Crime

EFCC Chairman Calls for Stronger Partnership with CSOs in Anti-Corruption Drive

Published

2 years ago

December 1, 2023

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, urged Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) across the country to actively engage in the commission’s grassroots anti-corruption initiatives. This plea came during a One-day Engagement session between the EFCC and CSOs from Kebbi, Zamfara, and Sokoto states.

The EFCC Chairman highlighted the significance of collaboration with CSOs, recognizing their crucial role in the Commission’s success.

“In view of the forgoing, I assure you that greater vigour and impetus will be added to this symbiotic relationship. The EFCC will also be relying on you now more than ever to help in galvanizing and sustaining goodwill between us and the public we serve,” stated Olukoyede.

The Sokoto Zonal Commander, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Aliyu Yunusa, spoke on behalf of the EFCC Chairman, highlighting the significance of engaging with CSOs. He stressed the importance of CSOs in spreading the message of anti-corruption at the grassroots, given their proximity to citizens and the advantage of using local dialects.

During the engagement, Head of Public Interface Unit, ACE 1 Tony Orilade, underscored the Commission’s emphasis on fraud prevention, emphasizing that preventing fraud is more cost-effective and manageable than dealing with its occurrence.

ACE II Aisha Mohammed, Head of Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit, called on participants to support the EFCC in driving the anti-corruption fight to the grassroots, acknowledging that the EFCC cannot be everywhere and needs the collaboration of stakeholders.

Chairman of the Coalition for Non-Governmental Organizations, Mr. Bello Gwadabawa, expressed gratitude for the engagement, highlighting its role in building bridges with the Commission. He urged the EFCC to continue strengthening collaboration and maintaining transparency and accountability in its interactions with the public, especially CSOs.

Crime

ICPC Recovers Alleged Wiretapping Devices from El Rufai Home, Secures 14 Day Detention Order

Published

2 months ago

March 2, 2026

Editor

By Omoniyi David

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission said it recovered suspected wiretapping devices and sensitive security documents from the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State governor Nasir el Rufai.

The commission disclosed that a Magistrate Court in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory, granted a 14 day detention order to allow investigators conclude their probe.

According to the agency, electronic equipment capable of intercepting phone conversations was discovered during a search at el Rufai’s Asokoro home. Officials also said documents described as sensitive to national security were recovered.

The ICPC dismissed claims that the former governor was being unlawfully detained or politically targeted, insisting that due process was followed.

In filings before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, the commission urged the court to dismiss el Rufai’s suit alleging violation of his fundamental rights, maintaining that its actions were lawful and necessary for a thorough investigation.

Crime

Police Arrest Two in Abuja Over Alleged Homicide of 16 Year Old

Published

2 months ago

February 17, 2026

Editor

By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Command, have arrested two suspects over the alleged culpable homicide of a 16 year old boy, Chidera Benjamin, in the Byazhin area of Abuja.

The suspects, identified as Cosmos Okafor, 31, and Okechukwu Wisdom, 17, were arrested following the incident which occurred on Thursday, February 12, 2026, according to the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh.

Adeh said police received a distress call that Benjamin allegedly attacked his mother with a machete during a domestic dispute. Preliminary findings showed the mother had accused him of transferring money from her bank account to his Opay account without her consent.

The boy allegedly became violent during the confrontation and inflicted serious injury on her hand.

The police said two neighbours who witnessed the incident allegedly attacked the teenager in response. He sustained severe injuries and was rushed to Kubwa General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

The suspects are in custody and will be charged to court after investigations. The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, urged residents to avoid jungle justice and resolve disputes through lawful means.

Crime

Poison Allegation: Expect DSS Invitation, NSA Office Replies El-Rufai

Published

2 months ago

February 16, 2026

Editor

By Patrick Idowu

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has replied former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, over his allegation that the agency imported a toxic chemical from Poland, telling him to expect an invitation from the Department of State Services (DSS), as the matter has been referred for investigation.

El-Rufai had written to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, claiming opposition leaders had information that ONSA procured about 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate, a highly poisonous substance.

He requested clarification on the purpose, supplier, permits, quantity, storage arrangements and regulatory oversight, including involvement of agencies such as NAFDAC and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

In a response released to journalists on Sunday night, ONSA denied the allegation, stating it neither procured nor initiated any process to purchase thallium sulphate and had no intention of doing so.

The letter, signed by Brigadier-General O.M. Adesuyi on behalf of the NSA, said the allegation had been referred to the DSS for a comprehensive investigation, adding that El-Rufai and others with relevant information would be invited to provide evidence.