EFCC Declares Timipre Sylva Wanted The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has declared a former Minister of Petroleum Resources and former Governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva wanted. Sylva is wanted in connection with an alleged case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14,859,257( Fourteen Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty Nine Thousand, Two Hundred and Fifty Seven United States Dollars), being part of funds injected by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board( NCDMB) into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for the construction of a Refinery. The Commission, on November 6, 2025 secured a warrant for the arrest of the former Minister at a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos. The Order, granted by Justice D.I. Dipeolu stated that, “an order is made issuing a warrant to the Applicant or any Officer of the Commission, Police or any law enforcement officer for the arrest of the Respondent for the purpose of bringing him before the Commission to answer to the criminal offence he is alleged to have committed.” The Commission also enjoins anyone with useful information on his whereabouts to contact any of its Zonal Directorates across the country or the nearest Police Station and other security agencies.

EFCC Arrests Three Suspected Vote Buyers in Anambra Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested three suspected vote buyers in various parts of Anambra. The suspects are Emeka Ilokasia arrested at Ward 2, Njikoka Local government, Anambra; Nwachuwu Loretta, arrested at Ward 2(008), Awkuzu, Oyi local government and Emuka Chuwudi, arrested at Umunachi village, Dukonukofia local government. All the suspects were arrested while participating in the governorship election held on Saturday, November 8, 2025 They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

EFCC Arrests Three Suspected Vote Buyers in Anambra Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested three suspected vote buyers in various parts of Anambra. The suspects are Emeka Ilokasia arrested at Ward 2, Njikoka Local government, Anambra; Nwachuwu Loretta, arrested at Ward 2(008), Awkuzu, Oyi local government and Emuka Chuwudi, arrested at Umunachi village, Dukonukofia local government. All the suspects were arrested while participating in the governorship election held on Saturday, November 8, 2025 They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

Incidence at Periwinkle Estate & Citizen Endurance Udeke The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, feels obliged to clear the air on circumstances leading to the passing of citizen Endurance Udeke, a resident of apartment W6a, Periwinkle Estate, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. Operatives of the Commission were in the Estate to carry out a sting operation on November 4, 2025. The operation was smooth sailing in all the apartments and four suspected internet fraudsters were arrested. However, Udeke and one other resident of apartment W6a got wind of the operation and tried to escape arrest by jumping down from the four- storey building. Udeke did not survive the suicidal efforts, in spite of medical interventions made to rescue him. The other resident, however, survived after being stabilised and treated at the hospital. The Commission, as a responsible law enforcement Agency, contacted Udeke's family with details of circumstances leading to his death. Efforts and medical interventions made to ensure his survival before his eventual passing were appreciated by the family. The Commission is shocked at the suicidal action of the deceased. There was no contact between officers of the Commission and the deceased before the unfortunate incident. The Commission reported the incident to the Police which has begun investigation into the incident. While we await the outcome of the investigation, it is important to remind the public that no one with nothing to hide has reason to be afraid of EFCC sting operation.

Embrace Integrity as Future Leaders, Olukoyede Charges Students The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, has charged students across the country to choose the path of integrity in order to excel as future leaders. He gave the charge on Thursday, November 6, 2025 in a sensitization lecture for students of Mami Bright Islamic Academy, Kaduna State. Speaking through Chief Superintendent of EFCC, CSE Nana Fatima Abubakar of the Public Affairs Department of the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, Olukoyede expressed delight with the invitation from the school to deliver the lecture and to get the students acquainted with the activities of the Commission and with ways they can contribute as future leaders in the fight against corruption, economic and financial crimes. "As future leaders, imbibe the culture of honesty, hard work, perseverance and integrity wherever you may find yourselves, they are important virtues," he said. He cautioned them against exam malpractices, stealing, laziness, lateness to school, peer and societal pressures and indeed against all vices that could endanger their self-actualization as future leaders, noting that they have a role to play in shaping their future, even as young people. To awaken their creative energies, the EFCC boss encouraged the students to take advantage of the endless opportunities made available by the internet to showcase their talents and for research purposes rather than indulge in internet crimes that would imperil their future. While highlighting the harmful effects of corruption and financial crimes on individuals and the society, Olukoyede urged the students to contribute to the anti-corruption fight by reporting acts of corruption and financial crimes to the Commission through the Eagle Eye App. In her remarks, the Principal of the school, Hajiya Hadiza Abdulsalam expressed appreciation to the Commission for honouring the school’s invitation and for the insightful lecture. "We are all better informed now, having realised that the EFCC investigates so many cases which we didn't know about. The EFCC is obviously doing so much, we are grateful. Our prayers are with you all. Our school is willing and ready to join in the fight against corruption in order to secure a better future," she said. On their part, the students during the interactive session pledged to spread the EFCC’s message of integrity, honesty and hard work to their peers, families and communities.

EFCC Hands over Recovered N42.5m to 70-yr-old Widow Victim in Kaduna The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has handed over a bank draft of N42,500,000 (Forty-two Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira) in favour of one Mrs. Margret Taye Odofin, a 70-year-old widow and retiree, recovered from her fraudulent account and investment officer, Mrs. Kehinde Olawale Yusuf, who worked in one of the new generation banks. The handover, which took place on Thursday, November 2025 was done in the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Commission by its Acting director, Bawa Kaltungo on behalf of EFCC’s Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede. The widower, in a petition to the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the EFCC in December 2024, had alleged that Mrs. Yusuf, being her account and investment officer , had between November 2020 and December, 2020, 1lured her into investing in some ponzi businesses with a promise of a quarterly return on the investment of N1,700,000 (One Million, Seven Hundred Thousand Naira), but unknown to her, the banker’s motive was solely to defraud her as she later realised that the sum of N47 million had been creamed off her account and wired to various bank accounts without her permission. Mrs Yusuf cut off communications with her and fled to the United Kingdom after she made enquiries from her on the transactions. However, her flight out of the country could not deter the EFCC from tracing and recovering the stolen monetary assets. An over-joyed Odofin was effusive with thanks and praises for the Commission and Olukoyede for the recovery. "I cannot believe this because when we reported this case in the United Kingdom where Mrs Kehinde Yusuf absconded, after defrauding me, they said the offence was committed in Nigeria, hence they advised that we report to it the EFCC, which we did and today I am singing to the glory of God because God has used the Commission to wipe away my tears. I have waited for years to get my hard-earned money back. “I want to thank Mr. Ola Olukoyede for the excellent job he is doing. I will campaign for the EFCC anywhere because today they have given me every reason to believe and testify that the Commission is working sincerely. I pray for you all that you continue to succeed,” she said. Kaltungo at the event reiterated the commitment of Olukoyede’s leadership in getting justice for victims of financial fraud. "I want to sincerely appreciate you for having trust in the Commission to help you recover your hard-earned money. We are happy that we have convinced you of our professionalism and capacity to resolve any fraudulent activity within our mandate," he said.

EFCC Trains Staff on Public Sector Fraud Investigation The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has concluded a four-day training programme on “Public Sector Fraud Prevention, Detection and Investigation” for its officers at the EFCC Academy, Karu, Abuja. The capacity-building programme, which ran from November 3-6, 2025, was designed to enhance the skills of EFCC personnel in identifying, preventing, and investigating fraudulent activities within the public sector. Delivering the closing remarks on behalf of the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr Ola Olukoyede, the Deputy Commandant, Training, EFCC Academy, Assistant Commander of EFCC, ACE1 Halima Rufau, commended the participants for their dedication and charged them to apply the knowledge gained in the discharge of their duties as well as share the knowledge with other colleagues in their various Commands. “This training is a testament to the Executive Chairman’s passion and commitment to strengthen our collective capacity to combat fraud and entrench integrity within the public sector. We are deeply grateful to him for his vision; guidance and unwavering support in making this program a success.” Rufau further emphasised that the course which focussed on strengthening internal control and identifying red flags, conducting fraud risk assessment and integrating preventive and investigative processes, has greatly enhanced the participants’ understanding of proactive fraud management. “In the delivery of this course, the Commission has also demonstrated its core values of integrity, professionalism, collaboration and courage that define the EFCC and guides all that its workforce does” she said, The training featured expert presentations, case studies, and interactive sessions focused on emerging trends in fraud risk management, control and effective investigation strategies.

Abdullah called for broader understanding of the working of the judicial processes and procedures in appreciating all the challenges peculiar to the prosecuting of corruption cases in court while Idoko explained the intricacies involved in crypto currency transactions and the need for clarity by members of the public in engaging in such transactions. Aisha Mohammed, Head, Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit of the Commission, took the participants through the modalities involved in enlightening the public, stressing that newer grounds should be explored by every stakeholder in achieving it.

Anti-Graft War: Olukoyede Seeks Stronger Synergy with Media, CSOs in South-East The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has called for stronger ties with the media and civil society organizations, CSOs, in the Southeast in tackling economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption. He made this call on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at a one-day capacity building workshop organized by the Commission for the media and CSos in the Southeast. According to the EFCC boss, who was represented by the Zonal Director, Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Commission, Commander of the EFCC, CE Daniel Isei, corruption is surmountable, though new technologies, global financial systems and cross-border crimes are posing challenges, it can be frontally tackled through concerted efforts of stakeholders in the fight. He said that the EFCC cannot combat these challenges in isolation, tasking the media and the CSOs to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible intelligence that will help the anti-graft agency act swiftly and effectively. “Intelligence sharing remains one of the most critical areas of our partnership. Information is power and in the fight against corruption, timely and accurate information can make the difference between success and failure. We encourage the media and CSOs to continue to share actionable intelligence with the Commission”, he said. While assuring them of protecting the identity and safety of those who provide credible information, Olukoyede said that the Commission has strengthened its mechanism for handling whistleblower reports and for ensuring that sources are treated with confidentiality and respect. Describing the media and CSOs as “indispensable pillars”, the EFCC’s boss called for “a coalition of conscience, an alliance of all stakeholders committed to good governance and national development” “The media is a veritable watchdog of our democracy. Through investigative reporting, you expose corruption, demand transparency and inform citizens about the progress or setback in our collective effort to build a more accountable nation. Your work has often provided the spark that ignites public action and policy reform. CSOs, on the other hand, amplify the voice of the people. You mobilize communities, shape public opinion and hold institutions accountable. Your advocacy has helped to strengthen anti-corruption laws, promote civic participation and protect whistleblowers”. He enjoined them to engage more freely, share insights and explore new ways to make collaborations with them more effective. The workshop provided a unique opportunity for interactions and knowledge sharing and strategies were explored to enhance collective capacity to detect, prevent and respond to evolving forms of financial crimes in the country through lectures delivered to the participants. Deputy Commander of the EFCC, DCE Dele Oyewale, Commission’s Spokesperson spoke on “The Role of CSOs and Media in Driving A Preventive Framework”; the Head of Legal and Prosecution Department of the Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Farouk Abdullah discussed “Prosecuting Financial Crimes: Issues, Challenges and the Way Forward”; while the Head of Bank Fraud Section of the Directorate, Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Stephen Idoko discussed “Understanding Crypto-currency Fraud and Other Emerging Financial Crimes”. All the lectures provide opportunities for sharing perspectives, review existing frameworks and building new strengths in tackling corrupt practices. Oyewale talked extensively on the need to break wrong perceptions, stereotypes and false narratives against the EFCC, urging the media to be more forth-coming in offering right information to the public.

EFCC, NIS Join Forces against Cross-Border Financial Crimes in Kano The Comptroller, Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, Kano State Command, Mr. Tahir A. Lawal, has called for stronger collaboration between the EFCC and NIS in order to strengthen the efforts of the two Agencies to tackle cross-border financial services. He made the disclosure in Kano on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 while on a Courtesy Visit to the Kano Zonal Director of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Friday Ebelo Lawal emphasized that a stronger relationship with the EFCC was mutually-beneficial for the two Agencies, stressing that various cutting-edge technologies deployed by the NIS to ease the processing of international passports and other technological advancements are instrumental to preventing visa fraud, identity theft, and other related offences that are behind cross-border financial crimes. Responding, Ebelo appreciated the Comptroller’s visit, describing it as a testament to the NIS's commitment to bolstering the existing cordial relationship between the two Agencies. He recalled the arrest of the 792 internet fraudsters and cyber terrorists by the Commission in Lagos and acknowledged the swift and decisive responses from the NIS, which were pivotal in verifying the identities and status of the suspects, thereby greatly assisting the Commission in their successful prosecution. Ebelo further underscored the critical importance of synergy and collaboration amongst law enforcement agencies, reiterating that such partnerships are indispensable for effective execution of the national mandate of ridding Nigeria of economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.

EFCC Parleys Customs, Aviation Security in Kano The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has expressed the Commission's unwavering commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service , NCS, and Aviation Security in the ongoing fight against economic and financial crimes. He made the declaration in Kano through the Acting Zonal Director of the Kano Zonal Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Friday Ebelo while on a Courtesy Visit to the Customs Area Controller, Kano/Jigawa Command, Dalhatu Abubakar at his Command’s office. Olukoyede began by expressing profound gratitude to the NCS, which he described as "one of the critical stakeholders" the EFCC aims to collaborate with more robustly. He emphasized that the fight against corruption requires a united front. "We are here to plant our footprints on the anti-corruption path. It is not just about enforcement, but about leaving a legacy that will inspire the next generation to uphold integrity and shun corruption," he said. He highlighted the tangible benefits of the existing synergy, noting that the collaboration has "yielded the recovery of billions of Naira for the nation." To build on this success, Olukoyede called for a more open channel of communication, urging the NCS to "feel free and approach the Commission at any time for support and collaboration." In his response, the Customs Area Controller appreciated the cordial and productive relationship between the two agencies. He specifically acknowledged the positive public spotlight that the joint efforts of the EFCC and NCS have garnered. Abubakar disclosed that the recent sensitization programs organized jointly by both agencies have been highly effective. He also expressed his appreciation for the EFCC's consistent and swift response to requests from the Customs Service. Reflecting on a significant national achievement as disclosed by the EFCC Director, the Customs Controller expressed his delight at Nigeria's recent exclusion from the Financial Action Task Force, FATF’s Grey List, a feat he attributed to the collaborative work of agencies like the EFCC and NCS. He called for sustained efforts to ensure the country maintains this improved international standing Similarly, the EFCC boss called on the Aviation Security of Malam Aminu Kano International Airport to collaborate more with the EFCC to tackle illegal cash smuggling and other forms of financial crimes. He disclosed this while on a Courtesy Visit to the Deputy General Manager, Aviation Security, Aminu Sani Daura Responding, Daura assured the Commission of his maximum support and called for EFCC's operatives to be permanently stationed at the airport for smother operations

EFCC Arraigns CEO, Company for Multiple Fraud in Kaduna The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has arraigned one Bashir Bello Ibrahim, a former Kaduna State government's contractor and Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of Formal Act Legacy Limited before Justice R. M. Aikawa of the Federal High Court, sitting in Kaduna for fraud. He was arraigned on five-count charges bordering on advance fee fraud, money laundering, retention of proceeds of crime and obtaining money under false pretence. One of the charges reads: "That you Bashir Ibrahim Bello (being Managing Director of Formal Act Legacy Limited) and Formal Act Legacy Limited, sometime in 2023 at Kaduna, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria conspired between yourselves to commit a felony, to wit: obtaining the sum of N11,000,000.00 (Eleven Million Naira only) under false pretence, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14 of 2006 and Punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.” Another reads: "That you Bashir Ibrahim Bello sometime in August 2023 at Kaduna, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria retained the sum of N10,000,000.00 (Ten Million Naira, only) in account number 1006847310, domiciled with Zenith Bank Plc, knowing same to form part of the proceeds of an unlawful act and thereby committed an offence under Section 18 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18(3) & (4) of the same Act.” He pleaded "not guilty" following which the prosecution counsel, Fortune Amina Iminabo Asemebo urged the court for a trial date, while the defence counsel M.T. Muhammad urged the court for a date for the hearing of the defendant’s bail application. Justice Aikawa ordered that the defendant be remanded in a Nigerian Correctional Centre, pending the determination of his bail application and adjourned the case till December 2, 2025. Bello was arrested on April 28, 2025 following claims of 251 petitioners alleging that he defrauded them on different grounds under false pretences. He is already facing prosecution on two separate grounds, having been previously arraigned for fraud on October 29, 2025 on a seven-count charge and on November 3, 2025 on an eight-count charge.

₦8bn Fraud: Court Sentences Man to Three Years’ Imprisonment in Lagos Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, convicted and sentenced one Samuel Ihechukwu Asiegbu to three years’ imprisonment without an option of fine for his role in an ₦8.56 billion fraud involving one of the first generation banks. Asiegbu was arraigned alongside several other defendants on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, and unauthorized access to a computer system with intent to commit fraud, contrary to Sections 409 and 386 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The defendants were first arraigned on June 23, 2025, and all initially pleaded not guilty. However, Asiegbu later changed his plea to guilty, prompting the court to convict and sentence him accordingly. The trial of the remaining defendants will continue. Justice Oshodi sentenced Asiegbu to 10 months and 8 days’ imprisonment on count three and 1 year and 8 months on count four, both without an option of fine. The sentences are to run concurrently. Consequently, the court struck out counts one and two. The court adjourned the case to November 14, 2025, for further proceedings against the remaining defendants.

EFCC Arraigns Man for N1.020b Forex Fraud in Kaduna The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, arraigned one Captain Nuhu Haruna before Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court, sitting in Kaduna State for foreign exchange fraud. He was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on advance fee fraud and obtaining money under false pretence to the tune of N1,020,000,000 (One Billion Twenty Million Naira). Count one of the charge reads: "That you, Nuhu Haruna (M) with NIN 45666600264 while being the Managing Director of Maphutha Oil & Gas Limited, sometime in December, 2023 at Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, obtained the total sum of N782,300,000.00 (Seven Hundred and Eighty-Two Million, Three Hundred Thousand Naira only) from one Alhaji Sheriff Zailani Shanono, when you claimed to be capable of providing him with the equivalent in United States Dollars and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.” Count two reads: “That you Nuhu Haruna (M) with NIN 45666600264 while being the Managing Director of Maphutha Oil & Gas Limited, sometime in January, 2024 at Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, obtained the total sum of N125,000,000.00 (One Hundred and Twenty-Five Million naira only) from one Alhaji Sheriff Zailani Shanono, when you claimed to be capable of providing him with the equivalent in United States Dollars and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.” He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to him, following which the prosecution counsel, M.E. Eimonye urged the court for a trial date, while the defence counsel, M.T Mohammed informed the court of the defendant's bail application, already before the court. Justice Khobo, after listening to both counsels adjourned the case till November 19, 2025 for the hearing of the bail application and ordered that the defendant be remanded in a Correctional Centre. Haruna was arrested following a petition from Shanono in which he alleged that he was introduced to the defendant sometime in December 2023, having claimed that he could provide him with a dollar equivalent of a sum of N1,020,000,000 (One Billion Twenty Million Naira, only), at two instalments of $600,000 and $400,000, each. Following the agreement, he alleged that he then provided the defendant with a foreign bank account into which he would pay the dollar sums and proceeded to transfer a total sum of N1,020,000,000 into accounts provided by the defendant. The petitioner further claimed that shortly after his transfer of the sum, the defendant provided him with evidence of payment of the dollar equivalent he claimed to have made into his foreign bank account, only for him to discover that the payment evidence was not real as the money never dropped.

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