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EFCC Secures Final Forfeiture of University, Radio Station, 46 Other Properties Linked to Malami

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, secured the final forfeiture of 48 properties linked to a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Among the forfeited properties are  Rayhaan University, Kebbi State, including the Rayhaan University Permanent Site, Rayhaan University Temporary Site, Rayhaan University Third Site, the Rayhaan University Vice Chancellor's House and  Rayhaan Radio along Sani Abacha Bypass Road, Birnin Kebbi.

Delivering judgment, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, held that the Commission had successfully established that the properties were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities and were not acquired from lawful sources of income.

The properties finally forfeited to the Federal Government are: a luxury duplex at Amazon Street, Plot No. 3011 within Cadastral Zone A06, Maitama District, Abuja (File No. AN 11352); a two-winged large three-storey building situated at No. 3 Onitsha Crescent, Area 11, Garki, Cadastral Zone A03, Abuja (formerly Harmonia Hotels Limited); Plot 683, Jabi District, Cadastral Zone B04, comprising a five-storey building (now luxurious Meethaq Hotels Ltd., Jabi, with 53 rooms/suites); Property No. 3130 within Cadastral Zone A04, Asokoro District, FCT, Abuja, comprising terraces; Property No. 3 Rhine Street, Maitama, Abuja (Meethaq Hotels Ltd., Maitama, with 15 rooms); and Plot No. 1241B, Asokoro District (No. 11A Yakubu Gowon Crescent), Asokoro District.

Others are: Shop No. C52, Citiscape – Shariff Plaza, Plot 739, Cadastral Zone A07, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II, FCT, Abuja; No. 4 Ahmadu Bello Way, Nasarawa GRA, Kano; Plot 157, Lamido Nasarawa GRA, Kano; a commercial plaza comprising commercial toilets, laundering facilities, warehouse tanks adjacent to Birnin Kebbi Market; 100 hectares of land along Birnin Kebbi–Jega Road; and another 100 hectares of land along Birnin Kebbi–Jega Road.

Others are: a four-bedroom bungalow at Gesse Phase II, Birnin Kebbi; Shops Nos. A36 and B3, Vegas Mall, Wuse II, Abuja; No. 26 Babbi Drive, BUA Estate, Abuja; No. 27 EFAB Estate, 5th Avenue, 59th Crescent, Gwarimpa, Abuja; a four-bedroom house with two-room boys' quarters at No. 10B Doka Crescent, Abakpa GRA, Kaduna; Plot No. 13, IPENT 7 Estate, Karsana District, Abuja; a bedroom duplex with boys' quarters at No. 12 Yalinga Street, off Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja; two warehouse shops B40 and B46, Wuse Market, Abuja; acquisition of twin houses at Zone E, Apo Legislative Quarters, Cadastral Zone B01, Plot 1401, Gudu District, Abuja; and properties acquired by Khadimiyya for Justice & Development Initiative at the Academic Garden City, Birnin Kebbi, sold by the Federal Housing Authority Mortgage, namely: nine units of three-bedroom bungalows, three units of two-bedroom bungalows, and 5.4 hectares of land.

Also forfeited are the Rayhaan Agro Allied Factory in Kebbi State, including the factory buildings, factory machines and plant units, factory mosque, Rayhaan Mill staff quarters, and the Rayhaan Bustan Building.
 Others are assets at Azbir Arena, Kebbi State, including Azbir Hotel, Printing Press, Gallery, Gardens, Mosque, Azbir Clothing, and Azbir Pharmacy and Supermarket.
Other forfeited properties include the Al-Afiya Energy tanker garage opposite Rayhaan University Health Centre along Sani Abacha Bypass Road, Birnin Kebbi; Rayhaan Security House off Sani Abacha Bypass, Birnin Kebbi; an uncompleted two-storey plaza located opposite Central Motor Park (Eastern Park), Birnin Kebbi; Amasdul Oil and Gas Ltd. filling station structure along Sani Abacha Bypass Road, Birnin Kebbi, near Jambali Automobile Workshop; the assets of Zeennoor Hotel at Kabuga Satellite Town, off Gwarzo Road, Kano, with 131 rooms; Zeennoor Mosque at Kabuga Satellite Town, off Gwarzo Road, Kano; and the old Zeennoor Hotel building.

It would be recalled that on January 6, 2026,  Justice Emeka Nwite granted the interim forfeiture order following an ex parte motion moved by counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN.
Sequel to the granting of the interim forfeiture order, and in compliance with the order of the court, the EFCC published the interim order in national dailies, inviting interested persons to come forward and show cause why the final forfeiture order should not be granted in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The EFCC subsequently filed a motion for the final forfeiture of all the properties.

Meanwhile, following the publication of the interim order, Mr. Malami, SAN, and 14 other persons, mainly his family members and associates, filed applications to show cause and also urged the court to set aside the interim forfeiture order on the properties. They further challenged the jurisdiction of the court to grant the order and urged it not to grant the final forfeiture order.

The case was heard before  Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on May 27, 2026, and the matter was thereafter adjourned for judgment.

Delivering judgment on Wednesday,  the court held that the EFCC had sufficiently established that the 48 properties were reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities, and that the respondents failed to discharge the evidential burden placed on them, as they could not show the legitimate sources of the funds used in acquiring the properties.

The court further held that the respondents merely claimed ownership of the properties without providing proof of how they acquired them with funds from lawful sources.

According to the court, non conviction-based forfeiture proceedings require respondents to adduce evidence showing the lawful sources of the funds used in acquiring the properties, and not merely make bare assertions of ownership.

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Lagos Court Jails One for Money Laundering, Four Bureau de Change Operators for Illegal Forex Trading.

Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Thursday, July 30, 2026, convicted and sentenced one Sunmonu Olasunkanmi Thaoban to four years’ imprisonment for money laundering.

Sunmonu was arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC on a two-count charge bordering on money laundering.

One of the counts reads:

“That you, Sunmonu Thaoban Olasunkanmi, sometime in 2023, in Lagos and within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst acting as a middleman, indirectly disguised the origin of the sum of ₦16,000,000 (Sixteen Million Naira), being illicit gains accrued from your unlawful act, by converting same to a black G-Wagon Jeep, 2018 model, with chassis number 1C4HJWEGJL893461, which vehicle forms part of the proceeds of your unlawful activity, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(a) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”

The defendant pleaded guilty to both count charges.

Following his guilty plea, the prosecution counsel, H. U. Kofarnaisa, reviewed the facts of the case and urged the court to convict and sentence him accordingly.

Justice Aluko found Sunmonu guilty and sentenced him to four years’ imprisonment, with an option of a ₦1.8 million fine.

The court also ordered the forfeiture of the convict’s black G-Wagon Jeep and mobile device to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

In a related development, the court also convicted and sentenced four Bureau de Change (BDC) operators to 12 months’ imprisonment each for engaging in illegal foreign exchange transactions.

The convicts, Umar Muhammad Lamido, Yusuf Musa Yusuf, Abdulmuhimin Mahmud, and Muhammed Musa, were prosecuted by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ikoyi, on separate one-count charges bordering on illegal foreign exchange operations.

One of the charges against Abdulmuhimin Mahmud reads:

“That you, ABDULMUMIN MAHMUD, on the 23rd of July, 2026, in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, engaged in a foreign exchange transaction other than through the official foreign exchange market and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 11(1)(a) of the National Economic Intelligence Committee Establishment (Etc.) Act, 1994 and punishable under Section 11(2) of the same Act.”

The defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges.

Following their guilty pleas, the prosecution counsel, H. U. Kofarnaisa, reviewed the facts of the cases and urged the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.

Justice Aluko convicted the four defendants and sentenced each of them to 12 months’ imprisonment, with an option of a ₦100,000 fine.

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Olukoyede Cautions Public Officials against Fraudulent Practices

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, on Thursday, July 30, 2026, cautioned public officials across the country against fraudulent practices, stressing that public service is a responsibility to protect public resources rather than an opportunity for self-enrichment and compromises.

He gave the caution in Abuja on Wednesday,  July 30, 2026  while speaking at a two-day induction programme organised by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms.

The programme, themed "Institutional Governance and Regulatory Compliance," was organised for CEO, Chairman and Members of the Governing Board of South-South Development Commission, SSDC.

Speaking on “The Role of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in Improving Accountability in the Public Service,” the EFCC’s boss said accountability required that public resources be managed ethically, efficiently and in the best interest of citizens.  He, however, noted that corruption has continued to frustrate prudent management of government resources in Nigeria.

"Annual losses to corruption in Nigeria's Public Service run into billions of naira as resources for the provision of physical infrastructure and social services are often converted to private use by public servants”,  he said.

Olukoyede identified common forms of corruption in the public service to include outright stealing from the treasury, diversion of public funds, bribery and kickbacks, misappropriation of funds, procurement and contract fraud, payroll and pension fraud, as well as duty tour allowance fraud.

Drawing from his experience in regulatory compliance, he described contract fraud as the most prevalent form of corruption in the public sector. "From my experience in regulatory compliance, by far the most common form of corruption within the public service space is contract fraud, where those who lead government establishments set out to enrich themselves by rigging the procurement process."

According to him,   contract fraud often manifests through contract splitting to evade approval limits, bid manipulation in favour of preferred contractors or entities in which public officials have interests, the award of contracts to unqualified companies, and payments for poorly executed or unexecuted contracts.

Recalling the rationale for the establishment of the EFCC,  Olukoyede said the Commission came to life  in 2003 owing to the need to combat corruption as well as economic and financial crimes in both the public and private sectors through investigations, prosecutions, asset recovery and public education.

He pointed at  limited resources and manpower, inadequate public support, widespread cynicism, delays in prosecuting high-profile corruption cases, and persistent but largely unsubstantiated allegations of selective investigations, as some of the challenges confronting the anti-corruption fight.

Addressing participants directly, the anti-graft czar urged them to resist the temptation of viewing their appointments as opportunities to enrich themselves.  "I imagine that you all have been receiving tons of congratulatory messages on your appointment, and those close to you would have reminded you that this is an opportunity to grab a slice of the proverbial national cake. Please, tread with caution. Public service is not an invitation to loot the treasury."

He advised the officials to familiarise themselves with the Financial Regulations, Public Service Rules and the Procurement Act, ensuring strict compliance with all extant regulations to avoid investigations and prosecution for corruption-related offences.

Olukoyede further warned them against engaging in businesses incompatible with public office, operating foreign bank accounts, seeking contracts from the institutions they serve either directly or through proxies, and conducting financial transactions outside recognised financial institutions.

"As a member of the SSDC, familiarise yourself with the Procurement Act and be guided. You should not be jostling for contracts from the SSDC either directly or through fronts,” he said.   He also encouraged the officials to maintain proper records of all financial transactions and exercise caution before endorsing official documents.  "Before you sign that document, study it. Your signature is your name and integrity. Guard it,” he said.

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EFCC Arraigns Director, Company for Alleged Issuance of N10m Dud Cheque

The Abuja Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned Rhas Nigeria Limited and its director, Liwa Sarirddine before Justice A.H. Musa of the Federal Capital Territory High Court for fraud.

They were arraigned on a one-count charge, bordering on alleged issuance of dud cheque to the tune of N10 million.

The charge read: “That you Rhas Nigeria limited and Liwa Sarirddine (being the director of the said Rhas Nigeria Limited, sometime in 2020 in Abuja within the judicial division of this Honourable Court did obtain credit from Ismail and Partners in the sum of N10,000,000.00 (Ten million naira) by means of a cheque dated 15th/10/2020 which when presented for payment within three months of the date, was dishonoured and returned on the ground that there was no sufficient credit standing in the account for which the cheque was drawn and you there by committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (b) of the Dishonoured Cheque (Offences) Act Cap. D11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and punishable under Section 1(1) (i) and 1(1)(ii) of the same Act.”

Sarirddine pleaded “not guilty” on his behalf and that of the company, following which prosecution counsel Mariya .U. Shariff asked the court for a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in a Correctional facility, while the defence counsel applied for the bail of the defendant, which the prosecution did not oppose.

Justice Musa granted the defendant bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in like sum, one of whom must be a Level 10 civil servant. Additionally, both sureties must depose to an affidavit which will be verified by the court registrar.

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EFCC Arraigns Man for Alleged N15m Fraud in Abuja

The Abuja Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday July 30, 2026, arraigned one Aminu Datti Ahmed before Justice M.S. Idris of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Jabi, Abuja for fraud.

He was arraigned on a one-count charge, bordering on misappropriation of funds to the tune of N15 million.

The charge reads: “That you, Aminu Datti Ahmed and Blackrock Apartments & Suites Limited, sometime in 2025 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, dishonestly converted to your personal use the sum of N15, 000, 000.00 (Fifteen Million Naira, only), which was mistakenly credited to Taj Bank account, with account No. 0000251807 belonging to Aminu Datti Ahmed, CEO of Blackrock Apartments & Suites Limited which the said sum was meant to be credited to Braverock Investment Limited, as part of scheduled payments for a property being acquired through the said firm and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 308 of the Penal Code Law, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and punishable under Section 309 of the same Law.”

He pleaded not guilty to the charge, following which prosecuting counsel N.M. Tertsua asked the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded in a Correctional centre, while the defence counsel, Isyaku Musa, applied for his bail, which was not opposed to by the prosecution.

Justice Idris granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N10 million with two sureties, one of whom must be a businessman with business certificate, who must swear to an affidavit on the bail bond.

The matter was adjourned till October 21, 2026, for commencement of trial.

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Alleged $5.3m Fraud:  EFCC Arraigns Four for Money Laundering in Lagos

The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, arraigned four persons before Justice F. N. Ogazi of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, for alleged money laundering involving a total sum of $5,296,691( Five Thousand,  Two Hundred and Ninety Six United States Dollars,  Six Hundred and Ninety One cents).

The defendants, Bamidele Ayodele Emmanuel,  Abdullah Oriyomi, Garuba Fathiat Funmilayo and Gbenro Victor Ademola, were arraigned separately on a two-count charge each bordering on money laundering, contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Count One against Bamidele Ayodele Emmanuel reads: "That you, BAMIDELE AYODELE EMMANUEL, between 1 and 31st January, 2025, in Lagos and within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, directly retained the sum of $826,691 (Eight Hundred and Twenty-Six Thousand, Six Hundred and Ninety-One United States Dollars) in your account, No. 0126008755 domiciled in Wema Bank, which you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022."

They all pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read to them.

Following their guilty pleas, prosecution counsel, Bilkisu Buhari, reviewed the facts of the cases before the court.  She informed the court that investigations revealed that the defendants admitted surrendering their personal information to one Afeez Animashaun, who approached them at Mushin Market, Lagos, where they conducted their respective businesses.

Buhari further disclosed that investigations established that the defendants' identities were used to incorporate these companies; College Compass Eduguide Nigeria Limited, Hortifresh Solutions Nigeria Limited, Eduboost Innovation Nigeria Limited, Fixit Hardware and Tools Nigeria Limited, and also open corporate bank accounts through which millions of dollars were received within January 2025.

According to the prosecution, the defendants' actions provided anonymity for the actual operators of the company and facilitated the movement of suspicious funds through the Nigerian financial system.

She thereafter urged the court to convict the defendants as charged and impose appropriate sentences.

Justice Ogazi remanded the defendants in a Correctional facility and adjourned the matter till Tuesday, August 4, 2026, for judgment.

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EFCC, NBA Deepen Cooperation in the Fight against Graft

The EFCC and the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, have agreed to deepen existing cooperation in the fight against graft.

The agreement was reached on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, during a courtesy visit of the executive of the Makurdi branch of the NBA, led by Barrister Joseph Gbagyo, to the Makurdi Zonal Director of the Commission, ACE I Effa Imoh Okim, in his office in Makurdi. The NBA chairman commended the existing cooperation between EFCC and Legal Practitioners in Benue State, while stating that the visit reflects shared commitment to promoting the rule of law, strengthening the administration of criminal justice system, combating financial crimes and advancing accountability and transparency. Visit https://t.co/X42MHgyeYD for details and more stories.

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Army Applauds EFCC's Strides in Anti- Graft Fight

The Commander of the 3 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Kano, Brigadier General S.A Jimoh, has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for its steadfast commitment to fighting corruption, describing the agency as the nation’s indispensable watchdog.

Jimoh made the remarks on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 while paying a courtesy visit to the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC Kano Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Friday S. Ebelo, at the Commission's office in Kano.

The visit was aimed at strengthening the existing synergy between the Nigerian Army and the EFCC in the ongoing battle against economic and financial crimes and insecurity.

Expressing delight about the works of the EFCC, Jimoh pointed out that " One can only imagine the state of this country without the EFCC. The level of corruption and financial malpractices would have been unimaginable. The Commission has proven itself to be the watchdog of this nation, and we are committed to further cementing the relationship between our two institutions"

He also lauded the professionalism of the EFCC, noting that the collaboration between the military and the anti-graft agency remains crucial for national security and economic stability.

He expressed concerns about the prevalence of cybercrime among Nigerian youths, urging the EFCC to intensify its efforts in tackling the menace that poses a significant threat to the country's reputation and the future of its young population.

In his response, Ebelo, assured the Army Commander of the Commission's unwavering support, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency cooperation.

“The EFCC is ready to work with the Nigerian Army at any time. We are just a phone call away. We must treat one another as children of the same father with different mothers serving the same mandate which is ensuring Nigeria’s internal security and be patriotic in defending its international image,” Ebelo stated.

Ebelo called on all security agencies and stakeholders to work together, stressing that unity of purpose is essential for the progress of the nation and to protect Nigeria's image on the global stage.

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Man Bags One Year for Illegal Foreign Exchange Transactions in Lagos

Justice T. A. Aluko of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, convicted and sentenced Saheed Zubair Danjuma to twelve months' imprisonment for engaging in foreign exchange transactions outside the official foreign exchange market.

Danjuma was arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a one-count charge bordering on engaging in foreign exchange transactions other than through the official foreign exchange market, contrary to Section 11(1)(a) and punishable under Section 11(2)(a) of the National Economic Intelligence Committee (Establishment, etc.) Act, 1994.

The charge reads:
"That you, SAHEED ZUBAIR DANJUMA, sometime in 2026, at Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, engaged in foreign exchange transactions with Usman Muhammad other than through the official foreign exchange market and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 11(1)(a) of the National Economic Intelligence Committee (Establishment, etc.) Act, 1994 and punishable under Section 11(2)(a) of the same Act."

The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

Following his guilty plea, prosecution counsel, U. S. Kyari, urged the court to convict and sentence him accordingly.

In his judgment, Justice Aluko convicted and sentenced Danjuma to twelve months' imprisonment, with an option of a fine of N100,000.00.

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EFCC PRESS STATEMENT

Hamza Musa Mai Bulawus Not Wanted by the EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, wishes to disclaim a WANTED publication made by a certain Abdullahi Saidu Shugaba on his Facebook account: Zamfara State Media Forum, that Hamza Musa Mai Bulawus was declared WANTED by the Commission.

The Commission has no case with Bulawus and he is not on its WANTED List. Any publication to the contrary is fictitious and contrived. The public is enjoined to ignore it.

Dele Oyewale
Head, Media & Publicity
July 29, 2026

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EFCC, LASRERA Strengthen Collaboration to Curb Real Estate Fraud in Lagos

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority, LASRERA, have resolved to strengthen collaboration as part of efforts to tackle the rising incidence of fraudulent real estate transactions in the state.

The resolution was reached on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, when a delegation from the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority, LASRERA, led by its Permanent Secretary, Engr. Gbolahan Toriola, paid a courtesy visit to the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC's Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, ACE I Bawa Usman Kaltungo.

Speaking during the interactive session, Toriola thanked the Acting Zonal Director for receiving the delegation and said the visit was aimed at sanitising the real estate sector, protecting investors and restoring public confidence in property transactions across the state.

He explained that LASRERA was established to regulate real estate transactions in Lagos State and protect residents from fraudulent practices within the sector.

According to him, "Some developers build housing units and fraudulently sell or lease the same properties to multiple subscribers, resulting in numerous disputes."

Toriola further disclosed that the Authority usually attempts mediation before resorting to litigation, while seeking the continued support of the EFCC in resolving cases with criminal elements.

"We came to seek your assistance in addressing these issues. This year alone, we have received over 505 petitions and have attended to more than 300," he said.

He also disclosed that, under Lagos State law, every real estate developer must register with LASRERA before commencing operations.

While expressing appreciation to the officers of the Commission for their commitment to protecting investors, Toriola added that the regulatory framework also covered estate agents, lawyers, landlords and tenants.

Also speaking, the Assistant Director, Legal Unit, LASRERA, Jumoke Omosanya, said the Authority was established following numerous petitions received by the Lagos State Government over widespread real estate fraud.

She recalled that LASRERA first sought collaboration with the EFCC in 2023 to curb fraudulent activities within the sector.

According to her, "Some developers fail to deliver projects within agreed timelines, while others fraudulently rent out the same properties to several tenants, causing avoidable disputes and financial losses."

She also noted that LASRERA possesses statutory powers to suspend erring developers and reiterated that anyone operating as a real estate developer or agent without registration with the Authority was doing so illegally.

Omosanya further disclosed that the Lagos State Government was currently working on amendments to the Lagos State Tenancy Law, 2015, to further strengthen regulation within the real estate sector.

In response, Kaltungo welcomed the delegation on behalf of the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, and described the visit as timely.

He noted that the Commission had become increasingly concerned about the rising incidence of fraudulent real estate transactions across the state.

"I welcome you on behalf of the Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede. Your visit is timely, and there could not have been a better time than now. We have been deeply concerned about the increasing incidence of real estate fraud.

"The majority of petitions that come to us are allegations of real estate fraud," he said.

He lamented that many investors and subscribers had lost substantial sums of money to fraudulent developers, adding that Nigerians in the diaspora were gradually losing confidence in investing in the nation's real estate sector due to the activities of unscrupulous operators.

"A lot of investors and subscribers are losing their money. Nigerians in the diaspora are also losing interest in buying houses in Nigeria because some of them have been defrauded of millions of naira," he said.

Kaltungo assured LASRERA of the Commission's readiness to collaborate in tackling the menace, stressing that the Directorate would investigate every genuine petition regardless of the amount involved.

"We are always ready to assist, irrespective of the amount involved. We have removed the threshold because no matter how little a person's money is, it is important, and every victim deserves justice," he said.

He also urged LASRERA to strengthen its regulatory framework by seeking legislative backing to blacklist developers found guilty of fraudulent practices, noting that such measures would serve as a deterrent to others.

In her remarks, the Head, Legal and Prosecution Department, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, EFCC, DCE Deborah Ademu-Eteh, disclosed that the Commission was planning a seminar for real estate developers in Lagos State to sensitise them on legal compliance and consumer protection.

Ademu-Eteh highlighted recurring complaints against developers who demand additional payments from subscribers after completing projects.

She also recounted a case in which a subscriber who paid N80 million for an undelivered property was subsequently sued by the developer alongside the EFCC in a fundamental rights enforcement action, leading to damages being awarded against both the subscriber and the Commission.

She noted that the EFCC often encourages mediation in appropriate cases before proceeding with prosecution and urged LASRERA to intensify public enlightenment campaigns to educate residents on safe real estate transactions.

Also speaking, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II Henry Anasoh of the Legal Department, stressed the need to strengthen the legal framework governing the sector.

He urged LASRERA to work with the Attorney-General of Lagos State towards amending relevant land laws to specifically criminalise real estate fraud and provide statutory provisions empowering the Authority to refer financial and economic crime cases directly to the EFCC for investigation and prosecution.

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EFCC, NAF Strengthen Inter-agency Collaboration in Lagos

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration in the areas of intelligence sharing and operational cooperation in the fight against economic and financial crimes, as well as other threats to national security.

The commitment was reaffirmed on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, when the Commander, 651 Base Services Group, Ikeja, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore M.A. Imam, paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Commission.

Speaking during the visit, Imam described the engagement as an important step towards deepening the existing relationship between the Nigerian Air Force and the EFCC, stressing that no security agency could effectively discharge its mandate in isolation.

“It is a privilege to be in your midst. Since I resumed, I have visited all the security services except the EFCC. The Nigerian Air Force was established to defend Nigeria’s airspace, but no service can succeed on its own. We want to strengthen the existing relationship between the EFCC and the Air Force,” he said.

He noted that the visit was aimed at fostering greater cooperation between both institutions, particularly in areas where the EFCC possesses specialised expertise.

“We are here to tell you what we do and the need to work together. We know you are very proficient when it comes to forensic investigation, money laundering, and terrorist financing, and we may need your expertise in those areas,” he added.

Responding, the Acting Zonal Director, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE I) Adebayo Adeniyi, who received the Air Commodore, appreciated him and his entourage for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of the shared commitment of both organisations to safeguarding Nigeria’s security and strengthening institutional collaboration.

He highlighted the importance of sustained synergy between the EFCC and the Nigerian Air Force, noting that the Commission occasionally handles investigations involving aircraft and aviation-related matters that require the support and technical expertise of the Air Force.

“Sometimes we conduct investigations involving aircraft and aviation-related matters, and we may need your support. Your involvement is always important because investigations are very vast. We hope for the synergy needed for us to continue to do this job effectively. We are pleased to have you here today,” he said.

Adeniyi further reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to work more closely with the Nigerian Air Force through intelligence sharing, technical support, and other collaborative efforts aimed at combating economic and financial crimes while enhancing national security.

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Recovery: EFCC Hands Over N42 million to Businessman

The Ag Zonal Director, Benin Zonal Directorate, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad on Wednesday July 29, 2026 handed over a bank draft of N42 million to Ebesunun Mathew Edonojie, being the sum recovered by operatives of the Commission from fraudsters that defrauded him.

Edonojie, a businessman dealing in cement had in 2022 petitioned the Commission that one Ogiemwonyi Godwin defrauded him of N175,392, 000. The petitioner  stated that he transferred the sum of N350,784, 000  to Godwin for the supply of 116 trucks of cement but that he was supplied with 58 trucks leaving a balance of 58 trucks which amounted to N175,392,000.

During investigation, operatives discovered that  Godwin transferred N280 million to Dangote Cement Company but diverted the balance of N70 million for his personal use and supplied 58 trucks leaving a balance of 58 trucks of cement.

The suspect became inaccessible and unreachable but through the consistent effort of operatives of the Commission, the Commission recovered N116,000,000  which was previously handed over to Edonojie before recovery of additional N42,000, 000

Receiving the draft, Edonojie expressed deep gratitude to the Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, the Ag Zonal Director, Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad and the entire staff of EFCC at the Directorate for the wonderful work. Edonojie said he lost hope completely about ever recovering the money as the suspect became inaccessible. “I lost hope completely. I did not even believe that I could recover the money as the man (suspect) was nowhere to be found.  I am more than grateful to the EFCC, the Chairman, the Zonal Director and the entire EFCC, for the good work they are doing. It is only God that can reward you all.  EFCC has become my saving grace and I am going to tell everybody how the EFCC saved me. I could not sleep because I borrowed the money.  EFCC has wiped away my tears.” he said.

Presenting the draft, the Ag Zonal Director, assured that the Commission will continue to discharge its duties professionally to ensure justice for all. “We will continue to discharge our duties professionally and responsibly by ensuring that fraudulent people do not get away with their crime and that innocent people do not suffer unjustly.”

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The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, arraigned a businessman, Dauda Yahaya Edache, before Justice A.D. Balogun, a vacation judge of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, over an alleged N2.5 million visa fraud. Edache was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and retention of proceeds of crime involving N2.5 million. Visit https://t.co/X42MHgyeYD for details and more stories.

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Recently, we recorded a modest achievement in the area of the fight against cybercrime and terrorism financing. We were taken off the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), and we are looking forward to doing more,” he said.

The EFCC Chairman recalled that while appearing before the National Assembly during his swearing-in, he had told Nigerians that he would use his position and the instrumentality of the anti-corruption fight to stimulate the economy and attract investment into the country.

He said the Commission's anti-corruption mandate was not only about investigating and prosecuting financial crimes but also about creating an environment where legitimate businesses and investments could thrive.
Olukoyede explained that the proposed Cybercrime Response Centre was part of efforts to protect investments and strengthen the country's response to cybercrime.
He said the centre, when fully operational, would operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with the capacity to respond to reports in real time, gather intelligence, respond to petitions and act on relevant information.
“The essence of the centre is to handle real-time reports, gather intelligence, react to petitions, information and all of that,” he said.
Olukoyede assured the EU Ambassador and European countries of the Commission's readiness to support legitimate investors and protect the business environment from the threats posed by economic and financial crimes.
“Be rest assured that we are here to support all the entire EU countries, particularly their investors,” he said.

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EU Strengthens Collaboration with EFCC

The European Union, EU, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, particularly in the areas of anti-corruption, cybercrime, training and financial crime investigation and prosecution.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, stated this in Abuja  on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, when he led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the corporate headquarters of the EFCC. 
Stressing the strategic importance of the EFCC and basis for partnership with the Commission,  he stated that “the role of the EFCC is so important for us, both for the stability and prosperity of Nigeria and for our partnership, to be able to tell our potential investors: you can safely come to Nigeria. 
There is a compliant business environment because you have strong institutions like the EFCC to make sure that this is the place,” he said.

Mignot expressed satisfaction with the longstanding partnership between the EU and the EFCC, which he said had existed since the establishment of the Commission, noting that the relationship had continued over the years, particularly through the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme.
He assured that the EU remained committed to continuing the partnership and supporting efforts to strengthen the institutional capacity of the EFCC, improve investigative effectiveness and enhance prosecution.
“We are very much committed to continuing this partnership, doing whatever we can do to strengthen the institution, improve investigative effectiveness and prosecution,” he said.
He further stressed  that the EU had ongoing actions aimed at supporting the fight against cybercrime, describing the issue as a priority for the EFCC in view of its growing prevalence. To solidify this, he disclosed that  the EU had proposed training for EFCC personnel on the Cybercrime Response Centre, with the modalities of the training still being worked out.
He added that the EU was also strengthening its support for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) compliance, while congratulating the EFCC on its efforts in the fight against corruption and cybercrime.

He said the visit was taking place at a very good moment in the EU-Nigeria partnership, stressing that the EU, alongside its 14 member nations, remains a major trading, investment and cooperation partner of Nigeria.
According to him, the EU is committed to deepening its partnership with Africa and leveraging more private investment, particularly by mobilising European companies to partner with Nigerian businesses to develop local manufacturing value chains and other sectors, including agriculture. “Governance issues remain a core priority for us, also as an enabler for the development of investment and for the organisation of EU companies,” he said.

The Ambassador noted that European companies are particularly attentive to the business environment and compliance issues, stressing that the role of the EFCC was therefore important to the stability and prosperity of Nigeria as well as the EU-Nigeria partnership.  He expressed optimism that  the existence of strong institutions such as the EFCC would give potential European investors confidence to do business in Nigeria.
Responding, the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, described the Commission as Nigeria's foremost anti-corruption agency, responsible for coordinating the investigation and prosecution of financial crimes in the country.
Olukoyede said the Commission had, over the years, continued to work towards ridding the country of economic and financial crimes, noting that it had recently recorded significant progress in the fight against cybercrime and terrorism financing.
“Over the years, we have strived to ensure that the country is rid of economic and financial crimes.