Economic and Financial Crimes Commission

Court Orders Final Forfeiture of Lagos Duplex To FG

Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday, May 8, 2026, ordered the final forfeiture of a four-bedroom duplex in Lagos State to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The property, located at No. 21A, Victory Estate, Ago Palace Way, Ojo Peter Street, Lagos State, is linked to Chidiebere Onyeoma Okeke, who is under investigation for alleged foreign exchange fraud and money laundering. The judge issued the order following a motion on notice filed by the EFCC, Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, through its counsel, H.U. Kofarnaisa. Visit www.efcc.efcc.gov.ng for more stories.

Olukoyede Charges Students On Integrity in Abuja

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede on Thursday, May 7, 2026, charged students of J.K Peoples Comprehensive Academy to imbibe the spirit of integrity, honesty and accountability in their daily lives and shun all forms of corruption and cybercrime.

He made the call in Abuja when officers of the Commission launched an Integrity Club at the school.

Olukoyede, who spoke through the Head, Radio Unit of the EFCC, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, DCE Nwanyinma Okeanu reiterated the need for committed action against corruption owing to the devastating consequences of the menace in Nigeria.

He stated that corruption was responsible for the stagnation, retardation, distortion and dislocation of growth and development in our nation. He charged them to understand the havocs being wrecked on the nation by corrupt practices and make concerted efforts to confront them.

"As students, you need to have deeper insights into the havoc being wrecked on our nation by the monster of corruption. In its simplest description, corruption is the compromise of rules, regulations, policies, standards and directive principles of running a system. It is deliberate use of public opportunities, resources and privileges for private gains. In any system where corruption holds sway, no progress of any kind can be made. Nigeria is in its present state owing to the cumulative effects of corrupt practices”, he said.

He took time to explain the various typologies of fraudulent dealings the EFCC is tackling. They include money laundering, embezzlement, forgery, advance fee fraud, contract scam, employment scam, land and property fraud, tax fraud, internet fraud, stealing, bribery, procurement fraud, banking fraud, among others. “All these crimes are variants of corrupt practices. Every form of internet fraud, such as romance scam, business email compromise, hacking, impersonation, forex scam and others are corrupt practices and must not be found among you”, he said.

Also Speaking, Head Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE11 Aisha Muhammed, reiterated the role children can play in the fight against corruption and cybercrime. She charged them to imbibe the spirit of integrity and shun all forms of corruption and other societal menace.

"Children are very important in the fight against corruption. What we are doing now is the preventive mandate of the EFCC and do you know why? You are the future of Nigeria. We have to mould you from now, we have to tell you the good, bad and the ugly. When we tell you all these, we also have to direct your perspective and position because you are an important stakeholder in this fight”, she said.

She further called on the students to shun all forms of corruption urging them to say “No” when the need arises, adding that through these interactions and enlightenment, students can learn how to say no.

“Continuing, Mohammed pointed out that, “You have to learn to say No, and one way to say No is for us to talk to you by creating an integrity club here for you to voice out. We try to instil the spirit of integrity in you, talk to you about societal menaces that are happening, new trends in cybercrime and we want you to be our partners, help us fight against corruption because your voices matter."

Speaking on behalf of the School management, Patron of the school, Chijoke Okoro, appreciated the effort of the EFCC in installing the spirit of good moral conduct in the students and finding the school worthy for the establishment of an Integrity Club.

"We deeply appreciate your enlightenment lecture and your efforts towards establishing the Integrity Club in our school. The lessons and values you have imbibed in us today on integrity, honesty and accountability and the danger of corruption will surely leave a lasting impact on our students and staff. It is our prayer that God will continue to strengthen and guide the EFCC in its mission of building a corrupt free society and inspiring young people to become responsible leaders of tomorrow’, he said.

Head Boy of the school, Marwan Aliyu, stated that the presence of the EFCC demonstrated its commitment to shaping the younger generation into responsible citizens who will stand against corruption and uphold truth and transparency in all areas of life.

He expressed optimism that the knowledge and values of anti-corruption will impact on the students positively and influence their character, academic life and future leadership roles.

EFCC, EIRS Collaborate in Tackling Tax Fraud in Edo State

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Edo State Internal Revenue Services have agreed to collaborate in combating tax fraud in the state.

This agreement was reached on Thursday May 7, 2026, when the Chairman of Edo State Internal Revenue Service, John Odior paid a courtesy visit to the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Commission on Thursday May 7, 2026.

The EIRS boss disclosed that he was at the Commission to explore areas of collaboration and deepen the relationship between the two organisations.

He noted that collaboration with the EFCC has become imperative in order to bring in those who evade taxes, pay little and those who are not captured into the tax net. "When you arrest a suspect, ask for evidence of their tax payment or tax clearance. You can write to us to find out whether the person has been paying tax or not, and we shall provide you with the information." He noted that through such information sharing more people will be captured into the tax net and improve the revenue drive of the state government.

Responding, the Ag Zonal Director, Benin Zonal Directorate, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, DCE Sa'ad Hanafi Sa'ad, said the Commission has been collaborating with the EIRS and was willing to continue noting that the Commission has a section that deals with tax matters. "We have a Tax Fraud Section which deals with issues of taxes. The Commission recognises its importance as a source of revenue for the government and we ensure that those who try to evade tax payment face the consequence of their action! He assured the EIRS boss that the Commission's door will always be open to them. "You can call on us anytime you have anything to share with us and we shall respond accordingly."

Alleged $1.5m Fraud: Court Dismisses Preliminary Objections, Bail Application of Intermediate Investment Holdings Boss, Ufoma Immanuel in Lagos

Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday, May 7, 2026, dismissed the preliminary objections and bail application filed by the boss of Intermediate Investment Holdings Limited, Ufoma Joseph Immanuel, over an alleged $1.5 million fraud.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, arraigned Immanuel, alongside his company, Intermediate Investment Holdings Ltd., on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence and forgery to the tune of $1.5m.

Count one reads: “UFOMA JOSEPH IMMANUEL and INTERMEDIATE INVESTMENT HOLDINGS LIMITED between April 2022 and October 2023 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, induced Adebisi Adebut of R28 Holdings Limited to deposit the total sum of S1, 500, 000.00 (One Million, Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars USD) as investment described as to wit: "Cash and or Capital Cost in Chappal Petroleum Development Company Limited; Business Development Cost in Intermediate Investment Holdings Limited: Capital and or Capital Call in Chappal Energies Mauritius Limited" on the understanding that R28 Holdings Limited will be; (a) reimbursed the investment amount (b) paid a Development Capital fee of $2 250,000.00. (Two Million, Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars) (c) 22.4% worth of shares in Intermediate Investment Holdings Limited which representation you knew to be false.”

Count two reads: “UFOMA JOSEPH IMMANUEL, sometime between April 2022 and April 2025 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, forged a document to wit: TERM SHEET and purporting same to have been executed by Sheriff Oluwo and Olaniran Osotuyi in order to facilitate your obtaining money by inducement from Adebisi Adebutu of R28 Holdings Limited.”

The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to him.

Following the defendant’s “not guilty” plea, prosecution counsel, Babatunde Sonoiki, asked the court to fix a date for the commencement of trial and also prayed the court to remand the defendant in the custody of the International Criminal Police Organization, INTERPOL, pending the conclusion of its investigation.

Sonoiki also narrated how the defence counsel, Oluseun Awonuga, SAN, had physically assaulted his colleague, Emenike Mgbemele, at the sitting on March 2, 2026.

According to him, “My lord, the learned silk, physically assaulted my colleague on the staircase on his way to serve the defendant the charge as directed by the court.

“There is a video to that effect and we intend to tender it before the court.”

Though Awonuga did not respond to the allegation made against him by the prosecution counsel, he informed the court of a preliminary objection and a written address dated January 5, 2026, while urging the court to discountenance the counter-affidavit of the prosecution.

The prosecution, in a 21-paragraph counter-affidavit dated February 9, 2026, had urged the court to dismiss the notice of preliminary objections.

According to Awonuga, the Federal High Court, in a ruling, had ordered the EFCC not to arrest the defendant.

"EFCC has flouted the order by arresting the defendant and I hereby urge your lordship to discountenance their counter- affidavit," he said.

Responding, the prosecution counsel, Sonoiki, said that the ruling was part of the motion that had earlier been withdrawn by the defence and should not be before the court.

“ There is nowhere in the ruling that says the defendants cannot be arraigned in a court of competent jurisdiction. My lord, the ruling was delivered in a civil case; and according to the Supreme Court, a criminal case and civil case can go on at the same time”

"We urge the court to dismiss the application and order accelerated hearing in this case,” Sonoiki had said.

After listening to both parties, Justice Dada had, consequently, adjourned the case till May 7, 2026 ( today) for ruling.

Ruling on the application , Justice Dada held that: “The preliminary objection is baseless and the entire application is lacking in merit; and it is hereby dismissed.”

Also, Justice Dada, in her ruling on the bail application of the defendant, held that “On the basis of considering the antecedent of the defendant for not honouring the invitation of the applicant after he was granted administrative bail, I agree with the complainant that he is a flight risk; therefore, bail is refused.”

Justice Dada adjourned the case till June 24, 26, 29 and 30, 2026 for the commencement of trial.

Alleged ₦80.2bn Kogi Fraud: Witness Narrates How Ali Bello Paid Millions in Cash for Maitama Property Project

A prosecution witness, PW14, Shehu Bello, on Thursday, May 7, 2026, told Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, that Ali Bello made several cash payments running into millions of naira for the construction of a property located at Plot 1891, Dala Hills, Maitama, Abuja.

The witness, who testified during continuation of hearing in the alleged ₦80.2 billion money laundering trial involving former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, disclosed that the payments he was aware of included ₦9 million, ₦8.5 million and ₦5.8 million, all paid in cash.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is prosecuting Bello on an alleged money laundering amounting to ₦80,246,470,088.88.

Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Olukayode Enitan, SAN, the witness explained that his involvement in the Maitama property began after Ali Bello approached him to recommend a construction company for the project.

“My friend Ali Bello approached me if I knew any good construction company that could build a house for him, so I recommended a company, Metro Deck Construction Company Limited. I brought them and he gave them the job to build the house for him,” the witness said.

Speaking further on how payments were made to the construction company, the witness stated that Ali Bello made payments both through bank transfers and cash transactions.

“Ali Bello made transfers to them and on some occasions he paid them in cash,” he said.

Asked in which currency the payments were made, the witness said the cash payments were made in naira.

“The ones that I’m aware of; ₦9 million, ₦8.5 million and ₦5.8 million, these are the only three payments I am aware of in cash,” he said.

The witness also testified regarding another property located at Plot 1058, Cadastral Zone A08, Wuse II, Abuja.

According to him, Ali Bello had requested his assistance in sourcing a property in Wuse II for the purpose of developing shops.

“My friend Ali Bello asked me if I can get him a property around Wuse II, where he can build shops. After we spoke, I went out and got some people and spoke with colleagues of mine. We got a plot of land in that location, Wuse II Plot 1058, Cadastral Zone A08, Abuja, Durban Street,” he said.

He further disclosed that the property was purchased from SFC Foods Limited for ₦650 million through bank transfer.

“It was bought from SFC Foods Limited. The amount paid was ₦650 million. The payment was made in bank transfer,” he stated.

Further in his testimony, the witness confirmed making statements to the EFCC during investigation of the case and identified the documents shown to him in court as his statements.

“Yes, it’s my statement, it carries my signatures on all pages,” he said.

Following the confirmation, Enitan sought to tender the witness’s extra-judicial statements in evidence.

However, defence counsel, Adebayo Adedeji, SAN, objected to the admissibility of the documents, arguing that the prosecution could not tender the extra-judicial statement of its own witness as substantive evidence.

“The extra-judicial statement sought to be tendered this morning by the prosecution as though it constitutes substantive evidence in support of the prosecution’s case is a misconception of the law and inadmissible at this stage,” he argued.

Adedeji maintained that such statements could only be used by the defence for the purpose of impeaching the credibility of a witness.

Responding, Enitan described the defence’s objection as misconceived, insisting that the witness had acknowledged making the statements and that the documents were relevant to the case.

“The witness has given his evidence on oath, he has owned the statement and I urge your lordship to admit it,” he said.

He further argued that by virtue of the provisions of the Evidence Act, once a document is relevant and the maker is called as a witness, the document becomes admissible, subject to the weight the court may attach to it.

After listening to arguments from both parties, Justice Nwite adjourned the matter till June 15 and 18, 2026 for ruling on the admissibility of the statements and continuation of trial.

N33.8billion Fraud: Court Convicts Saleh Mamman

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday, May 7, 2026 convicted a former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman on 12- count charges bordering on money laundering to the tune of N33.8billion

The former minister, who was absent in court, was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for money laundering to the tune of N33,804,830,503,73( Thirty Three Billion, Eight Hundred and Four Million, Eight Hundred and Thirty Thousand, Five Hundred and Three Naira, Seventy Three kobo)

Count one of the charges reads:

“That you, SALEH MAMIVIAN {Male), sometime in 2019, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Court, whilst you were the Minister of Power conspired with other officials of your Ministry and some private companies to indirectly convert the total sum of =N=33,804,830,503.73

{Thirty-Three Billion, Eight Hundred and Four Million, Eight Hundred and Thirty Thousand, Five Hundred and Three Naira, and Seventy-Three Kobo) through various private companies which sums you reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of unlawful activity, to wit: criminal breach of trust in relation to the funds released for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant Projects by the Federal Government of Nigeria; and you thereby commit an offence contrary to Sections 18(a), 15(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 {as Amended), and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.”

Count two reads:

“That you, SALEH MAMMAN (Male), sometime in December 2019, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Court, conspired with SAMSON BITRUS to make a cash payment of US$665, 700:00 (Six Hundred and Sixty-Five Thousand and Seven Hundred United States Dollars) to MOHIBA INVESTMENT LTD (acting through Mohammed Asheik Jidda), without going through a financial institution, and that you thereby commit an offence contrary to Sections 1 and 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as Amended), and punishable under Section 16(2)(b) of the same Act.”

Justice Omotosho had slated the judgment for Thursday after parties in the case were duly served with hearing notices.

However, when the matter was called, the ex-minister was not in court.

Defence counsel, Mohammed Ahmed, informed the court that, although his team was duly informed that the matter would be coming up for judgment on Thursday, they had been unable to get in touch with him.

“My Lord, the defendant is not in court. We received a message that the matter is for judgment, and it was delivered on Tuesday.

“Since then, we have been trying to reach him (Mr Mamman), but all efforts made have not been successful. But yesterday, one of his associates informed us that he is indisposed,” he said

EFCC Counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, confirmed that the prosecution received the hearing notice and that judgment was scheduled for Thursday. He faulted Ahmed’s claim that Mamman was ill, stressing that there was no evidence to back up his submissions.

The prosecution lawyer said that under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, the court has the discretionary power to proceed with the judgment.

After lengthy arguments between the prosecution and defence counsel, Justice Omotosho frowned at Ahmed’s back and forth on the whereabouts of the former minister

“The defendant is not here, and there is no medical report to back this. We are all ministers in the temple of justice counsel,” the judge said.

Mr Oyedepo then urged the court to proceed with the judgment.

Justice Omotosho eventually handed down the judgment, convicting Mamman of the 12-count charges of money laundering. He also deferred his sentence to May 13, 2026 because the former Minister was not physically present in court.

To preempt his escape from the country before being sentenced, Oyedepo applied for a bench warrant for his arrest so as to be produced in court and the prayer was answered.

Alleged $1.5m Fraud: Court Dismisses Preliminary Objections, Bail Application of Intermediate Investment Holdings Boss, Ufoma Immanuel

Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday, May 7, 2026, dismissed the preliminary objections and bail application filed by the boss of Intermediate Investment Holdings Limited, Ufoma Joseph Immanuel, over an alleged $1.5 million fraud. The EFCC, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, arraigned Immanuel, alongside his company, Intermediate Investment Holdings Ltd., on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence and forgery to the tune of $1.5m. Visit www.efcc.efcc.gov.ng for more stories.

N33.8billion Fraud: Court Convicts Saleh Mamman
** Sentence Comes May 13

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has convicted a former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman on 12- count charges bordering on money laundering to the tune of N33.8billion. The judge also deferred his sentence to May 13, 2026 because the former Minister was not physically present in court. To forestall his escape from the country before being sentenced, EFCC Counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, applied for a bench warrant for his arrest so as to be produced in court. Visit www.efcc.efcc.gov.ng for more stories.

War Against Corruption: EFCC, Lebanon Move to Deepen Collaboration

The EFCC and the Republic of Lebanon, through its Consulate General, have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral collaboration to tackle corruption, money laundering, and other economic and financial crimes. The renewed commitment was announced in Lagos on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, when the Acting Zonal Director of Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, ACE I Adebayo Adeniyi, received the Consul General of Lebanon, Mansour Chaya, on a courtesy visit to the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 1. Speaking during the visit, the Consul General who commended the Commission’s unwavering commitment to sanitizing Nigeria’s economic environment, said the engagement was aimed at fostering stronger cooperation and establishing a more structured bilateral relationship with Nigeria and the Commission in combating financial crimes. “We want to work with you and collaborate more closely. We want to take this relationship to the next level by building stronger bilateral ties. The new government of the Republic of Lebanon has zero tolerance for corruption, and we are committed to abiding by regulations and legislations put in place to combat money laundering and other financial crimes across all sectors,” he said. Visit www.efcc.efcc.gov.ng for more stories.