financial crimes.

    Earlier in his presentation,  Chief Executive Officer of Daar Communications Plc,  Mr Tony Akiotu congratulated Olukoyede on his appointment as the Executive Chairman of the EFCC,  describing him “as a square peg in a square hole”.

    He explained that his delegation came to the Commission “  to offer you our friendship,  goodwill and support “.  He also talked about the commitment of Daar Communications to corporate social responsibilities, stressing that “ we do a lot of CSR.

    We are the only media outfit in Nigeria that does CSR for people having health challenges. The same level of CSR can be extended to government agencies like the EFCC”.

    He used the occasion to present some of the upcoming programmes of his outfit to the Commission.  Akiotu was accompanied on the visit by top echelons of Daar Communications plc, including Managing Director of African Independent Television, AIT,  Mrs Tosin Dokpesi. (Flowerbudnews)

  • EFCC Alerts Public on ATM Swapping Fraud

    EFCC Alerts Public on ATM Swapping Fraud

     

    By Biola Lawal

    Abuja (Flowerbudnews):  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  (EFCC), has  advised Nigerians to beware of fraudsters using Automated Teller Machine,  ATM, Debit Card swapping to defraud unsuspecting victims.

    EFCC Spokesman, Dele Oyewale said that the alert became necessary following several complaints to the commission by Nigerians who had been duped through ATM card swapping..

    The EFCC statement read:

    EFCC has been inundated with barrage of complaints from well- meaning Nigerians concerning unauthorized withdrawals from their bank accounts, which investigations by the Commission have linked  to Automated Teller Machine,  ATM, Debit Card swapping or fraud.

    The modus operandi of fraudsters involved in this nefarious practice involves keeping a debit card of the same bank, and in the guise of helping a confused bank customer at any ATM point, swaps the card in such a hurry that the customer would not notice and at the same time memorises the pin used in trying the fake cards.

    These cards get stocked in the machine due to a wrong pin and the fraudster quickly abandons the victim, advising him/ her to report to the bank while making away with the victim’s card to make immediate withdrawals from the account.

    This card swapping typically happens in any service delivery point, such as Point of Sale, POS, terminals, ATM points, among others.  The fraudulent practice is gaining momentum across the country and the banking public is enjoined to be more circumspect in the use of debit cards.

    In view of the foregoing, the following tips may be useful in avoiding further financial losses by the banking public.

    1. Cards should be kept in sight or a safe place. Whenever you get your card back after making any payment, make sure it is actually your card and not just one that looks similar.
    2. Regularly check your bank statements for any unknown transaction.
    3. Set transaction alerts to monitor any activity on your accounts or with your bank card.
    4. Cover the keypad with your hand or body when entering your PIN at POS terminal/ATM machines.
    5. Do not be in a rush to make payments or withdrawals and request for assistance only from officials of the bank.
    6. Call your banks to block your ATM cards immediately when your cards are stuck in the ATM machines or whenever you observe any irregularity.
    7. Ensure you know your bank’s ATM off line blocking code and quickly make use of it whenever it is misplaced or stolen.
    8. Dial the USSD code *966*911# and follow the pop-up instructions to block your ATM card instantly.

    The EFCC will not relent in safeguarding personal, corporate and national finances in its quest to rid our nation of all forms of economic and financial crimes. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Alleged P&ID scam: EFCC opens case against fleeing Briton, James Nolan

    Alleged P&ID scam: EFCC opens case against fleeing Briton, James Nolan

     

     

    Abuja:  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Tuesday, opened its case at the Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja, against the British National, Mr James Nolan, who jumped bail in 2022.
    The EFCC’s counsel, Mr Bala Sanga, led the 1st prosecution witness (PW1), Mr Temitope Erinomo, an Assistant Chief Complaint Officer with the anti-graft agency in evidence before Justice Obiora Egwuatu.

    Erinomo, who works in the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering, told the court he was part of the investigating team in the criminal charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/9/22 filed against Micad Project City Services Ltd (1st defendant) and Nolan (2nd defendant).

    Nolan, a director in the Process and Industrial Development Limited (P&ID), jumped bail and stopped attending court proceedings since 2022.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) observes that though Nolan was not in court, his lawyer, Mr Michael Ajara, was in court.
    Ajara, however, told the court that he was indisposed, hence, he would not be able to cross examine the PW1.

    He, therefore, sought for an adjournment.
    Sanga did not oppose the application and the judge subsequently adjourned the matter until Jan. 16, Jan. 17 and Jan. 18 for cross examination and trial continuation.
    NAN reports that Justice Egwuatu had, on July 6, ordered a surety, Mr George Kadiri, to forfeit his N100 million bail bond to the Federal Government over his inability to produce the fleeing Briton, Nolan, in court.

    Egwuatu, in a ruling, also ordered Mr Kadiri, an Igala chief and a retired civil servant, who was absent in court, to be remanded in prison custody until the payment of the N100 million.
    The order followed an oral application by Sanga over non-appearance of Kadiri in court.

    The surety’s lawyer, Lisa Egwu, had tendered a medical certificate, claiming that Kadiri had a bathroom accident a week before the proceeding and was too ill to attend the court sitting.
    Delivering his ruling, the judge held that the submission of the prosecution was not in doubt that Nolan had jumped bail and that he is currently in Ireland.
    He held that since September 27, 2022, the surety and the defence team had been aware that the 2nd defendant (Nolan) had jumped bail.

    The judge also agreed with the anti-graft agency that no significant effort had been made by the surety to ensure the attendance of the fleeing Briton in court nor had he shown to court what additional or fresh effort he intended to make in procuring his attendance in court.

    Egwuatu further agreed with the prosecution that Kadiri, from the look of things did not know Nolan and that there was every likelihood that the suretyship was just a business transaction.
    The judge, who held that it was the responsibility of the surety to produce the defendant in court, said this was even when a bail relationship is a transaction between the surety and the court.
    The prosecuting counsel, Sanga, had earlier lamented the deliberate ploy by the defence counsel to delay the trial, saying the court had been magnanimous to the defence for several months.
    NAN equally reports that Justice Ahmed Mohammed of a FHC, Abuja had, on Sept. 28, 2022, revoked the N100 million bail granted to Nolan for jumping bail.
    In a ruling in another charge filed before the judge, Mohammed issued a bench warrant against Nolan and ordered that he should be arrested by security agencies, including the Interpol, anywhere he is sighted within or outside Nigeria and be produced in court to stand his trial.
    The judge also directed the surety (Kadiri) to appear in court to show cause why his bail bond should not be forfeited.
    Nolan was at the centre of the $9.6 billion dollars P&ID scam trial.
    Nolan, also a director with Goidel Resources Limited, a Designated Non-Financial Institution, with another company, ICIL Limited, are standing trial on 16 counts bordering on money laundering before Justice Mohammed to the tune of $9.6 billion.

    NAN reports on Monday that a Business and Property Court in London presided over by Justice Robin Knowles of the Commercial Courts of England and Wales quashed the $11 billion awarded against Nigeria in a case filed by the P&ID.

    Judge Knowles held that the award was obtained by fraud and that what had happened in the case was contrary to public policy.

    In the case marked: CL-2019-000752, the Federal Government had sought to overturn the $6.6 billion arbitration awarded in favour of P&ID in 2017. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)/ Flowerbudnews

  • Breaking: EFCC Declares Chike Agada Wanted

    Breaking: EFCC Declares Chike Agada Wanted

     

    By Biola Lawal

    Abuja (Flowerbudnews): The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has declared Chike Moss Agada wanted.

    Agada was declared wanted by EFCC through a public notice on the Commission’s official Twitter handle.

    Though the suspected crime for which Agada was declared wanted was not specified, EFCC urged ”anyone with useful information as to his whereabouts should contact the EFCC or the nearest police station.

    EFCC urged Nigerians to ‘:#SayNoToCorruption #TowardsABetterNigeria”  (Flowerbudnews)

  • Love Scam: How I lost £130, 000 to “Yahoo Boy” – German victim

    Love Scam: How I lost £130, 000 to “Yahoo Boy” – German victim

     

     By Biola Lawal

    Abuja (Flowerbudnews): The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on continued the trial of one Wilson Daphey(a.ka.a Jefrey Guiseppe) before Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on nine -count charges bordering on obtaining money under false pretence and money laundering.

    Daphey allegedly manipulated and obtained the sum of £130,000( One Hundred and Thirty Thousand Euros) from one Ms Petra Goschenhofer, a German,  with the assistance of his accomplices:  Evans Nnamdi Aguh, Christopher Chinedu Ajufo, Ifeanyi Enuma and Ojinanaka Kingsley Chukwuma who are at large.

    This was disclosed in a statement by Dele Oyewale, EFCC Acting  Head, Media and Publicity, a copy of which was made available to Flowerbudnews in Abuja

    At the resumption of the trial on Friday, Ms Petra Goschenhofer, a German,  narrated before the court, how she was “dealing with an alleged white man who later turned out to be a black man from Nigeria”.

    She said the love story started in 2008 when a man contacted her on Instagram, identified as Jeffrey Guiseppe, who claimed to be a  bitcoin trader, and offered to be her business partner, a proposition she reportedly declined.

    However, they continued having conversations regarding his career  and family.  Guiseppe claimed to be a Building Engineer based in the United States of America, U.S.A but with his roots in Rome, Italy.  He told her that he grew up  in America where he studied and had  a certificate in Building Engineering and “his building projects spread all over the world including Dubai”.  He further claimed to be  a single dad with two kids.  “Before long, our conversation gradually shifted from business to talks about families”.

    “After a while,  he told me he was in love with me and I told him I was married with kids, that a relationship was not possible between us but after a while,  I noticed he was very nice to me and at that time, I was in a bad situation, my marriage was in crisis and I was depressed, and my son was in a bad condition.  I gradually fell in love with him, and before long, he started asking me for money. He claimed his building equipment was  held in Dubai and he needed money to clear it.  He actually promised to pay me back in a matter of time and sent me pictures, fake passports and work permits which bore a photograph of an American named Jeffery Guiseppe, and with date of birth 10/11/197. We later entered into a written agreement that he sent. I made payments through Western Union which he promised he will refund in a couple of days”, she said.

     

    Continuing, “’after some time, I asked for my money, but said he had not been able to clear the equipment because his bank account was frozen and pleaded with me to help him pay the next fee and I paid, with all payments made totaling  £13000.

    In another instance, he told me that he was ill and in a coma in the hospital.  I was at this time speaking with one Mr Bah who called me on WhatsApp.  He told me Guiseppe may die,  that he needed to undergo a surgery and I financed it.  After a while, I decided to investigate his identity  because I didn’t believe him anymore, especially as he had refused to pay me the money I loaned him.    I eventually told my husband who handed the matter to the police for investigations and the police found out that the phone number he gave me was on a server in Singapore and the address and passport were all fake. The police further said  it would be very difficult to investigate the case as the German law restricts investigations outside Europe”.

    She further narrated that in order to seek help, she joined some women on Instagram who  have similar stories and they decided to find ways to help one another.   During the Covid 19 era, Goschenhofer said she had an opportunity to video call Guiseppe  and  realized he was not an American and “at this point he apologized and claimed he is from Kenya”. She said she further called and sent videos of their conversations and other documents to an officer in the German embassy in Kenya to find out who Guiseppe was and was told that his dialect showed that he is a Nigerian.

    She conducted further checks and found out his real identity on Facebook and Instagram. She also found out in one of their video chats that Guiseppe was driving a car with a Nigerian number plate.

    “So, I decided to print and send all the evidence of pictures and documents to the EFCC for further investigation and prosecution”, she said.

    All evidence of pictures, passports, work permits and receipts were tendered and admitted in evidence.

    Justice Olajuwon adjourned the matter to Tuesday, 10 October, 2023  for cross examination. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Tinubu Commends EFCC on Anti-Graft Efforts, Unfolds More Robust Agenda

    Tinubu Commends EFCC on Anti-Graft Efforts, Unfolds More Robust Agenda

     

    By Biola Lawal

    Abuja (Flowerbudnews):  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for making impressive gains in the fight against economic and financial crimes.

    The President, however, charged the Commission to intensify a more vigorous and robust efforts in tackling the monster of corruption, a statement by Dele Oyewale, EFCC Ag. Head,  Media & Publicity disclosed.

    President Tinubu gave the commendation in Abuja on Tuesday while declaring open the 5th Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC- National Judicial Institute, NJI Capacity Building Workshop for Justices and Judges.

    According to him, there were profound gains already made in the fight against corruption and the EFCC played remarkable roles in achieving them.

    “For instance, available records show that EFCC has continued to achieve significant milestones in securing convictions and asset recovery running into billions of naira.

    There have also been significant improvements in the policy and legal frameworks for combating corruption with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy Plan and new legislations against money laundering, illicit financial flow and terrorism financing”, he said.

    President Tinubu noted the devastating effects of corruption against the growth of the nation and called for multi-sectoral and multifaceted approaches in tackling them, placing emphasis on synergy and inter-agency collaboration as potent weapons of attack against the monster.

    “Corruption and related financial crimes have become a menace in our national life and have in consequence attracted poor perception index rating for Nigeria globally. It requires concerted collaborative efforts to effectively combat it”, he said.

    The President, while commending the efforts of “successive leadership of the EFCC and NJI” for sustaining the anti-graft war, charged judicial officers to be more passionate and courageous in carrying out their assignments to rid the nation of corrupt practices.

    “Without competent and courageous judges who are passionate about their country, progress in fighting corruption is impossible”, he said.

    The President, who spoke through the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN,  applauded the theme of the Workshop: “Consolidating on the Gains in the Fight against Economic and Financial Crimes”.

    He assured that his administration was determined and resolute in bringing corruption to its knees.

    “My administration is determined to ensure that these gains are not reversed and that Nigeria achieves her dream of reducing corruption to the barest minimum.

    He assured that his agenda of fighting corruption is “not just a mantra but a call to duty by all agencies involved in combating the malaise”.

    The President specifically called for proper inter-agency synergy and collaboration while promising the “provision of adequate resources for the achievement of this noble objective and will therefore not accept any excuse for failure”.

    The President expressed commitment to improve the efficiency of the administration of criminal justice system and make “comprehensive investments across the entire justice system in Nigeria to improve human resource capacity and create enabling working environment in view of rising backlogs of and attendant congestion of correctional centres.

    He charged the NJI to take decisive steps in ensuring drastic improvement in the rating and perception of the nation’s judiciary.

    He also tasked the judiciary to be more proactive in the trial of awaiting inmates, arguing that “victims of all manner of crimes and their family must also be able to get justice within a reasonable time”.

    In his Goodwill Message, Chief Justice of Nigeria,  Justice  Olukayode Ariwoola noted that the judiciary as an arbiter between parties,  has continued to live up to expectations and called on judges to be more proactive in resolving lingering cases of corruption  across the courts.

    He particularly called for more focus in dispensing justice without allowing legal technicalities to strand in the way of right adjudication of cases. “Judges must be proactive by not allowing technicalities to stand against substantive justice’’, he said.

    He commended the theme of the Workshop, saying that it is appropriate as “it resonates deeply with the current state of our nation and the challenges of resolving lingering cases in our courts”.

    Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Abdulkarim Chukkol, emphasized the collaborative efforts of the EFCC with the NJI stressing that, “to effectively fight the menace of corruption and economic and financial crimes, the symbiotic relationship between the EFCC and the judiciary must be enhanced and encouraged.

    He noted that, though the challenges of fighting economic and financial crimes are daunting,  “our dynamism and pro-activeness as a law enforcement agency has given us the advantage to be a step ahead of these criminals and continue to develop strategies to deal with them accordingly.

       He expressed confidence in the prospects of the Workshop to deliver optimal benefits to every stakeholder, assuring that “this workshop will yield its desired purpose and communicate implementable solutions that will guide the EFCC in executing its new agenda in the fight against corruption and economic crimes”.

     Other dignitaries at the opening ceremony of the  three-day workshop include Chief Judges of many states, Justices of the Court of Appeal,  senior legal luminaries,  among others.  (Flowerbudnews)

  • Antigraft: EFCC secures 1,688 convictions in 9 months

    Antigraft: EFCC secures 1,688 convictions in 9 months

     

    By Isaac Aregbesola

    Abuja:    Abdulkarim Ckukkol, Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), says the agency, in its war against corruption, economic and financial crimes, has secured 1,688 convictions between January and September, this year.

    Ckukkol disclosed this on Friday at the Passing out Parade of Detective Assistant Course 4 Cadre for 331 cadets of the commission at the Nigeria Police Mobile Force Training College, Ende Hills, Akwanga.

    According to him, the EFCC in 20 years of existence, has made a huge difference in the affairs of the nation.

    “Through the efforts of the commission, odious image of Nigeria as a 419 hub, with the attendant negative effect on our economy, was erased.

    “The Commission’s investigation activities have led to the recovery of asset running into billions of Naira.

    “Last year (2022), the commission secured a total of 3,785 convictions, the highest by any law enforcement agency in Nigeria in a single year.

    “Between January and now, the commission recorded 1,688 convictions. The figure is bound to increase as more cases are brought to conclusion in the courts,” he said.

    He said that the commission, in addition to enforcement activities, would continue to pursue its prevention mandate with relentless vigor through engagement with different stakeholders in the fight against corruption, economic and financial crimes.

    According to him, the commission recently broke new grounds in this endeavor with the commencement of test transmission of its radio station, EFCC Radio 97.3 FM.

    “The initiative promises fresh vista of opportunities for public engagement as the commission strives to get the people to own the fight against corruption,” he said.

    He urged the cadets to bolster the efforts of the Commission to consolidate on the achievements of the past and secure its place as a premier law enforcement agency not only Nigeria but the world.

    He urged them to be committed to the profession they signed up for, and should know that law enforcement, especially fighting economic and financial crimes, is a crucial national service.

    He described it as “a career” which takes years to build but could be destroyed in a moment of careless indiscretion or poor judgment.

    “For you to run this race and fulfill your dream as an EFCC officer, you must at all times stay focused and uphold the values of the Commission which are Integrity, Courage, Professionalism and Collaboration.

    “I must also sound a note of warning that the Commission will not condone any indiscipline, as violation of the established code of conduct will be met with appropriate sanctions,” he said.

    The Acting Commandant of the EFCC Academy, Karu, Abuja, Mr Baba-Shani Umar, urged the new cadets to stand on the precipice of new beginnings.

    “I urge you to remember the principles that have been instilled in you: integrity, Courage, professionalism and Collaboration in the pursuit of excellence.

    “Carry these values as your compass, and they will guide you through the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead,” he said.

    The Commandant, Police Mobile Force Training College, Ende Hill, Nasarawa, DCP Ikioye Orutugu, urged the cadets to make use of the training they had received in eradicating corrupt practices in the country.

    Orutugu admonished them to use their talents as well as skills acquired to contribute their quota to the fight against economic and financial crimes.

    He also stressed the need for inter-agency cooperation and mutual understanding among other sisters agencies as witnessed between EFCC and the Nigeria Police for the growth of the nation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng) /Flowerbudnews