ICPC recovers N13bn public funds stolen in one month

Adamu Aliyu, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), announced that the agency recovered over ₦13 billion in diverted public funds in September 2024.

While he did not disclose specific sectors or individuals involved in the recoveries, Aliyu emphasized the commission’s ongoing commitment to combatting corruption and fulfilling its mandate.

Aliyu made this announcement during the launch of the ICPC’s 2024-2028 strategic action plan in Abuja on Tuesday.

The recovery of such a substantial amount reflects the agency’s relentless efforts to address corruption and ensure accountability in the management of public resources.

Aliyu said, “Over the past year, the ICPC has made significant progress in discharging its mandate; for example, we recovered over ₦13 billion in diverted public funds in September 2024 alone. This is just one of the many ways we have worked tirelessly to fulfil our mandate.”

Aliyu also disclosed that plans are underway to digitalise the commission’s operations.

He added that this would enable more efficient investigations and case management, among other improvements.

“We are also embarking on ICT reforms that will digitalise our operations and enable more efficient investigations, case management, and internal processes. This transformation will position the commission as a leader in leveraging technology to combat corruption, keeping us one step ahead of criminal activities in the digital age,” he stated.

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Aliyu further mentioned that a specialised curriculum is being developed to enhance the enforcement capacity of the commission’s personnel, equipping officers with the necessary skills to handle complex corruption cases with professionalism and efficiency.

He noted that the agency is working on decentralising anti-corruption efforts by empowering state governments through their Attorneys General, allowing for more effective corruption prevention at the local level.

“Additionally, we are decentralising the anti-corruption effort by empowering state governments through the mobilisation of State Attorneys General. This approach ensures that state governments are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and resources necessary to effectively combat corruption at the local level,” Aliyu added.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, reiterated that President Bola Tinubu’s administration prioritises the fight against corruption.

He said, “The fight against corruption remains a cornerstone of this administration’s agenda, as we recognise that corruption is a cancer that eats away at the very fabric of our society. It undermines trust, weakens institutions, and hampers our progress as a nation.

“In this light, the work of the ICPC is of paramount importance, not only in ensuring that corrupt practices are identified and prosecuted but also in fostering a culture of integrity and accountability across all sectors.”

The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, pledged the court’s support for the implementation of the ICPC’s action plan.

“Implementation and collaboration are vital. Corruption is not just about stealing money; it is failing to do what you ought to do. We are a great country. We will do what we can to support the ICPC in implementing the action plan,” she said.

ICPC recovers N13bn public funds stolen in one month

Internet fraud: EFCC arrests 33 suspects, recovers fake dollars in P’Harcourt

Operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 33 suspected internet fraudsters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The anti-graft agency disclosed this in a statement released today, October 2.

The suspects were arrested in their hideouts around  Iwofe and Ogboro axes of Port Harcourt in a sting operation, based on credible intelligence on their suspected involvement in internet fraud.

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Items recovered from the suspects include various mobile phone devices,  laptops,   boxes of fake  United States Dollar ,  fake Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) stamps, Customs stamps, airport clearance stamps, DHL and FedEx stamps and two cars.

Internet fraud: EFCC arrests 33 suspects, recovers fake dollars in P’Harcourt

Woman suspected as victim of ‘Yahoo Boys’ dumped on Osun roadside

A yet-to-be-identified woman was discovered abandoned by the roadside at Olaiya, Osogbo, Osun State, on Tuesday, sparking suspicions that she may be a victim of ritualistic practices, possibly linked to internet fraudsters, commonly referred to as “Yahoo boys.”

The woman, who appeared disoriented and exhibited abnormal behavior, could neither speak nor recognize people or objects around her. This has led to concerns that she may have been subjected to a ritual sacrifice.

She was found in a helpless state on Asikolaye Street, where she had reportedly been dumped.

Local shop owners, disturbed by her condition, quickly alerted the authorities by reporting the matter to the Dugbe Police Station at Old Garage.

Through their legal representative, Barrister K.A. Adebisi, business owners and residents of the area, including Mr. Sikiru Sanni (Samrad Property Agency) and Mrs. Bamigbola (Mama Dada), formally called for police intervention to investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

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Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the case, as fears of ritual practices involving vulnerable individuals continue to raise alarm within the community.

The letter reads, “We act on behalf of the Business owners and residents ably represented by Mr. Sikiru Sanni also known as Samrad Property agency, and Mrs Bamigbola, Mama Dada and others for themselves and on behalf of business owners and residents of Number 1 Asikolaye street, Olaiya Area, Osogbo, to urgently inform you of an abandoned middle aged woman who they woke up to observe this morning 30th September 2024 when they opened their business promises for today activities.

“They are hereinafter called our clients.
“Sir, we therefore urgently request your good office to take immediate and necessary actions thereon to avoid any untoward consequences.

“In conclusion, as we perform our civic duties as good citizens of this country, we hope that your good office shall respond thereof to our report in public interest, safety and security.
Speaking with newsmen on the development, a resident of the area who simply identified himself as, Baba Lekan, said, “the lady was dumped in the area in the middle of night because, before we went home on Saturday, there was no presence of the lady not until Monday when they resumed for our daily business activities.”

“When we saw her this morning, she could neither talk nor identify anything.
“She was well-dressed but we suspected she has fallen prey into the hands of those yahoo yahoo guys.

“As a matter of fact, they must have used her for money ritual.”

He however charged the State Government and concerned authorities to come to the aid of the lady to save the life of the dying victim.

Woman suspected as victim of ‘Yahoo Boys’ dumped on Osun roadside