EFCC Nigeria

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THE FACE OF AN IMPOSTOR AND HIS COHORTS

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EFCC Arrests AVSEC Inspector, Two Others for Alleged Cash, Gold Smuggling in Kano

The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested one Ali Baffa, an Inspector 1 with Aviation Security, AVSEC, and his accomplices, Aushabu Nasidi and Mukhtar Muhammad Dan Zaria at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, for alleged involvement in bulk cash and mineral resources smuggling.

The suspects were intercepted on Friday, June 11, 2026 during a routine surveillance operation by the Land and Property Fraud Section of the Kano Zonal Directorate, following a directive by the Executive Chairman that all Directorates intensify efforts to tackle smuggling of mineral resources and bulk cash at international airports.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Ali Baffa allegedly concealed 22.2 kilograms of unprocessed gold bars estimated at over N4,400,000,000 (Four Billion, Four Hundred Million Naira) in his trousers, with the intent to bypass security checks and hand over the precious minerals to overseas-bound passengers for illegal export out of Nigeria.

Further investigation led to the arrest of Aushabu Nasidi, who allegedly supplied the gold bars to Baffa. Upon arrest, Nasidi was found in possession of various foreign currencies, including: 3,000 Saudi Riyals, 40,000 Turkish Lira, 199.75 Kuwaiti Dinar, 20,700 Philippine Peso, 80 Australian Dollars, 310 Chinese Renminbi, 4,000 Algerian Dinar, 40 Hong Kong Dollars, 26,000 Hungarian Forint, and 1,000 Sudanese Dinar.

The investigation also led to the arrest of one Mukhtar Muhammad Dan Zaria who allegedly gave the gold bars to Nasidi. While being interviewed , DanZaria revealed to the Commission that he had smuggled an estimated 40.2 kilograms of gold from June 1 to June 11, 2026 using the same modus operandi.

All the suspects are currently in EFCC custody. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

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EFCC Arraigns Blessing CEO for Alleged N13m Cancer Fraud in Lagos

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, arraigned a social media influencer, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka,( a.k.a Blessing CEO) for alleged N13,000,000 (Thirteen Million Naira) Cancer fraud before Justice Yelim Bogoro of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The EFCC filed a fresh six-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and retaining the proceeds to the tune of N13,000,000 against her, following the receipt of several petitions from individuals and groups, including the Nigeria Cancer Society.

The petitioners allegedly made donations to the defendant after her social media posts claiming that she was battling Stage 4 breast cancer and seeking financial support for treatment.

She was, however, later discovered to have allegedly falsified the document she presented to members of the public.

One of the counts reads:

"That you, OKORO BLESSING NKIRUKA (A.K.A. BLESSING CEO), female, adult, sometime in 2026 in Lagos State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did obtain the total sum of N13,000,000 (Thirteen Million Naira) from unsuspecting citizens under the false pretence of being diagnosed with a terminal illness, to wit: left breast lump and invasive ductal carcinoma with lobular feature, which representation you knew to be false, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006."

Another count reads: “ That you, OKORO BLESSING NKIRUKA (A.K.A BLESSING CEO) (female), adult, sometime in 2026 in Lagos State within the Jurisdiction of this honourable court, knowingly forged a medical report titled “Histopathology/Cytopathology Report”, purported to have emanated from Xinus Medical Diagnostics knowing same to be false with intent to gain advantage for yourself from unsuspecting citizens and you, thereby committed and offence contrary to and punishable under section 1(2) (c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, CAP M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”

The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to her.

Following her plea, the prosecution counsel H. U. KofarNaisa, asked the court for a trial date and prayed that the defendant be remanded in a correctional centre.

Responding, counsel to the defendant, Stanley Ofoegbu, prayed the court for a short adjournment to enable him file a bail application on behalf of the defendant.

Justice Bogoro, consequently, adjourned the matter till September 24, 2026, for the commencement of trial and ordered that the defendant be remanded in a Correctional centre.

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Earlier, the Director of CPSS, G. A. Animasawun said the lecture series was conceived to provide a strategic platform for stakeholders to identify and address threats to Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 elections. He noted that the Centre was determined to move beyond academic discourse by fostering practical solutions capable of strengthening electoral integrity, peace, and national security.

In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, described electoral corruption as a major national security threat and called for stronger institutional collaboration to prevent electoral malpractice. He commended the EFCC under Olukoyede’s leadership for adopting a preventive approach to electoral corruption and proposed a strategic partnership between the Commission and the CPSS to deepen research, training and policy development on the nexus between electoral corruption and national security.

The event drew participants from the electoral management body, security agencies, civil society organisations, academia, the media, and other key stakeholders committed to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Olukoyede Cautions Nigerians against Vote Buying, Money Politics

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has called on Nigerians from all walks of life to work collaboratively towards ensuring peaceful, credible and transparent elections, warning that vote buying and other forms of financial inducement remain major threats to democratic governance.

Olukoyede made the call in Ilorin, Kwara State on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 while delivering the inaugural lecture of the High-Level Guest Speakers’ Series organised by the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, CPSS, University of Ilorin, themed “Mobilising Critical Stakeholders for Setting the Agenda for Peaceful and Credible 2027 Elections in Nigeria.”

The EFCC Chairman stressed that the Commission was firmly committed to combating the monetisation of the electoral process, describing vote buying, vote selling, and other forms of financial influence as practices that undermine democracy and good governance.

He pointed out that political leaders who secure office through financial inducement are more likely to focus on recovering their investments rather than serving the public interest.

“The EFCC is opposed to commercialization of votes not only for the reason that it is a financial crime, it weakens the foundation for good governance by compromising the political recruitment process. Leaders who pay their way into public office are unlikely to prioritise public good and accountability. Rather, recouping their investments becomes the overarching objective, to the detriment of the common good”, he said.

He disclosed that the EFCC had recorded several arrests, prosecutions, and convictions of electoral offenders in recent years, including politicians, electoral officials, and citizens involved in vote-buying schemes. He assured Nigerians that the Commission would intensify efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that vote buying remains a financial crime that would be prosecuted without fear or favour.

Concerning electoral corruption, the EFCC’s boss stated that it had become increasingly sophisticated, with perpetrators now deploying covert methods, coded communications, and off-site arrangements to influence voters. “Vote buying manifests not just through financial inducement of voters but also through other material and commodity offers. Investigations are pointing to the fact that some of these criminal activities are no longer being carried out in the open. They are not even being done on election days. Codes are being used covertly. Linkages are being established with voters outside the electoral frameworks, all in a bid to influence them to follow some fraudulent routes. We are aware of all these antics and we are prepared to safeguard the integrity of our elections", he said

The anti-graft czar identified stronger collaboration among stakeholders, enforcement of electoral laws, issue-based campaigns, media responsibility, impartial security operations, and effective conflict-resolution mechanisms as critical ingredients for credible elections. He urged political parties to build consensus around decency in campaigns and collectively reject vote buying, noting that inflammatory rhetoric and divisive politics had contributed to electoral violence in previous election cycles.

Olukoyede also challenged the media to play a more proactive role in exposing electoral corruption, particularly vote-buying networks, while urging security agencies to maintain professionalism and neutrality throughout the electoral process. He maintained that proactive and coordinated security arrangements would significantly reduce electoral risks and enhance public confidence in the democratic process.

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EFCC Arraigns Man for Alleged N90.9m Money Laundering in Lagos

The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, arraigned one Fidelix Samuel Ebuka before Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court in Lagos over an alleged money laundering offence.

Ebuka was arraigned on a one-count charge bordering on the retention of proceeds of unlawful activities amounting to N90,989,517 (Ninety Million, Nine Hundred and Eighty-Nine Thousand, Five Hundred and Seventeen Naira), contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The charge reads: “That you, Fidelix Samuel Ebuka, on or about April 15, 2026, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, directly retained N90,989,517 (Ninety Million, Nine Hundred and Eighty-Nine Thousand, Five Hundred and Seventeen Naira) in your Union Bank account number 0069938215, which proceeds you reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”

When the charge was read to him, the defendant pleaded not guilty.

Following the plea, prosecution counsel, H.U. Kofarnaisa, requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending trial.

Counsel to the defendant, Bimbo Ogunlaja, subsequently sought an adjournment to enable the defence to move its bail application.

Justice Bogoro thereafter adjourned the matter until June 29, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application and commencement of trial.

The court also ordered that the defendant be remanded in a Correctional facility pending the determination of his bail application.

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Alleged $6b Mambilla Project Fraud :   Witness Clarifies Matters on Certification of FEC Meeting Extracts

The Fifth Prosecution Witness, PW5, in the trial of the former Minister of Power, Olu Agunloye on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 clarified what transpired over the certification of the extract of the minutes of Federal Executive Council meeting of May 21, 2026, before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT,  High Court, Apo, Abuja, following the formal request from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  for the certified extracts of the minutes of the meeting.
The former minister is facing prosecution on an amended seven-count charge bordering on official corruption and fraudulent award of Mambilla Power Project contract to the tune of $6billion (Six Billion United States Dollars) to Sunrise Power Transmission Company Limited.
The witness, Iliya John Iyakwari, an assistant director of Legal in the Federal Ministry of Justice, now serving in the Federal Ministry of Power as an assistant legal adviser since August 2014,  while being cross-examined by defence counsel,  Adeola Adedipe, SAN, stated that the request of the certified extract copy of the FEC meeting of May 21, 2003   was received from the EFCC in July 2023 and that the reason it was certified in 2024 was that, upon the receipt of the request letter from the User Department, the Legal Department did a forwarding memo to the EFCC, dated July 27, 2023 and that the copy that was first sent to the EFCC were not certified, forcing the Commission to return it.
 “It was after it was received by EFCC in July 2023, that they realized that the extract was not certified. So,  in January 2024, a staff of the EFCC brought back the Exhibit Three K to my legal adviser and the name of the EFCC staff is Babangida.
“He brought it handy and reminded my director that it was not certified. My director now gave me the document to go and certify. That is why my lord will see on the face of the document that the date the document was certified on 26 January 2024 is different from the date it was forwarded. So, it was in the process of certification that I mistakenly stamped the original forwarding letter, dated 27 June 2023. After stamping the document I gave it back to my director who I believed handed it over to Babangida because I left them afterwards” he said.
Defending the position of the witness when he was asked if his early testimony of certification in June 2023 was contradictory, prosecution counsel, Abba Mohammed, SAN, stated that the testimony of the witness was not contradictory, reiterating that the records speak for themselves.
 “My lord, I object to this particular question, anchored on Exhibit PW5A which was just tendered in court. What I see in our record and what I believe is reflected in the records of the court is that in his explanation,  he summarized that all these activities were done in June 2023, he never said the certification was done in 2023. This objection is founded on Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which is superior to the Evidence Act. We will rely on the record of the court particularly in line 16," he said.
The witness was also asked if the document Babangida tendered in court during his testimony was another extract of the FEC meeting different from the one he certified.  
The prosecution counsel again objected, stating that the witness, following courts’ procedure was out of the court and hearing when Babangida testified, adding that the witness cannot be cross-examined on a document not tendered through him, citing the case of Buhari vs INEC & Others 2008.
 Justice Onwuegbuzie adjourned the matter till June 18, July 2, 2026 for continuation of trial.

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Further in his testimony, the witness told the court told that though the contract for the start-up of Nigeria Air, which was awarded to Tianaero Nigeria Limited for over N299 million on April 4, 2022, saw a contract extension award to the company on October 17, 2022, to a sum, exceeding N599 million on the instructions and directives of the first defendant, based on his relationship with the company’s alter ego.

According to him “The investigating team arrived at this position when the phone of one Enitan Muyiwa Abel, who was a Permanent Secretary in the first defendant’s ministry was analysed, showing a voice note sent to the Permanent Secretary while the first defendant was in Spain instructing him to ensure that the contract was awarded to Tianaero Nigeria Limited.”
 Justice Oriji adjourned the matter till June 17, 2026 for the continuation of the trial.

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Alleged N2b Nigeria Air Fraud:   How Sirika Allegedly Used Ethiopian Airlines as Fake Nigeria Air-Witness

The 12th Prosecution Witness, PW12, Christopher Odofin,   in the trial of the former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Abubakar Sirika, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, told Justice S.C. Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT,  High Court Abuja, how Sirika allegedly passed off an aircraft belonging to Ethiopian Airline as that of the promised Nigeria Air by the government of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

The decoy aircraft, adorned with the livery of the promised Nigeria Air, found its way on the tarmac of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on May 27, 2023, being three days to the expiration of the tenure of the Buhari government and was flown back to Addis Ababa in the morning of May 29, 2023, being the handover date to the successor government.

Hadi Sirika is facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on amended six-count, bordering on alleged abuse of office and misappropriation of public funds to the tune of over N2 billion, alongside his daughter, Fatima Hadi Sirika, son-in-law, Hamma Jalal Sule, and Al Buraq Global Investment Limited.

The contract for the setting up of Nigeria Air was awarded to Tianaero Nigeria Limited, belonging to Gabriel Tilmann, a close associate and friend of the former minister.

Reading from a portion of contract agreement with Ethiopian Airline, the witness, an investigator with Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC said “The aircraft will depart from Addis Ababa (ADD) late evening of May 26, 2023 for it to be positioned early morning of May 27, 2023 at the Abuja (ABV) airport. The aircraft will stay in ABV airport for static display of Nigeria Air livery until May 28, 2023. The aircraft will leave ABV airport early morning on May, 29, 2023. The chartered flight will be operated by the Ethiopian Airline crew in Ethiopian Airline uniform. The Federal Government of Nigeria and Nigeria Air may put together local models who will be in Nigeria Air uniforms to pose for ceremonial pictures. The models may come to Addis Ababa so they may fly with the chartered flight to ABV.”

The witness told the court that the display of the aircraft in Abuja International Airport was deliberately planned to coincide with the end of the first defendant’s tenure as Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development on May 29, 2023 and to pass the aircraft off as the actualization of his promise of the return of Nigeria Air. After the less than 72 hours display of the aircraft, he stated that the Nigeria Air logo was removed from the aircraft and flown back to Ethiopian Airlines in Addis Ababa.

The witness further disclosed that the investigating team was also able to ascertain that Ethiopian Airlines entered into a charter arrangement for the static display of the Nigeria Air livery for a duration of just three days, beginning from May 27 to May 29, 2023 based on information and documents received from the airline following a letter from it, dated June 12, 2023, in response to the EFCC’s request for information regarding Nigeria Air. And that though the purpose of the contract was for the establishment of Nigeria Air, the charter agreement with Ethiopian Airlines was entered on May 24, 2023, five days to the expiration of the defendant’s tenure for just a static display of the Nigeria Air logo on an aircraft.

All the documents tendered in evidence by the prosecution were shown to have been duly signed, authorized, and accompanied by certificates of identification and were not objected to by any of the counsels to the four defendants.
Among the exhibits is a compact disk containing a voice note from the first defendant, Hadi Sirika, marked Exhibit 37, which the prosecution counsel applied to be played in the court at the next adjourned date.

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EFCC Arraigns Man in Lagos Over Alleged N90.9m Money Laundering

The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, arraigned one Fidelix Samuel Ebuka before Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court in Lagos over an alleged money laundering offence. Ebuka was arraigned on a one-count charge bordering on the retention of proceeds of unlawful activities amounting to N90,989,517 (Ninety Million, Nine Hundred and Eighty-Nine Thousand, Five Hundred and Seventeen Naira), contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Visit https://t.co/X42MHgyeYD for details and more stories.

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EFCC, INEC To Collaborate Towards Ensuring Credible Elections in 2027

*… As Chartered Institute of Bankers Pledges Partnership*
The EFCC and INEC have agreed to partner together towards ensuring credible and transparent election in the 2027 general election. This understanding was reached on Tuesday June 9, 2027 when the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Obo Etfanga paid a courtesy visit to the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC.
The State REC who was recently deployed to Edo State said he sought to engage with critical stakeholders including Law Enforcement Agencies as the 2027 general election approaches. Aside the engagement with critical stakeholders, he said the visit was to explore areas of further collaboration while noting that the EFCC has always played significant role in seeking to curtail vote buying during elections.
In a related development, the leadership of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, also paid a courtesy visit to the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Commission. Ibukun Akande, Chairman of the Institute, Edo State Branch, said the visit was to seek areas of collaboration with the EFCC as the Commission’s mandate is to deal with economic and financial crimes which often revolves around banks and bankers.
While the Acting Zonal Director, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, DCE Sa'ad Hanafi Sa'ad, noted that the Commission will continue to partner with INEC in discharging its mandate of curtailing incidence of vote buying before and during the election, he thanked CIBN leadership for the visit, noting that the Commission will always collaborate with relevant stakeholders in the fight against corruption, economic and financial crimes in the country.

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Again, EFCC Arraigns Blessing CEO Over Fresh Alleged N13m Fraud in Lagos

The EFCC, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, again, arraigned a social media influencer and self-acclaimed relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, also known as Blessing CEO, over a fresh alleged N13,000,000 (Thirteen Million Naira) fraud before Justice Yelim Bogoro of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. The EFCC filed a fresh six-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and retaining the proceeds to the tune of N13,000,000 against her, following the receipt of several petitions from individuals and groups, including the Nigeria Cancer Society. The petitioners allegedly made donations to the defendant after her social media posts claiming that she was battling Stage 4 breast cancer and seeking financial support for treatment. She was, however, later discovered to have allegedly falsified the document she presented to members of the public. Visit https://t.co/X42MHgyeYD for details and more stories.

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"If you have nothing to hide, you can be rest assured that if the EFCC knocks on your door, it is to ask for your support—you have nothing to fear," he stated.

The anti-graft czar pledged that criminals would find no refuge within the jurisdiction of the new office, citing the Commission's track record against cybercrime, illegal mining and other economic crimes.

The EFCC Chairman also reaffirmed the Commission's unwavering commitment to combating corruption, describing the menace as the root cause of many of Nigeria's developmental challenges.

Highlighting recent landmark convictions secured by the Commission, including that of former NEXIM Bank Managing Director, Robert Orya, who was sentenced to 490 years' imprisonment after a decade-long trial, and former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, who received a 75-year jail term for defrauding Nigeria of N22 billion in the Zungeru and Mambilla power projects without the option of a fine, Olukoyede reaffirmed the EFCC's unwavering resolve to pursue corruption cases diligently and see them through to their logical conclusion.

"The EFCC is a marathoner, and when it comes to the fight against corruption, we never give up," he declared.

The EFCC chair called on residents of Ekiti and Ondo States, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to actively support the anti-corruption campaign, stressing that public participation remains critical to the success of the Commission.

"Success in the fight against corruption is an impossible task without the buy-in of the people. This is your Zone, own it, and run with it," he said.

The newly commissioned office complex is a  modern office complex with all the facilities that make working in a law enforcement environment pleasurable. These include well-furnished offices with modern workstations, a holding facility for suspects, canteens for staff and suspects, an expansive parking lot, and other essential facilities.

The colourful event was graced by distinguished personalities from across the country, including the Governors of Ekiti  and Ondo States, Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanj and Lucky Ayedatiwa; members of the National and State Assemblies, heads of law enforcement and security agencies, as well as prominent traditional rulers.

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EFCC’s New Ekiti Zonal Office Will Deepen Anti-Corruption Fight, Boost National Reforms – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu,   on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 commissioned the new office complex of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in Ado-Ekiti, describing the project as a critical investment in the consolidation of Nigeria’s anti-corruption reforms and the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of the Ekiti Zonal Directorate office complex located along Old Iyin Road, Ado-Ekiti, the President,  represented by  Vice President Kashim Shettima,  commended the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede  and the entire management and staff of the Commission  for their commitment to institutionalizing the fight against corruption and strengthening the Commission’s operational capacity.

According to the President,   the completion of the state-of-the-art facility demonstrates the Commission’s determination to make a lasting impact in the lives of Nigerians and enhance the effectiveness of anti-corruption efforts across the country.

He stressed that providing modern infrastructure and improved welfare for personnel of law enforcement agencies remains a strategic national imperative, noting that the EFCC occupies a central position in Nigeria’s economic reform and national security architecture.

Tinubu  highlighted some of the Commission’s recent achievements, including its role in dismantling a foreign-controlled cryptocurrency investment fraud syndicate in Lagos in 2024, leading to the conviction of 192 foreigners, as well as its efforts in tackling Ponzi schemes and supporting Nigeria’s successful exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List.

He also lauded the EFCC’s aggressive asset recovery drive, noting that recovered proceeds have supported critical social intervention programmes such as the Students Loan Scheme and Consumer Credit Scheme.

The President further praised the Commission’s successful prosecution of high-profile corruption cases, including the convictions of a former minister and a former managing director of a national investment bank, saying such outcomes send a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated in Nigeria.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening anti-corruption institutions, the President pledged continued government support through improved working conditions, enhanced welfare packages, adequate training opportunities and operational independence.

"My administration will continue to invest in strengthening the anti- corruption agencies through incentives, such as good and conducive working environments, competitive welfare packages, unfettered freedom to operate, adequate training opportunities, among others. Your daily sacrifices in staking your comfort and safety for our wellbeing will not be taken for granted," he said.

Calling for stronger collaboration among security and law enforcement agencies, President Tinubu urged stakeholders in Ekiti and Ondo States to work closely with the EFCC to achieve its mandate.

Earlier in his welcome address,  Olukoyede described the commissioning of the Ekiti Zonal Directorate as a landmark achievement in the Commission's determination to deepen anti-corruption enforcement and bring its services closer to the people.

According to him, the creation of the new directorate effectively addresses longstanding operational gaps in the Commission's coverage of Ekiti and Ondo States.

"The edifice that we are gathered to commission today is the crystallization of a unique vision in institution building and consolidation," he said.

He explained that the facility would enhance the Commission's capacity to combat economic and financial crimes in the zone while fostering greater engagement with local communities.  He emphasized that the Commission's presence in the area should not generate fear among law-abiding citizens.

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EFCC Quizzes Banker, Bureau De Change Operator for Alleged $2.5 million Fraud

Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have quizzing the duo of Abdulkadir Muhammed Usman, a bureau de change operator and a banker, Masa Olumense, for alleged money laundering and making and receiving cash payment in excess of the stipulated threshold for individuals.

The duo were alleged to have made and received cash payments to the tune of $2,598,900 (Two million, Five hundred and Ninety Eight Thousand, Nine Hundred Dollars) which is an equivalent of about N3,638,460,000 (Three Billion, Six Hundred and Thirty Eight Million, Four Hundred and Sixty Thousand Naira ) without going through a financial institution which is contrary to Section 2(1) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The Commission is on the trail of other suspects linked to the fraud who are currently at large.

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Uphold Integrity and Moral Standards- Olukoyede Tasks Students, Teachers in Port Harcourt

The Executive Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has tasked students and teachers across the country to uphold integrity and high moral standards in all they do, adding that there is no nation or country that can sustain itself without the youths.

Olukoyede made the charge on Friday June 5, 2025 when students and teachers of Springfield Schools, Port Harcourt, Rivers State visited the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the EFCC on a scheduled educational trip.

The trip was aimed at broadening the understanding of students and teachers on the mandate of the EFCC and approaches being adopted by the Commission in achieving the mandate

Speaking through the Ag. Zonal Director of the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE 1 Hassan Saidu, Olukoyede noted that the success of a nation depends extensively on the conduct of its younger generation.

"There is no country that can sustain itself without the youths, that is why, as we are talking now, Germany is decrying the decline in population of its youths", he said. Olukoyede further acknowledged roles of teachers in nurturing the younger generations towards achieving their goals in life, adding that their roles as tutors cannot be overemphasized as it is God that has placed them in those roles

Head, Public Affairs, Port Harcourt’s Directorate, Superintendent of the EFCC, SE Akpos Mezeh-Ekisowei expounded the preventive mandate of the EFC, stressing that it is a sustainable and cost effective framework against corruption, economic and financial crimes.

"The need for a preventive mandate in the fight against corruption arises from the understanding that prevention is more effective and sustainable in tackling corrupt practices”, she said.

Deputy Superintendent of the EFCC, DSE James Hosea discussed extensively on enforcement, investigation and prevention of financial crimes. He enjoined the students to employ their access to various electronic devices to "keep their personal information safe, use strong passwords, desist from sharing their bank details with strangers and report suspicious transactions".

DSE Audu Dodo from the Legal and Prosecution Department also discussed the prosecutorial mandate of the Commission urging students to steer clear of corruption, economic and financial crimes in order to achieve the brighter future they all aspire towards.

The field trip also featured a tour of some of the facilities in the Directorate, including the Forensic laboratory and holding facilities, among others.

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EFCC Arraigns Blessing CEO for Fresh Alleged N69.1m Fraud

The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, arraigned a social media influencer, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, (a.k.a Blessing CEO) for an alleged N69,150,000 (Sixty-Nine Million, One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) fraud before Justice R.A. Oshodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.

Nkiruka was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing to the tune of N69,150,000.

At the commencement of the proceedings, prosecution counsel, C.C.Okezie, urged the court to proceed with the arraignment, arguing that the defendant had been duly served with the charge.

However, defence counsel, Nkama Nneka, informed the court that service of the charge had only recently been effected.

In his ruling, Justice Oshodi held that the arraignment should proceed in accordance with the law, hence the charges were subsequently read to the defendant.

Count one reads: “That you, OKORO BLESSING NKIRUKA, on or about March 21, 2025, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, by false pretence and with intent to defraud, induced Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Limited to confer a benefit of N69,150,000 (Sixty-Nine Million, One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) on you under the representation that the property located at No. 1 Tunbosun Osobu Street, Lekki, belonged to you and was leased to the company for a period of five years, a representation you knew to be false, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 1(2) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act.”

Count two reads: “That you, OKORO BLESSING NKIRUKA, on or about March 21, 2025, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonestly converted to your own use the sum of N69,150,000 (Sixty-Nine Million, One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira), being the property of Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Limited, thereby committing an offence of stealing contrary to Section 280(2) and punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.”

The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to her.

In view of this, Okezie asked for a trial date and prayed the court to remand the defendant in EFCC custody pending her scheduled arraignment before the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on June 10, 2026, for another alleged fraud case.

Consequently, Justice Oshodi remanded the defendant in EFCC custody and adjourned the matter till July 16, 2026 for the hearing of the bail application and the commencement of trial.

In a related development, Justice Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, granted Blessing Nkiruka, who is being prosecuted for an alleged N36m fraud, bail in the sum of ₦10 million with two sureties in like sum.

One of the sureties must be a family member and is required to provide proof of employment, Bank Verification Number (BVN), National Identification Number (NIN), and a valid phone number.

The sureties must also submit a valid international passport, tax clearance certificates for the last two years, and six passport photographs

The defendant was earlier arraigned on a two-count charge by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing to the tune of N36million