Disability Groups Accuse Benue Government Officials of Diverting ₦50 Million Presidential Empowerment Fund, Petition EFCC

The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Benue State has accused state government officials, including the Principal Special Assistant on Special Needs, Anshe Bemshima, and Special Adviser on Women Affairs, Scholastica Ben-Sor, of misappropriating ₦50 million Presidential Empowerment Fund intended for persons with disabilities. Only 42 of the 250 intended beneficiaries reportedly received partial payments of ₦150,000 instead of the full ₦200,000, with N50,000 allegedly deducted under the pretext of a “free medical outreach.” JONAPWD petitioned the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS, urging investigation, recovery of funds, prosecution of culpable officials, and full disbursement of the grant to the rightful beneficiaries.

Ex-AGF Malami Demands EFCC Chairman Step Aside, Seeks Arraignment or Release Within 24 Hours

Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has demanded that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) either arraign him before a competent court or release him within 24 hours, citing constitutional protections against unlawful detention. In a statement issued by his media aide, Malami alleged bias, political persecution, and a personal vendetta by EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, linking it to his recent defection to the African Democratic Congress. He called for Olukoyede’s recusal and intervention by the Attorney-General of the Federation, warning that failure to act could damage institutional credibility. Malami criticized the EFCC for media harassment, procedural abuses, and reliance on foreign-convicted individuals as potential witnesses. The EFCC had previously defended its actions, stating that Malami failed to meet administrative bail conditions and insisting that the investigation is apolitical.

Tinubu Presidency Denies Using EFCC To Witch-Hunt Opposition Leaders, Says Defections To APC Are Voluntary

The Presidency under President Bola Tinubu has dismissed allegations that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is being used to target opposition politicians, describing such claims as unfounded and misleading. In a statement issued on Monday, the Presidency said recent defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were voluntary and protected by the constitutional right to freedom of association. It stressed that the EFCC operates independently and without political interference, noting that several individuals criticising the anti-graft agency were already under investigation before the current administration assumed office. Reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law, the Presidency said only the courts can determine guilt or innocence and urged political actors to avoid politicising accountability efforts.

Alleged ₦2.2 Billion Fraud: Court Orders Ex-Labour Minister Chris Ngige To Remain In Kuje Prison Pending Bail Ruling

A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Gwarimpa, Abuja, has ordered former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, to remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre until December 18, 2025, when a ruling on his bail application will be delivered. Justice Maryam Aliyu Hassan issued the order after hearing arguments from Ngige’s counsel, who sought bail on health grounds, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which opposed the request, describing the former Anambra State governor as a flight risk. The EFCC alleged that Ngige previously failed to return after being granted administrative bail to travel abroad for medical treatment. Ngige is facing an eight-count charge over alleged ₦2.2 billion contract fraud and acceptance of gifts from contractors of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).

SERAP Urges EFCC, ICPC, CCB To Probe NMDPRA Boss Farouk Ahmed Over Alleged Licence Abuse, $5m Foreign School Fees

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies—the EFCC, ICPC, and Code of Conduct Bureau—to urgently investigate allegations against the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed. The call follows claims that the agency arbitrarily issued petroleum import licences and that its head spent about $5 million on foreign education for his children. SERAP said a probe would strengthen transparency and accountability in the management of Nigeria’s oil sector and urged the Tinubu administration to protect Aliko Dangote as a whistleblower under the UN Convention against Corruption.

EFCC Detains Ex-AGF Abubakar Malami Over Unmet Bail Conditions, Denies Political Witch-Hunt

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, was detained for failing to meet five conditions attached to his administrative bail granted on November 28, 2025. The agency dismissed claims that his detention was politically motivated, insisting it is apolitical and acting strictly within the law. EFCC stated that Malami neither fulfilled his bail requirements nor provided credible medical evidence to justify repeated delays, leading to his continued detention pending compliance.

#EFCC

#AbubakarMalami

#CorruptionProbe

Court Orders EFCC to Apologize, Awards N5 Million to Kano Businessman Over Unlawful ‘Wanted’ Declaration

The Federal High Court in Kaduna has ruled that the EFCC acted outside its powers by publicly declaring Dubai-based Kano businessman Alhaji Rabiu Auwalu Tijjani wanted. Justice H. Buhari held that the EFCC violated Tijjani’s rights to personal liberty, freedom of movement, and due process, ordering immediate removal of his details from its website, a public apology, and payment of ₦5 million in damages. The court emphasized that EFCC actions must follow proper legal procedures and not be used to settle civil or commercial disputes.

JUST IN: EFCC has urged OPay to prioritize compliance with all regulations to ensure business integrity and prevent fr@udulent practices. The commission emphasized implementing strict Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, preventing fr@ud, avoiding the use of the company for money laundering

BREAKING: Ex-Labour Minister Chris Ngige Remanded in Kuje Over Alleged ₦2.2bn Contract Fraud

Former Labour and Productivity Minister, Chris Ngige, has been remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre after pleading not guilty to eight counts of alleged contract fraud totalling ₦2.26 billion. Arraigned before Justice Maryam Hassan at the FCT High Court in Gwarimpa, Ngige is accused by the EFCC of abusing his office between 2015 and 2023 by awarding multiple NSITF contracts to companies linked to his associates. The charges list over 30 contracts allegedly awarded to favoured firms for consultancy, training, supplies, and construction. Justice Hassan ordered his remand pending the hearing of his bail application scheduled for Monday, December 14.



#ChrisNgige #EFCC #CorruptionTrial

Abuja Court Sentences Man to Six Months for Illegal Sale of Naira Notes

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Faisal Muhammad to six months in prison for illegally selling Naira notes in violation of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act. Muhammad was arrested in July 2025 at Abuja’s A.Y.A. area while hawking a total of N3,150,000 in N500 and N1,000 denominations. Pleading guilty to the offence, he was sentenced by Justice R. N. Ofili-Ajumogobia, who confirmed the prosecution had established its case. The court also offered an option of a N200,000 fine. The EFCC reiterated that illegal trading in Naira notes is a criminal offence that undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s currency.

#EFCC
#IllegalNairaTrade
#AbujaCourt

EFCC Arraigns Nigeria Peace Corps Commandant, Finance Director Over N60 Million Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Nigeria Peace Corps Commandant Dickson Akon and Finance Director Omolola Aminat Ahmed before the FCT High Court in Abuja over alleged misappropriation of N60 million. The two officials face charges of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of funds allocated for a badge supply contract in 2024. Both pleaded not guilty. Justice H.B. Yusuf granted them bail of ₦5 million each, with proceedings adjourned to February 25, 2026.

Atiku Accuses EFCC of Political Witch-Hunt, Says Malami’s Arrest Shows Selective Anti-Corruption War

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of engaging in politically motivated investigations aimed at weakening opposition parties. Reacting to the arrest of former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, Atiku claimed the agency has abandoned its core mandate and now targets individuals based on political alignment rather than evidence. He alleged that the EFCC operates as an appendage of the ruling APC, citing continued harassment of opposition figures while corruption cases involving government allies are ignored. Atiku further argued that Malami would not have been arrested had he defected to the APC, warning that the agency’s credibility is eroding due to political interference. He called on anti-graft institutions to restore independence and integrity to regain public trust.

Court Rejects Ex-Minister Saleh Mamman’s No-Case Submission in ₦33.8bn Fraud Trial, Orders Defence

A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed former Power Minister Saleh Mamman’s no-case submission in the ₦33.8billion fraud case filed by the EFCC. Justice James Omotosho ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case after presenting 17 witnesses and 43 exhibits linking Mamman to the alleged diversion of funds meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydropower projects. The court held that the evidence was strong enough to require the ex-minister to enter a defence. The case was adjourned to February 23, 2026.

BREAKING: EFCC Finally Files Charge Against Dr. Chris Ngige, the APC founding father To Be Arraigned On Friday.

Ngige is accused of using his position to confer undue advantage by awarding different contracts to his associates.

N84.8m Akwa Ibom Fishing Project Fails to Deliver After 16 Months — MonITNG Report

A report by socio-accountability group MonITNG has revealed that an ₦84.8 million federal fishing starter-kit project in Ifuho, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom, has delivered nothing 16 months after funds were released. The money, paid to AGLANP Logistics Services Ltd by the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, was meant to provide boats, engines, nets, smoking kilns, life jackets, and training for the fishing community. Residents say no item has reached them, prompting accusations of diversion and a pattern of failed constituency empowerment projects. MonITNG has demanded immediate accountability, calling on the EFCC and ICPC to investigate and retrieve the funds.

#CorruptionReport #AkwaIbomProjectScandal #MonITNG

Malami Confirms EFCC Probe Over $310m Abacha Loot, Denies Terrorism and Money Laundering Claims

Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has confirmed that the EFCC is investigating him over alleged duplication in the recovery of the $310 million Abacha loot, alongside allegations of abuse of office and money laundering. Through a statement by his media aide, Malami dismissed widespread reports linking him to terrorism financing, ownership of 46 bank accounts, and other accusations as false and part of a coordinated media trial. He clarified that his engagement with the EFCC focused solely on the Abacha loot recovery process. Malami reportedly remains in EFCC custody after struggling to meet bail conditions requiring two permanent secretaries as sureties.

#MalamiEFCCProbe #AbachaLoot #CorruptionAllegations

CUSTOMS COMPTROLLER GAMBO IYERE ALIYU WHO REJECTED $50,000 BRIBE TAKES HELM AT FOU ZONE A

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service has witnessed a major transition as outgoing Comptroller , now Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Mohammed Salisu Shuaibu, formally handed over leadership to the new Customs Area Comptroller , Comptroller Gambo Iyere Aliyu. The handover ceremony, held on December 10, 2025, marked a notable moment for the Service’s anti-smuggling architecture as both senior officers outlined their visions for stronger enforcement and national economic protection.

In his valedictory remarks, ACG Shuaibu expressed deep gratitude to God and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, dsm, fnipr,psc+ for the trust and support that enabled him to lead the Zone effectively. He described his seven-month tenure as both challenging and rewarding, noting that his mandate upon assumption of office on April 23, 2025 was to strengthen intelligence-driven operations within the Zone.

He reported remarkable achievements during his stewardship, driven by the resilience and professionalism of officers under his command. According to him, the Unit recorded 476 interceptions comprising 761 seizures valued at ₦10,051,812,208, including 23,000 bags of smuggled rice, 98 used vehicles, 2,350 kg of cannabis sativa, 1,820 jerry cans of PMS, 15 rifles, 4,841 rounds of ammunition, two industrial drones, 25 kg of methamphetamine, and four 50kg cylinders of explosives of Russian origin.He added that the Unit also transferred $20,000 in intercepted currencies to the EFCC, arrested 38 suspects, and handed over eight containers of expired pharmaceuticals valued at ₦7.5 billion. Beyond enforcement, the Unit recovered ₦419,202,458.85 from underpaid import duties through meticulous document checks and demand notices.

ACG Shuaibu called on officers to remain committed and extend full cooperation to his successor, expressing confidence that the structures he leaves behind will continue to thrive. He thanked his principal officers, patrol leaders, and the media for their support, describing his time at FOU Zone A as fulfilling and impactful.

In his response, Comptroller Gambo Iyere Aliyu expressed profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General and the NCS management team for the confidence reposed in him. He commended ACG Shuaibu for his exemplary leadership, pledging to consolidate the gains already recorded by the outgoing administration.

Comptroller Aliyu assured that he would uphold the vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, focusing on enhanced intelligence-driven enforcement, strict discipline, strong stakeholder collaboration, and improved welfare for officers. Specifically, he will align with the Comptroller-General's goals of modernizing customs processes, strengthening anti-smuggling efforts, improving trade facilitation, and building capacity.

He highlighted the strategic importance of FOU Zone A as a frontline enforcement formation responsible for suppressing smuggling and safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests. He emphasised that professionalism, accountability, and ethics would remain non-negotiable under his command, urging officers to uphold the core values of the Service.

According to him, operational activities will revolve around change management, compliance management, and reputational management—three pillars he considers essential for sustainable progress. Comptroller Aliyu also acknowledged the vital role of the media and pledged open, responsible engagement to ensure accurate dissemination of information.

Former Anambra Governor Chris Ngige Arrested by EFCC in Abuja Amid Unclear Allegations

Former Anambra State Governor and ex-Minister of Labour, Senator Chris Ngige, has been arrested by security operatives at his Abuja residence, with multiple sources confirming that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) carried out the operation. Although early reports suggested a kidnapping, Ngige’s former media aide later clarified that he is in EFCC custody. The agency has not released an official statement, leaving the reason for the arrest unknown. The development follows a recent attack on Ngige’s convoy in Anambra and echoes his 2003 abduction during his tenure as governor.

Witness Tells Court How Bishop Katung’s Cooperative Scheme Collected ₦3.9 Million Investment in Jos Trial

A prosecution witness, Dajok Dakung Godfrey, has narrated before a Federal High Court in Jos how he lost ₦3.9 million to an alleged fraudulent investment scheme linked to Bishop Jonas Katung of Maranatha Covenant Churches International and co-defendant Okewole Dayo. Testifying as PW3, Godfrey said he joined the Fadama Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society after watching Bishop Katung promote it on television in 2010. He made multiple payments after being promised 10% monthly returns until the scheme collapsed in 2011. Despite assurances at a settlement meeting, investors never recovered their funds, prompting a petition to the EFCC. The court admitted receipts and his statement as evidence, and the trial continues on February 19, 2026.

Top Political Scandals That Rocked Nigeria in 2025: Uche Nnaji, Akpabio, Sylva, Obasa

The year 2025 was marked by major political controversies involving several high-profile Nigerian politicians, especially within the ruling APC. Former minister Uche Nnaji resigned after allegations of certificate forgery surfaced, though he denied the claims. Senate President Godswill Akpabio faced sexual harassment accusations from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, leading to her suspension before her eventual return. The EFCC declared ex-oil minister Timipre Sylva wanted over alleged diversion of $15 million meant for a refinery project, a claim he disputes. In Lagos, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa was impeached over alleged misconduct before political negotiations facilitated his dramatic reinstatement. These scandals shaped Nigeria’s political landscape throughout 2025.