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Showing posts with label Alison Diezani-Madueke. Show all posts
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Missing $20b NNPC Fund Recovery: Diezani, FG In SECRET Talk

Missing $20b NNPC Fund Recovery: Diezani, FG In SECRET Talk

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Yemi Osinbajo and Diezani Alison-Madueke
The embattled former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison Madueke has reportedly opted for a plea bargain and currently, in SECRET talks with the Federal Government on how to make a refund of billions of looted funds in her custody, report according to Saturday Sun suggests.

A 'whistleblower', the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, now the Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi had alleged that a huge sum of $50 billion NNPC money was missing. He later affirmed that it was actually $20 billion. Diezani's problem started from the whistleblowing, News Punch understands

Alison-Madueke has since then been battling cancer and fraud investigations by detectives at the International Corruption Unit, ICU, of the United Kingdom National Crime Agency, UK NCA, which in 2015 arrested her. To fast track the process of his extradition, the Federal Government recently filed a $1.1billion criminal charge against Adoke and others in Abuja. 


While the EFCC continues the search for hidden assets of Diezani, Saturday Sun recently reported exclusively that photographs and visuals of the estates linked to Diezani in parts of Nigeria were compiled for the acting Chairman of the commission, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, to take to London, where he had meetings with UK NCA officials with a view to tightening the noose on the former oil minister.

But beyond the extradition processes, there are strong indications that Mrs. Alison-Madueke may have succumbed to multilateral pressures from security agencies and entered into secret talks with the Federal Government on how to return some billions allegedly linked to her. Just recently, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC had through a federal high court forfeiture order obtained in Lagos confiscated about N35billion cash from some proxy bank accounts linked to the former oil minister. She has, however, denied ownership of the huge fund.

Plea bargain deal?

With her shield crashing from all sides, Saturday Sun gathered that Diezani through a legal team may have begun the process of surrendering huge funds allegedly in her care in exchange for some respite. The details of the deal, however, still remain sketchy and shrouded in secrecy as at the time of filing this report. Though efforts to reach her directly for confirmation did not sail through, sources close to her said they were not aware of the development.

Prosecution or persecution?

Though the former Minister of Petroleum could not be reached for comments, a source close to her who is not authorised to speak to the press said: “It will not be a surprise if the government is still bent on pursuing vendetta and  the mindless persecution of the former minister, after all it was the same people that conspired with the British authorities to arrest her from her hospital bed, knowing she is a recuperating cancer patient. Sadly for all of us karma is a bitch with everyone’s address.”

Added the source: “It is unfortunate that no one is interested in the truth and no one is interested in playing by the rule when it comes to the persecution and demonisation of Mrs. Madueke.

“The EFCC has been in the fore front in promoting the growing industry of lies against her. All she is suffering started with the allegation of a missing $50 billion. The whistle blower then was the former CBN Governor, Mallam Sanusi, now Emir of Kano. When confronted to substantiate his outlandish claim, he backed down on the allegation, though the damage has been done. An audit review instituted by the office of the Auditor General of the Federation and conducted by Price Water Cooppers Accounting firm to audit the account of NNPC  exonerated Mrs. Madueke, as there was no iota of truth in the allegation of missing $50 billion. The Senate Committee led by Senator Markarfi also found no truth in the allegation. Yet no one is interested in the truth

Sometime, last year, Al Jazeera Television Network released a video documentary, where it claimed the anti graft agency, EFCC, seized a house worth $18 million, which, it claimed, allegedly belonged to Diezani Madueke. The EFCC also claimed jewelries worth $2 million were recovered  from the same house.

“Investigation and inquiry into the claims by the EFCC showed that the house in question was not owned by Diezani. EFCC characteristically never bothered to substantiate the claim. Is the EFCC ignorant of the real owner of the property? Of course, they know who owns the property, but must drag Diezani’s name into it to grab media attention and serve an agenda.

“Similar to the above was another claim by EFCC, where it said it uncovered Mrs. Madueke’s hidden estate in Bayelsa State and Banana Island, Lagos. There was nothing hidden about the estate in Bayelsa which was a family house to the Maduekes in her native Bayelsa State. As a serving minister, she publicly declared the property as required by law, as part of her assets before the Code of Conduct Bureau. The question is: can an asset declared by a public officer before a government agency turn around to become a hidden asset?

“In another related development, the EFCC claimed it recovered a whopping $700m from the private home of Mrs. Madueke.

“By every stretch of imagination $700m is a lot of money. For an agency that love to hug the media spotlight like the ant hugs sugar, would it not have made good viewing to put videos or pictures of the alleged $700m for the world to see, just as in the recent cases of the INEC officials and the former group MD of the NNPC? Where is the $700m? Why is the CBN which rightly should be holding custody of such an amount of money not saying anything to collaborate EFCC claims?

“It is obvious Mrs. Madueke is a victim of political persecution as there are forces, individuals and groups who are not happy at the firmness with which she handled the affairs of the NNPC as it wasn’t favorable to their interest.

“Perhaps, her biggest crime was implementing the Nigerian Local  Content Act which provided opportunity for other Nigerians to become key players in the oil sector. Before her time as Oil Minister, 85 per cent or more of the people that transact oil business either as product importers or crude oil sales and lifting  are either foreigners or people from a particular section of the country. She became a product of hate by this group, not because she was incompetent or a thief looting Nigeria, but because to them, it’s no longer business as usual.

“Almost everything being said about this lady are lies, lies and lies. Sooner than later Nigerians will know the truth.”

FG reacts

When also contacted, Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed neither confirmed nor denied the process.

According to him, “I think the Attorney General is working very hard on the efforts to recoup some of our looted funds; all of them. And I think sometimes too negotiations might not be out of place. In a situation where you have hundreds of millions of dollars locked down, (because people who have looted the funds have admitted the funds are looted, but are joining hands with the host country where they are hiding to say that ‘yes we looted the funds but unless you agree to give us part of it, we would continue to block the repatriation of such funds.’ in such a situation composite agreements and negotiations might be the option and I think the office of the Attorney General is busy doing something. You see because at the end of the day, for us, the primary thing is to get this money back into the country.”

When asked if recovery of the loot drive would make the Federal Government abandon the extradition processes already initiated against the ex-officials on the run, the minister said: “I don’t think the government would give up any of the options. No, no, no, no, even when you have been declared wanted, there are protocols and procedures. Some of which are not something you can discuss every day. But I can assure that between the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we would do everything possible to bring all these matters to logical conclusions. But, I think we are also not ruling out the option of negotiation if that would bring our money back faster, because in many parts of the world too, you do exactly that option. You know what I’m saying is okay; some people are abroad and where they are, there is even no extradition agreement between us and that country and they are holding our money. And they now say ‘okay we are ready to come home. We are ready to surrender to you, but these are the conditions. We are ready to give back this money, but you would give back to us 10 per cent. Or okay,  let’s be more precise, they say ‘look, we know this money is looted money, and it is 100 million dollars, we would continue to block the repatriation of this money, unless you agree that out of this 100 million we can keep 20 million there.’

“What do you do in that kind of situation? So, the government would have to look at such options and weigh and say ‘look we are in a recession. Do we need the money more than we need the man?’ and we can say ‘okay, we can always prosecute this man anytime, so let the money come first’. So, it’s not as straight forward as it looks.”

When asked to reconfirm if indeed such talks are ongoing, the minister said: “It is because I know; frankly speaking, it is because I know that such talks are ongoing, but I won’t be free to tell you with who and who.

“But I can tell you that we have a lot of funds held up today because some foreign countries have joined these people. I know at least five, six cases today where one particular lawyer, one lawyer, the same lawyer, he’s the one who’s insisting that unless he takes 40 per cent of the recovered money, he would continue to block it in the country.”

Asked to put a figure to the money government was making efforts to recover from these former officials, Alhaji Mohammed sounded evasive. “In some cases as much as 100milion dollars, 300 million dollars, in some cases as much as 80 million dollars,” he stated, adding that part of the money was stolen by people who were not members of the Jonathan administration

Report excerpted from Saturday Sun Newspaper
Yemi Osinbajo and Diezani Alison-Madueke
The embattled former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison Madueke has reportedly opted for a plea bargain and currently, in SECRET talks with the Federal Government on how to make a refund of billions of looted funds in her custody, report according to Saturday Sun suggests.

A 'whistleblower', the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, now the Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi had alleged that a huge sum of $50 billion NNPC money was missing. He later affirmed that it was actually $20 billion. Diezani's problem started from the whistleblowing, News Punch understands

Alison-Madueke has since then been battling cancer and fraud investigations by detectives at the International Corruption Unit, ICU, of the United Kingdom National Crime Agency, UK NCA, which in 2015 arrested her. To fast track the process of his extradition, the Federal Government recently filed a $1.1billion criminal charge against Adoke and others in Abuja. 


While the EFCC continues the search for hidden assets of Diezani, Saturday Sun recently reported exclusively that photographs and visuals of the estates linked to Diezani in parts of Nigeria were compiled for the acting Chairman of the commission, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, to take to London, where he had meetings with UK NCA officials with a view to tightening the noose on the former oil minister.

But beyond the extradition processes, there are strong indications that Mrs. Alison-Madueke may have succumbed to multilateral pressures from security agencies and entered into secret talks with the Federal Government on how to return some billions allegedly linked to her. Just recently, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC had through a federal high court forfeiture order obtained in Lagos confiscated about N35billion cash from some proxy bank accounts linked to the former oil minister. She has, however, denied ownership of the huge fund.

Plea bargain deal?

With her shield crashing from all sides, Saturday Sun gathered that Diezani through a legal team may have begun the process of surrendering huge funds allegedly in her care in exchange for some respite. The details of the deal, however, still remain sketchy and shrouded in secrecy as at the time of filing this report. Though efforts to reach her directly for confirmation did not sail through, sources close to her said they were not aware of the development.

Prosecution or persecution?

Though the former Minister of Petroleum could not be reached for comments, a source close to her who is not authorised to speak to the press said: “It will not be a surprise if the government is still bent on pursuing vendetta and  the mindless persecution of the former minister, after all it was the same people that conspired with the British authorities to arrest her from her hospital bed, knowing she is a recuperating cancer patient. Sadly for all of us karma is a bitch with everyone’s address.”

Added the source: “It is unfortunate that no one is interested in the truth and no one is interested in playing by the rule when it comes to the persecution and demonisation of Mrs. Madueke.

“The EFCC has been in the fore front in promoting the growing industry of lies against her. All she is suffering started with the allegation of a missing $50 billion. The whistle blower then was the former CBN Governor, Mallam Sanusi, now Emir of Kano. When confronted to substantiate his outlandish claim, he backed down on the allegation, though the damage has been done. An audit review instituted by the office of the Auditor General of the Federation and conducted by Price Water Cooppers Accounting firm to audit the account of NNPC  exonerated Mrs. Madueke, as there was no iota of truth in the allegation of missing $50 billion. The Senate Committee led by Senator Markarfi also found no truth in the allegation. Yet no one is interested in the truth

Sometime, last year, Al Jazeera Television Network released a video documentary, where it claimed the anti graft agency, EFCC, seized a house worth $18 million, which, it claimed, allegedly belonged to Diezani Madueke. The EFCC also claimed jewelries worth $2 million were recovered  from the same house.

“Investigation and inquiry into the claims by the EFCC showed that the house in question was not owned by Diezani. EFCC characteristically never bothered to substantiate the claim. Is the EFCC ignorant of the real owner of the property? Of course, they know who owns the property, but must drag Diezani’s name into it to grab media attention and serve an agenda.

“Similar to the above was another claim by EFCC, where it said it uncovered Mrs. Madueke’s hidden estate in Bayelsa State and Banana Island, Lagos. There was nothing hidden about the estate in Bayelsa which was a family house to the Maduekes in her native Bayelsa State. As a serving minister, she publicly declared the property as required by law, as part of her assets before the Code of Conduct Bureau. The question is: can an asset declared by a public officer before a government agency turn around to become a hidden asset?

“In another related development, the EFCC claimed it recovered a whopping $700m from the private home of Mrs. Madueke.

“By every stretch of imagination $700m is a lot of money. For an agency that love to hug the media spotlight like the ant hugs sugar, would it not have made good viewing to put videos or pictures of the alleged $700m for the world to see, just as in the recent cases of the INEC officials and the former group MD of the NNPC? Where is the $700m? Why is the CBN which rightly should be holding custody of such an amount of money not saying anything to collaborate EFCC claims?

“It is obvious Mrs. Madueke is a victim of political persecution as there are forces, individuals and groups who are not happy at the firmness with which she handled the affairs of the NNPC as it wasn’t favorable to their interest.

“Perhaps, her biggest crime was implementing the Nigerian Local  Content Act which provided opportunity for other Nigerians to become key players in the oil sector. Before her time as Oil Minister, 85 per cent or more of the people that transact oil business either as product importers or crude oil sales and lifting  are either foreigners or people from a particular section of the country. She became a product of hate by this group, not because she was incompetent or a thief looting Nigeria, but because to them, it’s no longer business as usual.

“Almost everything being said about this lady are lies, lies and lies. Sooner than later Nigerians will know the truth.”

FG reacts

When also contacted, Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed neither confirmed nor denied the process.

According to him, “I think the Attorney General is working very hard on the efforts to recoup some of our looted funds; all of them. And I think sometimes too negotiations might not be out of place. In a situation where you have hundreds of millions of dollars locked down, (because people who have looted the funds have admitted the funds are looted, but are joining hands with the host country where they are hiding to say that ‘yes we looted the funds but unless you agree to give us part of it, we would continue to block the repatriation of such funds.’ in such a situation composite agreements and negotiations might be the option and I think the office of the Attorney General is busy doing something. You see because at the end of the day, for us, the primary thing is to get this money back into the country.”

When asked if recovery of the loot drive would make the Federal Government abandon the extradition processes already initiated against the ex-officials on the run, the minister said: “I don’t think the government would give up any of the options. No, no, no, no, even when you have been declared wanted, there are protocols and procedures. Some of which are not something you can discuss every day. But I can assure that between the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we would do everything possible to bring all these matters to logical conclusions. But, I think we are also not ruling out the option of negotiation if that would bring our money back faster, because in many parts of the world too, you do exactly that option. You know what I’m saying is okay; some people are abroad and where they are, there is even no extradition agreement between us and that country and they are holding our money. And they now say ‘okay we are ready to come home. We are ready to surrender to you, but these are the conditions. We are ready to give back this money, but you would give back to us 10 per cent. Or okay,  let’s be more precise, they say ‘look, we know this money is looted money, and it is 100 million dollars, we would continue to block the repatriation of this money, unless you agree that out of this 100 million we can keep 20 million there.’

“What do you do in that kind of situation? So, the government would have to look at such options and weigh and say ‘look we are in a recession. Do we need the money more than we need the man?’ and we can say ‘okay, we can always prosecute this man anytime, so let the money come first’. So, it’s not as straight forward as it looks.”

When asked to reconfirm if indeed such talks are ongoing, the minister said: “It is because I know; frankly speaking, it is because I know that such talks are ongoing, but I won’t be free to tell you with who and who.

“But I can tell you that we have a lot of funds held up today because some foreign countries have joined these people. I know at least five, six cases today where one particular lawyer, one lawyer, the same lawyer, he’s the one who’s insisting that unless he takes 40 per cent of the recovered money, he would continue to block it in the country.”

Asked to put a figure to the money government was making efforts to recover from these former officials, Alhaji Mohammed sounded evasive. “In some cases as much as 100milion dollars, 300 million dollars, in some cases as much as 80 million dollars,” he stated, adding that part of the money was stolen by people who were not members of the Jonathan administration

Report excerpted from Saturday Sun Newspaper
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Court Orders Forfeiture Of N34bn Diezani's Loot

Court Orders Forfeiture Of N34bn Diezani's Loot

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diezani
A federal court sitting in Lagos on Thursday ordered the final forfeiture of about N34 billion linked to former petroleum minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke.


Justice Muslim Hassan, had on January 6, issued an interim forfeiture order on the funds.

In his ruling, Justice Hassan said he was satisfied with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) argument that the monies were proceeds of illegal activity.

Detail shortly...
diezani
A federal court sitting in Lagos on Thursday ordered the final forfeiture of about N34 billion linked to former petroleum minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke.


Justice Muslim Hassan, had on January 6, issued an interim forfeiture order on the funds.

In his ruling, Justice Hassan said he was satisfied with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) argument that the monies were proceeds of illegal activity.

Detail shortly...
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EXPOSED: Man Recommended By SSS As Working For Buhari Govt. Actually A Major Diezani Ally Who Helped Her 'Stole' $118m

EXPOSED: Man Recommended By SSS As Working For Buhari Govt. Actually A Major Diezani Ally Who Helped Her 'Stole' $118m

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Stanley Lawson and diezani
Premium Times - A man the State Security Service said was working for the interest of the Nigerian government was actually a money laundering suspect named in the mismanagement of about $118 million public funds, an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has shown.

In its controversial report to the Senate last year, the SSS said Stanley Lawson, a former Group Executive Director at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and an ally of ex-petroleum minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, was, “in actual fact, working in the interest of the Federal Government.”


The report was signed by Folashade Bello on behalf of the Director-General of the SSS, Lawal Daura, and addressed to Senate President Bukola Saraki on October 3, 2016.

Its details became public after senators said they relied on it to reject Ibrahim Magu as chairman of the anti-graft EFCC.

Mr. Daura said his investigation revealed that Mr. Lawson was “falsely accused by Mr. Magu” for “personal reasons.”

The claim was amongst several findings the SSS said it uncovered while investigating Mr. Magu’s activities.

But contrary to the claim by the SSS, not only was Mr. Lawson involved in the controversial deal, he also returned his share of the loot to the EFCC, PREMIUM TIMES learnt.

A highly placed source at the EFCC told PREMIUM TIMES that Mr. Lawson’s name popped up when the EFCC in 2015 commenced the investigation of the alleged $118 million public funds Mrs. Alison-Madueke was accused of looting for electioneering purpose.


Anti-corruption officials said Mr. Lawson made a payment of $25 million (N7.7 billion) into Fidelity Bank and also facilitated the purchase of Le Méridien Ogeyi Place in Port Harcourt for Mrs. Alison-Madueke, who is currently under EFCC investigation for alleged involvement in large-scale corruption while in office.

When operatives traced the funds to him, he was arrested and subsequently made to refund N94.5 million he received as commission for his role in the purchase of the luxurious Port Harcourt hotel.

It is not clear if Mr. Lawson knew the funds were looted when he agreed to the deal, but EFCC investigators found he received exactly N94,516,000 from Mrs. Alison-Madueke as service charge for facilitating the deal that led to the takeover of the sprawling hotel.

PREMIUM TIMES also found that Mr. Lawson was never placed on any watch list by the EFCC after returning the N94.5 million.

This contradicts the claim by the SSS that Mr. Magu placed him on security watch list “in a bid to settle some personal scores.”

It remains unclear how the SSS arrived at the conclusion that Mr. Lawson was working for the Nigerian government in the controversial deal.

The secret police did not explain what tasks the former NNPC handled for the Buhari government in that transaction and why it became necessary to shield him from investigation and even clear him of any wrongdoing.

The SSS does not have a media contact who could have been asked to comment for this story and provide clarifications. 

Mr. Lawson, who now serves as the managing partner at Financial Advisory and Investment Consultants Limited in Abuja, could not be reached for comments between Monday and Tuesday.

His office assistant told PREMIUM TIMES he was not available and provided the email contact of his associate, Don Lawson, for further contacts.
An email sent to Don Lawson with specific details about our enquiries was not returned more than a day after.

Wilson Uwujaren, the EFCC spokesperson, did not also respond to calls and sms seeking the agency’s official position on Mr. Lawson.
Stanley Lawson and diezani
Premium Times - A man the State Security Service said was working for the interest of the Nigerian government was actually a money laundering suspect named in the mismanagement of about $118 million public funds, an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has shown.

In its controversial report to the Senate last year, the SSS said Stanley Lawson, a former Group Executive Director at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and an ally of ex-petroleum minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, was, “in actual fact, working in the interest of the Federal Government.”


The report was signed by Folashade Bello on behalf of the Director-General of the SSS, Lawal Daura, and addressed to Senate President Bukola Saraki on October 3, 2016.

Its details became public after senators said they relied on it to reject Ibrahim Magu as chairman of the anti-graft EFCC.

Mr. Daura said his investigation revealed that Mr. Lawson was “falsely accused by Mr. Magu” for “personal reasons.”

The claim was amongst several findings the SSS said it uncovered while investigating Mr. Magu’s activities.

But contrary to the claim by the SSS, not only was Mr. Lawson involved in the controversial deal, he also returned his share of the loot to the EFCC, PREMIUM TIMES learnt.

A highly placed source at the EFCC told PREMIUM TIMES that Mr. Lawson’s name popped up when the EFCC in 2015 commenced the investigation of the alleged $118 million public funds Mrs. Alison-Madueke was accused of looting for electioneering purpose.


Anti-corruption officials said Mr. Lawson made a payment of $25 million (N7.7 billion) into Fidelity Bank and also facilitated the purchase of Le Méridien Ogeyi Place in Port Harcourt for Mrs. Alison-Madueke, who is currently under EFCC investigation for alleged involvement in large-scale corruption while in office.

When operatives traced the funds to him, he was arrested and subsequently made to refund N94.5 million he received as commission for his role in the purchase of the luxurious Port Harcourt hotel.

It is not clear if Mr. Lawson knew the funds were looted when he agreed to the deal, but EFCC investigators found he received exactly N94,516,000 from Mrs. Alison-Madueke as service charge for facilitating the deal that led to the takeover of the sprawling hotel.

PREMIUM TIMES also found that Mr. Lawson was never placed on any watch list by the EFCC after returning the N94.5 million.

This contradicts the claim by the SSS that Mr. Magu placed him on security watch list “in a bid to settle some personal scores.”

It remains unclear how the SSS arrived at the conclusion that Mr. Lawson was working for the Nigerian government in the controversial deal.

The secret police did not explain what tasks the former NNPC handled for the Buhari government in that transaction and why it became necessary to shield him from investigation and even clear him of any wrongdoing.

The SSS does not have a media contact who could have been asked to comment for this story and provide clarifications. 

Mr. Lawson, who now serves as the managing partner at Financial Advisory and Investment Consultants Limited in Abuja, could not be reached for comments between Monday and Tuesday.

His office assistant told PREMIUM TIMES he was not available and provided the email contact of his associate, Don Lawson, for further contacts.
An email sent to Don Lawson with specific details about our enquiries was not returned more than a day after.

Wilson Uwujaren, the EFCC spokesperson, did not also respond to calls and sms seeking the agency’s official position on Mr. Lawson.
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Obanikoro In Fresh EFCC Trouble Over Another N400m Slush Fund Linked To Diezani

Obanikoro In Fresh EFCC Trouble Over Another N400m Slush Fund Linked To Diezani

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Obanikoro In Fresh EFCC Trouble Over Another N400m Slush Fund Liked To Diezani
Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, a former Minister of State for Defence,  has been linked in a fresh N400m scam, News Punch has learned

According to Punch Newspaper, impeccable sources in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission revealed on Sunday that Obanikoro, who was released last Friday, might be invited again soon to explain his alleged role in the scam.

The ex-minister, who returned from the United States on October 17, spent three weeks at the Abuja office of the EFCC for allegedly receiving N4.7bn from the Office of the National Security Adviser and distributing over N3bn to Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State and Senator Iyiola Omisore, who were the governorship candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ekiti and Osun states respectively in 2014.


Obanikoro subsequently returned N100m to the EFCC with a promise to return another N480m.

His American and Nigerian passports were subsequently seized before his release last Friday.

An EFCC detective on Sunday told Punch Newspaper correspondent that recent investigations showed that Obanikoro allegedly received N400m from a former Minister of Finance, Senator Nenadi Usman, who was the Director of Finance of the Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organisation during the build-up to the 2015 elections.

The source said sometime in 2015, Usman sent the money to Obanikoro through a proxy.

The detective said, “As part of investigations into the billions disbursed by Nenadi Usman during the build-up to the 2015 elections, we interrogated a suspect at our office. The suspect told us that he handed over N400m to Obanikoro in the presence of some PDP members.

“So, Obanikoro will be invited to the Lagos office of the EFCC to tell his own side of the story.”

The EFCC had alleged in March that about N3.145bn was mysteriously transferred from the account of the ONSA, domiciled in the Central Bank of Nigeria, to the account of Joint Trust Dimensions Limited, a company allegedly owned by Usman.

Usman was said to have transferred N840m to the account of the Director of Publicity of the organisation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, in Zenith Bank on February 19, 2015, while she allegedly gave a former finance minister, Chief Olu Falae, N100m on the instruction of a PDP stalwart, Chief Anthony Anenih.

A former Governor of Imo State, Achike Udenwa, and a former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Viola Onwuliri, according to the documents, got N350m in two tranches.

The first tranche of N150m was allegedly paid into their joint account with Zenith Bank on January 13, 2015. The second tranche of N200m was credited into their account with Diamond bank.

Usman and Fani-Kayode have since been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos and their accounts frozen while Udenwa and Falae may be arraigned soon.

Apart from the ONSA fund, Usman allegedly disbursed a separate N23bn to various states during the build-up to the elections.

The money Usman disbursed allegedly emanated from a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

The money, which was $115m but converted to N23bn, was alleged to have been kickbacks from some dubious oil contractors involved in oil theft.

The EFCC has, so far, grilled about 16 former governors and ministers over the alleged N23bn Diezani sleaze.

Some of them include the immediate past Governor of Kebbi State, Saidu Dakin Garin; former Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State; former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano State; former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff of Borno State; former Governor James Ngilari of Adamawa State; and a former Governor of Zamfara State, Mamuda Shinkafi.

Among the others are a former Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke; a former Minister of State for FCT, Jumoke Akinjide; and a former Minister of State for Finance, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda.

During the elections, each state was said to have received at least N450m from the fund, which was handled by ministers or governors, who were members of the PDP.

All attempts to speak with Obanikoro’s media aide, Jonathan Eze, proved abortive on Sunday

as his phone indicated that it was switched off.

A source close to Obanikoro, however, told our correspondent that the ex-minister was not in charge of former President’s Goodluck Jonathan’s Lagos campaign and therefore could not have received such money.

He said, “I am aware that the EFCC has interrogated the person who collected money for the Jonathan campaign organisation. However, Senator Obanikoro never collected N400m from him.

“Those who collected money at Federal Palace Hotel know themselves and they should please leave Senator Obanikoro out of it.” 

Excerpts from Punch Newspaper used in this article

Obanikoro In Fresh EFCC Trouble Over Another N400m Slush Fund Liked To Diezani
Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, a former Minister of State for Defence,  has been linked in a fresh N400m scam, News Punch has learned

According to Punch Newspaper, impeccable sources in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission revealed on Sunday that Obanikoro, who was released last Friday, might be invited again soon to explain his alleged role in the scam.

The ex-minister, who returned from the United States on October 17, spent three weeks at the Abuja office of the EFCC for allegedly receiving N4.7bn from the Office of the National Security Adviser and distributing over N3bn to Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State and Senator Iyiola Omisore, who were the governorship candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ekiti and Osun states respectively in 2014.


Obanikoro subsequently returned N100m to the EFCC with a promise to return another N480m.

His American and Nigerian passports were subsequently seized before his release last Friday.

An EFCC detective on Sunday told Punch Newspaper correspondent that recent investigations showed that Obanikoro allegedly received N400m from a former Minister of Finance, Senator Nenadi Usman, who was the Director of Finance of the Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organisation during the build-up to the 2015 elections.

The source said sometime in 2015, Usman sent the money to Obanikoro through a proxy.

The detective said, “As part of investigations into the billions disbursed by Nenadi Usman during the build-up to the 2015 elections, we interrogated a suspect at our office. The suspect told us that he handed over N400m to Obanikoro in the presence of some PDP members.

“So, Obanikoro will be invited to the Lagos office of the EFCC to tell his own side of the story.”

The EFCC had alleged in March that about N3.145bn was mysteriously transferred from the account of the ONSA, domiciled in the Central Bank of Nigeria, to the account of Joint Trust Dimensions Limited, a company allegedly owned by Usman.

Usman was said to have transferred N840m to the account of the Director of Publicity of the organisation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, in Zenith Bank on February 19, 2015, while she allegedly gave a former finance minister, Chief Olu Falae, N100m on the instruction of a PDP stalwart, Chief Anthony Anenih.

A former Governor of Imo State, Achike Udenwa, and a former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Viola Onwuliri, according to the documents, got N350m in two tranches.

The first tranche of N150m was allegedly paid into their joint account with Zenith Bank on January 13, 2015. The second tranche of N200m was credited into their account with Diamond bank.

Usman and Fani-Kayode have since been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos and their accounts frozen while Udenwa and Falae may be arraigned soon.

Apart from the ONSA fund, Usman allegedly disbursed a separate N23bn to various states during the build-up to the elections.

The money Usman disbursed allegedly emanated from a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

The money, which was $115m but converted to N23bn, was alleged to have been kickbacks from some dubious oil contractors involved in oil theft.

The EFCC has, so far, grilled about 16 former governors and ministers over the alleged N23bn Diezani sleaze.

Some of them include the immediate past Governor of Kebbi State, Saidu Dakin Garin; former Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State; former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano State; former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff of Borno State; former Governor James Ngilari of Adamawa State; and a former Governor of Zamfara State, Mamuda Shinkafi.

Among the others are a former Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke; a former Minister of State for FCT, Jumoke Akinjide; and a former Minister of State for Finance, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda.

During the elections, each state was said to have received at least N450m from the fund, which was handled by ministers or governors, who were members of the PDP.

All attempts to speak with Obanikoro’s media aide, Jonathan Eze, proved abortive on Sunday

as his phone indicated that it was switched off.

A source close to Obanikoro, however, told our correspondent that the ex-minister was not in charge of former President’s Goodluck Jonathan’s Lagos campaign and therefore could not have received such money.

He said, “I am aware that the EFCC has interrogated the person who collected money for the Jonathan campaign organisation. However, Senator Obanikoro never collected N400m from him.

“Those who collected money at Federal Palace Hotel know themselves and they should please leave Senator Obanikoro out of it.” 

Excerpts from Punch Newspaper used in this article

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SHOCKER: 25 Jonathan's Men Under Fresh EFCC Probe Over N115.7b Theft; See Full List & Breakdown Of Stolen Funds

SHOCKER: 25 Jonathan's Men Under Fresh EFCC Probe Over N115.7b Theft; See Full List & Breakdown Of Stolen Funds

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Goodluck Jonathan
Punch Newspaper - At least 25 persons who served as ministers, aides or advisers to former President Goodluck Jonathan are being either investigated or prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

Apart from ministers and aides, Jonathan’s wife, Patience, and his cousin, Azibaola Robert, who is the Managing Director of OnePlus Holdings, are also under probe for an alleged $20m and $40m fraud respectively.

Also, over 15 heads of agencies and heads of military establishments who served under Jonathan are also under probe or prosecution.




Investigations by Saturday PUNCH, based on reports issued by the EFCC in the last 10 months, revealed that the probes range from the $15bn arms scam to the alleged disbursement of N23bn stolen oil funds and other allegations of financial impropriety.

One of such persons under probe is a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, whose accounts have been frozen while some of her properties, including a mansion worth N3.58bn in Abuja, have been seized by the EFCC.

Diezani, who claims to be suffering from cancer, has been in London since May 2015, where she is also being investigated by British anti-crime agencies.

Among other things, Diezani is accused of diverting $115m (N23bn) oil cash and distributing it to some prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party during the build-up to the 2015 presidential election.

According to EFCC sources, some of the ex-ministers who allegedly received the cash from Diezani and are now under probe include: a former Minister of State for FCT, Jumoke Akinjide (N650m); a former Minister of State for Finance, Amb. Bashir Yuguda (N450m); a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb Aminu Wali (N950m); and a former Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nurudeen Muhammad (N500m).

A former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), is alleged to have disbursed about $2.1bn arms money.

Dasuki was alleged to have transferred about N4.7bn to a former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro; who is also under EFCC investigation. Obanikoro has reportedly returned N100m to the EFCC.

Some others under probe include a former Minister of FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed; a former Minister of Interior, Abba Moro; a former Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Oduah; another former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode; a former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri; a former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke (SAN); a former Minister of Labour and productivity, Senator Joel Danlami; a former Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Godsday Orubebe; and a former Minister of Education, Ibrahim Shekarau.

Apart from Dasuki, some aides under investigation or prosecution include: a former Special Adviser to the President on Domestic Affairs, Waripamowei Dudafa; a former Principal Secretary to the President, Mr. Hassan Tukur; a former Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati and a former Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Doyin Okupe.

Others include: a former Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and the Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Kingsley Kuku; Jonathan’s Aide-de-Camp, Col. Ojogbane Adegbe; and the Chief of Staff to the President, Gen. Jones Arogbofa.

The Federal Government had in June released a list of recovered loot. In a statement by the Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the government revealed the recoveries were made between May 29, 2015 and May 25, 2016.

The government gave the breakdown of the loot as N78, 325,354,631.82; $185,119,584.61; £3,508,355.46 and €11, 250.

A conversion of the funds using the official exchange rate of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the amount adds up to N115,792,760,499.

The monies were said to have been recovered by the EFCC, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation; the ICPC and the Department of State Services.

The Muhammadu Buhari-led government added that a separate amount of cash and assets worth over N1.9tn had also been seized. However, the properties and cash are under legal contention.

The assets and cash seized under interim forfeiture totalled: $9bn, N126bn, £2.4m and €303,399.

A conversion of the worth of assets and cash seized based on the official CBN exchange rate totaled: N1,918,113,864,063.

It added, “Recoveries under Interim Forfeiture (cash and assets) during the period totalled: N126,563,481,095.43; $9,090,243,920.15; £2,484,447.55 and €303,399.17.”

Goodluck Jonathan
Punch Newspaper - At least 25 persons who served as ministers, aides or advisers to former President Goodluck Jonathan are being either investigated or prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

Apart from ministers and aides, Jonathan’s wife, Patience, and his cousin, Azibaola Robert, who is the Managing Director of OnePlus Holdings, are also under probe for an alleged $20m and $40m fraud respectively.

Also, over 15 heads of agencies and heads of military establishments who served under Jonathan are also under probe or prosecution.




Investigations by Saturday PUNCH, based on reports issued by the EFCC in the last 10 months, revealed that the probes range from the $15bn arms scam to the alleged disbursement of N23bn stolen oil funds and other allegations of financial impropriety.

One of such persons under probe is a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, whose accounts have been frozen while some of her properties, including a mansion worth N3.58bn in Abuja, have been seized by the EFCC.

Diezani, who claims to be suffering from cancer, has been in London since May 2015, where she is also being investigated by British anti-crime agencies.

Among other things, Diezani is accused of diverting $115m (N23bn) oil cash and distributing it to some prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party during the build-up to the 2015 presidential election.

According to EFCC sources, some of the ex-ministers who allegedly received the cash from Diezani and are now under probe include: a former Minister of State for FCT, Jumoke Akinjide (N650m); a former Minister of State for Finance, Amb. Bashir Yuguda (N450m); a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb Aminu Wali (N950m); and a former Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nurudeen Muhammad (N500m).

A former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), is alleged to have disbursed about $2.1bn arms money.

Dasuki was alleged to have transferred about N4.7bn to a former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro; who is also under EFCC investigation. Obanikoro has reportedly returned N100m to the EFCC.

Some others under probe include a former Minister of FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed; a former Minister of Interior, Abba Moro; a former Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Oduah; another former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode; a former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri; a former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke (SAN); a former Minister of Labour and productivity, Senator Joel Danlami; a former Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Godsday Orubebe; and a former Minister of Education, Ibrahim Shekarau.

Apart from Dasuki, some aides under investigation or prosecution include: a former Special Adviser to the President on Domestic Affairs, Waripamowei Dudafa; a former Principal Secretary to the President, Mr. Hassan Tukur; a former Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati and a former Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Doyin Okupe.

Others include: a former Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and the Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Kingsley Kuku; Jonathan’s Aide-de-Camp, Col. Ojogbane Adegbe; and the Chief of Staff to the President, Gen. Jones Arogbofa.

The Federal Government had in June released a list of recovered loot. In a statement by the Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the government revealed the recoveries were made between May 29, 2015 and May 25, 2016.

The government gave the breakdown of the loot as N78, 325,354,631.82; $185,119,584.61; £3,508,355.46 and €11, 250.

A conversion of the funds using the official exchange rate of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the amount adds up to N115,792,760,499.

The monies were said to have been recovered by the EFCC, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation; the ICPC and the Department of State Services.

The Muhammadu Buhari-led government added that a separate amount of cash and assets worth over N1.9tn had also been seized. However, the properties and cash are under legal contention.

The assets and cash seized under interim forfeiture totalled: $9bn, N126bn, £2.4m and €303,399.

A conversion of the worth of assets and cash seized based on the official CBN exchange rate totaled: N1,918,113,864,063.

It added, “Recoveries under Interim Forfeiture (cash and assets) during the period totalled: N126,563,481,095.43; $9,090,243,920.15; £2,484,447.55 and €303,399.17.”

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Former Gov. In Dirty $1.85b Hotel Deal With Diezani NAMED; A First Bank Director Too Implicated

Former Gov. In Dirty $1.85b Hotel Deal With Diezani NAMED; A First Bank Director Too Implicated

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Former Gov. In Dirty $1.85b Hotel Deal With Diezani NAMED; First Bank MD Too Implicated
News Punch earlier this morning reported of a shady $1.85b Hotel Deal involving the former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke and an unnamed former Military Administrator; a fresh report according to Sahara Reporters suggests that the unnamed former Governor is Anthony Akpo.

Anthony Akpo was a former Military Administrator of Rivers State.

According to SH, Diezani Alison-Madueke, Nigeria’s former Petroleum Resources Minister, purchased Port Harcourt’s Le Meridien Hotel for $25million from a former Rivers State military administrator, Anthony Akpo.


Our sources say that the transaction was carried out using several persons, including Dauda Lawal, a First Bank of Nigeria Executive Director.

Lawal’s role, according to investigators at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was to pick up from Skye Bank in Lagos and innocuously drop off $25million cash into a bank account at Sterling Bank PLC.

The directive to pick up the huge cash haul was coordinated by Stanley Lawson, a former group executive director of Finance and accounts at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

During EFCC interrogations, Dauda claimed he did not know that the transaction was aimed at purchasing Le Meriden Hotel in Port Harcourt, and that he was only helping a friend, Mr. Lawson, to run errands.  People knowledgeable about Mr. Lawal’s closeness to Diezani, which some say sometimes appeared to be romantic, said he may not be telling the whole truth.

Lawal was one of the bankers arrested by the EFCC in a recent fraud-related raid of high profile bankers involved in financial crimes perpetrated by Mrs. Alison-Madueke.  Others include Herbert Wigwe of Access Bank PLC, Nnamdi Okonkwo of Fidelity Bank PLC, and Yemi Adeola, the MD of Standard Bank PLC.

Le Meriden hotel was conceived as a five-star hotel. It was built in 2003 by retired Brigadier General Ukpo with the help of Julius Berger, the construction company with whom he became acquainted during his early days first as the military administrator of Rivers state and later as the Principal Secretary to former Military dictator, Ibrahim Babangida.  Ukpo sold the 87-room luxury hotel to Mrs. Alison-Madueke through a web of actors with the hope that no one would find out.

After the EFCC discovered the fraudulent sale, Ukpo reportedly offered to hand over the hotel to the federal government, but President Buhari is believed to have rejected the offer, saying the government has no business managing a hotel, and insisting that Ukpo return $25m to the federation account.

It is unclear why the former army chief has not yet been arrested.

Former Gov. In Dirty $1.85b Hotel Deal With Diezani NAMED; First Bank MD Too Implicated
News Punch earlier this morning reported of a shady $1.85b Hotel Deal involving the former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke and an unnamed former Military Administrator; a fresh report according to Sahara Reporters suggests that the unnamed former Governor is Anthony Akpo.

Anthony Akpo was a former Military Administrator of Rivers State.

According to SH, Diezani Alison-Madueke, Nigeria’s former Petroleum Resources Minister, purchased Port Harcourt’s Le Meridien Hotel for $25million from a former Rivers State military administrator, Anthony Akpo.


Our sources say that the transaction was carried out using several persons, including Dauda Lawal, a First Bank of Nigeria Executive Director.

Lawal’s role, according to investigators at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was to pick up from Skye Bank in Lagos and innocuously drop off $25million cash into a bank account at Sterling Bank PLC.

The directive to pick up the huge cash haul was coordinated by Stanley Lawson, a former group executive director of Finance and accounts at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

During EFCC interrogations, Dauda claimed he did not know that the transaction was aimed at purchasing Le Meriden Hotel in Port Harcourt, and that he was only helping a friend, Mr. Lawson, to run errands.  People knowledgeable about Mr. Lawal’s closeness to Diezani, which some say sometimes appeared to be romantic, said he may not be telling the whole truth.

Lawal was one of the bankers arrested by the EFCC in a recent fraud-related raid of high profile bankers involved in financial crimes perpetrated by Mrs. Alison-Madueke.  Others include Herbert Wigwe of Access Bank PLC, Nnamdi Okonkwo of Fidelity Bank PLC, and Yemi Adeola, the MD of Standard Bank PLC.

Le Meriden hotel was conceived as a five-star hotel. It was built in 2003 by retired Brigadier General Ukpo with the help of Julius Berger, the construction company with whom he became acquainted during his early days first as the military administrator of Rivers state and later as the Principal Secretary to former Military dictator, Ibrahim Babangida.  Ukpo sold the 87-room luxury hotel to Mrs. Alison-Madueke through a web of actors with the hope that no one would find out.

After the EFCC discovered the fraudulent sale, Ukpo reportedly offered to hand over the hotel to the federal government, but President Buhari is believed to have rejected the offer, saying the government has no business managing a hotel, and insisting that Ukpo return $25m to the federation account.

It is unclear why the former army chief has not yet been arrested.

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$1.85b FRAUD: Diezani's Oil-Cabals 'Vow' To Fight FG With 'Stolen' Billions Of Dollars As EFCC Freezes 8 Foreign Accounts; See List

$1.85b FRAUD: Diezani's Oil-Cabals 'Vow' To Fight FG With 'Stolen' Billions Of Dollars As EFCC Freezes 8 Foreign Accounts; See List

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$1.85b FRAUD: Diezani's Oil-Cabals 'Vow' To Fight FG With 'Stolen' Billions Of Dollars As EFCC Freezes 8 Foreign Accounts; See List
The Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC has reportedly frozen several bank accounts, including 8 foreign accounts belonging to some associates of the former embattled petroleum Minister, Diezani Aliso-Madueke, over $1.85billion fraudulent oil monies traced to their accounts, The Nation Newspaper reports.

According to the report, the former minister's associates are unwilling to make the refund, but rather, were ready to squander the slush fund in pursuance of the case in law court, an EFCC source revealed

A source in the EFCC said: “Apart from subsidy funds which some of them paid back, they are yet to refund the $1.85billion traced to them.


“The battle is in the court; we will do our best to recover these slush funds. I think they are prepared for the legal battle.”

The EFCC has, however, secured a Mareva Injunction from Justice O.O. Oguntoyinbo to freeze some foreign accounts and seize some assets linked with Mrs Alison-Madueke’s associates in the United Kingdom.

“Some of the off-shore financial institutions, where accounts have been frozen include BNP Paribas (Switzerland), LGT Bank (Switzerland), Standard Chartered Bank (London),Barclays Bank (London), Standard Energy (Voduz, Switzerland), HSBC (London), Corner Bank (Lugano, Switzerland) and Deutsche Bank (Geneva).

Section 34 (1) of the EFCC Act 2004 empowers the commission to freeze any account suspected of being used for financial crimes.

“The section stipulates that ‘the chairman of the commission or any officer authorised by him may, if satisfied that the money in the account of a person is made through the commission of an offence under this Act or any enactment specified under Section 6(2) (a)-(f) of this Act, apply to the court ex parte for power to issue or instruct a bank examiner or such other appropriate authority to freeze the account.”

The National Crime Agency (NCA) in the UK arrested and quizzed Diezani and four others on October 2, 2015 for alleged bribery and corruption and money laundering.

Also, the EFCC has quizzed five more suspects since the interrogation of Mrs Alison-Madueke by the NCA.

The NCA last year obtained permission from a Westminster Magistrate’s Court to seize 27,000 pounds from Mrs Alison-Madueke and two other women.

Although NCA detectives have visited the country this year in line with the ongoing probe of the former minister, it was unclear when she will be formally arraigned in court in the UK.

While the UK investigation was in progress, the EFCC uncovered another $115million poll bribery scam in which the ex-minister was implicated.

But the ex-minister recently described allegations against her as “cold-hearted” and inhuman at a time she is ill.
$1.85b FRAUD: Diezani's Oil-Cabals 'Vow' To Fight FG With 'Stolen' Billions Of Dollars As EFCC Freezes 8 Foreign Accounts; See List
The Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC has reportedly frozen several bank accounts, including 8 foreign accounts belonging to some associates of the former embattled petroleum Minister, Diezani Aliso-Madueke, over $1.85billion fraudulent oil monies traced to their accounts, The Nation Newspaper reports.

According to the report, the former minister's associates are unwilling to make the refund, but rather, were ready to squander the slush fund in pursuance of the case in law court, an EFCC source revealed

A source in the EFCC said: “Apart from subsidy funds which some of them paid back, they are yet to refund the $1.85billion traced to them.


“The battle is in the court; we will do our best to recover these slush funds. I think they are prepared for the legal battle.”

The EFCC has, however, secured a Mareva Injunction from Justice O.O. Oguntoyinbo to freeze some foreign accounts and seize some assets linked with Mrs Alison-Madueke’s associates in the United Kingdom.

“Some of the off-shore financial institutions, where accounts have been frozen include BNP Paribas (Switzerland), LGT Bank (Switzerland), Standard Chartered Bank (London),Barclays Bank (London), Standard Energy (Voduz, Switzerland), HSBC (London), Corner Bank (Lugano, Switzerland) and Deutsche Bank (Geneva).

Section 34 (1) of the EFCC Act 2004 empowers the commission to freeze any account suspected of being used for financial crimes.

“The section stipulates that ‘the chairman of the commission or any officer authorised by him may, if satisfied that the money in the account of a person is made through the commission of an offence under this Act or any enactment specified under Section 6(2) (a)-(f) of this Act, apply to the court ex parte for power to issue or instruct a bank examiner or such other appropriate authority to freeze the account.”

The National Crime Agency (NCA) in the UK arrested and quizzed Diezani and four others on October 2, 2015 for alleged bribery and corruption and money laundering.

Also, the EFCC has quizzed five more suspects since the interrogation of Mrs Alison-Madueke by the NCA.

The NCA last year obtained permission from a Westminster Magistrate’s Court to seize 27,000 pounds from Mrs Alison-Madueke and two other women.

Although NCA detectives have visited the country this year in line with the ongoing probe of the former minister, it was unclear when she will be formally arraigned in court in the UK.

While the UK investigation was in progress, the EFCC uncovered another $115million poll bribery scam in which the ex-minister was implicated.

But the ex-minister recently described allegations against her as “cold-hearted” and inhuman at a time she is ill.
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7-Man British Detectives Storm Nigeria To Grill Oil Thieves Cohorts of Diezani

7-Man British Detectives Storm Nigeria To Grill Oil Thieves Cohorts of Diezani

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Alison Diezani-Madueke
The ongoing investigation of the former Petroleum Minister, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, took a new dimension yesterday as a seven-man British anti-corruption investigative team, the National Crime Agency, has arrived Nigeria to interrogate individuals suspected to be allies of a former Petroleum Resources Minister.

The NCA team are in the country to quiz several associates and accomplices of the former petroleum minister, report according to Sahara Reporters suggest

SH said that the British detectives, comprising of four women and three men, were in the country as part of efforts to build a solid case in order to begin the ex-minister’s trial next year.


It stated that one of the ex-minister’s allies being interrogated by the UK detectives was Donald Chidi Amamgbo, a California-based lawyer and Jide Omokore, who is currently on bail after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arrested and charged him with fraud.

Amamgbo was reportedly detained by the EFCC, and later granted “administrative bail.”

The UK investigative team is also expected to interrogate several oil dealers who were close to Alison-Madueke, and who played one role or another in a web of international financial crimes during the former minister’s tenure.

“Our source revealed that UK investigators were looking into close to 20 cases against Mrs. Alison-Madueke. However, the case that has the most traction has to do with how the former minister’s alleged used of straw companies to launder billions of dollars. Some of the alleged laundered funds were used to purchase 17 properties in the UK and elsewhere,” the online publication said.

It added that the oil dealers under investigation reportedly offered large payoffs to Alison-
Madueke for oil swap deals.

The payoffs were said to have been wired to Amamgbo.

Mrs. Alison-Madueke is currently in the UK undergoing treatment for cancer.

The NCA had earlier confiscated some funds from the former minister, her mother, and the wife of a Ghanaian businessman, Kevin Okyere, who is also named in a series of shady deals involving Alison-Madueke.

Alison Diezani-Madueke
The ongoing investigation of the former Petroleum Minister, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, took a new dimension yesterday as a seven-man British anti-corruption investigative team, the National Crime Agency, has arrived Nigeria to interrogate individuals suspected to be allies of a former Petroleum Resources Minister.

The NCA team are in the country to quiz several associates and accomplices of the former petroleum minister, report according to Sahara Reporters suggest

SH said that the British detectives, comprising of four women and three men, were in the country as part of efforts to build a solid case in order to begin the ex-minister’s trial next year.


It stated that one of the ex-minister’s allies being interrogated by the UK detectives was Donald Chidi Amamgbo, a California-based lawyer and Jide Omokore, who is currently on bail after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arrested and charged him with fraud.

Amamgbo was reportedly detained by the EFCC, and later granted “administrative bail.”

The UK investigative team is also expected to interrogate several oil dealers who were close to Alison-Madueke, and who played one role or another in a web of international financial crimes during the former minister’s tenure.

“Our source revealed that UK investigators were looking into close to 20 cases against Mrs. Alison-Madueke. However, the case that has the most traction has to do with how the former minister’s alleged used of straw companies to launder billions of dollars. Some of the alleged laundered funds were used to purchase 17 properties in the UK and elsewhere,” the online publication said.

It added that the oil dealers under investigation reportedly offered large payoffs to Alison-
Madueke for oil swap deals.

The payoffs were said to have been wired to Amamgbo.

Mrs. Alison-Madueke is currently in the UK undergoing treatment for cancer.

The NCA had earlier confiscated some funds from the former minister, her mother, and the wife of a Ghanaian businessman, Kevin Okyere, who is also named in a series of shady deals involving Alison-Madueke.
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N270b Loots: Diezani Ally, Jide Omokere Returns N200m As EFCC Also Freezes His 8 Skye Bank Accounts

N270b Loots: Diezani Ally, Jide Omokere Returns N200m As EFCC Also Freezes His 8 Skye Bank Accounts

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Jide Omokere Returns N200m As EFCC Also Freezes His 8 Skye Bank Accounts
Mr. Jide Omokere, an ally of the embattled former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke has reportedly returned the sum N200 million to the coffer of the federal government out of the N270 billion naira loots under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, the EFCC.

Similarly,  the antigraft agency, EFCC has also traced and frozen eight bank accounts at Skye Bank Plc,  allegedly belonging to Omokore, Punch Newspaper reports this morning


Omokore, who is an ally of the immediate past Minister of Petroleum Resources, 

Also, five other allies of the former Petroleum Minister, Diezani are currently standing trial before a Federal High Court for an alleged $800m (N247bn at an exchange rate of N309/$1) fraud.

According to Punch Newspaper, a top source at the commission said, “During investigations, we traced about eight accounts to Omokore in Skye Bank. Most of the accounts are company accounts. Some were domiciled in Marina, Adeola Hopewell and some other branches on the (Lagos) Island.

“We were able to identify about N200m. He raised some bank drafts in the name of the Federal Government and the money has been deposited into the Federal Government account while investigations continue.”

The commission had on Monday, July 4, 2016, arraigned Omokore, and five other individuals and firms, before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja on nine counts bordering on money laundering and procurement fraud.

Those arraigned with him were a former Managing Director of Nigerian Petroleum Development Company Limited, Victor Briggs; a former Group Executive Director, Exploration and Production of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Abiye Membere; a former Manager, Planning and Commercial of the NNPC, David Mbanefo ; Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts Limited.

Omokore was alleged to have used the Strategic Alliance Agreement signed between the NPDC and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Limited to swindle the NPDC and the Nigerian government of billions of naira through the lifting of crude oil from some oil wells between March 2013 and May 2014.

The other accused persons, who were senior management employees of the NNPC, were accused of conspiracy in inducing the NPDC to facilitate the lifting of crude by Omokore, Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Limited.

They were equally charged with receiving car gifts from Omokore, Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Limited.

The charge read in part, “That you, Olajide Omokore, Atlantic Energy Brass Development Ltd, Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Ltd and Kolawole Akanni Aluko (now at large) between May 2013 and March 2014 within the jurisdiction of this honourable court obtained by false pretences and with intent to defraud, 7,551,867 barrels of crude oil (Brass blend) valued at the sum of $823,75,189.95 from NPDC, NNPC and the Federal Government of Nigeria on the false pretences that you had funds (both local and foreign) necessary to support the NPDC in petroleum operation for the OML 60,61, 62 and 63 and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act Cap. A6, 2010, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to them.
Jide Omokere Returns N200m As EFCC Also Freezes His 8 Skye Bank Accounts
Mr. Jide Omokere, an ally of the embattled former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke has reportedly returned the sum N200 million to the coffer of the federal government out of the N270 billion naira loots under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, the EFCC.

Similarly,  the antigraft agency, EFCC has also traced and frozen eight bank accounts at Skye Bank Plc,  allegedly belonging to Omokore, Punch Newspaper reports this morning


Omokore, who is an ally of the immediate past Minister of Petroleum Resources, 

Also, five other allies of the former Petroleum Minister, Diezani are currently standing trial before a Federal High Court for an alleged $800m (N247bn at an exchange rate of N309/$1) fraud.

According to Punch Newspaper, a top source at the commission said, “During investigations, we traced about eight accounts to Omokore in Skye Bank. Most of the accounts are company accounts. Some were domiciled in Marina, Adeola Hopewell and some other branches on the (Lagos) Island.

“We were able to identify about N200m. He raised some bank drafts in the name of the Federal Government and the money has been deposited into the Federal Government account while investigations continue.”

The commission had on Monday, July 4, 2016, arraigned Omokore, and five other individuals and firms, before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja on nine counts bordering on money laundering and procurement fraud.

Those arraigned with him were a former Managing Director of Nigerian Petroleum Development Company Limited, Victor Briggs; a former Group Executive Director, Exploration and Production of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Abiye Membere; a former Manager, Planning and Commercial of the NNPC, David Mbanefo ; Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts Limited.

Omokore was alleged to have used the Strategic Alliance Agreement signed between the NPDC and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Limited to swindle the NPDC and the Nigerian government of billions of naira through the lifting of crude oil from some oil wells between March 2013 and May 2014.

The other accused persons, who were senior management employees of the NNPC, were accused of conspiracy in inducing the NPDC to facilitate the lifting of crude by Omokore, Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Limited.

They were equally charged with receiving car gifts from Omokore, Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Limited.

The charge read in part, “That you, Olajide Omokore, Atlantic Energy Brass Development Ltd, Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Ltd and Kolawole Akanni Aluko (now at large) between May 2013 and March 2014 within the jurisdiction of this honourable court obtained by false pretences and with intent to defraud, 7,551,867 barrels of crude oil (Brass blend) valued at the sum of $823,75,189.95 from NPDC, NNPC and the Federal Government of Nigeria on the false pretences that you had funds (both local and foreign) necessary to support the NPDC in petroleum operation for the OML 60,61, 62 and 63 and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act Cap. A6, 2010, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to them.
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FG SEIZED Diezani's Abuja N4.8b Houses; Another Fresh 5 Choice Ones At PH Discovered.

FG SEIZED Diezani's Abuja N4.8b Houses; Another Fresh 5 Choice Ones At PH Discovered.

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FG SEIZED Diezani's Abuja N4.8b Houses; Another Fresh 5 Choice Ones At PH Discovered
Assets of the ex-Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke in Abuja, allegedly worth over N500million, has been confiscated pending her trial in the ongoing probe.

Earlier, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had seized a mansion worth N3.58billion from the ex-minister, bringing the haul in Abuja to about N4.08billion of assets believed to be hers.

Amidst Abuja seizure, the EFCC received intelligence report on the property  allegedly acquired by Mrs. Alison-Madueke in Port Harcourt.


Detectives have been deployed in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, TheNation Newspaper reports this morning

It is all part of the last leg of the investigation of the ex-minister in collaboration with the National Crime Agency in the United Kingdom.

The tracking of the assets is said to be part of the probe of about $10billion allegedly looted in cash and assets by some former public officers.

The properties under surveillance in Port Harcourt  are said to be worth over N3billion

A top source in EFCC, who spoke in confidence, said: “Based on latest intelligence, we have been able to trace more choice assets to Mrs. Alison-Madueke in Port Harcourt. We have drafted more operatives in Rivers State.

“We have identified more than  five of such assets but we need to verify the ownership by going through some documents before attaching the properties in line with our mandate.

“In the next one week, our team in Port Harcourt would have completed their assignment. We will then release the value of the assets.

“We are also on the trail of some accomplices who were used for the property deals.”

Responding to a question, the source said: “We are still working in collaboration with NCA in the UK. I think we are getting closer to the final leg of the Mrs. Alison-Madueke probe.”

Another property, which is believed to be worth N500million,  has been seized from the ex-minister.

The source said the property is believed to be at Frederick Chiluba Close in Asokoro  District in Abuja. The asset is now placed under interim forfeiture until the court decides otherwise,” he added.

Sections 28 and 34 of the EFCC (Establishment Act) 2004 and Section 13(1) of the Federal High Court Act, 2004 empower the anti-graft agency to invoke the Interim Assets Forfeiture Clause.

“Section 28 of the EFCC Act reads: ‘Where a person is arrested for an offence under this Act, the Commission shall immediately trace and attach all the assets and properties of the person acquired as a result of such economic or financial crime and shall thereafter cause to be obtained an interim attachment order from the Court.’

Section 13 of the Federal High Court Act reads in part: “The sourt may grant an injunction or appoint a receiver by an interlocutory order in all cases in which it appears to the Court to be just or convenient so to do.

”Any such order may be made either unconditionally or on such terms and conditions as the Court thinks just.”

The NCA in the UK arrested and quizzed Mrs. Alison-Madueke and four others on October 2, 2015 for alleged bribery and corruption and money laundering.

Also the EFCC has interrogated three to five more suspects since the interrogation of Mrs. Alison-Madueke by the NCA.

The NCA last year obtained permission from a Westminster Magistrate’s Court to seize 27,000 pounds from Mrs. Alison-Madueke and two other women.
FG SEIZED Diezani's Abuja N4.8b Houses; Another Fresh 5 Choice Ones At PH Discovered
Assets of the ex-Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke in Abuja, allegedly worth over N500million, has been confiscated pending her trial in the ongoing probe.

Earlier, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had seized a mansion worth N3.58billion from the ex-minister, bringing the haul in Abuja to about N4.08billion of assets believed to be hers.

Amidst Abuja seizure, the EFCC received intelligence report on the property  allegedly acquired by Mrs. Alison-Madueke in Port Harcourt.


Detectives have been deployed in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, TheNation Newspaper reports this morning

It is all part of the last leg of the investigation of the ex-minister in collaboration with the National Crime Agency in the United Kingdom.

The tracking of the assets is said to be part of the probe of about $10billion allegedly looted in cash and assets by some former public officers.

The properties under surveillance in Port Harcourt  are said to be worth over N3billion

A top source in EFCC, who spoke in confidence, said: “Based on latest intelligence, we have been able to trace more choice assets to Mrs. Alison-Madueke in Port Harcourt. We have drafted more operatives in Rivers State.

“We have identified more than  five of such assets but we need to verify the ownership by going through some documents before attaching the properties in line with our mandate.

“In the next one week, our team in Port Harcourt would have completed their assignment. We will then release the value of the assets.

“We are also on the trail of some accomplices who were used for the property deals.”

Responding to a question, the source said: “We are still working in collaboration with NCA in the UK. I think we are getting closer to the final leg of the Mrs. Alison-Madueke probe.”

Another property, which is believed to be worth N500million,  has been seized from the ex-minister.

The source said the property is believed to be at Frederick Chiluba Close in Asokoro  District in Abuja. The asset is now placed under interim forfeiture until the court decides otherwise,” he added.

Sections 28 and 34 of the EFCC (Establishment Act) 2004 and Section 13(1) of the Federal High Court Act, 2004 empower the anti-graft agency to invoke the Interim Assets Forfeiture Clause.

“Section 28 of the EFCC Act reads: ‘Where a person is arrested for an offence under this Act, the Commission shall immediately trace and attach all the assets and properties of the person acquired as a result of such economic or financial crime and shall thereafter cause to be obtained an interim attachment order from the Court.’

Section 13 of the Federal High Court Act reads in part: “The sourt may grant an injunction or appoint a receiver by an interlocutory order in all cases in which it appears to the Court to be just or convenient so to do.

”Any such order may be made either unconditionally or on such terms and conditions as the Court thinks just.”

The NCA in the UK arrested and quizzed Mrs. Alison-Madueke and four others on October 2, 2015 for alleged bribery and corruption and money laundering.

Also the EFCC has interrogated three to five more suspects since the interrogation of Mrs. Alison-Madueke by the NCA.

The NCA last year obtained permission from a Westminster Magistrate’s Court to seize 27,000 pounds from Mrs. Alison-Madueke and two other women.
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PDP 2015 Election Bribe: EFCC Seizes 2 Giant Shopping Malls, Freezes N49m From Female INEC Commissioner, Gesil Khan

PDP 2015 Election Bribe: EFCC Seizes 2 Giant Shopping Malls, Freezes N49m From Female INEC Commissioner, Gesil Khan

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PDP 2015 Election: EFCC Seizes 2 Giant Shopping Malls, Freezes N49m From Female INEC Commissioner, Gesil Khan
Two choice shopping malls allegedly acquired by a serving Resident Electoral Commissioner with her share of a bribe dished out by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of last year’s general elections, have been seized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

A sum of N49 million found in the bank account of the REC, Gesil Khan, has also been frozen by the EFCC.

A total of N23.29b was disbursed under the poll bribery scam allegedly facilitated by ex-Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, of which N185, 842,000 went to Khan.

The anti-graft agency applied to the Federal High Court, Yenagoa for Interim Forfeiture Order in line with sections 26 and 29 of the EFCC Act to take over the account and the buildings which are located in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

The order was granted, The Nation gathered yesterday.

Other beneficiaries of the largesse in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and some PDP stalwarts are said to have refunded N503million to EFCC.

Of the N503 million thus refunded, N200million came from a former Military Administrator of Akwa Ibom State, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga ( rtd).

A total of N450million was allegedly traced to him.

The EFCC is yet to conclude its investigation of the INEC staff and PDP stalwarts who were implicated in the poll bribery scandal.

Khan and other INEC officers are being   probed for allegedly collecting N681million altogether.

The other INEC officers already grilled in connection with the matter  are: Fidelia Omoile (Electoral Officer in Isoko-South Local Government Area of Delta State)-N112,480,000 ; Uluochi Obi Brown (INEC’s Administrative Secretary in Delta State)-N111,500,000; a former Deputy Director  of INEC in Cross River State, Edem Okon Effanga-N241,127,000 and the Head of Voter Education in INEC in Akwa Ibom, Immaculata Asuquo-N214,127,000.

A source familiar with the case said: “We have been able to trace two choice shopping malls in Yenagoa to the affected REC Khan. Following the development, we applied to a Federal High Court for Interim Forfeiture Order in line with sections 26 and 29 of the EFCC Act.

“The court has granted our prayers to seize the two malls and appoint managers to take care of the properties in order to generate more revenue either for the government or the owner depending on how the trial ends.

“We  do not want the assets to lie fallow hence we recruited managers to be in charge until investigation and trial are concluded.

“During investigation, we discovered N49million in the account of REC Khan. Since she could not fully account for the sources of the money, we have frozen the account in line with our mandate.

“We are treating the money as likely proceeds of bribery or money laundering. The account will remain frozen until a court of law decides otherwise based on facts we will present during her trial.”

Sections 26 and 29 of the EFCC Act read in part:  “Any property subject to forfeiture under this Act may be seized by the commission in the following circumstances- (a) the seizure is incidental to an arrest or search; or (b) in the case of property liable to forfeiture upon process issued by the Court following an application made by the Commission in accordance with the prescribed rules

“Whenever property is seized under any of the provisions of this Act, the Commission may- (a) place the property under seal; or (b) remove the property to a place designated by the Commission.

“Properties taken or detained under this section shall be deemed to be in custody of the Commission, subject only to an order of a Court.”

Sections 28 and 34 of the EFCC (Establishment Act) 2004 and Section 13(1) of the Federal High Court Act, 2004 empower the anti-graft agency to invoke Interim Assets Forfeiture Clause.

“Section 28 of the EFCC Act reads: ‘Where a person is arrested for an offence under this Act, the Commission shall immediately trace and attach all the assets and properties of the person acquired as a result of such economic or financial crime and shall thereafter cause to be obtained an interim attachment order from the Court.’

Section 13 of the Federal High Court Act reads in part : “The Court may grant an injunction or appoint a receiver by an interlocutory order in all cases in which it appears to the Court to be just or convenient so to do.

(2)”Any such order may be made either unconditionally or on such terms and conditions as the Court thinks just.”

Investigation showed that about N503million has so far been recovered from the INEC staff and some PDP stalwarts by the Port Harcourt Zonal Office of the anti-graft agency.

The source added: “The Port Harcourt Zonal office has done excellently well in line with the vision of the EFCC chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Magu. It has so far recovered about N904million from January to August 17, including N503million from INEC staff and politicians involved in the poll bribery scandal.

“Out of the N503million, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga (rtd) refunded N200million from the N450million traced to him.

“Nkanga allegedly collected the money in two tranches, from a staff of Fidelity Bank in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State: Mr. Saint- Anthony Ejiowu.

“The first tranche of the money, a sum of N350,000,000 was collected on March 27, 2015 while the second tranch of N100,000,000 was collected on March 31, 2015. Nkanga signed for the two tranches.

“We will soon release the list of INEC staff that have refunded cash. But we have been sending brief to INEC management on all their staff under investigation and the status of each case.

“So far, INEC management is cooperating with us. When it is time to arraign such staff in court, we hope they will release them accordingly.”

Source: The Nation

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PDP 2015 Election: EFCC Seizes 2 Giant Shopping Malls, Freezes N49m From Female INEC Commissioner, Gesil Khan
Two choice shopping malls allegedly acquired by a serving Resident Electoral Commissioner with her share of a bribe dished out by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of last year’s general elections, have been seized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

A sum of N49 million found in the bank account of the REC, Gesil Khan, has also been frozen by the EFCC.

A total of N23.29b was disbursed under the poll bribery scam allegedly facilitated by ex-Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, of which N185, 842,000 went to Khan.

The anti-graft agency applied to the Federal High Court, Yenagoa for Interim Forfeiture Order in line with sections 26 and 29 of the EFCC Act to take over the account and the buildings which are located in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

The order was granted, The Nation gathered yesterday.

Other beneficiaries of the largesse in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and some PDP stalwarts are said to have refunded N503million to EFCC.

Of the N503 million thus refunded, N200million came from a former Military Administrator of Akwa Ibom State, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga ( rtd).

A total of N450million was allegedly traced to him.

The EFCC is yet to conclude its investigation of the INEC staff and PDP stalwarts who were implicated in the poll bribery scandal.

Khan and other INEC officers are being   probed for allegedly collecting N681million altogether.

The other INEC officers already grilled in connection with the matter  are: Fidelia Omoile (Electoral Officer in Isoko-South Local Government Area of Delta State)-N112,480,000 ; Uluochi Obi Brown (INEC’s Administrative Secretary in Delta State)-N111,500,000; a former Deputy Director  of INEC in Cross River State, Edem Okon Effanga-N241,127,000 and the Head of Voter Education in INEC in Akwa Ibom, Immaculata Asuquo-N214,127,000.

A source familiar with the case said: “We have been able to trace two choice shopping malls in Yenagoa to the affected REC Khan. Following the development, we applied to a Federal High Court for Interim Forfeiture Order in line with sections 26 and 29 of the EFCC Act.

“The court has granted our prayers to seize the two malls and appoint managers to take care of the properties in order to generate more revenue either for the government or the owner depending on how the trial ends.

“We  do not want the assets to lie fallow hence we recruited managers to be in charge until investigation and trial are concluded.

“During investigation, we discovered N49million in the account of REC Khan. Since she could not fully account for the sources of the money, we have frozen the account in line with our mandate.

“We are treating the money as likely proceeds of bribery or money laundering. The account will remain frozen until a court of law decides otherwise based on facts we will present during her trial.”

Sections 26 and 29 of the EFCC Act read in part:  “Any property subject to forfeiture under this Act may be seized by the commission in the following circumstances- (a) the seizure is incidental to an arrest or search; or (b) in the case of property liable to forfeiture upon process issued by the Court following an application made by the Commission in accordance with the prescribed rules

“Whenever property is seized under any of the provisions of this Act, the Commission may- (a) place the property under seal; or (b) remove the property to a place designated by the Commission.

“Properties taken or detained under this section shall be deemed to be in custody of the Commission, subject only to an order of a Court.”

Sections 28 and 34 of the EFCC (Establishment Act) 2004 and Section 13(1) of the Federal High Court Act, 2004 empower the anti-graft agency to invoke Interim Assets Forfeiture Clause.

“Section 28 of the EFCC Act reads: ‘Where a person is arrested for an offence under this Act, the Commission shall immediately trace and attach all the assets and properties of the person acquired as a result of such economic or financial crime and shall thereafter cause to be obtained an interim attachment order from the Court.’

Section 13 of the Federal High Court Act reads in part : “The Court may grant an injunction or appoint a receiver by an interlocutory order in all cases in which it appears to the Court to be just or convenient so to do.

(2)”Any such order may be made either unconditionally or on such terms and conditions as the Court thinks just.”

Investigation showed that about N503million has so far been recovered from the INEC staff and some PDP stalwarts by the Port Harcourt Zonal Office of the anti-graft agency.

The source added: “The Port Harcourt Zonal office has done excellently well in line with the vision of the EFCC chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Magu. It has so far recovered about N904million from January to August 17, including N503million from INEC staff and politicians involved in the poll bribery scandal.

“Out of the N503million, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga (rtd) refunded N200million from the N450million traced to him.

“Nkanga allegedly collected the money in two tranches, from a staff of Fidelity Bank in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State: Mr. Saint- Anthony Ejiowu.

“The first tranche of the money, a sum of N350,000,000 was collected on March 27, 2015 while the second tranch of N100,000,000 was collected on March 31, 2015. Nkanga signed for the two tranches.

“We will soon release the list of INEC staff that have refunded cash. But we have been sending brief to INEC management on all their staff under investigation and the status of each case.

“So far, INEC management is cooperating with us. When it is time to arraign such staff in court, we hope they will release them accordingly.”

Source: The Nation

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Billionaire Oil Magnate, Benedict Peters Declared Wanted Over $60m Bribe To Diezani

Billionaire Oil Magnate, Benedict Peters Declared Wanted Over $60m Bribe To Diezani

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Billionaire Oil Magnate, Benedict Peters Declared Wanted Over $60m Bribe To Diezani
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has declared billionaire businessman and Managing Director of Aiteo Group, Mr. Benedict Peters, wanted for his alleged role in the $115m (N23bn) bribe given to officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission by a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, during the build-up to the 2015 election.

The EFCC said in an official gazette signed by its spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, that Peters was wanted for criminal conspiracy, diversion of funds and money laundering.

The notice read in part, “Dark-complexioned Peters is wanted in connection with a case of criminal conspiracy , diversion of funds and money laundering. He hails from Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. His last known address is 8B Agodogba Avenue, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos.”

Peters is alleged to have given Diezani about $60m during the build-up to the 2015 presidential election.

The EFCC had alleged that the MD of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, helped Diezani convert $115m to N23bn after which it was disbursed to INEC officials.

Some of the money was said to have emanated from some oil companies including Northern Belt Gas Company Limited which allegedly gave $60m to Fidelity Bank on behalf of Diezani.

An EFCC source told our correspondent that Peters was the person behind Northern Belt Gas Company Limited.

The source said, “We have launched investigations into the companies that gave Diezani money in form of kickbacks. About $60m came from Northern Belt Gas Company Limited. We have not been able to ascertain the directors of the company. However, we found out that Mr. Benedict Peters is the sole signatory to the account at Fidelity Bank.

“All attempts to get him have proved abortive. We currently do not know where he is and he is hardly ever in one place because he has a private jet.”

The oil magnate, who owns oil facilities in several countries, is said to own tank farms in Lagos and Port Harcourt. Under former President Goodluck Jonathan, Peters acquired an 85-per cent stake in block OML 29 from Shell Gas Company for $2.56bn. OML 29 potentially holds up to 2.2 billion barrels of oil and about 300 million standard cubic feet of gas.

He was also alleged to have taken part in the controversial crude oil swap deal involving the exchange of crude oil for refined petroleum products in which the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation gave out 445,000 barrels of crude per day to nine companies through the Pipelines Product Marketing Company, a subsidiary of the NNPC.

However, Peters had in an advertorial in Sunday PUNCH of May 8, 2016, denied the allegations levelled against him.

The statement read in part, “In order to put the facts clearly and correctly in the public domain, both AIETO Group and Mr. Peter would like to state categorically that Mr. Peters has not been officially invited by the EFCC on this matter.

“As a law-abiding citizen and a significant participant in Nigeria’s key oil and gas sector and an accomplished global businessman with significant interests in different parts of the world, Mr. Benedict Peters will upon receipt of an official invitation from the EFCC, cooperate with such relevant authorities.

“Mr. Peters who is currently out of the country will certainly attend to an invitation from the EFCC upon return to Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, the anti-graft agency has also declared one Mr. Johnson Salako wanted for allegedly defrauding the Bank of Industry of N1.424bn.

Source: Sahara Reporters 








Billionaire Oil Magnate, Benedict Peters Declared Wanted Over $60m Bribe To Diezani
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has declared billionaire businessman and Managing Director of Aiteo Group, Mr. Benedict Peters, wanted for his alleged role in the $115m (N23bn) bribe given to officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission by a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, during the build-up to the 2015 election.

The EFCC said in an official gazette signed by its spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, that Peters was wanted for criminal conspiracy, diversion of funds and money laundering.

The notice read in part, “Dark-complexioned Peters is wanted in connection with a case of criminal conspiracy , diversion of funds and money laundering. He hails from Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. His last known address is 8B Agodogba Avenue, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos.”

Peters is alleged to have given Diezani about $60m during the build-up to the 2015 presidential election.

The EFCC had alleged that the MD of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, helped Diezani convert $115m to N23bn after which it was disbursed to INEC officials.

Some of the money was said to have emanated from some oil companies including Northern Belt Gas Company Limited which allegedly gave $60m to Fidelity Bank on behalf of Diezani.

An EFCC source told our correspondent that Peters was the person behind Northern Belt Gas Company Limited.

The source said, “We have launched investigations into the companies that gave Diezani money in form of kickbacks. About $60m came from Northern Belt Gas Company Limited. We have not been able to ascertain the directors of the company. However, we found out that Mr. Benedict Peters is the sole signatory to the account at Fidelity Bank.

“All attempts to get him have proved abortive. We currently do not know where he is and he is hardly ever in one place because he has a private jet.”

The oil magnate, who owns oil facilities in several countries, is said to own tank farms in Lagos and Port Harcourt. Under former President Goodluck Jonathan, Peters acquired an 85-per cent stake in block OML 29 from Shell Gas Company for $2.56bn. OML 29 potentially holds up to 2.2 billion barrels of oil and about 300 million standard cubic feet of gas.

He was also alleged to have taken part in the controversial crude oil swap deal involving the exchange of crude oil for refined petroleum products in which the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation gave out 445,000 barrels of crude per day to nine companies through the Pipelines Product Marketing Company, a subsidiary of the NNPC.

However, Peters had in an advertorial in Sunday PUNCH of May 8, 2016, denied the allegations levelled against him.

The statement read in part, “In order to put the facts clearly and correctly in the public domain, both AIETO Group and Mr. Peter would like to state categorically that Mr. Peters has not been officially invited by the EFCC on this matter.

“As a law-abiding citizen and a significant participant in Nigeria’s key oil and gas sector and an accomplished global businessman with significant interests in different parts of the world, Mr. Benedict Peters will upon receipt of an official invitation from the EFCC, cooperate with such relevant authorities.

“Mr. Peters who is currently out of the country will certainly attend to an invitation from the EFCC upon return to Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, the anti-graft agency has also declared one Mr. Johnson Salako wanted for allegedly defrauding the Bank of Industry of N1.424bn.

Source: Sahara Reporters 








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BREAKING: Diezani's Ally, Jide Omokore, Ex NNPC GMD ARRESTED By EFCC This Morning

BREAKING: Diezani's Ally, Jide Omokore, Ex NNPC GMD ARRESTED By EFCC This Morning

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The Officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested former Group Managing Director of NNPC, Andrew Yakubu and rearrested oil magnate, Jide Omokore early today.

An official briefed on the matter said the businessman would be arraigned alongside Andrew Yakubu, a former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, who has also been picked up, according to Premium Times

Our sources said the duo would be charged before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja on a four-count charge of money laundering.

According to EFCC insiders, other defendants in the case are Victor Briggs, Abiye Memnere, David Mbanefo, Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts Limited.

Yakubu became GMD of NNPC in 2012 after his appointment was approved by former President Goodluck Jonathan and was sacked Jonathan in 2014. Jide Omokore is a close associate of the former President and former Petroleum minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

Details soon
The Officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested former Group Managing Director of NNPC, Andrew Yakubu and rearrested oil magnate, Jide Omokore early today.

An official briefed on the matter said the businessman would be arraigned alongside Andrew Yakubu, a former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, who has also been picked up, according to Premium Times

Our sources said the duo would be charged before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja on a four-count charge of money laundering.

According to EFCC insiders, other defendants in the case are Victor Briggs, Abiye Memnere, David Mbanefo, Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts Limited.

Yakubu became GMD of NNPC in 2012 after his appointment was approved by former President Goodluck Jonathan and was sacked Jonathan in 2014. Jide Omokore is a close associate of the former President and former Petroleum minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

Details soon
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At Last, EFCC Found $20b 'Missing Oil Fund' Alarmed By Emir Sanusi, You'll Be Shocked Where

At Last, EFCC Found $20b 'Missing Oil Fund' Alarmed By Emir Sanusi, You'll Be Shocked Where

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Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (now Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II) raised the alarm that there was an estimated $20bn shortfall in oil revenues due to the treasury from the state oil company which might have been spent illegally.

In a related development, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission( EFCC) has traced the diversion of the substantial part of the missing $20billion oil cash  to the 2015 electioneering campaign of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), The Nationa News Paper reports


The anti-graft agency discovered how the cash was transferred and wired into secret accounts for political purposes.

It was learnt that the EFCC has made “ appreciable progress” in recovering a huge chunk of the cash.

The EFCC latest discovery is said to be part of the ongoing “comprehensive” probe of a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke.

A source close to the investigator, said: “We have tracked a substantial part of the missing $20billion about which the former CBN Governor raised the alarm.

“From our findings, the oil money was diverted. We will soon make the details available.

“As for those being invited for interrogation on campaign funds, we have been able to establish that the amounts in question were strictly government funds.

“Whatever noise anyone is making is baseless. We are determined to recover these funds from all the beneficiaries.

“Some of the suspects have refunded the cash credited to them and some still have outstanding funds to pay.”

The highly-placed source said the EFCC was not targeting PDP leaders at all.

He said if there is any evidence of government funds spent on the campaign of other political parties, we will “investigate too”.

In 2014, Sanusi told members of the Senate Committee on Finance at the National Assembly in Abuja that $20billion was missing.

He said: “It is established that of the $67 billion crude shipped by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), between January 2012 and July 2013, $47 billion was remitted to the Federation Account.”

“It is now up to NNPC, given all the issues raised, to produce the proof that the $20billion unremitted either did not belong to the Federation or was legally and constitutionally spent.”

Mrs Alison-Madueke denied that $20billion was missing.

She said: “When the former CBN Governor came up with the allegation that about $49.8bn of crude oil sales proceeds were not remitted by NNPC, we swung into action with all the relevant agencies to reconcile the figures.

“When we reconciled the figures down to $10.8bn and some agencies were having a different figure of $12bn, we insisted that the reconciliation must continue because there was still an anomaly; we said we must get down to the bottom of the matter to find out what is really amiss.

“We appeared before the Senator Makarfi Commttee to defend ourselves over the fresh allegation of unremitted $20bn. We put our papers forward. The Makarfi Committee then went through all the evidence supplied by all the relevant agencies and found that there was no missing $20billion.

“Despite the fact that the Makarfi Committee declared that no money was missing, the opposition kept insisting that $20bn was missing and they were calling us names.”

While receiving APC chieftains from Adamawa in April 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari promised to probe the whereabouts of the $20billion.

He said: “Going by the huge sum of money involved, there was no way an APC-led administration that has the fight against corrupt practices as a cardinal objective would sit by and watch some highly placed Nigerians loot the treasury.”

Credit: The Nation Newspaper

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (now Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II) raised the alarm that there was an estimated $20bn shortfall in oil revenues due to the treasury from the state oil company which might have been spent illegally.

In a related development, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission( EFCC) has traced the diversion of the substantial part of the missing $20billion oil cash  to the 2015 electioneering campaign of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), The Nationa News Paper reports


The anti-graft agency discovered how the cash was transferred and wired into secret accounts for political purposes.

It was learnt that the EFCC has made “ appreciable progress” in recovering a huge chunk of the cash.

The EFCC latest discovery is said to be part of the ongoing “comprehensive” probe of a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke.

A source close to the investigator, said: “We have tracked a substantial part of the missing $20billion about which the former CBN Governor raised the alarm.

“From our findings, the oil money was diverted. We will soon make the details available.

“As for those being invited for interrogation on campaign funds, we have been able to establish that the amounts in question were strictly government funds.

“Whatever noise anyone is making is baseless. We are determined to recover these funds from all the beneficiaries.

“Some of the suspects have refunded the cash credited to them and some still have outstanding funds to pay.”

The highly-placed source said the EFCC was not targeting PDP leaders at all.

He said if there is any evidence of government funds spent on the campaign of other political parties, we will “investigate too”.

In 2014, Sanusi told members of the Senate Committee on Finance at the National Assembly in Abuja that $20billion was missing.

He said: “It is established that of the $67 billion crude shipped by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), between January 2012 and July 2013, $47 billion was remitted to the Federation Account.”

“It is now up to NNPC, given all the issues raised, to produce the proof that the $20billion unremitted either did not belong to the Federation or was legally and constitutionally spent.”

Mrs Alison-Madueke denied that $20billion was missing.

She said: “When the former CBN Governor came up with the allegation that about $49.8bn of crude oil sales proceeds were not remitted by NNPC, we swung into action with all the relevant agencies to reconcile the figures.

“When we reconciled the figures down to $10.8bn and some agencies were having a different figure of $12bn, we insisted that the reconciliation must continue because there was still an anomaly; we said we must get down to the bottom of the matter to find out what is really amiss.

“We appeared before the Senator Makarfi Commttee to defend ourselves over the fresh allegation of unremitted $20bn. We put our papers forward. The Makarfi Committee then went through all the evidence supplied by all the relevant agencies and found that there was no missing $20billion.

“Despite the fact that the Makarfi Committee declared that no money was missing, the opposition kept insisting that $20bn was missing and they were calling us names.”

While receiving APC chieftains from Adamawa in April 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari promised to probe the whereabouts of the $20billion.

He said: “Going by the huge sum of money involved, there was no way an APC-led administration that has the fight against corrupt practices as a cardinal objective would sit by and watch some highly placed Nigerians loot the treasury.”

Credit: The Nation Newspaper
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