The Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes, EFCC, on Tuesday, October17 and Wednesday October 18, 2023 secured the conviction and sentencing of 26 internet fraudsters before Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of the Edo State High Court, Benin City.
The convicts are Pius Innocent Joel, Dortimi Obiagullu Abariowei, Okocha Nduka, Cloud Godspower Aghogho, Wilson Ifeanyi Nwabor, Ogbemudia Wisdom, Orubure Michelle Cyril, Sunday Victor, Akpevwe Edogheji, Emmanuel Omezi Chiedu, Sambo Doubra, Ogribi George Oworo, Success Oghenekevwe Jerry, Ebuka Ohika Okoli and Nnemeka Joseph Nnajiofor.
Others are Adesioye Ajibola, Omojewe Solomon, Azubudike Emeka Kelvin, Clever Afokoghene Oliver, Favour Ighoatudu, Favour Ogagaoghene Ebebemore, Abariowei Godwin Preye, Eserruoma Bishop Blessing, Miracle Ogonnaya, Agholor Omobude Simeon and Destiny Emuejevoke.
They were arraigned separately on one- count charge of unlawful possession of fraudulent documents by the Benin Zonal Command of EFCC.
The charge against Jerry reads: “that you Success Oghenekevwe Jerry on or about 1st August 2023 in Delta State within the jurisdiction of this honourable Court did have in your possession documents which you knew or ought to have known contained false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6 of the Advance Fee Fraud Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of same Act.
Upon arraignment, all the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges, prompting prosecution counsels: F.A. Jirbo, I.M. Elodi, KY Bello, IK Agwai, Salihu Ahmed and A.A. Ibrahim, to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. However, the defence counsel prayed the court to temper justice with mercy “as the defendants were first time offenders who had been remorseful for his actions.”
Justice Ikponmwonba convicted and sentenced Joel, Abariowei, Aghogho, Victor, Edogheji, Aworo, Doubra, Solomon, Ajibola , Nnajiofor, Okoli, Preye, Ogonnaya, Simeon, Emuejevoke, Ighoatudu and Ebebemore to three years imprisonment with an option of N200,00 ( Two Hundred Thousand Naira fine)
The judge sentenced Nduka, Nwabor, Wisdom, Cyril, Chiedu, Jerry, Blessing and Oliver to three years imprisonment or a fine of N300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) while Kelvin bagged two years imprisonment with an option of fine of Two Hundred Thousand Naira.
Preye is to forfeit the sum of N3,123,112.49 ( Three Million, One Hundred and Twenty Three Thousand, One Hundred and Twelve Naira, Forty Nine kobo) found on his bank account while the duo of Ighoatudu and Blessing are to forfeit their Mercedes Benz cars to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The convicts are to forfeit their mobile phones and any monies found in their bank accounts during investigations and being proceeds and instruments of crime to the Federal government of Nigeria through the EFCC.
The convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested by operatives of the Commission based on actionable intelligence regarding their involvement in internet-related activities. They were charged to court and convicted.
Media & Publicity
October 19, 2023
Court jails j Shehu Khalifa for internet fraud and impersonation,
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Makurdi Zonal Command, on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, secured the conviction and sentencing of one Shehu Khalifa before Justice Abdul Dogo of the Federal High Court sitting in Makurdi, Benue State.
He was jailed after pleading guilty to one – count charge bordering on internet fraud and impersonation, consequent on his arraignment by the Makurdi Zonal Command of the EFCC.
The charge reads, “That you Shehu Khalifa “M” (21 yrs) sometime between January, 2021 and January 2023 in Makurdi Benue State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one Lucas Smith a Bitcoin investment expert through your nicegram account ID 5694273106 and Facebook account Realkhaleefa and obtained the sum of R$4,000 (Four Thousand Brazilians Real) from one Miss. Andrea, a Brazilian National and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(2)(b)(i) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act, 2015 and punishable under the same Section of the Act”.
He pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him.
Following his plea, Justice Dogo convicted and sentenced Khalifa to one year imprisonment with an option of fine of N2,000,000.00 (Two Million Naira only). The convict also forfeited his iPhone 13 Pro Max and Redmii phone used in committing the crime to Federal Government of Nigeria.
Khalifa’s journey to the Correctional Centre started when he was arrested by operatives of the Makurdi Zonal Command of the EFCC, for internet-related offences. He was prosecuted and convicted
Dele Oyewale
Head, Media & Publicity
October 19, 2023
Ola Olukoyede resumes
Newly appointed Executive Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede assumed office on Thursday, October 19, 2023 with clear-cut agenda of re-positioning and re-focusing the Commission for optimal effectiveness.
The EFCC’s boss, who stepped into the corporate headquarters of the Commission at 10:45a.m, inspected a guard of honours and immediately went into a meeting with the management staff of the EFCC. At the meeting, where hand over notes were delivered to him by the former Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Abdulkarim Chukkol, Olukoyede warmed up to the staff and unfolded his agenda of reform and rejuvenation of the works of the Commission. The agenda revolves around clearer and robust pursuit of the mandate of the EFCC, creating atmosphere for transparency and accountability in governance, emphasizing preventive strategies in fighting corruption, total adherence to the rule of law and better welfare packages for staff of the Commission.
“We need to address the focus of our mandate. We should use the Commission to drive economic development. Why are we fighting crimes? It is for the system to thrive, for the economy to grow, for the society to get better. Therefore, our focus should be geared towards developing the nation for greater benefits”, he said.
On professionalism, the EFCC’s boss says that, “we are going to drive professionalism in discharging our duties in line with the rule of law. The rule of law is going to be our guiding light. We are going to drive EFCC to a place that when you see EFCC personnel, you will see a touch of professionalism. We are also going to be involved more in prevention, because it is better to save money for the government than to spend money in prosecution”. He particularly stressed the supremacy of the rule of law in the works of the Commission, pointing out that “the EFCC is a creation of the law. Its Act is a legal instrument. This means that, all our activities should be in line with the rule of law. There is nothing we are going to do that will be at variance with the law”.
He called on staff of the Commission to eschew dichotomies, narrowness and disloyalty to themselves, the EFCC and the nation, stressing that, the Commission is legally equipped to be at the forefront of fighting all shades of economic and financial crimes. He assured of a level playing field, equal opportunities for career progression and more rewarding welfare package. “My priority is to enhance staff welfare. We will build on what we have done before and there are prospects that we will do better things for every staff of the Commission”.
The Chairman also called for greater commitment to integrity, diligence, industry and visionary drives in the course of professionalism, promising that staff will be treated according to their level of resourcefulness.
Earlier, in his handover speech, former Acting Chairman, Abdulkareem Chukkol, appreciated members of staff and management for their support during his time in office, while congratulating the Chairman on his “well-deserved appointment”.
“Indeed, I found myself privileged to witness history as it unfolds into the new leadership that takes up the affairs of our great institution”, he said. He particularly thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for trusting him with the leadership of the EFCC in the four months he held sway as an Acting Chairman. “We are grateful to the President for picking one of us, someone who has invested time and intellect in building the Commission to lead us at this time. Being not new to the system, I have no doubt the Executive Chairman will do well”, he said. He urged Olukoyede “to strive to preserve and strengthen the reform and processes of the past few years that has brought some professional satisfaction to personnel of the Commission”.
The Chairman later took a facility tour of the corporate headquarters of the Commission.
Media & Publicity
October 19, 2023
Bode Agusto death at a time when Nigeria needs such brilliant patriots to help navigate our worsening economy is undoubtedly shocking and sad – Atiku Abubakar
I am saddened to hear of the death of Bode Agusto (MON), a foremost economist and outstanding finance genius who founded Nigeria’s first credit rating agency and served Nigeria under our administration as a Special Adviser on Budget Matters.
The budget surpluses we achieved year after year, the reforms of the budgeting process and the idea of spending limits can rightly be credited to him and the other first-class minds that we engaged to serve Nigeria in that glorious era.
His death at a time when Nigeria needs such brilliant patriots to help navigate our worsening economy is undoubtedly shocking and sad.
I pray that God grants his family the fortitude to bear this loss. May his soul rest in peace. -AA
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU APPROVES WAIVER OF THE “NO WORK, NO PAY” ORDER ON RESIDENT DOCTORS
Invoking the Principle of the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy, President Bola Tinubu has approved the waiver of the “No Work, No Pay” Order that was instituted against striking members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on August 1, 2023, following the commencement of their industrial action which began on July 26, 2023.
After several constructive engagements between the Federal Government and NARD, the Resident Doctors called off their strike on August 12, 2023. The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation was directed to withhold all salaries accrued by striking NARD members during the 17 days of their strike action.
In view of the faithful implementation of terms which were agreed upon during the fruitful deliberations between the Resident Doctors and the Federal Government of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has directed the grant of an exceptional last waiver of the “No Work, No Pay” Order on Resident Doctors, which will allow for the members of the NARD to receive the salaries which were previously withheld during the 17-day strike action.
The President has directed the grant of the waiver with a mandatory requirement that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment must secure a Document of Understanding (DoU) establishing that this exceptional waiver granted by the President will be the last one to be granted to the National Association of Resident Doctors and all other Health Sector Unions.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 20, 2023
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU TO S/WEST ISLAMIC LEADERS: SACRIFICE IS REQUIRED TO ACHIEVE NIGERIA’S RESTORATION
Speaking during an audience with a delegation of South-West Muslim faithful, led by Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, in Abuja on Friday, the President said the current challenges facing the nation are only temporary, assuring Nigerians that better days are in the offing.
“We have to believe in one country; we have to believe in Nigeria. We will do our best, and our economy will get better for the benefit of Nigerians. I am very sure of that, and we are putting in the work to ensure that,” the President said.
The President noted that the policies and programmes of his administration are aimed at achieving a fairer, better and honest society where hard work is rewarded and where laziness reaps little.
“It is about our future. We must guarantee our future. Almighty Allah will not give us a burden that we cannot bear. He has put us here for a purpose. It may look difficult; even rough, but it will get better. We avoided it (removing petroleum subsidy) for 40 years. We are all going through the pain now, but for Nigeria not to collapse, we had to remove the subsidy.
“In the history of successful nations, there is nothing more vital than the leadership of a nation taking difficult decisions at the right time and for the right reasons. There would have been no money for the subnationals,” the President declared.
President Tinubu commended the leaders for their prayers and support, assuring them that his administration is determined to empower the youth with skills and create an enabling environment for them to prosper.
The President of the Ummah, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, in company of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola, commended President Tinubu for his courage in removing the petroleum subsidy and for initiating necessary, even if difficult reforms.
“There had been no leader, military, or civilian that could break this hard nut of removing petroleum subsidy for us to grow as a country. You have done it. God will see you through,” Alhaji Oladejo said.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
October 20, 2023
Trade and Investment: President Tinubu Confers with South Korean Envoy
President Bola Tinubu on Friday in Abuja met with Mr. Won Hee-Ryong, the Special Envoy of the President of South Korea, to discuss the areas in which a further expansion of investment and trade ties across key sectors of Nigeria’s economy can expeditiously occur.
The meeting at the State House was a follow-up to productive discussions between President Tinubu and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol during the G-20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, India.
President Tinubu commended the efforts that have been made in implementing the commitments made during his discussions with President Yoon in India, noting that these commitments are aimed at strengthening the economic and technological partnership frameworks between the two nations.
“I am encouraged that your President acknowledged these requests and emphasized the importance of Nigeria in the African context by sending you as a Special Envoy. Rest assured, we are committed to providing the necessary support to bolster the bilateral relationship that has flourished over the years,” the President said.
With an eye on an increased South Korean presence in the transformation of Nigeria’s national, multi-modal transportation system, President Tinubu also emphasized the need for greater South Korean investment in the establishment of local industries for youth employment and technology transfer as Nigeria seeks to understudy and replicate South Korea’s national transportation system.
He said this project is an important opportunity for fruitful collaboration and the evolution of a pragmatic and dynamic business partnership.
“Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa with an energetic and vibrant youthful population that is eager to make things happen. We must empower them. We are committed to removing any obstacle that may hinder the flow of investments between our two great countries,” the President affirmed.
The Special Envoy delivered President Yoon’s letter to President Tinubu, outlining the South Korean President’s instructions to South Korea’s ministries to diligently implement the important projects discussed during their meeting on the margins of the G-20 Summit, including the conclusion of the Trade and Investment Promotion Framework (TIPF) between both countries.
He also conveyed an invitation to President Tinubu to attend the Africa-Korea Summit scheduled for June 4–5, 2024, in Seoul, while seeking Nigeria’s support for South Korea’s bid to host Expo 2030 in Busan, South Korea.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 20, 2023
President Tinubu Appoints Two New Chief Executive Officers in the Health
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of two (2) new Chief Executive Officers of Agencies under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare:
Executive Secretary / CEO, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) — Dr. Muyi Aina
Director-General / CEO, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) — Dr. Kelechi Ohiri
Dr. Muyi Aina is a globally renowned public health leader with a Masters in Public Health degree from Harvard University (USA) and a Doctorate degree from Johns Hopkins University (USA), following his first medical certification at the University of Ilorin.
Dr. Kelechi Ohiri most recently served as the Managing Director for Strategy at Global Alliance for Vaccines in Geneva, Switzerland. He obtained a Masters in Public Health degree from Harvard University (USA) and another Masters degree in Public Policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government following his first medical certification from the University of Lagos. He has obtained significant experience serving in the World Bank, McKinsey & Company, and has shaped reforms to the National Health Service (NHS) of the United Kingdom.
President Bola Tinubu urges the new leadership of these two critical agencies in the sector to prioritize quality, fairness, and accountability in the provision of world-class health care to all segments of the Nigerian society.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 20, 2023
President Tinubu Celebrates Oba of Benin at 70
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu warmly felicitates the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, as he marks his 70th birthday and seventh coronation anniversary.
President Tinubu rejoices with the Government and people of Edo State, the Royal Family, Benin Traditional Council, and most especially, the Benin people as their highly revered traditional ruler turns 70.
“You have served Nigeria in different capacities, especially as an ambassador of our great country. You are an ardent supporter of the nation’s war against human trafficking. Your steadfast collaboration with the Federal Government in ensuring that stolen artefacts are returned to the country is remarkable. Most importantly, Your Majesty’s words of advice for successive administrations stand you out as a lover of peace.
“As the custodian of the cherished customs and traditions of the Benin Kingdom and its people, I enjoin you to continue to use your exalted position and divine endowments for the promotion of arts, culture, and the values that the Benin Kingdom and the Nigerian people hold as sacrosanct,” the President stated.
President Bola Tinubu wishes the Oba many more years of good health and fulfillment on the throne.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 20, 2023
President Tinubu Appoints New Auditor–General of the Federation
By powers vested in him by Section 86 of the 1999 Constitution (Amended), President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Shaakaa Chira as the substantive Auditor-General of the Federation, as recommended by the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The President approved Mr. Chira’s appointment after the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) conducted a screening exercise that identified Mr. Chira as the most qualified candidate who had also scored the highest in the examination amongst all qualified candidates for the office.
President Bola Tinubu expects the new Auditor-General to justify the confidence reposed in him and to live up to the high expectations that Nigerians have concerning the execution of the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 20, 2023
President Tinubu Approves Partial Waiver of the “No Work, No Pay” Order on ASUU Members, Orders Release of Four Months of Withheld Salary
Invoking the Principle of the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy, President Bola Tinubu has approved the partial waiver of the “No Work, No Pay” Order that was instituted against striking members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) following the commencement of their eight-month industrial action which began on February 14, 2022 and was terminated on October 17, 2022.
In view of his determination to mitigate the difficulties being felt during the implementation of key economic reforms in the country, as well as his recognition of the faithful implementation of terms which were agreed upon during the fruitful deliberations between ASUU and the Federal Government of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has directed the grant of an exceptional last waiver of the “No Work, No Pay” Order on ASUU, which will allow for the previously striking members of ASUU to receive four (4) months of salary accruals out of the eight months of salary which was withheld during the eight-month industrial action undertaken by the union.
The President has directed the grant of the waiver with a mandatory requirement that the Federal Ministry of Education and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment must secure a Document of Understanding (DoU) establishing that this exceptional waiver granted by the President will be the last one to be granted to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and all other Education Sector Unions.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 20, 2023
President Tinubu Mourns Ambassador Mansur Bamalli
President Bola Tinubu is deeply saddened by the demise of Ambassador Mansur Nuhu Bamalli, the Chargé d’Affaires in the Embassy of Nigeria in Rabat, Morocco. The distinguished diplomat passed away on Friday at the age of 42.
The President has expressed his sympathy and condolences to the Emir of Zazzau, HRH Alhaji Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, on the passing of the Ambassador, who is his brother.
Apart from serving as Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires in Rabat, Morocco until his death, Ambassador Bamalli also served in Nigerian Missions across multiple continents, including Dublin, Ireland; Accra, Ghana; as well as the State House and various Departments in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during his accomplished career in the Foreign Service.
The President joins the Bamalli family, the Zazzau Emirate community, and members of the Nigerian Foreign Service in mourning the loss of the Magajin Garin Zazzau, describing the deceased Nigerian as an astute diplomat and Foreign Service Officer.
President Bola Tinubu notes that colleagues, friends and admirers of the departed Ambassador in the Diplomatic Service and Zazzau Emirate will always fondly remember him for his humility, kindness, team spirit, dedication and resilience in the face of challenges.
The President prays Almighty Allah to grant the highly respected diplomat eternal rest and comfort for his family and loved ones who are grieving this irreplaceable loss.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 20, 2023