society

EFCC: AS THE NATION AWAITS THE SUPREME COURT By Tunde Nasir

Published

1 month ago

November 2, 2024

Sahara Weekly

EFCC: AS THE NATION AWAITS THE SUPREME COURT

By Tunde Nasir

Since the new EFCC Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede assumed office about one year ago, the fight against corruption, financial and cyber crimes, has taken a new heightened and reinvigorated dimension to the admiration of those who are genuinely concerned about fighting the cankerworm of corruption that has bedeviled our nation almost to a standstill.

Ola Olukoyede, a Pastor, seems to be following the Biblical injunction, as he declared from the outset his intention to combat the evil of corruption vigorously as a means of fostering economic development of the nation.

Perhaps, following the promise of God in Joel 2:25: “I shall restore to you the years of the locust, the cankerworm and the caterpillar have eaten…”

However, knowing the certification, experience, prowess and international connection that Olukoyede was armed with and bringing into the office, it was not surprising that opposition to his appointment started as soon as his name was announced by President Tinubu on October 12, 2023 and his confirmation by the Senate on October 18, 2023. Those who did not object to Olukoyede’s previous appointments as Chief of Staff to the Chairman of EFCC and also as a Secretary to the Commission, suddenly turned around to say that he was not qualified to be appointed as chairman!

However, Olukoyede has continued to soldier-on, delivering on his mandate, undeterred and undaunted. Within 12 months, a record 3,455 convictions were secured and monetary recoveries from October 2023
to September 2024 stood at
N248,750,049,365.52 (Two Hundred and Forty-Eight Billion, Seven Hundred and Fifty Millon, Forty- Nine Thousand, Three hundred and Sixty-Five Naira, Fifty-Two Kobo), $105,423,190.39 (One Hundred and Five Million, Four Hundred and Twenty-Three Thousand, One Hundred and Ninety Dollars, Thirty-Nine Cents) and £53,133.64 (Fifty-Three Thousand, One Hundred and Thirty- Three Pounds, Sixty-Four Pence); apart from recoveries in other foreign currencies.

On the Issue of corruption trials, Olukoyede revived or initiated court cases against high-profile politically-exposed persons, including former Ministers and Governors. Among the politically-exposed personalities who were hitherto considered untouchable and now on trial for corruption are former governors Yahaya Adoza Bello(Kogi), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), and Darius Dickson Ishaku (Taraba). Former Ministers Saleh Mamman and Olu Agunloye have been put on trial too.

Correspondingly, the Commission has faced the biggest ever campaign of calumny, blackmail, public protests by sponsored NGOs, simulated attacks in the media and well-oiled, sponsored litigations to undermine the operations of the Commission and its unrelenting Chairman.

Chief among the litigations against Commission is the lawsuit initiated at the Supreme Court by Kogi State Government challenging the establishment and constitutionality of the EFCC. The suit, according to the plaintiff, posited that the establishment of EFCC was an affront on principles of federalism.

About 15 other states reportedly joined Kogi State in the suit and asked that their grievances against the EFCC be consolidated. There have also been comments and actions for and against the court action instituted by Kogi State Government and its collaborating governors.

A former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), has written to the National Assembly about constitutional issues related to anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria and factors inhibiting the government’s objective of abolishing corruption, as stated in Section 13 of the Constitution.
In two separate letters to the Senate and House of Representatives, dated October 14, 2024, he said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was “an unlawful organisation that he believed was unconstitutionally established.”

However, in the contrary, respected lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana (SAN), countered Agbakoba. Falana said: “For me, the ICPC and the EFCC like the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) have come to stay. What we should be demanding are measures to make these institutions autonomous and not under the control of any government,”

He added: “And the Supreme Court has maintained rather repeatedly concerning the EFCC and ICPC, that these are crime fighting bodies, and should not be under the control of the Federal Government. They are agencies to fight economic crimes in our country, to fight financial crimes in our country, to fight corruption in our country.”

However, with the controversy generated by the Kogi State’s suit against the EFCC and its discussion in the court of public opinion, some states who initially applied to join the suit have beaten a quick retreat, applying to the Supreme Court to withdraw from the suit. Among the states that have withdrawn are Jigawa, Anambra, Adamawa, Ebonyi and Benue states, who have separately filed motions before the Supreme Court, saying they are no longer interested.
In the case of Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia suspended the State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Bemsen Mnyim, for acting “unilaterally in joining the suit without the approval of his principal.”
The development came on the heels of the declaration by the Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, that the state was neither aware nor part of the suit challenging the legality of EFCC.

In the case of Ogun State, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Oluwashina Ogungbade denied ever initiating any case or being part of Kogi State’s suit against the EFCC.
Speaking to newsmen in Abeokuta, Ogungbade wondered why some sections of the media continued to include Ogun state in the list of the states in court against the EFCC.

“We don’t have a suit against EFCC. We never filed any action against EFCC challenging its constitutionality. We already issued a statement to that effect clarifying that we never had any suit attacking the EFCC’s constitutionality and that we did not join the suit filed at the Supreme Court filed by some other states in that regard. So, I am surprised that some media outlets are still running reports that include and mention Ogun State as one of the states challenging the EFCC’s existence when that is not the case.“

According to the statement by Ogun State government, “the constitutionality of the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) had since been determined by the Supreme Court, and Ogun State considers discussions on the issue closed.”

The Ogun State government stated that it had “no factual reason or recent development to reopen the question of the EFCC’s constitutionality.”
It added that “as a federating unit with law enforcement agencies of its own, it had no desire to undermine the Federal Government’s law and order objectives.”

One of the vociferous anti-corruption groups, the Vanguard for Credible Representation (VCR) has lauded those states that have withdrawn from the Kogi’s suit against EFCC at the Supreme Court. In a statement signed by VCR’s Head of Mission, Onche Ugbabe, the group said it was “heartwarming that some state governors were dissociating themselves from the suit and lending their support to the fight against corruption.”

The statement reads: “It is heartwarming that Governors Hyacinth Alia and Dauda Lawal have publicly dissociated themselves from the suspicious move orchestrated by some state governments. We also commend the Governments of Anambra, Adamawa and Ebonyi states for heeding the voice of reason and withdrawing from the suit.”

The group hailed erudite lawyers like Mr. Femi Falana SAN and Kayode Oladele who have faulted the suit and its backers.
“It is highly gratifying that erudite lawyers like Mr. Femi Falana SAN and Hon. Kayode Oladele have publicly condemned the unpopular move, citing a plethora of judicial decisions of the Supreme Court on the legality of the anti-corruption agencies.

“It is in the light of this that all well-meaning individuals and institutions should lend their support to the war against corruption and not seek to thwart it by any scheme or schism,” the group said.

As the nation awaits the Supreme Court verdict, it is expected that more Governors will see reasons and withdraw like others who are not participating, or have withdrawn from the suit. As at now, there are more state governments that have distanced themselves from the suit than those who are before the Supreme Court. The bell ticks!

Tunde Nasiru, a Public Policy Advocate based in Abuja, sent this through [email protected]

society

FBI Extradites Most-Wanted Fraudster in $6 Million Business Email Scam

Published

13 hours ago

December 14, 2024

Sahara Weekly

FBI Extradites Most-Wanted Fraudster in $6 Million Business Email Scam

Omaha, Nebraska – The FBI has extradited 37-year-old Abiola Kayode, one of its most-wanted cybercriminals, from Ghana to the United States to face charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. U.S. Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Kayode was indicted in August 2019 in Omaha, Nebraska, for his alleged role in a business email compromise (BEC) scheme that defrauded businesses of over $6 million.

Kayode was arrested in Ghana in April 2023 after a U.S. extradition request. Ghanaian authorities approved the request, and FBI agents escorted him to Nebraska, where he appeared in court on December 11, 2024. Magistrate Judge Michael D. Nelson ordered Kayode to remain in custody until trial.

The indictment accuses Kayode of participating in a sophisticated cyber scam between January 2015 and September 2016. The scheme involved his co-conspirators impersonating company executives via spoofed email accounts to deceive employees into authorizing fraudulent wire transfers. Victims, believing the emails were legitimate, unwittingly transferred millions of dollars to accounts controlled by the fraudsters.

Several members of the conspiracy have already been convicted and sentenced:

Adewale Aniyeloye, sentenced in February 2019 to eight years in prison and ordered to pay $1.57 million in restitution.
Pelumi Fawehinimi, sentenced in March 2019 to six years in prison and restitution of $1.01 million.
Onome Ijomone, extradited from Poland, sentenced in January 2020 to five years in prison and restitution of $508,934.
Alex Ogunshakin, extradited from Nigeria, sentenced in October 2024 to 45 months in prison.

Despite these successes, other co-conspirators remain at large.

“Four years ago, we identified six Nigerian nationals suspected of defrauding businesses and individuals across Nebraska and other states,” said FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel. “Today, Abiola Kayode is the second co-conspirator extradited to Nebraska. To the remaining four, know this: we are coming for you.”

Special Agent Kowel commended the collaboration between U.S. and Ghanaian law enforcement, highlighting the contributions of the Ghana Police Service, INTERPOL, and Ghana Immigration Service.

The case, investigated by the FBI and supported by the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, underscores the U.S. government’s commitment to dismantling international cybercrime rings.

Kayode remains innocent until proven guilty in court.

society

Thomas Abolarin from ErukuCity bids a final farewell to his mother with love and gratitude

Published

21 hours ago

December 13, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Thomas Abolarin from ErukuCity bids a final farewell to his mother with love and gratitude

… Tribute to her profound influence and enduring spirit

~By Fabiyi Oluwaseun

In Yorubaland, there is a common prayer saying that signifies our desire to have good children who will provide us with a dignified burial after we pass on

The assertion above epitomizes the collective efforts of the children of the late Madam Mary Oyinlola Abolarin Akerekoro of ErukuCity in Kwara State, led by Canadian-based Thomas Abolarin, who organized a week-long funeral ceremony befitting their beloved mother who passed away on the 23rd of February 2024 at the age of 102 years.

This tribute honors the extraordinary life of Madam Mary Oyinlola Abolarin Akerekoro, a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was marked by fulfillment and outstanding achievements, serving as a testament to the special favor and kindness of the Almighty God in her life and that of her children

Mama Elopo Iye Rere, fondly called, was a good mother endowed by God with many laudable virtues, a good life, good breeding, firmness of purpose, and unfailing graciousness at all times. Children and families, including her associates, can attest that she was a woman of exemplary moral fibre

Mama Akerekoro was indeed a great and renowned daughter of Erukucity, whose life was not obscure, while her achievements remain outstanding, and her substantial and immense contributions to the growth of the community persist

Madam Mary Oyinlola Abolarin Akerekoro, also known as Iya elepo, iya rere, was a prominent figure within the Gaa Akanbi axis of Ilorin, the state capital of Kwara State. Her exemplary Christian lifestyle left a lasting legacy at Holy Family Catholic Church, situated at Gaa Akanbi, Ilorin, where she was honored and invested as “Iya Rere” (Good Mother), a title she held until her death. Although she lived to the ripe age of 102, her departure was deeply felt by the church priest and members, who greatly miss her. Her legacy is indeed worthy of emulation

In addition, this led the entire children and family of the late Madam Mary Oyinlola Abolarin Akerekoro to eulogize her using the word of God in paying tribute to a remarkable mother, great-grandmother, abiyamo toto, a woman of vision who served God and humanity wholeheartedly and throughout her life without blemish

Thomas Abolarin Akerekoro provided further testimony that Mama served her generation with merit. She completed the race with integrity and a crown of righteousness is laid up for her. Rest in peace, my beloved mummy, great-grandmother, Veronica iye elepo iya rere

To recap: A one-week burial ceremony will commence on Saturday, 14th December 2024, with a remarkable thanksgiving service at Holy Family Catholic Church, Gaa Akanbi Ilorin at 10 O’clock sharp, followed by entertainment of guests at Atlantic Events Place, Ilorin

However, other burial activities befitting her are ongoing at Eruku City, her hometown in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State within the community, and will run through week-long events

The Grand Finale is scheduled for Sunday, 21st December 2024, commencing with a special family thanksgiving service at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Eruku, Kwara State, at 10:00 a.m. sharp. This will be followed by a reception and entertainment of guests at St. Cyprian’s football field, featuring the renowned juju highlife musician, IfeBright, who will thrill the audience at both Atlantic Events Center, Ilorin

Lastly, BethNews Media publisher Oluwaseun Fabiyi observed that robust security measures were fully implemented to ensure the safety of guests, friends, and family at the event

Watch for exclusive images of the event from BethNews Media.

society

SGF Receives Acting Accountant-General of the Federation

Published

21 hours ago

December 13, 2024

Sahara Weekly

SGF Receives Acting Accountant-General of the Federation

…Restates FG’s Commitment to Accountability, Probity, and Transparency

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, today formally received Mr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the Acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) at a brief meeting in Abuja. The appointment follows the commencement of the mandatory pre-retirement leave of Dr. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, the outgoing AGF, in accordance with Public Service Rules.

During the event, the SGF reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to upholding accountability, probity, and transparency in the management of public finances. He emphasized the critical role of the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) in the execution of fiscal policies and the realization of the administration’s economic reform agenda.

Senator Akume commended Mr. Ogunjimi’s appointment, describing him as a seasoned professional whose extensive experience and qualifications make him well-suited to lead the nation’s treasury operations during this transitional period. According to reports, the SGF reiterated that the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu places a high premium on financial integrity and efficiency. Mr. Ogunjimi’s track record in public financial management is expected to enhance his capacity to uphold those values.

In his remarks, acting AGF Ogunjimi expressed gratitude for the trust reposed in him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and pledged to continue discharging his duties with dedication, professionalism, and a commitment to transparency. He emphasized his readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure the optimal functioning of the OAGF and the success of ongoing fiscal reforms.

Mr. Ogunjimi, a Chartered Accountant, Certified Fraud Examiner, and Chartered Stockbroker, brings over 30 years of expertise in financial management across the public and private sectors. His appointment underscores the Federal Government’s focus on continuity, competence, and efficiency in fiscal administration.

The meeting concluded with a call for collective efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s financial management systems and achieve the government’s vision for a sustainable, transparent, and accountable public finance framework.