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EFCC Terminates 27 Officers Due to Alleged Fraudulent Conduct
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has terminated the employment of 27 officers in 2024 over allegations of fraudulent activities.
Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for the anti-graft agency, confirmed this development in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja.
Mr. Oyewale indicated that the dismissed officers were implicated in misconduct and fraudulent practices. Their termination was endorsed by the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, based on recommendations from the agency’s staff disciplinary committee.
He emphasized the EFCC’s unwavering commitment to a zero-tolerance policy regarding corruption, asserting that no officer would escape disciplinary action.
“Every allegation against any staff member of the Commission will be thoroughly investigated, including a current claim of $400,000 involving an unidentified individual purportedly associated with the EFCC against a Sectional Head,” he stated.
The core values of the Commission are paramount and will be upheld at all times, he added.
In addition, Oyewale warned the public about impostors and extortionists misusing the name of the EFCC chairman to solicit money from high-profile suspects.
He noted that two individuals, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, were recently brought before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie of the FCT High Court in Abuja. They face charges for allegedly contacting former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko, and demanding one million dollars in exchange for “Olukoyede to facilitate a favorable outcome” regarding a non-existent investigation.
“Olukoyede is a man of integrity who cannot be influenced by financial inducements,” he affirmed.
Oyewale cautioned that such unscrupulous individuals are still active and seeking new victims. He also indicated that the EFCC is aware of attempts to blackmail its officers through unethical tactics.
“Suspects under investigation for economic and financial crimes, who have been unable to compromise their investigators, will often resort to desperate measures,” he remarked.
He urged the public to disregard such blackmailers and to report any such dubious figures to the Commission.
The suspects were apprehended for selling prohibited exotic birds and wild animals contrary to the provisions of the Endangered Species Act.
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), in collaboration with the National Park Service, has arrested three persons over alleged illegal trade in endangered wildlife species in Abuja.
This was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by NESREA’s Assistant Director of Press, Nwamaka Ejiofor.
The suspects, identified as Musa Usman, Samila Abdullahi, and Saidu Jagaban, were arrested in different parts of the country’s capital.
According to her, the suspects were apprehended for selling prohibited exotic birds and wild animals, contrary to the provisions of the Endangered Species Act.
She stated that Usman and Abdullahi were found with 15 Senegalese parrots and one African grey parrot, while Jagaban was arrested for hawking three dead antelopes.
“The suspects were arrested in different parts of the city for the illegal sale of prohibited exotic birds and wild animals, contrary to the provisions of the Endangered Species Act,” the statement read in part.
“The trio is to remain in custody while investigation continues.”
NESREA Director-General, Innocent Barikor, reiterated that trafficking in endangered species remained a crime under Nigerian laws, and anyone caught culpable would be prosecuted accordingly.
Barikor emphasised on the need to protect endangered species, under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), to which Nigeria is a signatory.
He added that all living things play different roles in ensuring biodiversity sustainability.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday warned against the creation of a one-party state, saying any nation that must practice it must do so carefully and with a well-planned process and projected outcome.
He stated this in Abuja while paying tribute to the late elder statesman, Edwin Clark, at a memorial lecture and day of tribute.
Jonathan warned that any attempt to bring about a one-party state through political machinations to soothe only personal aspirations will be detrimental to the country.
The former president also called on the family of the late former federal commissioner to, among other things, set up a yearly memorial lecture in his honour to continue to push his ideas and what he stood for, which is a united, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria.
On his part, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, lamented that the labour of our heroes past was already in vain.
The former Anambra State governor highlighted the endemic poverty in rural areas, the state of insecurity, and the rising cost of living.
He maintained that the labour of people like Pa Edwin Clark had not paid off, as the sacrifices people like Pa Clark made were in vain today.
The chairman on the occasion and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, said that the task of ensuring that Nigeria remains united and indivisible must be ensured by all, as the nation could only make progress if national interest was put before any personal interest.
Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, says media, as gatekeepers and partners in nation-building, have a crucial role to play in supporting our military’s morale by highlighting their successes and sacrifices
The minister noted the critical role of the media in shaping public perception, adding that terrorists and criminal groups often use these avenues to spread fear, propagate disinformation, and recruit followers.
He urged journalists and editors to adopt a responsible and patriotic approach to reporting these issues, by avoiding sensational headlines and refusing to serve as amplifiers of terror propaganda.
Idris stated this on Wednesday at the ministerial press briefing held at the National Press Centre in Abuja.
“The media, as gatekeepers and partners in nation-building, have a crucial role to play in supporting our military’s morale by highlighting their successes and sacrifices,” Idris said.
“We must deny these groups the undue publicity they crave. We must take them off the front pages and accurately report them as the criminals they are, without glorifying their acts or giving credence to their false narratives.
“These are not freedom fighters; they are murderers, kidnappers, and destroyers, and they must be presented as such.”
The minister also noted that federal government is “actively” investing in military capacity through the acquisition of modern equipment, enhanced intelligence, and strategic partnerships.
Idris said the press briefing series is a forum that allows ministers to update Nigerians on the key achievements, ongoing initiatives, and policy directions of their various ministries.
He commended the media for their continued support and their broader role in promoting public awareness of government initiatives.
“Through this interactive platform, which is being broadcast live on national television stations and streamed across social media platforms, we continue to demonstrate our commitment to transparency, accountability, and public engagement,” he added.