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EFCC recovered N500bn, secured 7,000 convictions under my watch – Tinubu

Published

5 months ago

October 21, 2025

President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, praised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s strides in anti-graft fight, saying the agency secured 700 convictions and recovered N500bn fraud proceeds in two years.

Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the opening of the 7th EFCC-NJI Capacity Building Workshop for Justices and Judges on Monday in Abuja, Tinubu said his administration remained committed to empowering anti-graft agencies to deliver tangible results, citing the EFCC’s performance as a clear example.

According to a statement by the EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, Tinubu said the Commission had recorded over 7,000 convictions in the first two years of his administration and recovered assets worth more than N500bn.

“The EFCC, for example, has recorded over 7,000 convictions in the first two years of the present administration and recovered assets in excess of N500bn.

“Recovered proceeds of crime by the agency have been ploughed back into the economy to fund critical social investment programmes, including the Students Loan and Consumer Credit schemes,” he was quoted as saying.

The President said the government’s anti-corruption drive would only succeed if all arms of government worked in synergy, stressing that judges play an indispensable role in ensuring accountability and public trust in the justice system.

“A Nigeria free of corruption is possible if we all commit to doing what is right in our respective spheres of influence,” Tinubu said. “A robust judicial system is central to the success of anti-corruption efforts, and I count on our judges.”

Tinubu emphasised that the executive, legislature, and judiciary must lead by example, warning that the fight against corruption would lose credibility if public officials failed to uphold integrity.

“We cannot claim to have excelled in our pursuit of a transparent system if we do not live by such examples,” he said. “Courts and judges are strong pillars of the anti-corruption process. Your vantage position on the bench does not insulate you from the consequences of corruption.”

The President noted that corruption undermines national development and fuels insecurity, urging all Nigerians to unite in confronting it.

“There are no special roads, hospitals, or communities for judges. We all face the same risks that arise from decades of willful theft and wastage of our nation’s resources,” he said. “It is in the interest of all Nigerians to join hands in fighting and winning this war.”

Earlier, the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, raised alarm over the persistent delays and procedural setbacks plaguing high-profile corruption cases in Nigerian courts, warning that they have cast a shadow over the agency’s achievements.

Olukoyede said that although the EFCC had made significant progress in tackling corruption, public confidence in the judicial process continued to wane due to the slow pace of politically sensitive trials.

“The milestones we have recorded in the past two years are almost overshadowed by public concern over the progress of high-profile cases in court. The seeming convoluted trajectory of many cases involving politically exposed persons evokes gasps of exasperation, incredulity, and sometimes disdain by the people.

“Without mentioning specific cases and courts, there are cases filed by the commission 15 or 20 years ago that appear in limbo, moving in circles,” he said.

Olukoyede described a recurring pattern in which defendants in corruption cases—especially politically exposed persons—exploit legal loopholes to delay proceedings.

“We appear to have grown accustomed to a predictable pattern in high-profile prosecutions: When investigations are concluded, getting politically exposed persons to appear in court to answer to charges is a Herculean task. When that hurdle is overcome and the charge is read, other antics unfurl.

“It is either the charges are not properly served, or the defendant who hitherto was fit as a fiddle suddenly comes down with some of the most chronic ailments under the sun. A medical report is brandished and technical adjournment procured,” he said.

The EFCC boss warned that the “weaponisation of procedure” and the prioritisation of technicalities over justice have serious consequences for the integrity of the judiciary.

He noted that prolonged trials often result in witness fatigue, faded memories, and, in some cases, the death or unavailability of key witnesses or prosecutors.

“All of these amount to weaponisation of procedures. Prioritisation of procedural technicalities at the expense of justice undermines public confidence in the fight against corruption and financial crimes.

“This calls for greater circumspection by Your Lordships in making pronouncements and decisions with dramatic implications for the fight against corruption.

“When cases drag in court, many things happen — witness fatigue sets in, memories fade, and those who had testified may struggle to recall their earlier testimonies. In extreme circumstances, the witness or the prosecutor may have died or moved on and is no longer available to testify.

“The longer cases last in court, the more the chance that they slip off popular consciousness, and the image of the court as the temple of justice is eroded. The only victor in the circumstance is corruption.

“My Lords, while the Nigerian judiciary is blessed with competent and courageous judges and justices, the actions and decisions by a few are sources of worry to agencies such as the EFCC,” he said.

Olukoyede also expressed concern over the conduct of some state high court judges, accusing them of issuing orders beyond their jurisdiction to obstruct the Commission’s lawful investigations into money laundering and financial crimes.

“The commission is disturbed by the trend in which some judges of state high courts issue orders to apprehend the powers of the commission to investigate money laundering cases, even though it is clearly established that those matters are outside their purview.

“More worrisome is the fact that most of those decisions are made ex parte. Even where the commission appeals, there are no restraints in making contempt decisions against it,” he lamented.

He decried situations where courts of coordinate jurisdiction deliver contradictory judgments in similar high-profile cases, further complicating the Commission’s work.

“In addition, contradictory decisions by courts of coordinate jurisdiction in high-profile corruption cases encumber the work of the Commission. There is also the case where senior lawyers are allowed to stall the arraignment of corruption suspects through frivolous applications.

“These antics leave society with the suspicion that the courts and the prosecution are not keen about justice,” Olukoyede said.

He also faulted some senior lawyers for filing frivolous applications aimed at delaying the arraignment of suspects, thereby fuelling public suspicion that both the judiciary and prosecutors are complicit in frustrating justice.

The EFCC chairman called on judges and justices to exercise greater circumspection in their rulings, especially in cases with significant implications for the country’s anti-corruption campaign.

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Sanusi will lead Sallah Durbar in Kano – Gov’t

Published

4 days ago

March 18, 2026

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The Kano State Government has announced that the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, will lead this year’s Eid-el-Fitr Durbar, even as it unveiled strict guidelines to prevent a breakdown of law and order during the celebrations.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

The government said the decision, approved by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, followed credible intelligence reports indicating attempts by some individuals to create unrest during the Sallah period.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the government said it remained committed to preserving Kano’s cultural heritage but would prioritise peace and security.

According to the statement, Hawan Idi (Eid Durbar) will be conducted by Emir Sanusi from the Kofar Mata Eid Ground through designated routes to Gidan Shettima, terminating at Kofar Fatalwa of the emir’s palace.

It added that Hawan Nasarawa would be held in a modified form without horseback displays, while Hawan Daushe, Hawan Fanisau and Hawan Dorayi have been suspended for the time being in the interest of public safety.

The government said all security agencies had been directed to intensify surveillance and ensure strict compliance with the directives before, during and after the festive period.

It urged residents to remain calm, law-abiding and cooperative with security agencies, while cautioning against the spread of unverified information.

The government further assured the public of its commitment to a peaceful and hitch-free Sallah celebration, wishing Muslims in the state a joyous Eid-el-Fitr.

The Durbar, a centuries-old cultural procession, has been thrown into uncertainty following conflicting statements from government officials on whether it will hold this year, given the unresolved legal battle between Sanusi II and Aminu Ado Bayero.

While Governor Yusuf reinstated Sanusi II in 2024, Bayero continues to contest his dethronement in court, leaving the emirship in dispute.

The government recently hinted that the stool controversy would soon be resolved.

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2027: Igboho dismisses Sowore’s comment on ‘transactional politics’

Published

4 days ago

March 18, 2026

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Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has dismissed comments by human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, over what he described as transactional politics and activism.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

PUNCH Online reports that Sowore’s comment followed a viral video in which the activist criticised what he described as “transactional politics” among some regional agitators and influencers, accusing them of aligning with political actors for personal or material benefit.

In the video, Sowore appeared to reference Igboho, suggesting that his recent political positions, including support for President Bola Tinubu’s potential re-election bid, reflected what he termed “amala politics” — a colloquial expression often used to imply opportunistic or interest-driven engagement rather than principled activism.

Igboho, in a statement issued by his media aide, Olayomi Koiki, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Tuesday, criticised Sowore for allegedly describing his activism as “amala politics” in a recent viral video circulating on social media.

He described the comment as an inconsequential rant that should be ignored by the public.

Igboho argued that his agitation for improved security in the South-West and his support for the second-term bid of President Bola Tinubu in 2027 were constitutional rights aimed at promoting the collective interests of the Yoruba people and the development of Nigeria.

He said, “We strongly reject the characterisation of Igboho’s activism as transactional. Such a myopic position misrepresents the intent and focus of our agitation on effective grassroots security in the South-West and Nigeria as a whole.

“How many protests did Sowore organise to push for my freedom? Sowore’s claim of fighting for the masses contradicts his alleged daily lodging expenses of N450,000 at a popular Lagos hotel.

“I cannot be compelled to endorse political figures such as Peter Obi or Atiku Abubakar, or even align with Sowore’s political platform. I have the right to make independent political decisions based on the security and collective interests of the Yoruba people.”

He added that Igboho’s advocacy prioritises addressing insecurity across Yorubaland, including killings of farmers, kidnappings along highways and attacks on traditional rulers and royal institutions.

Koiki, however, clarified that these concerns form the basis of Igboho’s movement rather than any ambition for political office or revolutionary leadership.

The statement added, “While Sowore has consistently promoted nationwide revolution as a pathway to leadership, Igboho’s approach is rooted in protecting lives, land and property within Yoruba territory. This agitation is a response to real and ongoing threats faced by communities in the region.

“Latest security incidents in northern Nigeria, including reported explosions in Maiduguri on March 16, 2026, also raise questions about the broader effectiveness of long-term revolutionary advocacy.

“We challenge Sowore to assess the situation in his home state of Ondo State, considering the growing cases of banditry, kidnapping and attacks on rural communities.”

The statement added that the impact of insecurity on vulnerable groups, including farmers, traditional rulers, women and children, had been severe, with several communities reportedly affected.

“These realities reinforce Igboho’s long-standing call since 2020 for localised security measures and stronger regional protection strategies.

“Labelling our agitation and efforts as ‘amala politics’ undermines the urgency of the security crisis and the legitimacy of grassroots agitation,” the statement concluded

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Aisha, Deji, Atiku’s aide, Ibe fume over continuous detention of El-Rufai

Published

4 days ago

March 18, 2026

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The continuous detention of the former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has sparked reactions from politicians and socio-political activists.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

DAILY POST reports that the former governor has been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, over an ongoing investigation into alleged financial impropriety when he was governor.

El-Rufai had earlier spent two nights in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, before he was picked up by the Department of State Services and then later handed over to the ICPC.

His continuous detention has sparked outrage among citizens who are calling on the commission to immediately charge the former governor to court.

Popular socio-political activist, Aisha Yesufu, said in a post on X that “holding a citizen indefinitely without trial” is impossible.

According to her, “that is not justice. That is not accountability. That begins to look like persecution.

“Every Nigerian, no matter how powerful or unpopular, has the right to a fair hearing. That right is not a favour from the government. It is a constitutional guarantee. If El-Rufai committed crimes, then prosecute him. Nigerians will support that. But what we must never
Support is a system where the government can detain anyone endlessly, simply because it can.

“Today, it may be El-Rufai. Tomorrow, it could be anyone else who speaks or acts in a way that those in power do not like. A democracy must be better than that.

“So the message is simple: charge him in court or release him. Let justice be done openly, lawfully, and transparently. That is the only way a nation that claims to respect the rule of law should act”.

Similarly, an activist lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, in an interview he posted on X on Wednesday, demanded that the former governor be charged to court immediately, condemning El-Rufai’s incarceration.

“No matter the allegations, I think he should be charged in a court of competent jurisdiction so that he can face the music.

“All these things currently going on don’t look tidy to me”, he said.

On his part, Paul Ibe, a media aide to the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, lambasted ICPC for not charging the former governor to court.

In a statement on his X handle, Ibe accused the Commission of taking sides with the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

He wrote, “The matter of the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai @elrufai has proven beyond measure that the ‘I’ in ICPC (Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission) @icpcnigeria represents Illegal or Irresponsible.

“There’s nothing Independent about the Commission. They’re no different from all the other institutions of state that are standing on Tinubu’s mandate. The ICPC is nauseatingly pliable and has disgracefully made itself available in coercing members of the opposition into the ruling party”!

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