Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: EFCC

  • Former Governor El-Rufai Set to Return to Nigeria and Face EFCC Inquiry

    Former Governor El-Rufai Set to Return to Nigeria and Face EFCC Inquiry

    According to Premium Times reporting in an exclusive update, Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, is expected to return to Nigeria within the next 48 hours. Contrary to ongoing rumors that he was in self-imposed exile, sources close to the former governor confirm that he has already notified the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of his intention to appear at their office. He is scheduled to meet with investigators at 10 a.m. on Monday, February 16.

    The return of the high-profile politician comes amid various investigations into his eight-year tenure as governor. El-Rufai, who has recently aligned himself with the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), has alleged that the current administration is using state institutions to exert political pressure on opposition figures. His voluntary return is seen by many as a move to clear his name and re-engage with the Nigerian political scene ahead of future electoral cycles.

    Sources indicate that the EFCC inquiry will likely center on financial allocations and urban renewal projects undertaken during his administration. El-Rufai has maintained that his actions were always in the best interest of Kaduna State and has expressed readiness to defend his record. His homecoming is expected to be a major political event, potentially shifting the dynamics within the opposition bloc.

    Validating this, The Nation reports that “security at the EFCC headquarters is being reviewed ahead of the high-profile visit.” Vanguard also confirmed the story, quoting an ADC chieftain who said, “The former governor is coming back to show that he has nothing to hide from the public.”

    Echotitbits take: El-Rufai remains one of Nigeria’s most polarizing and influential political figures. His decision to face the EFCC directly, rather than fighting from abroad, suggests a calculated strategy to reclaim his political narrative. This could be the start of a long-drawn legal and political battle.

    Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/856066-el-rufai-im-on-my-way-back-to-nigeria.html, February 12, 2026

    Photo credit: Premium Times

  • Former Benue Electoral Chief Arraigned Over Alleged N1.1 Billion Fraud

    Former Benue Electoral Chief Arraigned Over Alleged N1.1 Billion Fraud

    Reporting by Tribune Online indicates that the EFCC arraigned Tersoo Loko, former chairman of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC), alongside 10 others, on a 30-count charge involving alleged misappropriation and money laundering totaling about N1.1 billion. Prosecutors allege that funds meant for the 2020 and 2022 local government elections were diverted through front companies and false records.

    The court heard that out of an alleged N1.6 billion allocation, only about N565 million could be accounted for. The case has been adjourned as the court considers bail applications, with the defendants reportedly remaining in custody pending decisions.

    Daily Post verified the proceedings in Makurdi, and Vanguard quoted prosecutors describing the allegations as a brazen diversion of resources intended for grassroots democracy.

    Echotitbits take: State-level electoral corruption is a major reason local government polls are widely viewed as pre-determined. If the EFCC secures a strong conviction, it could become a deterrent ahead of the 2027 cycle—especially for officials managing electoral logistics and procurement.

    Source: Facebook — https://web.facebook.com/officialefcc/posts/efcc-arraigns-dr-tersoo-joseph-loko-ex-benue-state-independent-electoral-commiss/1440941081402424/?_rdc=1&_rdr#2026-01-29

    Photo Credit:Facebook

  • Governance and Corruption: NAHCON Board Petitions Tinubu Over Chairman

    Governance and Corruption: NAHCON Board Petitions Tinubu Over Chairman

    Governance and Corruption: NAHCON Board Petitions Tinubu Over Chairman

    NAHCON board members have petitioned President Bola Tinubu seeking the removal of Chairman Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, citing alleged financial indiscipline and contract-award concerns amid a vote of no confidence.

    Additional coverage across Nigerian media and stakeholder reactions indicate that the implications of the development will be closely watched in the coming days as policy, security, and market signals evolve.

    Echotitbits take: Hajj operations are politically and religiously sensitive. A swift response is likely, as any disruption to 2026 pilgrimage planning could trigger backlash and reputational damage.

    Source: SaharaReporters – https://saharareporters.com/2026/01/22/nigerias-hajj-commission-board-petitions-tinubu-seeks-removal-chairman-over-corruption (2026-01-22)

    Photo credit: SaharaReporters

    2026-01-22 15:00:00

     

  • EFCC Alleges Coordinated Media Campaign to Undermine Ongoing Investigations

    EFCC Alleges Coordinated Media Campaign to Undermine Ongoing Investigations

    Evidence compiled by Vanguard suggests the EFCC has raised an alarm over what it called a coordinated ‘campaign of calumny’ allegedly sponsored by suspects and other actors to discredit the agency and its leadership.

    The commission said the narratives are designed to frame investigations as politically motivated and to pressure the agency away from prosecutions and asset recovery efforts.

    EFCC officials urged the public to be cautious about unverified claims circulating online.

    **Echotitbits take:** Public smear campaigns often spike when investigations get close to sensitive targets. Watch for whether EFCC releases supporting details, and how institutions manage the balance between transparency and ongoing case integrity.
    Source: PmNews – https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2026/01/08/efcc-alleges-coordinated-smear-campaign-ahead-of-2027-elections/ 2026-01-08

    Photo Credit: PmNews

  • Federal High Court Denies Bail to Bauchi Finance Commissioner in Terror Probe

    Federal High Court Denies Bail to Bauchi Finance Commissioner in Terror Probe

    According to The Guardian, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has refused bail to Yakubu Adamu, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, and three others facing charges of terrorism financing and money laundering. The court’s decision follows an arraignment on a 10-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC has dismissed claims by Governor Bala Mohammed that the trial is a political witch-hunt. Wilson Uwujaren, the commission’s Director of Public Affairs, stated that the agency operates independently and is not acting on political instructions, despite the governor’s allegations that he is being targeted for refusing to defect to the ruling party. The case was also covered by Premium Times and Daily Post. Premium Times detailed that the ‘defendants were arraigned on Wednesday, December 31, 2025,’ while Daily Post reported that the court has ‘adjourned the case till January 6’ for further hearing on the substantive matter.

    Echotitbits take: This case is a high-stakes legal battle that tests the independence of the EFCC. If the prosecution proves terrorism financing, it could have massive political ramifications for the Bauchi state government. Watch for the evidence presented in the next hearing to see if the ‘political harassment’ narrative holds weight.

    Source: ThePunch  – https://punchng.com/terror-financing-court-denies-bauchi-commissioner-bail-cites-national-security/ January 6 2026

    Photo Credit: ThePunch

  • Tinubu appoints Rotimi Oyedepo as Director of Public Prosecutions

    Tinubu appoints Rotimi Oyedepo as Director of Public Prosecutions

    2025-12-31 09:42:00

    In an update published by PUNCH, President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Rotimi Oyedepo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, as Director of Public Prosecutions in the Federal Ministry of Justice.

    Oyedepo is widely known for high‑profile prosecution work, including corruption and financial‑crime cases, and the appointment is seen as a signal about prosecutorial priorities heading into 2026.

    The move comes amid renewed debates about justice-sector reforms, case backlogs and the credibility of anti‑corruption enforcement.

    A State House statement said the president “approves appointment of Rotimi Oyedepo as Director of Public Prosecutions,” while Premium Times reported Tinubu “gives top EFCC lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo new appointment.”

    Echotitbits take: The DPP role is pivotal for consistency across sensitive cases. Watch the first 100 days: guidelines for plea bargains, asset-recovery priorities, and how prosecution teams coordinate with EFCC/ICPC/Police without politicising decisions.

    Source: PUNCH — December 31, 2025 (https://punchng.com/tinubu-appoints-oyedepo-director-of-public-prosecution/)

    PUNCH December 31, 2025

    Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

  • EFCC arraigns Malami, wife, son over alleged ₦8.7bn money laundering

    EFCC arraigns Malami, wife, son over alleged ₦8.7bn money laundering

    2025-12-31 08:49:00

    In a report carried by PUNCH, the EFCC has arraigned former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami alongside his wife and son in an Abuja court over alleged ₦8.7bn money laundering, with proceedings focusing on the agency’s stated charges and the defendants’ responses.

    The case is one of the most politically sensitive anti-graft developments of the period, given Malami’s former role at the centre of federal legal and justice architecture.

    Beyond courtroom drama, the prosecution’s ability to present clean money trails—and the defence’s ability to challenge them—will shape how the public reads the credibility of the anti-corruption push.

    Validation: EFCC said “a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy… and laundering proceeds of unlawful activity.” and Premium Times reported “conspired to disguise the origin of funds… in violation of the Money Laundering… Acts.”

    Echotitbits take: This is a test-case for high-profile prosecution quality—paperwork, evidence integrity, and judicial pace. Watch adjournments, bail terms, and whether related asset actions (if any) emerge.

    Source: The Punch — 31 December 2025 (https://punchng.com/money-laundering-malami-wife-son-to-spend-new-year-in-prison/)

    The Punch 31 December 2025

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Former AGF Malami Arraigned as EFCC Intensifies High-Profile Probes

    Former AGF Malami Arraigned as EFCC Intensifies High-Profile Probes

    2025-12-30 16:00:00

    In a report by Vanguard, the EFCC arraigned former Attorney‑General Abubakar Malami on money‑laundering allegations tied to claims of asset acquisitions and concealment of funds.

    The report said prosecutors outlined an alleged scheme involving co‑defendants and corporate structures used to disguise the origin of money and acquire properties indirectly.

    The case is part of a broader anti‑corruption drive targeting former senior officials and testing the strength of Nigeria’s asset‑tracing and prosecution process.

    Premium Times reported that the EFCC alleges Malami and others conspired to “disguise the origin of funds” and acquire properties indirectly. TVC News highlighted a specific allegation that the defendants used a company “to conceal the unlawful source of over N1.014 billion.”

    Echotitbits take: High‑profile cases rise or fall on evidence discipline and process integrity. Watch the court’s posture on compliance, the asset‑tracing trail, and whether prosecutors keep the case tight enough to survive procedural challenges.

    Source: Vanguard — December 30, 2025 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/12/efcc-arraigns-malami-today-for-money-laundering/)

    Vanguard 2025-12-30

    Photo Credit: Vanguard

  • Lagos court remands Nigerian sought by US in $1.24m fraud case

    Lagos court remands Nigerian sought by US in $1.24m fraud case

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-24 07:12:00

    Reporting by Punch indicates a Lagos court has ordered the remand of a Nigerian man sought by US authorities over alleged fraud linked to about $1.24 million, as extradition-related legal processes begin to take shape.

    The case underlines the expanding pipeline of cross-border financial crime cooperation—where US agencies pursue suspects abroad and request provisional arrest or extradition through local courts.

    At the Nigerian end, the key issues often include identity verification, due process, and whether the alleged offences meet extradition thresholds under applicable treaties and Nigerian law.

    For diaspora watchers, the story is also a reminder that digital fraud cases increasingly leave multi-jurisdiction evidence trails—emails, transfers, and platform logs that enable prosecutions across borders.

    TVC News reported the suspect was “wanted in the United States” over fraud allegations, while Leadership similarly described the remand as part of steps tied to an extradition request in the case.

    Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s credibility in global financial policing matters—especially for banking access, correspondent relationships, and diaspora remittances. Watch for how fast courts handle extradition hearings and whether agencies improve prosecution capacity so more cases are tried locally where appropriate.

    Source: The  Punch — December 24, 2025 (https://punchng.com/lagos-court-remands-nigerian-wanted-in-us-for-1-24m-fraud/)
    The Punch 2025-12-24

  • EFCC refinery investigation drags on as Nigerians press for named suspects and charges

    EFCC refinery investigation drags on as Nigerians press for named suspects and charges

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-21 00:40:00

    Reporting by The Punch indicates the EFCC’s probe into alleged mismanagement of billions allocated to state refinery rehabilitation remains unresolved months after invitations and reported recoveries, with no suspects arraigned.

    The report says investigators are looking at how funds for Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries were spent without commensurate improvements in output, as civil society groups warn delays deepen perceptions of selective enforcement.

    In the piece, advocacy groups argue prolonged silence can weaken public confidence and create room for interference, while the economic cost of non-performing refineries remains a recurring policy sore point.

    BusinessDay reported the EFCC opened investigations into alleged abuse of office and misappropriation tied to refinery funds, describing it as “an investigation into alleged abuse of office and misappropriation of funds.” The Punch also quoted an anti-corruption advocate urging action, saying, “It baffles us that nothing has been heard from the EFCC after over six months.”

    Echotitbits take:
    The credibility marker is court action: charges filed, defendants named, and a clear recovery/prosecution track. Watch for any formal arraignments, asset recovery disclosures, and whether NNPCL’s governance reforms alter how such projects are procured and audited.

    Source: The Punch — December 21, 2025 (https://punchng.com/nnpc-refinery-probe-drags-as-efcc-keeps-mum-on-suspects/)
    The Punch 2025-12-21