EFCC Arraigns Alleged Female Internet Fraudster Suzan Vega Ochuko for 132,000 Euro Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday 7th of April, 2017 arraigned one Suzan Vega Ochuko before Justice P.I. Ajoku of the Federal High Court sitting in Benin, Edo State on a three count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence.

Ochuko and one Tony Uyimwen aka Alex Ethan (now at large) allegedly operating with a pseudo name Alex Ethan contacted one Mrs. Beatrice AUF DER MAUR from St. Gallen, Switzerland via Facebook and defrauded her of One Hundred and Thirty-Two Thousand Euro. 

Mrs Auf Der Maur was allegedly hoodwinked into a love relationship with the defendant who subsequently defrauded her of the said amount under the pretence of executing a non existing contract.

N23Bn Diezani Bribe: Absence of the Accused Stalls Judgment

Justice M.B Idris of Federal High Court, sitting in Ikoyi today 7th April, 2017, adjourned the judgment in a case of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC officials, Christan Nwosu and two others who participated in the sharing of N23 Billion slush funds meant for the buildup of 2015 general election to compromise electoral officers.

Nwosu and two other INEC officials was earlier arraigned on 5th of April, 2017 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC before Justice Idris of the same Court on a 7 count charge bordering on receiving gratification to the tune of N264, 880,000.00(Two Hundred and Sixty four Million, Eight Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira), which Nwosu pleaded guilty of receiving N30million from the said campaign bribe money.

Court Strikes Out Ex-NNPC Boss, Yakubu's Rights Suit

Justice Ahmed R. Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Abuja on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 struck out a fundamental rights suit brought against Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, by Andrew Yakubu, a former Group Managing Director, GMD, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC.

Operatives of the EFCC had on February 3, 2017, stormed a building belonging to the former NNPC boss and recovered a staggering sum of $9,772,000 (Nine Million, Seven Hundred and Seventy Two Thousand United States Dollars) and £74,000 (Seventy Four Thousand Pound Sterling) stashed in a huge fire proof safe. 

EFCC Press Release: Metuh Seeks Suspension of N400m Fraud Trial

The trial of Olisa Metuh, a former spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, continued on March 22, 2017 with his counsel, Onyeachi Ikpeazu, SAN, moving a motion seeking for what was tantamount to a stay of proceedings pending the ruling of the Supreme Court on his "no-case submission" appeal.

Metuh, who is standing trial along with Destra Investment Limited for an alleged N400 million fraud, filed an application through his counsel at the Supreme Court, appealing the judgement of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court Abuja. The trial judge ruled that he had a case to answer in the seven-count charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. 

Ex GMD, NNPC, Andrew Yakubu Sent To Kuje Prison

Former GMD, NNPC, Andrew Yakubu who was arraigned today, March 16, 2017 before Justice A R Mohammed of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, on a six count charge bordering on non disclosure of assets, money laundering and advance fee fraud has been remanded in Kuje Prison pending ruling on his bail application. He is to return to the court on March 21, 2017. 

Details later.

Yakubu’s Rights Enforcement Suit: EFCC Challenges Court’s Jurisdiction

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, March 9, 2017 asked Justice Ahmed R. Mohammed of the Federal High Court to strike out a fundamental rights suit brought by Andrew Yakubu, former Group Managing Director, GMD, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, against the Commission for lack of jurisdiction.

Operatives of the EFCC had on February 3, 2017, stormed a building belonging to the former NNPC boss and recovered a staggering sum of $9,772,000 (Nine Million, Seven Hundred and Seventy Two Thousand United States Dollars) and £74,000 (Seventy Four Thousand Pound Sterling) stashed in a huge fire proof safe following which he reported to the Commission’s Kano Zonal Office on February 8, 2017 and admitted being the owner of both the house and the money recovered.

Currency Counterfeiting: Court Orders Accused to Face Trial

Justice Bilkisu Bello Aliyu of the Federal High Court, Yola, Adamawa State has dismissed the claimed made by one Salisu Adamu in a trial within trial that he was tortured by EFCC operatives during investigation; therefore, he is not the maker of his statement.

The accuse was arrested at Jambutu area, Jimeta Yola, Adamawa State in possession of 361 pieces of 100 USD fake notes and 91 pieces of 1000 fake naira notes.

The accused along two others were arraigned before the Federal High Court, Yola on April 21, 2015 on a three count charge bordering on conspiracy and possession of counterfeit currency.

N2.8bn Fraud: Ex-NBC Boss, Mba’s Trial Adjourned to April 4

Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has adjourned to April 4, 2017 for continuation of trial of Emeka Mba, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, NBC, who is facing a 15-count charge of money laundering and procurement fraud to the tune of N2.8billion by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Mba is on trial alongside a former Director of Finance of NBC, Patrick Areh; Basil Udotai (trading in the name and style of Technology Adviser) and Babatunde Amure (trading in name and style of Divine Partners)

The adjournment of the case followed the withdrawal of an objection raised by I. F Chude, counsel to the second defendant (Areh), against the admissibility of Areh’s statement which the prosecuting counsel, Prince Ben Ikani sought to tender as evidence at the last sitting, February 28.

Court Declares Free Basic Education An Enforceable Right

A Federal High Court in Abuja has declared that every Nigerian child has the constitutional right to free and compulsory primary education, and free junior secondary education.

In a suit filed by a non-governmental organisation, Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEDAP), against the Federal Ministry of Education and the Attorney General of the Federation, Justice John Tsoho also declared that the Federal and State governments have constitutional duties to provide adequate funds for it.

In the suit, LEDAP asked the court to determine whether by the combined effect of Section 18 (3)(a) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 2 (1) of the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act, (UBE) 2004, the right to free and compulsory primary education and free junior secondary education for all qualified Nigerian citizens are enforceable rights in Nigeria.

Pinnacle Trading & Investment Nig Ltd is NOT EFCC Auctioneer

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission hereby wishes to dissociate itself from the activities of a certain Messrs. Pinnacle Trading & Investment Nig. Ltd. who have been parading themselves as auctioneers purportedly appointed by the Commission to dispose of impounded petroleum products aboard MT Good Success and MT Asteris.

The general public is hereby warned to refrain from engaging in any activity in relation to the auctioning of any vessel or petroleum product on behalf of the Commission, as EFCC has not duly authorized anyone to act on its behalf in that regard.

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AFTER A MEETING OF STAKEHOLDERS OF THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY ON THE 20TH FEBRUARY 2017

WHEREAS:

A.​ Following the repugnant attempt by Sen. Ali Modu Sherrif and other undemocratic forces to undermine and take over the Peoples Democratic Party, the National Convention of the party held at Port Harcourt on the 21st day of May 2016 dissolved the then National Working Committee and the National Executive Committee and replaced the National Working Committee with a 7-member National Caretaker Committee under the leadership of Sen. Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi as Chairman and Sen. Ben Obi as Secretary with a mandate to run the party and organize an elective National Convention as soon as practicable;

B.​ The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt in FHC/PH/CS/524/2016 PDP & ORS. Vs. SHERRIF & ORS in its judgment endorsed the decisions of the 21st May 2016 National Convention, holding that the Convention did not violate any extant Order of the Courts or any provisions of the Party’s or Country’s Constitution.

Port Harcourt Ruling: Ali Modu Sheriff Faction Wins At Appeal Court

The Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has on Friday, ruled that the caretaker committee headed by Senator Ahmed Makarfi is illegal and cannot act on behalf of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Makarfi faction promised to appeal the judgment! The court set aside the judgement delivered by Justice Mohammed Liman of the Federal High Court in Rivers State who recognized former Kaduna State governor, Ahmed Makarfi as the leader of the party.

Messrs. Sheriff and Makarfi lead separate factions of the PDP, Nigeria’s major opposition party.

Federal High Court sitting in Kano Orders Forfeiture of Yakubu’s $9.8m to FG

A Federal High Court sitting in Kano presided over by Justice Zainab B. Abubakar today ordered the forfeiture of the sum of $9,772,00 (Nine Million, Seven Hundred and Seventy Two Thousand United States Dollars ) and £74,000 (Seventy Four Thousand Pound Sterling) recovered from a former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Mr. Andrew Yakubu to the Federal Government.

The order was sequel to an ex parte application by the EFCC seeking an interim forfeiture of the recovered money to the Federal Government.

DIVERSION OF RICE WORTH N5.5, EFCC ARRAIGNED NURA GARBA AND 5 others

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC arraigned one Ibrahim Rabiu and five others before Justice M. SHITU of Federal high Court Bauchi on a three count charge bordering on conspiracy, diversion and conversion of good and received a stolen property to the tune of N5.5 million.


The Suspects Zakari Isa, Nura Garba, Muhammad wada Ibrahim, Ibrahim Rabiu and one Babawo now at large were arrested by EFCC operatives in Bauchi and Jos following a petition by one Alhaji Umaru Sabo of Pantami quarters, Gombe.

Federal High Court Orders Unconditional Release Of El-Zakzaky And His Wife, Fines FG N50 million as general damages

The embattled spiritual leader Shiites sect, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, who has been in detention with his wife, Zeatudden, have been ordered to be released by the Federal High Court, Abuja. The court presided over by Justice Gabriel Kolawole, ordered the government to free the duo unconditionally within 45 days.

They have been in custody for one year following their arrest after a El-Zakzaky followers clashed with the military in Zaria, north central Kaduna state, causing the death of more than 300 Shiites.

The court also ordered the Federal Government to provide a new accommodation for El-Zakzaky in Zaria or any northern town of his choice.


The court also awarded El-Zakzaky and his wife N50 million as general damages

The court made the order while delivering judgment on a fundamental right enforcement suit El-Zakzaky filed against the government.

BREAKING: Court grantes bail to Femi Fani-Kayode in sum of N250m with two sureties

The Federal High Court in Lagos has granted bail to Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode in the sum of N250m with two sureties in like sum. He is to deposit his international passport with the court.

TRIAL OF ABBA MORO: 1st Witness says former Minister turned down all suggestions

former Minister of Interior, Abba Moro

A former Controller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, David Paradang, while testifying as the first prosecution witness in the trial of former Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, today told a Federal High Court in Abuja that he voiced out his concerns about the recruitment exercise and that all suggestions on how to stage the exercise process was turned down an action which resulted in the death of over a dozen applicants. 

Justice Anwuli Chikere adjourned the case till September 29th, 2016. ‪#‎AbbaMoro‬

N220m Faud: Abuja Federal High Court Grants Man N10m Bail, Denies Two As Lagos State Highh Couth Sentence One to Imprisonment

 Lekan Arigbabuwo

Justice A. R. Mohammed of the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, on Friday, July 1, 2016, granted bail to Obaje Musa Mohammed, one of the three accused persons charged for offences of conspiracy and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N220million by the EFCC.

Mohammed and his co-accused, Dayo Jimoh and Victor Ochola who were arraigned on June 22, 2016, on a 27-count for allegedly defrauding one Mohammed Jibrin, Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Suntrust Savings and Loans Limited, with a promise that they could help him secure some government houses purportedly being sold by the Ad-hoc Committee on sale of Federal Government houses.

Arms Deal: How Badeh Wanted Me to Claim Own Property - Witness

The trial of a former Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Air Chief Marshal Alex S. Badeh, continued on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 before Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja with the prosecution witness, Mustapha Yerima, further stating how he was pressured by the defendants to claim the property allegedly acquired with the proceeds of crime.

 Badeh is standing trial alongside Iyalikam Nigeria Limited for allegedly abusing his office as Chief of Defense Staff by using the dollar equivalent of the sum of N1.4billion (One Billion, One Hundred Million Naira) removed from the accounts of the Nigerian Air Force to purchase properties in choice areas of Abuja between January and December, 2013 - an offence which contravenes Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.. 

Dasukigate: How $40m Was Paid to Jonathan’s Cousin’s, Robert’s Company Account - Witness

The trial of Azibaola Robert, a cousin to the former President, Goodluck Jonathan began on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, presenting its first witness, PW1, Ibrahim Mahe who gave account of how he transferred $40million to ‘One Plus Holdings Nig Ltd’, a company allegedly owned by Robert. Robert and his wife, Stella Robert are standing trial on a 7-count charge before Justice Nnamdi O. Dimgba of the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja for money laundering, criminal breach of trust and corruption. 

Mahe, a retired permanent secretary, special services in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, while being led in evidence by counsel to EFCC, Sylvanus Tahir, told the court that, he did not know the first and second defendants (Robert and Stella), but got to know the third defendant, One Plus Company through a transaction.