Crime
EFCC Allegedly Covers Up N7bn Fraud Involving Top NCAA Officials
A scandal has emerged as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) faces accusations of covering up a N7 billion fraud involving top officials at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Despite the arrest of several key figures in 2023, the implicated officials have not been prosecuted and continue to receive promotions and benefits, leading to widespread outrage over the EFCC’s handling of the case.
The fraud, which centers around the misappropriation of Duty Tour Allowance (DTA) funds, has reportedly amounted to N7 billion.
According to SaharaReporters, sources within the NCAA revealed that despite the scale of the alleged theft, the indicted officials have not faced any official scrutiny.
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Rather than being held accountable, these officials have continued to benefit from promotions and other work privileges, while the EFCC has yet to take meaningful action.
The absence of legal proceedings raises concerns about the integrity of the investigation and the commitment of the EFCC to address the high-level corruption.
Recall that in March 2023, four senior NCAA officials were arrested by the EFCC in connection with the fraud, which initially involved an estimated N2 billion in stolen DTA funds.
However, further investigation revealed that the amount had risen to N7 billion. The arrested officials included Bilkisu Adamu Sani, Director of Finance and Accounts; Hart Benson Fimienye, Deputy General Manager of Treasury; Obene Jenbarimiema Turniel, Deputy General Manager of Management Accounts; and Nathaniel Terna Kaainjo, General Manager of Accounts and Stores.
Additional arrests were made, including several staff members from the NCAA’s Finance Directorate, after EFCC investigators uncovered more than N7 billion in the suspects’ bank accounts.
The EFCC’s apparent inaction since the arrests has prompted frustration from within the aviation sector.
A source within the NCAA expressed disbelief at the lack of legal action, stating, “I’m bringing this as one of the biggest cases of fraud in the aviation ministry which the EFCC has been playing about with.
“Even though the same EFCC has got truthful facts that the crime was committed, the agency has never arraigned the alleged officials in court nor does it have any intention of arraigning anyone of them.”
The source continued, “This shows one of the many corrupt and sharp practices of the anti-graft agency. The aviation workers are still petitioning the EFCC on this fraud because those top officials involved are enjoying the looted money. They are still sitting in the same position that gave them this privilege.”
Another source corroborated, adding, “Even the indicted officials are promoted faster than those working and breaking their necks to move the Nigerian aviation forward.”
Further details of the fraud emerged in May 2023, when sources revealed that the stolen N7 billion had been used by the suspects to acquire luxury homes in Abuja and Lagos, along with expensive cars.
One General Manager was found to have up to N800 million in his account.
“More than N7 billion has so far been found in the accounts of these people and low-level staff in NCAA that works in the Finance Directorate. They have been stealing money in NCAA, and have continued to do so even today,” a source revealed.
The scandal has also raised questions about the oversight of the NCAA’s financial operations.
Captain Musa Nuhu, the Director-General at the time, was not listed as a signatory to the agency’s accounts, leading to speculation that he may have been unaware of the fraudulent activities taking place.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the alleged terrorism financing and illegal firearms possession case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, until April 15 and 16.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the adjournment on Tuesday after the prosecution requested more time to prepare for the trial.
During the court session, lead prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that he had only recently been assigned to handle the case and needed additional time to consult with witnesses.
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“I got the instruction to take over the prosecution of the case on Monday and so I need time to interface with the witnesses,” Kehinde told the court while asking for a new hearing date.
Counsel for the defendants, Shuaibu Arua (SAN), did not oppose the request for adjournment.
Following the application, Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and fixed April 15 and 16 for the continuation of the trial.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier arraigned the former justice minister and his son on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, Malami was accused of allegedly aiding terrorism financing by failing to prosecute suspected financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to him while he served as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The defendants were also accused of illegally storing firearms and ammunition at their residence located in Gesse Phase II Area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State without lawful authority.
Items allegedly recovered include a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges.
The alleged offences are said to violate provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Firearms Act, 2004.
The trial is expected to continue in April when the court begins full hearing of the case.
A routine patrol by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle in Lagos and the exposure of a wanted driver, highlighting the importance of proper vehicle documentation and cooperation with authorities.
The incident occurred at the RS2.1114 Isolo Unit Command, where officers stopped an ash-coloured Toyota Sienna bearing registration number LSD438GK for a Vehicle Licence Violation (VLV) on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at about 5:11 p.m.
While the driver initially failed to present valid documents, further checks revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen and the driver was already declared wanted.
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The suspect was subsequently handed over in handcuffs to the Nigeria Police Force, Ajao Division, for further action.
The FRSC credited the recovery to the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS), a digital framework that strengthens vehicle verification and tracking.
The scheme has reportedly helped identify, trace, and recover numerous stolen vehicles nationwide, while curbing criminal syndicates involved in vehicle theft and identity manipulation.
In a statement, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide stressed that enforcement is not only about traffic compliance but also crime prevention and public safety, urging motorists to always carry valid documentation and cooperate with patrol officers.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed commended the Isolo team for their vigilance, affirming the FRSC’s commitment to leveraging technology, intelligence, and strategic partnerships to protect lives and property on Nigerian roads.
A major election scandal unfolded on Saturday in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as security agents apprehended a young woman in the Kabusa area for allegedly possessing 20 voter cards during the ongoing area council elections.
The woman, dressed in a black shirt and red trousers with a white scarf, was intercepted at Polling Unit 001 in Kabusa Primary School.
She was immediately escorted into a police van by security personnel, raising concerns about the integrity of the election process.
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Meanwhile, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, was on the ground monitoring the elections.
He visited several polling units, including the Karu Chief’s Palace, to interact with adhoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and assess voter turnout.
Wike reportedly inquired about the progress of the voting and the challenges faced by election officials.
This incident comes amid reports of low voter turnout and other electoral irregularities in parts of Abuja, underscoring ongoing concerns about electoral security and transparency in the FCT area council elections.
Authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing, and the suspect may face legal action pending further verification of her actions.
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