EFCC Nigeria

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Olukoyede Hails UNODC’s  Focus on Anti-Corruption and Illicit Financial Flows The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has applauded the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC for its emphasis on tackling corruption and illicit financial flows in its Country Programme For Nigeria 2026-2030. He gave the commendation in Abuja on Friday, March 27, 2026 while giving a Goodwill Message at the launch of the Programme.   According to him, corruption remains a heinous threat to national and global development and every effort geared towards combating it is commendable “For the EFCC, the programme’s emphasis on combating corruption and illicit financial flows is particularly significant. Corruption continues to impose enormous economic and social costs on our country. Hence the imperatives of sustained action to turn the tide”, he said. He noted that the launch of the Programme came at a critical moment when Nigeria and the rest of the world continue to grapple with evolving threats of transnational organized crime, corruption, illicit financial flows, terrorism, and cyber-enabled offences. Combating corruption, he said,  became imperative as  criminal networks now exploit advances in technology, global financial systems, and governance gaps to move illicit proceeds across jurisdictions with alarming speed. “ Confronting these challenges requires coordinated national responses, strong institutions and sustained international cooperation”, he said. The EFCC’s boss particularly appreciated the long-standing relationship and institutional  collaboration between the EFCC and UNODC stressing that the Country Programme for Nigeria 2026-2030 would be impactful owing to its focus on capacity development, inter agency collaboration and data-driven approaches to addressing organized crime and also because the Programme  “align with the EFCC’s mandate and broader commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework”. The UNODC says that the  Country Programme matters owing to the strategic importance of Nigeria “as Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation with a projected 400 million inhabitants by 2050.  Nigeria holds significant potential to drive positive regional change”. The launch of the Programme drew massive attendance of players in the judiciary;  ministries, departments and agencies, including National Judicial Institute, NJI;  National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA;  Nigeria Police Force, NPF,  Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission,  ICPC,   Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation,  DPPF,  among others.

EFCC Operation Not Responsible for Kwara Poly Protest Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, carried out a sting operation within two buildings flagged for suspected internet-related fraud at Agbede Community in Ilorin, Kwara state. The operation, carried out on Wednesday, March 24, 2026, yielded the arrest of 30 suspected internet fraudsters, six of whom are students of Kwara State Polytechnic. The profiling of the students showed that all the six students are actively involved in internet fraud. Eight vehicles suspected to be proceeds of crime were recovered from the suspects, alongside mobile phones and laptops. The sting operation was not remotely connected to the Polytechnic. No entrance was made into the premises of the Institution and there was no disruption of any activity of the school. It is untenable to link any protest by some students of the Polytechnic to the lawful operation of the EFCC. Any video in circulation linking students’ protest with the operation of the Commission is contrived and outright misrepresentation of the operation. The EFCC, for the umpteenth time, assures the public of the professionalism and integrity of its operations. All the channels of reporting unethical conduct of staff of the Commission remain open. The Commission will continue to work in the overall interests of Nigerians.

Alleged N31b Fraud: Court Admits more Evidence against Mamman   Justice Maryann Anineh of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, admitted more documents in evidence against the former Minister for Power, Saleh Mamman in his prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC for alleged fraud. Mamman and seven others are being prosecuted by the EFCC on a nine-count charge, bordering on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence and intent to defraud to the tune of N31,070,541,349.64 (Thirty-one Billion, Seventy Million, Five Hundred and Forty-one Thousand, Three Hundred and Forty-nine Naira, Sixty-four Kobo). At Wednesday’s  proceedings, the Second Prosecution Witness, PW2,  Leadu Kpandei, a female compliance officer with Guaranty Trust Bank, GTB while being led in evidence by prosecution counsel, A.O. Mohammed, disclosed that the EFCC, sometime in March 2025, requested the details of account of one of its customers,  Fullest Utility Concept Ltd to which the bank responded via a letter attached with the account opening documents, certificate of identification and statement of accounts of the said company, distilled from the bank’s database. She confirmed that she and her colleague signed the documents on behalf of the bank before they were transmitted to the EFCC. The documents, marked exhibit E1, E2, E3, E4 were tendered and admitted in evidence by the court. Earlier in the proceedings, the First Prosecution Witness PW1, Umar Abba, a compliance officer of Zenith Bank, concluded his cross-examination, where he revealed he generated the account statements of the defendants also from the bank’s database, endorsed and sent to the EFCC. “I generated the documents of the account statements from the bank’s computer, compared them with what I have, then I signed before sending them to the EFCC” he said. Suleiman Mohammed, counsel to Mamman drew the attention of the court to a pending application on motion on notice, filed on March 9, 2026 and the judge promised to go through it. Justice Anineh adjourned the matter till April 16, May 11 and June 4, 2026 for continuation of trial.

Edo Court Jails Man for $19,400 Bitcoin Fraud The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has secured the conviction  and sentence of Osamudiamen Philip Ikilo for fraud. The convict was arraigned on one -count charge of stealing  before Justice W.I. Aziegbemhin of the Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City. Upon arraignment the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge,  setting the stage for trial. The charge reads: That you Osamudiamen Philip Ikilo (m) sometime in March 2024 within the  jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did steal Bitcoin worth the sum of $19,400 (Nineteen thousand, four Hundred United States Dollars) belonging to one Cynthia Imade Alile by fraudulently converting the said sum to your own use, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 287 of the  Criminal Law of Edo State Law 2022 and punishable under Section 294 of the same Law. In the course of the trial,  prosecution counsel, A. S. Bala-Ribah called two witnesses and also tendered documents which were admitted by the court. On his part, the defendant called two witnesses including himself. Delivering judgment on Monday,  March 23, 2026 Justice Aziegbemhin found the defendant guilty of the charge and sentenced him to two years imprisonment without an option of fine. Ikilo’s  road to jail began when he offered to assist the petitioner convert her 0.52092582 Bitcoin worth $19,400 but failed to remit the money to the petitioner as he converted same to his personal use.

How EFCC Stopped a Contractor from Using Substandard Transmission Lines to Execute Power Contract- Olukoyede The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC,  Mr. Ola Olukoyede has disclosed how the Commission intervened in 2024 to stop a contractor mobilized by the Ministry of Power from executing a contract with fake and substandard transmission lines. He made this disclosure in Abuja on Wednesday,  March 25, 2026 when the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer,  MD/CEO, Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency, MEMSA,  Engineer Olusegun Adesayo paid him a courtesy visit at the Commission’s corporate headquarters. According to him,  the contractor was investigated by the EFCC and found to have imported fake transmission lines which could have posed danger to the entire nation.  “In 2024,  we had cause to write to the Ministry of Power to blacklist a contractor when we investigated and confirmed that he imported fake and substandard power transmission lines for the execution of a contract given to him”, he said.  This intervention by the Commission saved the nation  potential disaster  and possible loss of lives and valuables. Olukoyede  assured the  MEMSA delegation of the readiness of the EFCC to work with it in ensuring better electricity supply for the nation. “We believe that we can work together to improve electricity supply in Nigeria and to ensure that all the key stakeholders in the industry play according to rules and laws guiding the industry.  I believe when we do this, we will see some improvement in power supply in Nigeria. Our mandate covers economic sabotage, not only financial crimes”, he said. The EFCC boss  also urged the delegation to pay special attention to procurement and contract fraud, assuring  that the EFCC has adequate  competence in those areas that would be of help to the Agency. Earlier in his remarks, Adesayo stated that the visit was to forge collaboration with the  Commission towards ensuring safety standards in the power industry and to emphasize the commitment of his Agency to transparency and accountability.  He also stressed that his Agency was mandated to ensure enforcement of technical standards and regulations in the electricity sector, thereby achieving  safety, reliability and quality of electrical cables nationwide. Adesayo sought EFCC’s collaboration primarily in the areas of intelligence sharing, procurement regularities,  investigation of cases of substandard electrical materials, contract abuses and regulatory issues, as well as public sensitization and capacity building. He identified the prime place of regulation and enforcement in the protection of public infrastructure and resources. “We recognize that effective regulation and anti-corruption enforcement is very important, therefore we want a coordinated effort to safeguard all our public infrastructure and natural resources.   We also seek your guidance on strengthening our internal control mechanisms,” he said. He assured Olukoyede of internal reforms in MEMSA that will see to improved probity in the Agency and  commitment to aligning with the federal government’s anti-corruption agenda.

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Edo Court Jails Man for $19,400 Bitcoin Fraud The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has secured the conviction of Osamudiamen Philip Ikilo for fraud of $19,400 Bitcoin. The convict was arraigned on one count charge of stealing before Justice W.I. Aziegbemhin of the Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City. Upon arraignment the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge setting the stage for trial. Visit efcc.gov.ng for details and more stories.

Aliyu, who also swore the affidavit on behalf of the commission, said the Commission found that Iliya Wakil, who swore to Oceangate’s affidavit , was a mere nominal director with no shareholding status of the company. Besides, the investigator said Wakil was an employee of Felak Concept Group Limited, also owned by Achimugu, and incorporated on May 5, 2000. He said Wakil admitted, in his extrajudicial statement to his team on 15 April 2025 that he had worked with Felak Concept from 2000 to date. He said Wakil also admitted that he held so many positions, “among which are Manager Admin, General Manager Admin and Finance and presently Group General Manager Admin and Finance.’ He said Wakil also stated that he had consistently drawn his monthly salary from his known employer Felak Concept and WishWhich Koncept Limited. He argued that there was no record of Wakil drawing a salary from Oceangate. Besides, the officer said Wakil admitted in his extra-judicial statement that he got all his instructions from Ms Achimugu, the GCEO, and he, in turn, gave the same instructions to Mr Chiroma via telephone conversation. Aliyu described Oceangate as “a briefcase/shell company created as a vehicle for the purpose of holding petroleum related assets procured with funds reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity.” “Hence, describing the company as ‘a professional oil and gas consortium, operating in diverse sectors of the oil and gas sectors of the Nigerian economy,’ is nothing but describing the devil as an angel of light,” Mr Aliyu wrote. He alleged that the modus operandi of Oceangate is to acquire “petroleum-related assets with tainted funds.”

EFCC PRESS RELEASE Court Grants Final Forfeiture of $13m Linked to Achimugu’s Firm to Government Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 granted an order of final forfeiture of the sum of $13 million linked to a business woman, Ms Aisha Achimugu and her Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd, to the federal government. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, dragged Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd before the court regarding the ownership of $13m suspected to be proceeds of fraud and unlawful activities. Delivering judgment in a suit instituted by Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd to claim the funds, Justice Nwite held that the company failed woefully to establish how it came about the money. He, however, stressed that the EFCC succeeded in convincing the court that the funds are proceeds of fraud and should be forfeited to the government. The judge dismissed the claims that the $13 million was gifts received into the Oceangate Engineering Company by Aisha Achimugu adding that the said Aisha never showed up in court to show cause why the funds should not be forfeited to the federal government. Additionally, Justice Nwite said that no single person who gave the monetary gifts to Achimugu to the tune of $13 million was called to testify. The judge held that the burden to establish genuine ownership of the money was not established by the applicant to counter the claims of the EFCC that the money was a proceeds of fraud based on its investigation. According to the judge, Oceangate Engineering Company did not show the business it undertook that fetched it the money and did not also show whether any payment was made to it by of its customer. Justice Nwite had on 22 August 2025, granted the EFCC an interim order forfeiting the $13 million linked to Oceangate to the government. He also directed the Commission to publish the order in a national daily for interested person(s) to show cause within 14 days why the funds should not be permanently forfeited to the government. Justifying the forfeiture moves, EFCC investigator, Usman Aliyu, swore to an affidavit stating that the Commission acted on intelligence that showed that Oceangate Engineering Limited, without following due process, used funds reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity to acquire oil blocks from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). Aliyu insisted that the $13 million used by Oceangate to pay for the Signature Bonuses in respect of PPL302 and PPL3007 were not proceeds of any lawful and legitimate business but rather represent funds reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity. According to him, part of the funds used by Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited to pay for the Signature bonuses in respect of PPL 302 & PPL 3007 was derived from the huge sum of money transferred by a state government to the contractors for the execution of contracts for the benefit of the state. The investigator alleged that there were never any contractual or business relationships between Oceangate and the contractors who transferred the aforementioned public funds to the account of the company (Oceangate Engineering). He said the contractors, who transferred the aforementioned public funds to Oceangate, were neither investors, directors, nor shareholders in Oceangate. But Oceangate, in its affidavit prayed the court not to make the order of final forfeiture of the funds because all the funds were derived partly from legitimate earnings of the company and partly gifts given to the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Company, Aisha Achimugu. But EFCC, in its reply to the affidavit by Oceangate, prayed the court to dismiss the application.

EFCC Commences Investigation of Eight Suspected Oil Thieves in Port Harcourt The Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has commenced investigations of eight suspected oil thieves handed over to it by the Nigeria Navy Ship, NNS Pathfinder, Naval Base, Port Harcourt, Rivers State on March 23, 2026. The suspects were arrested on Sunday, March 22, 2026 by the Anti-COT Team, NNS Pathfinder, during a routine patrol around Degema, Ogbogori and Ogbologo general areas of operation of the Nigeria Navy, Rivers State. The suspects were arrested alongside two boats conveying 44,000 (Forty-Four Thousand) litres of petroleum products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Speaking in the course of the handing over, Lt. Commander J J Jerome who represented the Base Commander stated that “on Saturday, 21 March 2026 at about 22:15 hrs, Anti-COT Team from NNS Pathfinder departed NNS Pathfinder Jetty for routine patrol following credible intelligence on ongoing illegal activities within Degema, Ogbogoro and Ogbologo general areas in Rivers State, at about 01:15 hrs on the 22 March 2026.” “The patrol team encountered a large wooden boat escorted by armed elements suspected to be affiliated with criminal groups who fled on sighting the Naval patrol team. Subsequent search led to the interception of two wooden boats laden with 423 sacs of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), estimated at 44,000 litres. Consequently, eight suspects were arrested in connection with the illegal activities”, he said. Jerome also stated that the handing over of the suspects was in compliance with the Harmonized Standard Operating Procedure on Arrest, Detention and Prosecution of Vessels and Persons in Nigeria’s Maritime Environment. Taking over the suspects and exhibits on behalf of the EFCC, Superintendent of EFCC, SE Emerole Chioma who stood in for the Port Harcourt acting Zonal Director, commended the Navy for its synergy and collaborative efforts in ensuring a safer maritime environment adding that 'it is part of the Commission’s mandate to investigate and prosecute such economic crimes and other related offences". She assured that further investigation and possible prosecution of suspects will be carried out in the interest of justice.

EFCC, CBN Strengthen Collaboration in Enugu The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has called for enhanced collaboration and operational support with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN in Enugu State. The call, made on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 by the Zonal Director, Enugu Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, Commander of the EFCC, CE Daniel Isei came on the heels of a courtesy visit to the Branch Controller, CBN, Enugu State, Otutubuike Justice Agbaeze, in his office. The visit was part of ongoing stakeholder engagements aimed at deepening inter-agency collaboration, promoting accountability in the financial sector and strengthening anti-money laundering measures in the country. Describing the CBN as “our most critical partner in the fight against economic and financial crimes”, Isei noted that both agencies have consistently worked closely on several fronts and joint initiatives over the years and expressed appreciation to the apex bank for its continued support, especially in safeguarding recovered assets. “The CBN naturally stands out as one of our most critical partners in the fight against economic and financial crimes and it serves as a secure repository for valuables recovered by the EFCC and it has greatly enhanced our operations”, he said. While acknowledging the bank’s past cooperation, Isei appealed for more timely responses to the Directorate’s official correspondences, adding that the Commission’s office in Enugu regularly sends numerous requests as part of its investigation processes and emphasized that prompt feedback is essential for timely resolution. “We understand that these requests may be demanding, but timely responses are crucial, as time is of the essence in financial investigations. We therefore seek for your continued indulgence in ensuring that our letters receive expeditious attention”, he said. Responding, Agbaeze reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to sustaining its collaboration with the Commission including providing expert assistance when required. He assured Isei of enhanced synergy “in the interest of financial system stability and national development”.

N12m Theft: Ex-Convict Bags Three Years Imprisonment in Lagos Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, convicted and sentenced an ex-convict, Oluokun Gabriel Adekola, to three years’ imprisonment for theft involving N12 million. Adekola was arraigned on March 16, 2026, by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC, on a one-count amended charge bordering on stealing. Visit efcc.gov.ng for details and more stories.

Court Jails Man Six Months for Naira Abuse in Asaba Justice F. A. Olubanjo of the Federal High Court sitting in Asaba, Delta State on Wednesday March 19, 2026 convicted and sentenced one Agbanashi Young to jail for spraying and abuse of naira notes. Young was convicted on a one- count charge for offence bordering on spraying and matching of naira notes which is contrary to Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007. One of the counts reads: That you Agbanashi Young (m) on or about the 10th of November, 2023 at Akari Etiti Community in Ndokwa East L.G.A of Delta State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court while dancing during a cultural event called "Afor Day" tempered with total sum of N10,000.00 (Ten Thousand Naira) in the denomination of N200 issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying and matching on same  and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21(3) of the Central Bank Act 2007 and punishable under Section 21(1) of the same Act. The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him in court.   Based on his plea, prosecution counsel, Francis Jirbo prayed the court to convict and sentence him accordingly.  However, the defence counsel prayed the court to temper justice with mercy and that the defendant has become remorseful for his action. Justice Olubanjo convicted and sentenced Young to six months imprisonment or a fine of N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) The defendant is to undertake in writing to be of good behaviour going forward. Young’s  road to the Correctional centre began following his arrest by operatives of the Commission for spraying and abusing naira notes  at an event. He was charged to court and convicted.

EFCC Arraigns Man for Alleged N9.87m Theft in Lagos The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ikoyi, on Monday, March 23, 2026, arraigned one Andrew Odekina before Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, over an alleged theft of N9,873,215.00( Nine Million, Eight Hundred and Seventy Three Thousand,  Two Hundred and Fifteen Thousand Naira only) Odekina was docked on a one-count charge bordering on retention of proceeds of criminal conduct, contrary to Section 17(a) and (b) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004. According to the charge, the defendant, alongside others still at large, allegedly received and retained the sum of N9,873,215.00 in his FCMB account in 2025. The charge reads: “Andrew Odekina and other persons at large, sometime in 2025 at Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court received into your FCMB account number 21016691841 and retained control of the sum of N9,873,215 (Nine Million, Eight hundred and Seventy-three thousand, Two hundred and Fifteen Naira), money which forms part of N3, 091,441.849 (Three Billion, Ninety-one Million, Four hundred and Forty-one Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty-Nine Naira) stolen from accounts domiciled with FCMB, through unauthorised access and fraudulent activities on their bank applications". The defendant pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him. Following his plea, prosecution counsel, Babatunde Sonoiki, requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in a Correctional facility pending trial. The defendant was, however, not represented by a counsel at the proceedings. Justice Dada subsequently adjourned the matter till May 11, 2026, for trial and ordered that the defendant be remanded in a Correctional centre.