Crime
Exposed: EFCC Traces Billions In Bribes To NCS Top Officials
In a shocking revelation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has exposed a massive bribery scandal involving senior officials of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
According to premium Times, the scandal, which implicates seven high-ranking officers, has revealed the depth of corruption within the service, with over 12 billion naira traced to illicit payments from smugglers.
Among the seven officials identified, a significant portion of the bribes, more than 80 percent, was linked to Zone C in Port Harcourt.
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One of the arrested officers, Ibrahim, the NCS Area Controller of Zone B in Kaduna, was found in possession of $31,200 and 500,000 naira.
Further investigations by the EFCC traced 1.1 billion naira in suspected bribe proceeds to him. Ibrahim has since refunded 250 million naira, with a commitment to repay the remaining balance.
The investigation also uncovered 126 million naira linked to Mr. Jalo’s personal assistant, Umar Tafarki, who has refunded 12 million naira to date.
Another key figure in this scandal, Kayode Kolade, Comptroller of Federal Operation (FOU) Zone C in Port Harcourt, was found to have received 9.5 billion naira in suspected bribes between 2015 and 2023. Kolade has refunded 50 million naira and committed to repaying an additional 800 million naira.
Nurudeen Musa, the Comptroller of Enforcement for Kaduna Zone, was also implicated, with the EFCC tracing 950 million naira to him. After spending days in detention, Musa has refunded 583 million naira and promised to repay the rest.
Hamisu Ibrahim, the officer in charge of Operation FOU Zone B in Kaduna, was suspected of receiving 120 million naira in bribes between 2019 and 2023.
He has refunded 13 million naira and pledged to repay the balance.
Madugu Saleh and Mohammed Rabiu were also identified as recipients of bribes, with 85 million naira and 84 million naira respectively traced to them.
Saleh has refunded 13.5 million naira, while Rabiu, the officer in charge of patrol on the Anganga road, has refunded 15 million naira to the EFCC.
Nigeria Customs Officials Complicit
. . . As Operatives Recover Dangerous Weapons, Other Assets
As part of the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to emplace peace and public safety across Nigeria, operatives attached to the Imo State Police Command achieved a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against terrorism.
The feat saw operatives neutralised three deadly terrorist kingpins associated with the Eastern Security Network (ESN), destroyed their camps and recovered weapons.
In a statement on its verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Saturday, the NPF wrote, “On January 24, 2025, operatives from the Command’s tactical Unit following credible intelligence launched a coordinated operation aimed at locating and dislodging the terrorist hideouts.
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“The police operatives located the terrorists’ hideout in a forest within Ihube, Okigwe LGA. Upon approach, the operatives came under heavy fire from suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists but demonstrated exceptional courage and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle.
“The operation resulted in the neutralization of 6 members of the terrorist group, with 3 being ESN kingpins identified as Ifeanyi Anayo a.k.a. Zuma De Rock (28), Chukwuemeka Odionyenfe a.k.a. Nmimi (22), and Kingsley Sunday (21)— all natives of Ogube, Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Area, and the recovery of five AK-47 rifles, 552 rounds of live ammunition, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), several communication equipment, along with 8 operational motorcycles used by the group.
“Prior investigations had revealed the involvement of the group in several high-profile crimes, including the attack on the Owerri Correctional Center on April 5, 2021, the killing of five policemen in Umunna, Okigwe, on December 12, 2022, and the burning of Arondizuogu Police Station on February 8, 2022.
“The group was also involved in multiple kidnappings, including those of WAEC staff on June 5, 2023, four reverend sisters on August 21, 2022, and four Chinese nationals on December 6, 2023.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has commended the gallant operatives for their exceptional display of bravery and coordination.
“The IGP charges police operatives across commands and formations to sustain the tempo and implement the Force’s action plan aimed at reducing crimes drastically in the first quarter of the year 2025.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains unyielding in its goal towards ensuring national security and public safety.
“Members of the public are hereby urged to remain vigilant and work collaboratively with the Nigeria Police Force to promote peace and ensure a safer environment for all citizens.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has withdrawn the arrest warrant issued against Ezekiel Thankgod, the former manager of renowned gospel singer, Mercy Chinwo.
Biztellers reports that Thankgod is facing allegations of involvement in a $345,000 fraud case.
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The arrest warrant had been issued by Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court on January 16, 2025, following an ex parte application by the EFCC seeking to compel Thankgod’s appearance in court.
During a court session on Friday, EFCC counsel, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, applied to withdraw the warrant, stating that the charges had already been served on Thankgod’s lawyer, Mr. Monday Ubani, SAN, during open court proceedings.
She argued that the warrant was no longer necessary.
Justice Owoeye granted the application and formally vacated the bench warrant.
Oba Otudeko, Chairman of Honeywell Group, appeared in the Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday to challenge charges of N12.3 billion fraud.
Biztellers reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a 13-count indictment against Otudeko, along with Olabisi Onasanya, former Managing Director of FirstBank Plc., Soji Akintayo, a former board member of Honeywell, and Anchorage Leisure Ltd.
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During the proceedings, the defendants’ lawyer, Mr. Bode Olanipekun (SAN), raised an objection, stating that the charge had not been properly served to Otudeko or his co-defendants.
Olanipekun emphasized this issue as a reason for protest in court.
The EFCC has accused the individuals and the company of fraudulently obtaining N12.3 billion under false pretenses.
More to follow………..
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