President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday received at State House, Abuja, the new President of the ECOWAS Commission, and his Management Team, telling them the kind of sub-regional body West African leaders desire, and must have.
The President told Dr Omar Alieu Touray, the new President, and the delegation: “I wish you success in your assignments, which we hope can collectively drive our sub-region to one that is economically integrated, politically stable, and socially in harmony with itself, to the admiration of our continent, and, indeed, global community.
“That is the ECOWAS we desire, and must have. You cannot afford to disappoint us.”
The President said as the host of the ECOWAS Commission, Nigeria expects that the scrupulous processes that led to the new appointments “would impact on the fortunes of our Organisation in terms of efficient and effective service delivery that bears positive impact on the lives of our citizens.”
He added that when the founding fathers met on 28th May, 1975, to establish ECOWAS, what was uppermost on their minds was the promotion of economic cooperation between the member-States in order to raise the living standards of citizens hence driving the economic development of the sub-region in an integrated manner.
President Buhari further noted: “Forty-seven years after, this core objective for the formation of ECOWAS remains critically relevant to our national and sub-regional aspirations. Issues of inter-state cooperation and collaboration, harmonisation of policies, integration of programmes, conflict management and security of the sub-region, have continued to necessitate the need for our solidarity and collective responses to our common challenges, such as climate change, terrorism, health issues, good governance and the sustainability of democracy anchored on rule of law and ultimately, development and progress for our citizens.”
He told the new Management Team that citizens of ECOWAS must directly feel the impact of the organization through people-oriented programmes and projects that include effective advocacy around core issues of concerns to the sub-region.
“May I emphasize the importance of team-work and the necessity for the new Team to work assiduously to re-position ECOWAS in order to deliver to the expectations of our citizens through a careful fine-tuning of our sub-region’s development agenda 2050, that is guided by the African Union Agenda 2063, and conscious of the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda 2030.
“With many Development Experts on your Team, I have no doubt that you will evolve appropriate partnerships and working relationships with Development Partners across the globe, to maximise opportunities for progress,” President Buhari submitted.
Dr Alieu Touray thanked Nigeria for the support she gave to the candidature of the new Team members, pledging that they would live up to the expectations of West African leaders, “as we are fully conscious of the priorities set for us.”
He said they would work with member-States to pursue their objectives, “and make ECOWAS institutions what you want them to be.”
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
August 11, 2022
HOW WE CAN HAVE MORE ACCURACY IN 2023 CENSUS – PRESIDENT BUHARI
President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Abuja said deployment of digital technology in the 2023 National Population and Housing Census will ensure effectiveness and more accuracy in the figures, while noting that Nigeria could rank third largest in the world by 2050, after China and India.
Speaking at the national stakeholders’ summit on the 2023 Population and Housing Census held at the State House, President Buhari said a “reliable, credible, acceptable and successful census’’ will help government in planning purpose for development, especially in bolstering the social security programme that targets more vulnerable Nigerians.
“The country’s inability to conduct a population census in the last 16 years has created an information vacuum as the data from the last census conducted in 2006 has been rendered out of date for planning purposes. It has therefore become imperative for the nation to conduct another national census to produce a new set of demographic and socio-economic data that will provide the basis for national planning and sustainable development.
“Population is a critical factor in a nation’s efforts toward achieving sustainable development. People are both the agents and beneficiaries of the development process. Knowledge of the national population in terms of size, distribution and socio-economic characteristics is required for planning purposes. This, therefore, makes the conduct of census an essential governance activity.
“With a projected population of 216,783,381, Nigeria is the sixth most populous country in the world and the most populous country on the African continent. Due to the rapidly growing nature of the population and large proportion of the youthful population, Nigeria is also projected to be the third most populous country in the World by the year 2050 after India and China,’’ he said.
Despite Nigeria’s high-ranking position on the global demographic map, the President said its population censuses had been conducted irregularly and at intervals, longer than the United Nations recommended 10 years.
“This irregular and long interval of census taking in Nigeria, has denied the nation the huge benefits of comprehensive baseline data for evidence-based decision-making.
“Since our assumption of office in 2015, our administration has introduced several poverty reduction and youth empowerment programmes, which are making concrete improvements in the living standards of our people. There is a need to ensure that further implementation of these programmes will be driven by the 2023 Census data that will improve the implementation of programmes targeting vulnerable populations and ensuring as widespread coverage as possible.
“The nation requires a new data set to drive the implementation of the recently launched revised National Policy on Population for Sustainable Development and other government policies. The 2023 Census data is also needed to tackle the security challenges bedevilling the country as it will give an overview of the population, where we are and who we are,’’ he added.
President Buhari called for support of stakeholders, which include State Governments, Local Government Councils, Traditional and Religious Institutions, Civil Society Organizations, Private Sectors, media, Development Partners, Donor Agencies and the general populace for the successful conduct of the 2023 Census.
“Ordinarily, conducting a population census is a routine national event that is the ultimate responsibility of every national government. Census taking cannot be left to the National Population Commission alone,’’ he said.
President Buhari noted that the government would appreciate all support from donors, development partners and the international community in order to ensure that the Commission conducts a census that would be transparent, credible and meet national and international standard.
“Our Administration is convinced that the National Population Commission has the commitment and capacity to deliver to the nation a reliable, credible, acceptable and successful census. We are also satisfied with the deployment of technology by the Commission to ensure the conduct of the first fully digital census in Nigeria as the census methodology will enhance the data quality, inspire the confidence of the Nigerian people and acceptability of the census results.’’
President Buhari said the summit will further strengthen collaboration and solicit the cooperation and support of key stakeholders for the successful conduct of the 2023 Census, while appreciating the National Population Commission for organizing the summit and wishing all Nigerians a peaceful and successful conduct of the census.
“The just concluded Trial Census, in which my household was enumerated in my hometown, Daura, Katsina State has renewed our hope and confidence in the capacity of the Commission to deliver the 2023 Census. The outcome of the preparatory activities for the main census is reassuring that the Commission is progressing in the right direction,’’ the President noted.
He added that knowing Nigeria’s population and using the data to plan for the people and future generations remain a collective duty owed the nation.
“We must all resolve that this duty is satisfactorily carried out in the firm belief that what has joined us together as a nation and our common destiny are far stronger than the negative forces that tend to drive us apart,’’ he submitted.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, who was represented by the Special Adviser to the President, Dr Habiba Muda Lawal, said the country had a population growth rate of 2.3 percent, and would likely be the third most populated country in the world by 2050.
She said the 2023 Census would be the first fully digital population and housing documentation and the outcome would be useful for planning and budgetary allocations.
Chairman of the Nigerian Governor’s Forum and Governor of Ekiti State, John Kayode Fayemi, represented by Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, praised the President for taking the bold step, adding that the figures would help in national and sub-national planning, particularly for education and health care.
Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, said President Buhari had once again proven that that he would leave a formidable legacy for the nation.
“This administration has proven that things can work in this country. We have seen it in the elections, that polls can be held without rigging. And we are happy to see NPC and INEC working together for a better Nigeria.
“We might not see the impact of some of the decisions taken, but certainly in the future we will see it, at least for the first time our homes will now be coded,’’ he said.
Chairman of the NPC, Nasir Isa Kwarra, thanked the President for the approval for the 2023 Census in April, after the general elections, assuring that the commission will work hard to make it “credible and acceptable’’.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 11, 2022
EFCC arrests 31 in Enugu, 29 in Ibadan, 18 in Lokoja, 8 in Port Harcourt, Arraigns Three for N44.5m Fraud in Sokoto, 3 at Ilorin International Airport, Secures Conviction of Eleven Cybercriminals in Ibadan, tasks NACCIMA on Business Ethics, Integrity
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has called on the Nigeria Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA, to adhere to best practices in businesses and encourage its members to make integrity and ethical conduct their watchwords in their business engagements.
This charge was given in Abuja on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 by the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa while receiving a delegation of NACCIMA that paid a Courtesy Visit to the EFCC at its Corporate Headquarters. According to Bawa, who spoke through the Secretary to the Commission, George Ekpungu, the EFCC would always welcome business proposals that emphasize integrity and charged the leadership of NACCIMA to encourage its members to ply their businesses with eyes on best practices.
Earlier, the National President of NACCIMA, John Udeagbala, while explaining the rationale of his Association’s visit to the EFCC, sought exemption for its members from the rigorous processes of getting certificates of the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering, SCUML.
“Our dear Association is aware of the suspension of the issuance of the Special Unit Against Money Laundering, SCUML certificates. Over time, our members have complained of their difficulty in obtaining this certificate, which actually affected the ease of doing business and compliance with contractual engagements. We therefore appeal to you to use your good offices to exempt NACCIMA members from passing through the rigorous application processes when the suspension is finally lifted” he said.
Responding, Ekpungu explained that the EFCC suspended the issuance of SCUML’s certificates in the aftermath of the enactment of the Money Laundering Act 2022 and the Terrorism Act 2022, which altered the regulatory framework of SCUML. He said the foundational work had been done and the certificates were now being issued, assuring NACCIMA that the SCUML registration processes are designed to keep their businesses safe.
Udeagbala was accompanied on the visit by other officials of the Association, including Eze Chukwuemneka, Tony Esinkonenye, Usamn Abbas, among others
Media & Publicity
9 August, 2022
31 Arrested for Alleged Internet Fraud in Enugu
Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Tuesday, August 9, 2022, arrested 31 suspected internet fraudsters from their hide out at Meniru Agbani Road and Diamond Estate, Enugu State. .
The suspects are: Daniel Chukwuemeka, Okechukwu Chisom, John Chizoba, Benard Uguochukwu, Nwobodo Christian, Nwiba Chukwuemeka, Eze Ani Ifechukwu, Chikwe James, Emmanuel Chukwuebuka, Ezugwu Chidera, Friday Daniel, Destiny Ekene, Prosper Nnachetam, Justice Chinedu and Bright Chimezie.
Others include Ezugu Nkejika, Echi Ikechukwu, Udeh Emeka, Charles Kosisochukwu, Ojinaka Smith, Ekene Chukwuebuka, Efe Samuel, Goodness Ifeanyi, Victory Anointing, Uche Egbo, Onuigbo Kingsley, Okakpu Chukwuemeka, Nnamdi Odo, Mbah Emmanuel, Collins Nweke and Jason Obi.
Their arrest was facilitated by actionable intelligence on their cybercrime activities.
Items recovered from them include a Mercedes Benz C4000, one Toyota Corolla 2005 model, a Toyota Camry, several mobile phones and laptops.
They will be charged to court as soon as the investigation is completed.
Media & Publicity
9 August, 2022
Internet Fraudster Bags Jail Term in Lagos
The Lagos Zonal Command of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, today, August 9, 2022 secured the conviction and sentencing of an internet fraudster, Olamilekan Wasiu Durojaiye, before Justice Mojisola Dada of a Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.
Justice Dada sentenced the convict to one year imprisonment on a two-count charge bordering on possession of document containing false pretence brought against him by the EFCC.
Upon his arraignment today, he pleaded guilty to the offence.
One of the counts reads, “that you, Olamilekan Wasiu Durojaiye sometime in 2020 within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, knowingly had in your possession documents containing false pretence to wit: SCAM FORMAT titled Celebrity Billing Format and committed an offence contrary to section 320 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015”.
The 2nd count reads, “that you,, Olamilekan Wasiu Durojaiye sometime in 2020 within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, knowingly had in your possession documents containing false pretence to wit: Chat format wherein you pretended to be a white woman which representation you knew were false and committed an offence contrary to section 320 of the Criminal Law of Lagos state, 2015”.
In view of his guilty plea, the prosecution counsel, A.O Mohammed, reviewed the facts of the case and tendered documents to further prove the guilt of the defendant.
Justice Dada found him guilty of the offence and sentenced him to one year imprisonment on both counts of the charge. The Judge also granted him an option of fine in the sum of One Million Naira.
The convict was also ordered to pay a restitution of Seven Hundred Thousand Naira and forfeit his mobile device to the Federal Government.
Media & Publicity
9 August, 2022
EFCC Arraigns Three for N44.5m Fraud in Sokoto
The Sokoto Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, Tuesday, 9th August, 2022 arraigned the duo of Yahaya Abdulrahman and Mohammad Iliyasu alongside their company, Azzumee Multipurpose Cooperative Society, before Justice Mohammed Mohammed of the Sokoto State High Court on a three count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, issuance of a dud cheque in the sum of N4, 859,000.00 and obtaining by false pretence.
The duo are alleged to have fraudulently induced the petitioner to supply 1,651 bags of rice to their company at the cost of N27, 000.00 per bag totalling N44,577,000.00 (Forty-four Million Five Hundred and Seventy-seven Thousand Naira only) and jointly issued cheques of N14, 359,000.00 (Fourteen Million Three Hundred and Fifty-Nine Thousand Naira) in the name of the petitioner, which one returned unpaid due to insufficient funds standing to the credit of the drawer.
Count one reads: “That you, Yahaya Abdulrahman while being the Chairman of Azzumee Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Mohammad Iliyasu while being a Director and Vice Chairman of Azzumee Multipurpose Cooperative Society and Azzumee Multipurpose Cooperative Society sometime in November, 2020 at Sokoto within the Judicial Division of the High Court of Justice, Sokoto State did conspire among yourselves to commit an illegal act to wit: Criminal Breach of Trust and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 59(a) of the Sokoto State Penal Code Law, 2019 and punishable under Section 60(2) of the same Law.”
Count two reads: “That you, Yahaya Abdulrahman while being the Chairman of Azzumee Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Mohammad Iliyasu while being a Director and Vice Chairman of Azzumee Multipurpose Cooperative Society and Azzumee Multipurpose Cooperative Society sometime in March, 2021 at Sokoto within the Judicial Division of the High Court of Justice, Sokoto State with knowledge that you have insufficient funds in your account issued to one IMUDAN Ventures a Stanbic IBTC Bank cheque number 00000061 dated 5th March, 2021 for the sum of N4,859,000.00 (Four Million Eight Hundred and Fifty-nine Thousand Naira) which said cheque when presented was dishonored due to insufficient funds in your account and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) of the Dishonored Cheques ( Offences) Act, CAP D11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under Section 1(1) (b) of the same Act”.
They all pleaded not guilty to the three count charge. Prosecution counsel S.H Sa’ad then prayed the Court to allow the hearing to commence as two witnesses were in Court, ready to testify. But defence counsel, Y.Y Bazawa urged the court to grant his clients bail.
Justice Mohammed granted the defendants bail in the sum of N5, 000, 000, 00 and one surety each in like sum. The surety must be a resident of the Sokoto metropolis and own landed property in the city. The surety must also deposit a passport photograph with the registrar of the Court
The Judge adjourned the matter till 26th September, 2022 for trial
Media & Publicity
9 August, 2022
EFCC Arrests 8 Internet Fraud Suspect in Port Harcourt
Operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested eight suspected internet fraudsters. They were nabbed on Tuesday August 9, 2022, in a sting operation at Visa Karina Hotel, located at the New Government Reserved Area, GRA, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The suspects: Mba Richard Oguge, Ogochukwu Ifeanyi Charles, Fredrick Mba, Gospel Uduak James, Charles Chukwuemeka, Daniel Ekanem Daniel, Andikan Udofot and Omolade Fortune, were arrested with incriminating items in their devices (mobile phones, laptop computers and apple wrist watches).
Cars were also among the items recovered from them.
They will soon be charged to court.
Media & Publicity
9 August, 2022
Again, EFCC Busts Yahoo Hideouts, Arrests 18 in Lokoja
As part of efforts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to curb the rising wave of internet related fraud otherwise known as ‘Yahoo-Yahoo’, the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Commission have again extended its dragnet to Kogi State leading to the arrest of 18 suspected ‘Yahoo-Yahoo Boys’ in Lokoja, the state capital.
This is the second such operation in the State within the last two months. Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC, had in June 2022 arrested 19 suspected fraudsters at different locations in Lokoja.
The latest arrest, which was made on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 followed actionable intelligence received by the Commission.
Among the suspects are two siblings – Bala Caleb Abdulkarim and Ayuba Bala. Others are Adebayo Olubunmi, Yusuf Salawu, Victor Yakubu, Victor Udeh, Abutu Francis, Moses Akeji, Aiyegbe ThankGod, Eniola Adeniji, Abraham Ayodele, Julius Omowale, Samuel Onojah, Saka Usman Ojo, Isaac Emmanuel, Yusuf Mohammed, Ibrahim Musa and Omaonu Ojochenemi Victor.
Preliminary investigations have shown that the suspects operate as a syndicate to scam unsuspecting victims.
The suspected ‘Yahoo-Yahoo Boys’, had incriminating items in their possession including five different brands of exotic cars, phones and laptops. They have volunteered statements to the Commission and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigations.
Media & Publicity
9 August, 2022
29 Arrested for Alleged Internet Fraud in Ibadan
Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 arrested twenty-nine (29) internet fraud suspects in a sting operation at Omi-Adio area of Ibadan, Oyo State.
The suspects are Abdullahi Kehinde Tawab, Ayomide Alase Abiodun, Hassan Larla Olamilekan, Makinde Adebowale Saheed, Tofunmi Oyebade Segun, Rotimi Gbadamosi Ayomide, Igbamidun Joshua Olamiposi, Gbadamosi Samson Tobiloba, Qodir Ayoola Babalola, Frank Obi Ogechukwu, Olawale Abowaba Joshua, Dauda Kareem Oladayo, Hammed Dauda Akanji, Yusuf Akorede Abiodun and Haruna Adedoyin Kayode.
Others include Yusuf Lawale Raji, Adejare Ayuba Olamide, Owolabi Gbadamosi Moses, Victor Salami Gbenga, Abdullahi Teslim Taiwo, Oluwaseun Abowaba Samuel, Alase Ayodele Philip, Oduola Kunmi Ireola, Ajayi Olumide Olamilekan, Opeyemi Samuel Enitan, Yusuf Ayobami Qudus, Atanda Jamiu Olamide, Ibrahim Bashit Alade and Ilori Peter Oladapo.
Items recovered from them include mobile phones, laptops, two motor-bikes, one i-watch, video games and jewelry.
They will be charged to court as soon as the investigations are concluded
Court Sends Internet Fraudster to Jail in Lagos
The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on August 8, 2022, secured the conviction of one Yusuf Adetokunbo, before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos for offence bordering on possession of documents containing false pretence.
Adetokunbo was arraigned on a one-count charge dated July 22, 2022, bordering on possession of documents containing false pretenses contrary to Section 320 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The count reads: “That you, Yusuf Olawale Adetokunbo on or about the 29th April, 2022 at Lagos, within the Ikeja jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with the intent to defraud had in your possession a bundle of fraudulent chats containing false pretence in your Google voice app and email with the name phamhoangcungnai30@gmail.com which pretence you knew or ought to know to be false.”
He pleaded “guilty” to the charge when it was read to him.
The prosecuting counsel, Nnaemeka Omewa, thereafter gave a review of the facts.
He further tendered in evidence the fraudulent documents printed from his iPhone X and iPhone 6+, as well as a draft of N200,000 issued as restitution by the defendant.
There was no objection by the defence counsel, Kayode Oyedele, and they were admitted as Exhibit A and B.
“We urge the court to convict the defendant as charged and to forfeit to the Federal Government the items recovered from him,” Omewa said.
Thereafter, Justice Taiwo convicted him as charged and sentenced him to six months at a Custodial Centre, with an option of N150, 000 fine. Items recovered from him were also ordered forfeited to the Federal Government
Media & Publicity
9 August, 2022
EFCC Secures Conviction of Eleven Cybercriminals in Ibadan
The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on August 3 and 4, 2022 secured the conviction of eleven (11) cybercriminals on separate charges of fraudulent impersonation before Justices Olusola Adetujoye and Bayo Taiwo of the Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan.
The offences are contrary to Section 419 and 484 of the Criminal Code Law Cap 38, Law of Oyo State, 2000.
Justice Adetujoye convicted and sentenced Fatai Musbau Opeyemi, Ayodele Olumide Sunday, Oribolawa Idris Abiodun, Abdulahi Malek Olaniyi, Onigbinde Rasaq Oyindamola and Emmanuel Victor Mayowa to various jail terms; while Justice Taiwo convicted Moses Oyowevotu Oghenaire, Awwal Babatunde Arekemase, Adewale Ayomipo Owolabi, Yusuf David Olamide and Atitade Hassan Ajao.
The defendant pleaded “guilty” to the charges filed against them, leading to their conviction and sentencing.
Justice Adetujoye sentenced Oyindamola and Abiodun to six months community service each; Mayowa who was convicted on a two count charge bagged three months jail term while Opeyemi, Sunday and Olaniyi were sentenced to three months community service each.
Furthermore, Justice Taiwo sentenced Oghenaire, Arekemase, Owolabi, Olamide and Ajao to six months community service each.
Also, the court ordered that the convicts restitute their victims and forfeit all items recovered from them to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Media & Publicity
8 August, 2022
EFCC Arrests 3 Internet Fraud Suspects at Ilorin International Airport
As part of its renewed onslaught against corruption and illegal movement of cash through the nation’s airports, operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC have arrested three internet fraud suspects at the Ilorin International Airport.
They are Olawale Ipadeola, Opeyemi Badmus and Wasiu Babatunde.
The suspects were arrested on Monday, August 8, 2022 except for Wasiu who was arrested on Saturday, August 6, 2022 following actionable intelligence.
Two of the suspects (Olawale and Opeyemi), flew in from Lagos around 1156hours into the waiting hands of the operatives of the EFCC at the airport.
Preliminary investigations have shown that the suspects possessed several fraudulent documents on their devices.
The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigations.
Media & Publicity
8 August, 2022
