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EFCC Legality At Stake As Judiciary Watchdogs Backs Governors’ Lawsuit

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A prominent coalition of lawyers, the Judiciary Watchdogs, has thrown its support behind a high-stakes legal case brought by 19 state governors challenging the constitutionality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

This legal battle could mark a turning point for Nigerian federalism and reshape how anti-corruption efforts are managed nationwide.

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In a statement signed by Co-National Convener Barrister Real S. Dennis, the Judiciary Watchdogs praised the governors for what it described as a “bold and visionary” step in questioning the EFCC’s structure and mandate.

“We, the Judiciary Watchdogs, a group of lawyers from the 36 states of the federation, wholeheartedly applaud the bold and visionary leadership of the 19 state governors who have taken a historic step to challenge the constitutionality of the EFCC and others at the Supreme Court,” Dennis stated.

The coalition argues that the EFCC’s enabling act was established without any input from state assemblies, which they say undermines state authority and contradicts the principles of federalism.

The lawyers contend that anti-corruption agencies should reflect the federal structure, with states having a say in their creation and operation.

“The Constitution empowers states as key stakeholders in lawmaking, particularly regarding governance,” the coalition stated.

“However, the Federal Government’s unilateral creation of agencies like the EFCC undermines federalism and state autonomy.”

The Judiciary Watchdogs argued that the EFCC has frequently faced allegations of selective enforcement and politically motivated cases, which undermine public trust.

“The EFCC, in particular, has faced criticism for operating beyond its mandate, often pursuing politically motivated cases that raise concerns about its impartiality,” they said.

The coalition suggested that disbanding these agencies might clear the path for more accountable and effective anti-corruption bodies, operating strictly within legal bounds and commanding public confidence.

“Disbanding these agencies could pave the way for a more accountable and effective mechanism for combating corruption—one that operates within the bounds of the law and commands public trust,” the coalition noted, emphasizing a need for anti-graft efforts that respect legal frameworks and state roles.

The lawyers also cited the United Nations Convention against Corruption, which Nigeria ratified in 2004, noting that its implementation should align with Section 12 of the Nigerian Constitution, requiring state assembly approval for treaties to have force in Nigeria.

“The United Nations Convention against Corruption, ratified by Nigeria on December 14, 2004, must be implemented in accordance with Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended),” the coalition stated, calling for both state and federal compliance with this mandate.

The coalition also pointed to the Supreme Court’s decision in Dr. Joseph Nwobike vs. Federal Republic of Nigeria, which questioned the EFCC Act’s constitutionality and underscored the importance of state involvement in anti-corruption lawmaking.

“We commend the 19 state governors for their courage and vision,” the Judiciary Watchdogs stated.

“Their pursuit of constitutional clarity and sovereignty will strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and ensure that the rule of law prevails. We stand with them and urge the Supreme Court to uphold the Constitution.”

 

Crime

EFCC Probes Top Bankers, Bobrisky Case Still Ongoing

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced on Thursday that it is investigating several bank executives for various offenses.

The agency also reported that a preliminary investigation report on former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, has been submitted to President Bola Tinubu.

The EFCC disclosed that about five bank executives are currently serving jail terms in custodial centers across the country.

This was revealed by the Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwajaren, who highlighted the achievements of the commission under Ola Olukoyede’s leadership.

While Uwajaren did not disclose the names of the bank executives under investigation, he emphasized that the banking sector has not been overlooked in the past year.

He said, “It’s just for us to look back and realise that EFCC has never shifted focus from any sector. Between 2009 and 2011, at least five bank executives were investigated and served their jail terms. There are still some that are under investigation.

“They are not politicians. Bank MDs are not immune to investigations or prosecution by the EFCC. We cannot mention names until those things are concluded.“

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On Betta Edu, Uwajaren said, “I don’t know the outcome. But I believe that we have submitted a preliminary report to the president. And I believe that we are still on the matter.

“The last time I checked, we mentioned the number of bank accounts that we were monitoring. We were looking at about 140 accounts. And we know it takes time to look into and get the required information.”

On the investigation of controversial crossdresser Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky’s allegations, Uwujaren said he could face a fresh charge from the commission if the allegations against the EFCC are false.

Bobrisky had in a voice note shared by controversial social critic Martins Otse, aka VeryDarkMan, allegedly said he bribed EFCC officers with N15m to drop money laundering charges against him.

Although the EFCC denied the allegations, it set up a committee to investigate the matter.

Providing an update, Uwujaren stated that one could be charged for giving false information to the EFCC, let alone making false allegations against the commission.

He said, “There is a portion of the EFCC Act that states if you give false information, you can be tried, but in his case, it is an allegation against the agency. I don’t want to preempt the panel investigating the matter. Once we are through with the investigation, we will definitely brief you on the outcome.”

Reeling out the success of the commission under Olukoyede, Uwujaren said a total of ₦248bn has been recovered.

He also said four former governors and three former ministers have been prosecuted under Olukoyede.

Uwujaren said, “Ola Olukoyede’s one year as EFCC Chairman, beginning from October 18, 2023 to October 18, 2024, the Commission has charged four former governors, namely: Yahaya Adoza Bello (Kogi), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Willie Obiano (Anambra) and Darius Dickson Ishaku (Taraba), to court for alleged corruption.

“Two former ministers of power have been arrested and facing prosecution by the Commission. They are Saleh Mamman and Olu Agunloye. A third is a former minister of aviation, Hadi Sirika.”

He also noted that in the past year, the EFCC, under Olukoyede’s watch, secured 3455 convictions across all categories of financial crimes and corruption.

“Also in the one year of Olukoyede’s leadership, the EFCC recorded $105,423,190.39; £ 53,133.64; €172,547.10; T1,300.00; CAD $ 3,400.00; ¥74,859:00 (Seventy-Four Thousand, Eight Hundred and Fifty-Nine Chinese Yuan); AUS $ 740:00; 170:00 UAE DIRHAM; 73,000:00 KOREAN WON; CFA 7,821,375:00 to R 50:00,” he added.

He said more than 35 were convicted for Naira abuse.

“The convicts cut across different classes of society, with Idris Okuneye (a.k.a. Bobrisky) and Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin, a Nollywood actress who bagged six months imprisonment, topping the chart of high-profile convicts in this regard. Another offender, Pascal Chibuike Okechukwu (a.k.a. Cubana Chief Priest), had his charges compounded and was fined,” he stated.

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Crime

Young Man, 4 Friends Die After Eating Poisoned Pepper Soup Of Ex-Girlfriend

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In a shocking incident that has captured widespread attention on social media, a young man and four of his friends tragically lost their lives after consuming pepper soup allegedly laced with poison.

The incident occurred on Saturday, October 26, in Auchi, Edo State.

According to reports gathered by BIZTELLERS, the suspect, identified only as Peculiar, is the ex-girlfriend of the young man.

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Sources indicate that she prepared the fatal dish in a bid to seek revenge for their broken relationship. The group had gathered to enjoy a meal together when they unknowingly consumed the tainted fish pepper soup.

As details of the case continue to emerge, it has been confirmed that Peculiar has been arrested by the Nigerian Army. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, as friends and family mourn the loss of the young men.

As the community grapples with this heartbreaking loss, further updates on the investigation are expected in the coming days.

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Crime

Court Sentences University Final-Year Student To 14 Years For Internet Fraud

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A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has sentenced Henry Nathaniel Ekanem, a final-year student of the University of Port Harcourt, to 14 years in prison on charges of internet fraud.

Justice A.T. Mohammed delivered the sentence following Ekanem’s arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on seven counts related to impersonation and obtaining money under false pretenses.

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Ekanem was found guilty of defrauding multiple victims, including Diana Roskov, out of $22 and other sums.

According to the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, Ekanem had posed as “Coran Capsha,” the manager of American musician Chris Stapleton, and used WhatsApp and Instagram to deceive his victims. Ekanem admitted his guilt when the charges were read in court.

Defense attorney F.T. Fred-Boufini pleaded for leniency, arguing that Ekanem had no prior criminal record and was a first-time offender.

However, Justice Mohammed imposed a two-year prison term for each of the seven counts, totaling 14 years, with an option for Ekanem to pay a fine of N200,000 per count to the Nigerian government.

The court also ordered the forfeiture of all mobile devices recovered from Ekanem, as they were classified as proceeds of crime.

Additionally, Ekanem must sign an affidavit of good behavior before the court as a condition for his release after serving his sentence or paying the fines.

 

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