EFCC Nigeria

Tinubu Applauds  EFCC on  Record- Breaking Achievements … Calls for Stronger Synergy among Anti-Graft Stakeholders President Bola Tinubu has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  for its record-breaking achievements in combating financial crimes, recovering illicit assets and strengthening Nigeria’s international financial standing and called  for stronger collaboration among all stakeholders in the anti-corruption corridor. The President gave the applause in Abuja  on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the opening ceremony of the 8th EFCC/National Judicial Institute, NJI Workshop for Judges and Justices. The workshop is themed:  “Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Financial Crimes in a Digital Age.” Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima,  Tinubu particularly commended the EFCC’s efforts in tackling cryptocurrency fraud and recovering virtual assets, noting that the Commission had demonstrated its determination to stay ahead of evolving criminal methods. “The EFCC’s recent momentum in tackling cryptocurrency fraud and its commendable strides in recovering virtual assets is highly reassuring. These actions signal an agency that is proactive, forward-looking and resolved not to be outpaced by technological innovation,”  he said. In the first 34 months of the current administration of the EFCC, the Commission filed 14,476 cases in court and secured 10, 872 convictions, which represents 75.1 percent conviction-to-filing ratio.          The EFCC  equally recorded 1,370 convictions from 1,889 filings in the first half of 2026. In addition, the Commission recovered N1.233 trillion, $684,478,457.32, £373, 905.78, and €9,343,803.66 in monetary assets. The President cited the successful prosecution and subsequent deportation of 192 foreigners arrested for cyberterrorism and cryptocurrency fraud as evidence of the Commission’s commitment to combating technology-driven crimes. He noted that the increasing sophistication of financial crimes, driven by blockchain technology and artificial intelligence, require continuous capacity building for investigators, prosecutors and judicial officers. “Because these modern threat typologies are constantly mutating, law enforcement and judicial authorities must engage in continuous capacity building to effectively adapt and respond to these evolving threats. Adapting to the shifting dynamics of financial crime and realigning our investigative and prosecutorial strategies is critical to preventing institutional obsolescence,” he said. President Tinubu also pledged the Federal Government’s support for judicial capacity development, stressing that an independent, progressive and reform-minded judiciary was indispensable to achieving meaningful progress in the anti-corruption campaign. He, however, urged the judiciary to strengthen its capacity to adjudicate complex financial crime cases, assuring that his administration would continue to support the sector while respecting judicial independence. He particularly expressed concern that major anti-corruption prosecutions lost on procedural technicalities could undermine public confidence in the justice system. He urged the EFCC and the judiciary to continue to improve on prosecutorial discipline and close loopholes exploited by individuals seeking to frustrate trials. He maintained that the fight against corruption should not be regarded as an Executive agenda alone, but as a collective responsibility of all arms of government. Additionally,  the President acknowledged that the EFCC’s asset recovery efforts had  provided critical fiscal support for social intervention programmes, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND and the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, CREDICORP. In his welcome remarks, Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede said his administration has embarked on operational reforms that now enable the Commission to secure more recoveries and convictions. He also stated that the EFCC is strengthening intelligence-led investigations, forensic capabilities, domestic and international cooperation, while deepening its understanding of emerging financial technologies. “We do not seek simply to investigate more people; we seek to investigate more intelligently. We do not seek merely to prosecute more cases; we seek to prosecute cases that are properly investigated and capable of meeting the required standard of proof. Where assets are recovered, we seek to ensure that the recovery is lawful, transparent and sustainable,” he said. The EFCC’s boss  underscored institutional bottlenecks and procedural delays as some of the barriers to effective prosecution that paralyze complex financial crime proceedings, adding that frivolous adjournments and constant change of counsel stall the wheels of justice. “When financial crime cases are allowed to drift indefinitely, the integrity of the process erodes. Evidence deteriorates and loses its cogency. Witnesses disappear, relocate, or suffer memory lapses.  Public confidence in the judicial system completely evaporates. Justice endlessly delayed is accountability decisively defeated,” he said. Olukoyede told the gathering that “adjudicating corruption cases requires an elevated standard of integrity, judicial courage, and an unswerving commitment to the rule of law. We continue to hold in the highest esteem those jurists who have consistently held the candle of justice aloft in these challenging times.” “We do not urge Your lordships to reinvent the wheel, nor do we suggest the manufacturing of evidence to secure convictions. We ask only for rigorous, expeditious adjudication. Before delivering judgment in any corruption matter, I urge you to resolve a few fundamental questions within your own conscience: Will this verdict encourage or deter financial crimes? How will this decision be measured by the verdict of judicial history decades from now? What colour will this judgment add to the enduring tapestry of your legacy?” He said the goal of anti-corruption efforts was a more cohesive justice system where investigators know exactly what the courts require; prosecutors proactively anticipate evidentiary challenges; forensic specialists translate complex digital data into clear testimonies, and the judiciary understands the sophisticated methods used to perpetrate and conceal financial crime. On her part, Chief Justice of Nigeria,  Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun stressed the need for the judiciary to strengthen its capacity to handle emerging forms of financial crimes in the digital age, while upholding the principles of fair hearing, due process and judicial independence. She noted that cryptocurrency transactions, encrypted communications, electronic records and cross-border financial activities had introduced new complexities into criminal proceedings, requiring judges to understand how digital evidence is obtained, preserved, authenticated and evaluated. She said the seriousness of an allegation must not determine the outcome of a trial, insisting that the prosecution must establish its case through credible and legally admissible evidence. She also emphasised the importance of effective case management under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, urging judges to prevent unnecessary delays without compromising the rights of parties. The Chief Justice said continued judicial education had improved judges’ capacity to handle financial crime cases. She also highlighted Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force’s Grey List on October 24, 2025, as an important milestone requiring sustained institutional commitment. According to her, the judiciary must continue to strengthen its professional standards and competence in adjudicating corruption, money laundering and other financial crimes. She, however, cautioned that institutional cooperation must respect the constitutional independence of the courts, stressing that monitoring and coordination must never extend to influencing judicial decisions. Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption, Senator Emmanuel Udende identified delays in the trial and determination of economic and financial crime cases as a major challenge undermining Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts. He noted that although investigations and prosecutions were essential, their impact was diminished when cases remained unresolved for years. Such delays, he said, weakened deterrence, undermined public confidence, consumed judicial resources and complicated the recovery of public funds. He urged judges to strengthen case management, minimise avoidable adjournments and ensure the timely conclusion of proceedings in accordance with the law. He nevertheless emphasised that expeditious trials must not come at the expense of due process, noting that accused persons were equally entitled to fair hearings within a reasonable time. Udende also called for stronger institutional cooperation and sustained capacity building to address the challenges posed by digital evidence and increasingly sophisticated financial crimes. He urged investigators to present complete and properly organised evidence, prosecutors and defence counsel to discharge their responsibilities diligently, and judges to exercise firm, fair and impartial control over proceedings. He encouraged the EFCC and NJI to sustain their collaboration and develop practical recommendations for improving the handling of digital evidence, reducing delays and strengthening coordination across the criminal justice system. Chairman, House Committee on Financial Crimes, Ginger Obinna Onwusibe called for urgent reforms to address the evidence, speed and legislative gaps undermining the investigation and prosecution of financial crimes in Nigeria. The lawmaker pledged the National Assembly’s support for strengthening the EFCC through adequate funding for forensic laboratories, digital investigation tools and specialised training. He also promised legislative reforms to improve the admissibility of digital evidence, facilitate the management of virtual assets and strengthen the legal framework for combating cybercrime and money laundering. Onwusibe further advocated improved judicial welfare and independence, stressing that an adequately equipped judiciary was essential to effective justice delivery. He challenged judges to demonstrate firmness in deciding financial crime cases, declaring that the EFCC could arrest suspects and the legislature could enact laws, but only the judiciary could convict offenders. He urged participants to build a justice system capable of responding more swiftly and intelligently to technology-driven criminal activities. Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, emphasised that effective prosecution of financial crimes must begin with thorough investigations and the proper handling of digital evidence. He said such evidence must be lawfully obtained, carefully preserved, reliably authenticated and clearly linked to the elements of the alleged offence. He warned that prosecutorial success should not be measured merely by arrests or charges filed, but by the integrity of investigations, fairness of proceedings and sustainability of judicial outcomes. Describing prosecutors as ministers of justice, Fagbemi stressed that their responsibility was to pursue justice through lawful means rather than secure convictions at all costs. He called on investigators, prosecutors, defence counsel and judges to discharge their duties professionally, while ensuring that the pursuit of speed did not undermine fair hearing. Fagbemi also underscored the importance of recovering and managing proceeds of crime, noting that the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022, provides mechanisms for tracing, preserving, recovering and managing illicit assets. He stressed that asset recovery must be supported by credible evidence, proper judicial processes and respect for the rights of affected persons. According to him, improved forensic capacity, information sharing and international assistance were essential to achieving lasting results. He urged institutions to replace rivalry with shared responsibility, insisting that Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts must remain uncompromising in confronting financial crimes while equally protecting the rights of innocent persons and upholding the rule of law. He further called for stronger cooperation among the Ministry of Justice, EFCC, judiciary, financial intelligence institutions and other relevant agencies to combat increasingly borderless financial crimes. The opening ceremony was well-attended by members of the bar and bench,  anti-corruption experts across the country and other stakeholders in the fight against corruption.  The three-day Workshop will end on Thursday,  October 15, 2026.

Recovery: EFCC Hands Over N114 million to Microfinance Bank The Ag. Zonal Director, Benin Zonal Directorate, EFCC, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, Sa'ad Hanafi Sa'ad, on Thursday, October 29, 2026 handed over a draft of N114 million to Samuel Ikechukwu, a top official of a Microfinance Bank, being the sum recovered by the Commission on behalf of the bank. Ikechukwu had in August 2024 petitioned the Commission that one of their customer's accounts was fraudulently hacked and money moved from the account. During investigation, the Commission traced the funds to various suspects including Obumneme Bright who was subsequently arrested. Upon his arrest, the Commission recovered N114 million from him while being on the trail of other suspects. Visit efcc.gov.ng for more stories.

EFCC Re-Arraigns Two for Alleged N78.3m Stealing in Lagos The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, October 29, 2026, re-arraigned Blessing Onyinaya Chimaobi and Uzofor Benson Chinedu before Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, over their alleged involvement in conspiracy, stealing and retention of proceeds of criminal conduct involving Seventy-Eight Million, Three Hundred and Forty Seven Thousand, One Hundred Naira (N78,347,100). The defendants were initially arraigned on February 7, 2024, on a three-count charge of conspiracy and stealing. The prosecution subsequently amended the charges, resulting in a 20-count charge against them. The charges border on conspiracy, contrary to Section 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011; stealing, contrary to Section 285 of the same law; and retention of proceeds of criminal conduct, contrary to Sections 17(a) and (b) of the EFCC Establishment Act, 2004. Count One reads: "Blessing Onyinaya Chimaobi, Uzofor Benson Chinedu and Olisa Charles (at Large) sometimes in 2023 at Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court conspired to defraud one Christopher Onuigbo an aggregate sum of Seventy-Eight Million, Three Hundred and Forty Seven Thousand, One Hundred Naira (N78,347,100). Count Two reads: "Blessing Onyinaya Chimaobi, Uzofor Benson Chinedu and Olisa Charles (at large) sometimes in 2018 through 2023 at Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court dishonestly converted for your own use an aggregate sum of N78,347,100 (Seventy-eight million, three hundred and forty seven thousand, one hundred naira) Property of Christopher Onuigbo." The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to them in court. Following their pleas, prosecution counsel, T. J. Banjo, urged the court to revoke their bail and remand them in a Correctional Facility. He also requested a date for the continuation of the trial. Earlier, Banjo informed the court that the matter was scheduled for cross-examination and that the prosecution had filed an amended information dated October 26, 2026. He urged the court to accept the amended charges and read to the defendants. Defence counsel, Peter Taiwo, did not oppose the prosecution's right to amend the charges but argued that the defence was entitled to adequate time to study the amended information and respond appropriately. Taiwo expressed concern that the prosecution had increased the charges from three to 20, introducing 17 additional counts. He therefore requested an adjournment to enable him to study the new charges and advise his clients accordingly. He also indicated that the defence might apply for the recall of prosecution witnesses one and two, if necessary, in view of the amended charges. The court proceeded to take the defendants' pleas before adjourning the matter. Justice Fadipe adjourned the matter to February 10, 11, 16 and 17, 2027, for the continuation of trial.

The Gombe Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over a bank draft valued at ₦1,054,919,532.61( One Billion, Fifty Four Million, Nine Hundred and Nineteen Thousand, Five Hundred and Thirty Two Naira, Sixty One kobo) to 659 Batch D1 disengaged staff of the Adamawa State Post-Primary Schools Management Board, representing funds recovered in the course of an investigation.   Speaking at the brief handover ceremony, the Acting Zonal Director of the Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC,   ACE I Austine Adache, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to accountability, justice and  restitution of recovered funds to their rightful beneficiaries. He emphasised that the EFCC remained committed to ensuring that victims of financial misconduct receive appropriate redress in accordance with the law.   Leading the beneficiaries, their counsel, Luka Musa Haruna, SAN, who received the bank draft on their behalf, expressed profound appreciation to the Commission for its painstaking investigation and commitment to securing the recovery.    He stated that he had consistently maintained confidence in the EFCC’s capacity to combat economic and financial crimes in Nigeria.   Similarly, Abraham B. Song, the petitioner whose complaint initiated the investigation, commended the Commission for its prompt intervention. He noted that the recovered funds would significantly alleviate the financial losses and hardship suffered by the affected staff.   The recovery followed a petition submitted to the EFCC in 2024 by  Song, who alleged that the beneficiaries were employed by the Adamawa State Government in 2012 and served for 29 months in various secondary schools across the state. According to the petitioner, their appointments were declared illegal by the state government in 2014, following which the affected staff instituted proceedings before the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Yola Judicial Division, sitting in Jos. The court subsequently ordered the Adamawa State Government to pay their outstanding entitlements. However, the alleged failure to comply with the court’s order resulted in garnishee proceedings against the state government’s accounts.    In the course of its investigation, the EFCC reportedly received intelligence indicating a potential risk of suspicious misapplication of the funds. The Commission consequently took steps to preserve the funds pending the outcome of its investigation, ultimately facilitating their recovery and restitution to the beneficiaries.   The recovery and subsequent handover underscore the EFCC’s commitment to protecting the interests of victims of financial wrongdoing and ensuring that recovered proceeds are returned to their rightful owners. The handover marks a significant milestone for the affected staff, who have pursued the payment of their entitlements for years, and demonstrates the importance of effective investigation and inter-agency engagement in the recovery and restitution of funds.

EFCC Arraigns One for Alleged N5.1m Fraud in Maiduguri   The Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, arraigned one Bello Muhammad Kaloma (a.k.a Muhammad Auwal) before Justice Aminu Garba of the Bauchi Federal High Court, Bauchi State. The defendant was arraigned on a four -count charge bordering on obtaining under false pretence and money laundering to the tune of Six Million, One Hundred and Sixty Thousand Naira (N6, 160,000.00) by fraud. Count one reads: “That you Bello Muhammad Kaloma (a.k.a Muhammad Auwal) “M” on or about the 23rd day of April, 2025 within the jurisdiction of this honourable court with intent to defraud obtained the aggregate sum of Five Million, Seven Hundred Thousand Naira (N5,700,000.00)  via electronic transfer from MB Modi Logistics Nigeria Ltd, a Company belonging to one Musa Umar Ibrahim to your personal account Bello Muhammad Kaloma, account Number 2179366014 domiciled in First City Monument Bank (FCMB) under the false pretence that the said sum is for the purchase of an auctioned Tractor by the Executive Chairman of Ganjuwa Local Government Area, a pretext knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 20006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.” The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when it was read to him and counsel for the prosecution,  M.T Iko prayed the court for a trial date and to remand the defendant in a Correctional Centre. Justice Garba thereafter adjourned till October 30,   2026 for trial and remanded the defendant in the Correctional Centre. The defendant’s journey to the Correctional facility started when Kaloma approached the petitioner and informed him that his boss wanted to auction a Tractor in the sum of N6,160,000.00 and after the money was sent in two tranches, neither the tractor was delivered nor the money refunded to the petitioner.

FBI Commends Olukoyede,  EFCC for Support in Tackling Sextortion,  Cybercrimes   The Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI @FBI , has commended the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr.  Ola Olukoyede and the Commission for their efforts and vital role in Operation Artemis, a joint international effort to disrupt financially motivated sextortion networks targeting minors. The commendation was conveyed in a letter signed by the FBI Director, Kash Patel @FBIDirectorKash , who praised the Commission for its collaboration with the Bureau in the arrest and extradition of suspects facing federal charges in the United States. In the letter addressed to Olukoyede, Patel acknowledged the Commission’s contribution to the operation, stating that “the Economic and Crimes Commission, EFCC, has played a vital role in Operation Artemis, a joint effort focused on disrupting financially motivated sextortion rings targeting juveniles.” He said that under Olukoyede’s leadership, the EFCC designated personnel to support the investigations and facilitate the movement of suspects out of Nigeria to face prosecution in the United States. Specifically, the FBI Director commended the EFCC for apprehending Adebola Festus Adekunle and Mudashiru Afeez Olawale, who were indicted in the United States in 2023 over allegations relating to the sexual exploitation and extortion of minors. The two suspects were extradited to the United States in August 2026, with the EFCC facilitating the process following investigations and extradition proceedings. They are facing federal charges relating to sexual exploitation involving the deaths of minors. Patel noted that the successful outcome of the cases would not have been possible without the EFCC’s assistance and commitment to international law enforcement cooperation. “The successful outcome of these cases would not have been possible without your assistance and dedication to international law enforcement collaboration,” he said. The FBI Director further expressed appreciation to Olukoyede and the Commission for their commitment to justice and continued cooperation, while expressing optimism about strengthening the partnership between both agencies. “Please accept my sincere appreciation for your commitment to justice and steadfast cooperation. I look forward to the continued partnership with the EFCC,” he stated in the letter. The extradition of Adekunle and Olawale followed FBI investigations into separate sextortion schemes targeting male minors in the United States. The investigations linked the alleged activities to two teenage victims who died by suicide after being subjected to online sexual exploitation and extortion.

The Japanese Ambassador-Designate to Nigeria,  His Excellency,  Hideo Suzuki Paid a Courtesy Visit to the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede in his office today,  October 28, 2026. He was accompanied  on the visit by First Secretary, Security,  Yuji Murakami  and Senior Information Analyst,  Dogara Ankut.