Headlines

How individuals Pay Billions to Bungle EFCC Investigations

Published

10 years ago

April 11, 2016

Borno Investigations Called Off Over Files Disappearance

By Peter OSSAI, Abuja The Economic and Financial rimes Commission (EFCC) has often portrayed a puritanistic posture on issues of corruption, thereby being inundated with petitions over sundrycorrupt practices for its necessary actions, but accusing fingers are being ointed at the commission as having compromised some cases under its investigations. The commission had recently alerted the nation of activities of some people using the name of the EFCC to extort money from individuals, but the denials did not seem to have cut the ice with Nigerians, who believe that the EFCC has either deliberately bungled cases owing to vested personal interests or compromised for certain gains. nationalTRAIL findings reveals that, some petitions coming from Borno State, especially one in which eight former and serving commissioners as well as the Accountant General of the state were invited for questioning have gone missing, and investigations called off, even as tongues are beginning to wag that there may be a case of sabotage by some operatives of the anti graft agency. Our correspondent who has been following the matter reports that, a similar case file of unlawful withdrawals of N50 million each from the accounts of all the 27 Local Government areas in Borno State, under the guise of hosting President Muhammadu Buhari during his campaigns has also been missing.

The petitions amongst other things accused Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima of alleged mismanagement of funds accruing to the state using the security management, and other sundry procurements, as excuse to siphon money through his cronies.
The allegations to the effect that the EFCC deliberately bungled investigations in some of the petitions have may not been new, but recent findings which reveal that some indiduals have been paying billions of naira to some EFCC staff to kill their cases, or be let off the hook, is becoming worrisome to the Presidency, we gathered.
The same allegations may have compelled its chairman, Ibrahim Magu to cause for investigations into alleged bungled cases, for which two of the agency’s operatives have been detained for their roles and for assisting suspects to escape justice.
One of the petitioners in one of the bungled cases which concerns Borno State, told our correspondent that Governor Kashim Shettima has been going round, bragging that, former Chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Lamorde has given Borno officials involved in the matter an iron cast alibi, and that the current Chairman’s hands were tied, as such could do nothing as far as the state is concerned.
He said he was pained when one of the governor’s men asked him to go and hang, as Magu may never find anything incriminating against Borno even if he digs deeper, because all matters relating to the state have been sealed and investigations have since been called off.
Spokesman for the EFCC, Wilson Uwajerem did not respond to our inquiries on the matter, neither did he confirm the number of bungled investigations so far revisited by the EFCC and whether some of its officials have been indicted.
It could however be recalled that searchlight was recently beamed in the direction of the immediate past chairman of the commission, and before then was accused of compromising, and was facing an inquest at the senate.
It was even alleged that his sudden removal may be connected to shoddy deals as head of the anti-graft agency

Headlines

“Nigeria Is in a Hurry to Celebrate Victory Over Enemies of the State,” Says Tinubu as He Decorates New Service Chiefs

Published

3 days ago

October 30, 2025

Our Reporter

By: Fabian Apechihin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the newly appointed service chiefs to discharge their duties with utmost dedication and renewed commitment, declaring that “Nigeria is in a hurry to celebrate victory over enemies of the state.”

The President made this statement on Thursday during the decoration ceremony of the new service chiefs with their ranks at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Those decorated were General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant-General Wahidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Vice Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff.

The ceremony was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima and the spouses of the newly promoted officers, who joined the President in performing the decorations.

In his address, Tinubu underscored the central role of security in fostering national development and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians.

“Security is an essential element without which everything else becomes meaningless,” the President stated. “There can be no sustainable development if this fundamental need is not met. Our people and our nation must remain secure to enjoy the dividends of governance.”

The elevation and decoration of the new military chiefs followed their confirmation by the National Assembly on Wednesday, after a closed-door screening session with lawmakers.

It will be recalled that, in a recent overhaul of the nation’s military hierarchy, President Tinubu appointed:

Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff,
Major General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff,
Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff,
Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and
Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye retained as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

The new appointments mark a strategic restructuring of Nigeria’s security leadership aimed at strengthening the fight against insurgency, banditry, and other threats to national stability.

Headlines

FG Dismisses Coup Rumour, Reaffirms Confidence in Nigerian Military

Published

2 weeks ago

October 20, 2025

Our Reporter

By: Fabian Apechihin

The Federal Government has dismissed widespread rumours of an alleged military coup plot against President Bola Tinubu, declaring its full confidence in the loyalty and professionalism of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known in an interview with The Punch on Sunday, insisting that the administration has “no reason whatsoever” to doubt the assurances given by the Defence Headquarters, which had earlier denied reports linking the detention of 16 military officers to a coup attempt.

“The Federal Government has no reason to doubt the military on what it has said,” Idris stated.
“We believe the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to protecting the nation’s territorial integrity and strengthening the fight against insecurity. The government commends their sacrifice and will continue to support them in safeguarding the country.”

The minister’s remarks came a day after the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, firmly debunked a report by Sahara Reporters alleging that the detention of 16 officers was connected to a failed coup plot and the cancellation of the 65th Independence Day parade.

Gusau described the publication as “false, mischievous, and deliberately aimed at creating unnecessary tension and public distrust.”

He clarified that the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade was a purely administrative decision — taken to allow President Tinubu attend a key bilateral meeting abroad and to enable military units sustain ongoing counterinsurgency operations nationwide.

On the issue of the detained officers, Gusau said their case was “an internal disciplinary process” and not related to any political matter.

“The investigation involving the 16 officers is routine, aimed at upholding discipline and professionalism within the ranks,” he explained. “An investigative panel has been constituted, and its findings will be made public in due course.”

Reaffirming the military’s constitutional role and unwavering commitment to civilian rule, Gusau stressed emphatically:

“Democracy is forever.”

Headlines

FG Moves to Reform Civil Service Disciplinary System for Greater Efficiency

Published

3 weeks ago

October 14, 2025

Our Reporter

By: Fabian Apechihin

The Federal Government is set to overhaul the disciplinary control system in the civil service to promote efficiency, accountability, and timely resolution of cases.

The Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Prof. Tunji Olaopa, made this known during a one-day joint retreat between the FCSC and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Commission’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Taiwo Hassan, Olaopa emphasized that the review would drive culture change, value reorientation, and improve the overall disciplinary framework in the public sector.

He likened the relationship between the FCSC and OHCSF to that of “Siamese twins,” noting that both bodies share crucial responsibilities in policy implementation, regulatory enforcement, and leadership across the service.

Olaopa also underscored the need for stronger collaboration and communication between the two institutions to avoid misunderstandings, build trust, and enhance service delivery.

The FCSC chairman further advocated for an integrated system that links merit-based recruitment, competency-driven human resource management, and performance evaluation with the civil service wage structure, saying such reforms would help reposition government as an “employer of choice.”

Speaking on behalf of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, Esther Walson-Jack praised Olaopa’s reform initiatives, describing the retreat as a renewed commitment to strengthening collaboration and efficiency within the civil service.

The renewed push for reform follows rising concerns about bureaucratic bottlenecks, delayed disciplinary actions, and weak accountability mechanisms in Nigeria’s public administration.