EFCC goes after church for receiving N7bn fraud proceeds.

EFCC goes after church for receiving N7bn fraud proceeds.

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has revealed that the anti-graft agency traced the sum of N7bn, suspected to be proceeds of money laundering, to a religious organisation.

He said another religious group was found to be laundering money for terrorists.

The EFCC chairman made the revelation on Wednesday at the Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, during a one-day dialogue on “Youth, Religion, and the Fight against Corruption.”

He said some of the religious organisations, institutions, sects, and bodies in the country had been found to be aiding and abetting fraudsters and terrorists.

Olukoyede stated that the EFCC discovered the laundered N7bn in the bank account of a religious organisation in the course of investigating a N13bn fraud.

Though he did not reveal the identity of the religious organisation, a source in the anti-agency privy to the case told our correspodent that it was a church.

The EFCC chairman vowed that the anti-graft agency would recover the money through the court.

Olukoyede said, “We were investigating a N13bn money laundering case when we discovered that N7bn of the N13bn was linked to a religious organisation’s bank account.

“When we approached the religious organisation about it and we were carrying out our investigation, we got a restraining order stopping us from carrying out our investigation.”

Olukoyede, however, said the EFCC would not give up on the investigation as the restraining court order had been appealed.

Meanwhile, the EFCC chairman said the anti-graft agency also uncovered another unnamed religious body laundering money for a terrorist organisation.

“No one will be spared, we’ll probe everyone who is suspected to be committing financial crimes, and these includes members of the executive, legislative, and judiciary arms of government,” Olukoyede added.

He said since his assumption of office as the EFCC chairman about three months ago, the anti-graft agency had secured 747 convictions, mostly cybercrime.

He said the one–day event, tagged “Youth, Religion and the Fight Against Corruption,” was aimed at addressing the challenges of youth involvement in cybercrimes and how religion could be used as a weapon for their reorientation.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the event, spoke extensively about the need to curb corruption in government and among the young people.

Other dignitaries present at the dialogue were the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), a former Minister of Power, Babatunde Fashola, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, the President, Christian Association of Nigeria,Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the Chairperson, Nigeria Committee of Vice Chancellors, Prof. Lilian Salami, and the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede.

Tinubu orders AGF, Lokpobiri to end $1.3bn oil block dispute.

Tinubu orders AGF, Lokpobiri to end $1.3bn oil block dispute.

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, and other agencies of government to clear all court cases around the $1.3bn deepwater OPL 245 oil block located in southern Niger Delta.

Other agencies that also received the order include the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

Lokpobiri disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday, as he revealed that parties in the deal were currently negotiating to end the over 28 years crisis and litigations surrounding the prolific oil block in the next one month.

The Malabu OPL 245 deal and subsequent litigation with the Nigerian government is a complex and long-standing saga involving allegations of corruption, fraud, and legal battles.

The oil block in question, OPL 245, is considered one of Nigeria’s most prolific oil blocks. In 1998, Malabu Oil and Gas, a company with links to former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum, Dan Etete, acquired the block for $2m.

In 2001, the Federal Government under former President Olusegun Obasanjo revoked Malabu’s license due to “questionable practices.”

In 2006, Malabu challenged the revocation in court, eventually reaching an out-of-court settlement with the government under former President Umaru Yar’Adua.

In 2011, Shell and Eni, two major oil companies, acquired the block for $1.3bn from Malabu in a deal approved by the Nigerian government.

But since then there have been allegations and litigations, as Transparency International and other anti-corruption groups alleged bribery and corruption in the deal, with funds allegedly funneled to Nigerian government officials.

This resulted in litigations involving Nigeria versus Eni and Shell, as the Nigerian government under former President Muhammadu Buhari pursued legal action against Eni, Shell, and Malabu, alleging corruption in the deal.

Commeting on the issue, Lokpobiri said, “The previous administration initiated most of the cases that we are talking about today, and they took us to court, while we took Eni, Malabu, others to different courts in Europe, Canada, etc, but we didn’t win any of the cases.

“To even shock you, there is one that got us a penalty of over 70 million pounds. How did that happen?”

 He explained that JP Morgan sued the government for trying to dent its image in the saga, adding that the penalty was now binding on Nigeria.

 “So we have been fined over 70 million pounds by the court. Who will pay that? You and I will pay that, or our children will pay, because it is a judgement debt. And in all the ones that we pursue both in Switzerland and other locations, we have no evidence to get conviction.

“And so it makes sense for this government to come and say that for 28 years, this block has been idle. This block is a prolific block that will add so much value to our economy, so let’s see how we can resolve the problem.

“So we are talking to Eni and Shell, and saying let’s sit down and see how we can resolve all the problems. We have taken you to court on multiple occasions, you have also taken us to court, but let’s see how we can resolve these problems,” the minister stated.

He noted that at the last meeting, “we said parties should go on with negotiations and within one month we convene and see how we will be able to sort out all the issues so that the investment can continue.”

Asked to state the parties of the Federal Government interfacing with Eni and Shell, he replied, “The Attorney-General of the Federation is the one leading the delegation. We have the NUPRC, EFCC, NNPC, and the Minister of State for Petroleum.

“So we are very transparent about this process. We have the full government in resolving this matter. Everything is being done transparently. This process has nothing to benefit the President as an individual.

“But as President and Commander-in-Chief, his interest is the welfare of Nigerians and to attract requisite investments to the sector so that Nigerians can benefit from this God-given natural resources.

“And this block has been embroiled in one form of litigation or the other for 28 years. It doesn’t make any sense for us to continue dragging the case, because again, the world is moving towards the abandonment of fossil fuels.”

Lokpobiri stated that if Nigeria fails to get the investments in the block now, the country would never be able to attract capital to invest, because it would require billions of dollars.

The block had witnessed international cases as investigations and legal cases were also opened in the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, and Netherlands.

On the outcomes, it was reported that in 2018, the US Department of Justice closed its investigation without charges. In 2020, the US Securities and Exchange Commission closed its investigation without finding evidence of wrongdoing.

In 2021, the Italian court acquitted Eni, Shell, and all defendants of corruption charges. In 2022, Nigeria dropped its $1.1bn suit against Eni and lost its $1.7bn claim against JP Morgan terkait with the deal.

In 2023, the former Attorney-General, Abubakar Malami, advised Buhari to terminate further litigation due to low chances of success and potential economic benefits of developing the block.

The Malabu OPL 245 deal remains controversial, with lingering questions about corruption and the legality of the transactions. The Nigerian government is considering ending further litigation and potentially allowing development of the block to proceed.

The Malabu OPL 245 case highlights the challenges of corruption in the extractive industries and the complexities of international legal battles involving multiple jurisdictions.

The case also raises questions about the role of Western oil companies in potentially fueling corruption in resource-rich countries

Makinde gives companies with explosives 72-hour ultimatum.

Makinde gives companies with explosives 72-hour ultimatum.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, signed into law Executive Order 001, 2024 on the handling and storage of harmful substances in the state.

In a section of the order, the governor gave 72 hours ultimatum to anyone in the state in possession of any kind of explosives to declare them.

The new law came about two weeks after an explosion rocked the state capital, Ibadan, on January 16, killing five persons, and injuring 77 others with 58 houses destroyed in the Adeyi area of Old Bodija, Ibadan.

While the Federal Government has launched a probe into the incident, Makinde had said preliminary investigation linked the explosion to some explosives illegally stored in the residential area by some miners.

 “Failure to comply with the provisions of this Executive Order, including the doing of any act with respect to, or omission to take proper precautions against any probable danger from any explosive in possession of any person, shall constitute an offence and shall be punishable under Chapter 38 of the Criminal Code Law, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000 and any other applicable Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Makinde declared.

At a brief signing ceremony at the Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan, on Wednesday, Makinde said the signing of the Executive Order became imperative in the light of the January 16 incident.

According to him, the law is on the safe handling and storage of harmful substances in the state.

He expressed optimism that the new law would prevent a recurrence of the January 16 explosion in the state.

In the Executive Order, obtained by The PUNCH, the governor stated that it had become necessary to strengthen the existing regulatory framework connected with the handling of harmful substances “to ensure comprehensive risk mitigation and proactive prevention of accidents, misuse, or any other illegal or criminal activity involving harmful articles or substances.”

He declared, “Pursuant to Sections 5(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), and all other laws and enabling powers in that regard I, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde (FNSE), the Executive Governor of Oyo State of Nigeria, hereby makes the following order:

 “All individuals resident in, and companies operating within Oyo State, in possession of (directly, indirectly or constructively by virtue of company directorship) harmful articles or substances of any kind (i.e., that can be detonated by pressure, heat, impact trigger, fuse, proximity, timing-device, remote control or howsoever), irrespective of quantity or purpose, or hazard characteristics, are hereby mandated to immediately notify the Special Adviser to the Governor of Oyo State on Security of such possession.

 “Notification in paragraph 1 above, in respect of such substances already in possession as at the effective date of this order, shall be made within 72 hours of the effective date of this order, and subsequently, not later than 24 hours upon coming in possession of any such substances; and must include a comprehensive inventory detailing: the type, quantity, and precise location of all such substances possessed; the purpose of possession and any relevant licences or permits held; and security measures currently in place for storage and handling.”

 Ibadan explosion: Malian miner denies ownership of building, urges thorough investigation

Makinde further ordered: “Upon receiving notification, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, in collaboration with the relevant security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Army Bomb Disposal Squad through the Office of the Garrison Commander, Ibadan, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technicians, shall expeditiously assess the risk posed by each reported case of such harmful substances’ possession.

 “Cases deemed high-risk due to quantity, type, or storage conditions shall be prioritised for immediate evacuation and secure storage in the Magazines of the Nigerian Army or in any other safe location as determined by the BDS and/or the EOD,” adding, “All cases deemed high-risk shall be immediately isolated, disarmed and where necessary disposed of by the BDS and the EOD.

 “For the avoidance of doubt, high-risk shall include cases of exceeding designated safe quantities; storage in unapproved or unsafe locations; where applicable possession is without or with fake End User Certificate issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser/without or with fake license/permit from the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development; or lacking proper security measures or raising concerns about potential misuse.”

He stressed that evacuation and storage shall be conducted by trained personnel of BDS and/or EOD and transported to designated state-approved facilities equipped with appropriate safety and security measures.

 “Any company operating within Oyo State, manufacturing, storing, in possession of, distributing, purchasing, selling, transporting or howsoever dealing in, or using harmful articles or substances (with the characteristics listed in paragraph 1(1) above) for their operations shall file their Disaster Management and Mitigation Plans on the storage, transportation and handling such articles or substances together with photocopy of the End User Certificate and licence/permit from FMMSD for every consignment or supply received by such companies to the Office the Special Adviser to the Governor of Oyo State on Security not later than the fifth (5th) day of every month,” the governor added.

On the cost of logistics, Makinde ordered that “The cost of logistics related to the evacuation and storage of harmful articles or substances, including transportation, manpower, and any use of specialised equipment, shall be borne by the individual or company in possession of such harmful articles or substances.

 “Where the state government, due to urgency or high-risk situations, incurs the initial cost of logistics, the affected individual or company shall be required to reimburse the state in full within seven days of movement of such harmful articles or substances.

 “The Special Adviser on Security to the Governor, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and any other relevant security agencies, is authorised to take all necessary measures to ensure compliance with and enforce the provisions of this Order, including arrests, conducting inspections, and seizing non-compliant harmful articles or substances.”

According to the governor, the Executive Order takes effect immediately.

The governor proceeded to the ground zero of the blast after signing the Order.

While speaking with newsmen, Makinde said, “I just signed an Executive Order on the handling and storage of harmful substances. If you are caught in the state not following the law, the law will take its full course. There is zero tolerance on handling of harmful substances.”

Rethinking Nigeria's Constitutional Framework: A Call for Restructuring Beyond Security.

Rethinking Nigeria's Constitutional Framework: A Call for Restructuring Beyond Security.

ByAdl.

In addressing the pressing challenges facing Nigeria today, the analogy of sending a blind man into a dark room to find a nonexistent black shirt vividly fits the inefficiency of our current constitutional framework. To effectively combat pervasive insecurity, a fundamental restructuring is not just desirable but imperative.

Former NBA President, Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, boldly declares the current constitution as "fake," emphasizing the need for a humane and adaptable legal foundation. However, the challenge lies not only in legal realms but extends to a broader spectrum, necessitating a comprehensive restructuring approach that goes beyond just security concerns.

The urgency for a decentralized security approach becomes evident in the face of our current escalating security challenges. Empowering individual states with autonomy to tailor security measures according to their unique challenges not only promotes proactive solutions to local issues but also instills a sense of cohesion among regional leaders.

Chief Olanipekun's assertion sheds light on a pervasive issue – the current constitution's inadequacy. The plea for constitutional overhaul is not a mere call for amendments but a demand for a system that resonates with the nation's diversity and addresses its dynamic challenges.

As we delve deeper into restructuring, it becomes apparent that security is just one facet of the multifaceted issue. Economic policies, resource allocation, and governance structures should all be subject to reconsideration. A decentralized model would provide states the flexibility to respond swiftly to citizens' needs, fostering local development and instilling a sense of ownership among the populace.

The call for constitutional reevaluation extends beyond placing blame on Governors for security failures and lapses. It is a recognition of the need for a system that adapts to the evolving challenges of a diverse and dynamic nation. In the absence of such restructuring, the risk of perpetuating a cycle of blame without effective solutions remains.

The notion that lawyers and judges apply the law as it is, not as it ought to be, underscores the practical limitations within the existing constitutional framework. Chief Olanipekun's emphasis on the "fake" nature of the Constitution challenges us to question not just the legality but the functionality of our governing principles.

To break free from the current cycle of blame and ineffectiveness, embracing a flexible and decentralized approach becomes paramount. This approach could unearth innovative solutions and mobilize collective efforts toward a more secure and prosperous future. Restructuring offers an opportunity to redefine our nation's trajectory, moving away from the constraints of an outdated constitution towards a more adaptive and responsive governance model.

In conclusion, the call for restructuring is not merely a critique of the existing constitutional framework; it is a rallying cry for a more resilient, responsive, and adaptable system. Whether addressing security challenges, economic policies, or governance structures, a decentralized model provides the necessary flexibility to navigate the diverse landscape of Nigeria. Embracing this restructuring imperative is not just a legal necessity but a strategic move towards a more secure, accountable, and prosperous future for the nation. 

I am Adl.

COVID-19 funds: Reps order Federal Fire Service to refund N1.48bn.

COVID-19 funds: Reps order Federal Fire Service to refund N1.48bn.

The Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives, on Wednesday, directed the Federal Fire Service to refund the sum of N1.48bn within a week to the Federation Account, being the intervention funds it received for the COVID-19 health epidemic but which it cannot account for.

The Bamidele Salam-led committee issued the directive on Wednesday following the failure of the service to appear at the investigative hearing for the third time.

Deputy Chairman of the committee, Jeremiah Umar, moved a motion for the refund of the amount noting that “So many other agencies have appeared before this committee, and the investigation is ongoing. I don’t see any reason why (sic) the fire service will ignore a committee like this.”

Umar added that since the service could not appear before the lawmakers to clear the controversies surrounding its COVID-19 expenditure, the right thing to do is to refund the sum of N1.48bn it collected in 2020.

This came just as the committee issued fresh invitations to some other defaulting Ministries Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government to appear and explain various queries standing against them from the office of the Auditor General of the Federation on the billions of naira allocated as COVID-19 an intervention funds.

Those invited are the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security -N50. 5 bn, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation- N33 bn, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, through the National Centre for Women Development-N625 million, National Centre for Disease Control-N25 bn, and the Federal Ministry of Health- N10bn.

In his remark, Salam lamented that the Federal Fire Service had snubbed the Committee’s summons thrice while the other affected MDAs did the same twice each, saying that the latter group had been given one week to appear, or face sanctions.

He said, “A public officer who fails to respond to the Auditor-General’s query satisfactorily within 21 days for failure to collect government revenue due shall be surcharged and be transferred to another schedule. Where an officer fails to give a satisfactory reply to an audit query within seven days for his failure to account for government revenue, such officer shall be surcharged for the full amount involved and such officers handed over to either the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission or the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

“This Committee has a lot of assignments before it. The COVID-19 probe is just one; we have to move to other assignments,” he added.

Customs generate N3.21trn in 2023, targets N5.08 trn in 2024.

Customs generate N3.21trn in 2023, targets N5.08 trn in 2024.

The Nigeria Customs Service generated a total sum of N3.21 trn in the year 2023, Comptroller General of the Service, Bashir Adeniyi told members of the House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise on Wednesday.

Adeniyi who appeared before the committee accompanied by top officials of the NCS told the lawmakers that though the service targeted the sum of N3.67trn in the outgone year, it was only able to generate N3.21trn owing to a combination of factors.

This is even as he stated that all things being equal, men and officers of the NCS will work diligently to generate N5.08trn for the nation in 2024.

He said, “In 2023, the revenue target for the service was N3.67tran and remarkably, the service collected a total revenue of N3.21trn from January to December 2023.

“When we compare what we collected in 2023 to what was projected as our targets, there was a negative variance of N462.9 bn, which represents 12.62 per cent of what was approved as revenue targets.

“Though we didn’t achieve what we projected, but we want to say with all sense of modesty that we did our best. And when we consider all factors, we will appreciate the fact that we at NCS did the best we could.

My Adeniyi listed import of goods under the common external tariff, import duty exemption certificate, uncertainties and anxieties as some of the factors that contributed to the inability of the service to meet its revenue target for 2023.

“One of the factors was the huge import of goods under Chapter 99 of the common external tariff, which resulted in a revenue loss of over N2trn. When we compare this to the total revenue that we had, that was a whopping 63.35 per cent of our total revenue collection.

“Also, revenue due to import duty exemption certificates and other statutory provisions for the year (2023) was also in the region of N1.8 trn which was about 58.52 per cent of the total revenue generated. Cargo throughput dropped from 17.2 per cent to 15 2 per cent during the year,” he added.

“For 2024 fiscal year, this target stands at 5.079 trillion and this consists of 3.423 trn in federation accounts, N554.35 bn for non-federation accounts, and N1.101 trn for import Value Added Tax,” he added, noting that “When we compare what was targeted in 2023 and 2024, this year’s target is higher by N1.41 trn or approximately 27.75 per cent over the 2023 budget.

That said, the NCS boss identified some key assumptions he said would assist the service in meeting its financial targets for 2024, saying, “We are hoping that the 2024 fiscal policy measure would be rolled out in good time so that it would help the implementation. The second is tied to the issue of national single window. The project which has lingered on for quite some time is now being pursued very vigorously for better process ammonisation and standardisation. The inauguration of the steering committee has been approved by Mr President, and I’m very sure in the next few days, the steering committee will be inaugurated.

“The third driver is the introduction of the Vehicle Registration System and the Vehicle Identification Number valuation application, which has a huge potential for reducing undervaluation and vehicle tax evasion, thereby improving our revenue collection.”

Adeniyi also told the committee that NCS proposed a budget expenditure of N706.43bn in the 2024 fiscal year.

This sum, he noted would be sourced from multiple avenues, saying “We hope to start the implementation of drawing from the 4 per cent Free On Board in 2024 and from this source, we expect an inflow of N623.83 bn. From a 2% VAT share for NCS, we project N22.02 bn. The last is funds that we are rolling over from ongoing capital projects, amounting to a total of N60.58 bn. This will give us a total of N706.43bn.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee, Leke Abejide pledged the readiness of the lawmakers to help reposition the NCS in its task of realizing its revenue target for the nation.

He charged the NCS boss to prioritise e-customs and the integration of Artificial Intelligence in manning the nation’s border stations.

Tinubu charges EFCC to sustain fight against Internet fraud.

Tinubu charges EFCC to sustain fight against Internet fraud.

President Bola Tinubu has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to keep its flames burning against the scourge of internet crimes and other acts of corruption.

He gave the charge through Vice President Kashim Shettima, in Abuja on Wednesday, at a one-day public engagement on youth, religion and the fight against corruption and the launch of the Fraud Risk Assessment Project for Ministries, Departments and Agencies, organised by the EFCC.

He noted that the disturbing contagion of cybercrimes has been a challenge and slur on the image of the nation and the EFCC should spare no effort in tackling it more frontally.

He said, “Our country is not a nation of fraudsters and the pejorative reference to internet crimes as the ‘Nigerian scam’ across the world is unfair, untenable and unacceptable. Cybercrimes are a global phenomenon. Today’s world is run in real-time on the internet.

“Governance, businesses, institutions and even individual domestic affairs are dependent on the Internet. Cybercriminals are, therefore, a threat to the rest of the world. This is why no effort or expense should be spared in confronting the evil. I want to assure the EFCC that the government will continue to offer its support in its quest to kill the dragon that internet offences have become”, he added.

Speaking on behalf of the President, Shettima further expressed the federal government’s determination to give corruption hard tackles.

He noted, “We cannot be focused on growth and development and at the same time offer any breathing space to corrupt practices. No nation grows without breaking the fangs of corruption. The EFCC has been duly instructed to do its job at all times without any extraneous considerations. The Renewed Hope agenda of our government is impervious to corruption. We should all join hands together to move Nigeria in a new direction of purpose.

“We are aware of all the foul cries and unwarranted accusations against the lawful efforts of the Commission to bring fraudsters to book. We cannot fold our hands and watch our youths descend into morbid criminalities”.

In his remark, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi urged the EFCC to intensify its preventive method which according to him is cheaper and easier to prevent crimes.

Fagbemi said, “I believe that concerted efforts should be channelled towards the preventive aspect of the commission’s mandate as it is cheaper and easier to prevent crimes. The Commission’s mandate is beyond the investigation and prosecution of financial crimes which it has over the years pursued vigorously. The cost of investigating and prosecuting all species of financial crimes will significantly reduce with adequate preventive measures in place.”

The event, which was marked with the relaunch and unveiling of EFCC’s Interfaith Manuals and Fraud Risk Assessment Project for MDAs, and was well-attended by various political, religious, traditional leaders, including youth groups, academia, civil society organisations, anti-corruption agencies, among others.