EFCC Chairman Raises Alarm Over Alleged Theft of Nigeria’s Public Funds

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has raised concerns over the scale of alleged public-sector corruption in Nigeria, saying some public officers take national resources “every minute”.

Olukoyede made the remarks on Thursday in Abuja at an event held to mark the 80th birthday of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi.

The EFCC chairman said the commission receives more than 20,000 petitions relating to public corruption annually, describing the cases as disturbing.

He said the volume of petitions and the details contained in some of the commission’s case files showed the extent of alleged misuse of public funds and national resources.

Olukoyede said Nigerians were ultimately the victims of fraudulent activities involving public resources and called for greater collective efforts to promote accountability in public office.

He said some public servants allegedly enter office with less than ₦100,000 in their bank accounts but leave after three or four years with millions of naira and dollars traced to them.

According to the EFCC chairman, investigators have also encountered cases involving public officials who allegedly acquired large numbers of properties while in office.

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He cited instances where investigators allegedly traced 50 or even 200 houses to individuals, questioning how Nigeria could achieve meaningful development if public resources were diverted on such a scale.

Olukoyede stressed that public officials should be able to account for their activities and finances while in office, identifying transparency and accountability as essential principles of public service.

The EFCC chairman’s remarks came amid the commission’s ongoing investigations, prosecutions and asset recovery activities involving suspected economic and financial crimes.

Olukoyede has previously disclosed figures showing the scale of the commission’s recent workload, including thousands of petitions, investigations and court cases.

The commission has also reported substantial recoveries of funds and assets linked to suspected proceeds of crime during his tenure.

At the Abuja event, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Musa Adamu Aliyu, also identified societal tolerance and weaknesses in government systems as factors that allow corruption to persist.

Aliyu called for stronger integrity education in primary and secondary schools, saying young Nigerians should be taught the importance of honesty, accountability and responsible citizenship.

He specifically urged stakeholders to engage Generation Z and Generation Alpha on the need to embrace integrity.

The event brought together members of the judiciary and legal profession, public office holders, civil society organisations, academics and other stakeholders.

Olukoyede’s comments add to the EFCC’s continuing campaign for stronger accountability in public service, as the commission pursues investigations and prosecutions involving suspected economic and financial crimes.

EFCC Chairman Raises Alarm Over Alleged Theft of Nigeria’s Public Funds

Abia Police Arrest 20-Year-Old, Recover Gun, Suspected Cannabis, Three Motorcycles

The Abia State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old man, Ebuka Nwakerindu, in connection with alleged motorcycle theft and recovered a locally made gun, a 50kg bag containing substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, and three motorcycles during an operation in the state.

Nwakerindu, a resident of Umuokoromiri Village in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, was arrested on Thursday, September 24, following a raid by operatives of the police Anti-Kidnapping Unit at a suspected criminal hideout in Onitsha Ngwa, Obingwa Local Government Area.

The operation was conducted on Wednesday, September 23, following what the police described as actionable intelligence about criminal activities in the area.

According to the Abia Police Command, several suspects fled when they sighted the operatives during the raid.

The police said the fleeing suspects abandoned a locally made single-barrel long gun and a 50kg bag containing substances suspected to be cannabis.

Further investigation led to the arrest of Nwakerindu the following day.

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The command alleged that the suspect was involved in the theft and resale of motorcycles, adding that three motorcycles suspected to have been stolen were recovered from him.

The recovered firearm, suspected cannabis and motorcycles have been taken into police custody as exhibits while investigations continue.

The police said efforts were also underway to identify and arrest the other suspects who escaped during the operation.

The command said Nwakerindu would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations, in accordance with applicable laws.

The operation was carried out under the direction of the Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, as part of the command’s intelligence-led approach to tackling criminal activities across Abia State.

The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to proactive crime prevention, intelligence-led policing and the protection of lives and property.

The latest operation is part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to disrupt suspected criminal networks involved in motorcycle theft, illegal firearms and illicit drug activities in the state.

The police have not disclosed the identities of the other suspects who escaped from the hideout or stated whether they are wanted in connection with other crimes.

Investigators are expected to establish the ownership of the recovered motorcycles, determine the source of the suspected cannabis and establish how the locally made firearm came to be in the possession of the suspects.

Nwakerindu remains in police custody pending the conclusion of the investigation and any subsequent court proceedings.

Abia Police Arrest 20-Year-Old, Recover Gun, Suspected Cannabis, Three Motorcycles

Lagos Police Seal Fake Alcohol Factory, Arrest 48-Year-Old Man

The Lagos State Police Command has sealed a suspected illegal factory allegedly used to produce and package adulterated alcoholic drinks in the Yafin area of Badagry, Lagos State, and arrested a 48-year-old man in connection with the operation.

The suspect, identified as Anaebo Emeka Hilary, was arrested at the suspected factory during an operation by police operatives.

The command said the operation followed credible information provided by members of the public concerning activities allegedly taking place at the location.

According to the police, operatives who visited the facility discovered adulterated alcoholic drinks, empty bottles, different wine labels and various production utensils allegedly used in the production and packaging of the drinks.

The factory was subsequently sealed, while the suspect was taken into custody for questioning.

The recovered items were also taken to the police station and retained as exhibits as investigations continue.

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The development was disclosed by the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, in a statement issued on Thursday.

The command said the arrest and discovery followed intelligence received from residents, highlighting the role of public information in identifying suspected criminal activities.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, commended the officers involved in the operation and urged residents to continue providing credible information to the police.

The commissioner reiterated the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and efforts to tackle criminal activities across Lagos State.

The police also urged members of the public to report suspicious activities through the command’s emergency communication channels.

The latest operation comes amid continuing enforcement efforts against the production and distribution of counterfeit and adulterated alcoholic beverages, which can pose serious risks to consumers when their contents, production conditions and ingredients are unknown or improperly controlled.

The police have not disclosed the specific brands allegedly being replicated at the Badagry facility or whether any of the recovered drinks had already entered the market.

The command also did not state whether other suspects were being sought in connection with the alleged operation.

Hilary remains in police custody as investigators examine the recovered materials and determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged production of the adulterated drinks.

The police are expected to establish the source of the materials recovered at the facility, the intended distribution channels and whether other individuals or businesses were involved.

The investigation will also determine the appropriate charges, subject to the evidence gathered and applicable laws.

Lagos Police Seal Fake Alcohol Factory, Arrest 48-Year-Old Man