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ALLEGATION OF DEBT RECOVERY DELAY AND BOTTLENECK BY EFCC COMMISSION STAFF
Based on the public outburst of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission Chairman, Mr Ola Olukoyede, in his New Year message that exposed the Commission’s investigators’ staff for bribery and corruption reports, which shows a new sheriff in town, attributes from him as the new helmsman of EFCC.
It is now observed upon discovering a purported deliberate delay mechanism in recovering funds paid into the Commission account by fraudsters or debt-accused persons by complainants.
In the recent discovery, you are now directed to either wait for approvals, which often take between four to five months from the Abuja office before funds can be released to you after fraudsters or accused persons have paid said funds to the commission custody or wait indefinitely without any recourse.
In reference to the Minister of Interior, Mr Tunji-Ojo’s progressive and commendable policies to erase usual delays in citizens’ activities of passport document obtainment in Nigeria, which was a whole hell of an experience from previous administrations. He commanded other government agencies to follow suit to avoid unnecessary bottlenecks created by corrupt officials in delaying government documentation and approvals of paper henceforth.
In the case of EFCC, it would be disheartening to witness an agency saddled with responsibilities of sanitizing the economic and financial transactions and sanctity of a nation to be found with reports of negative administrative policies and deliberate bottlenecks created within its offices scattered all over the nation.
I refer to the chairman’s New Year broadcast, where he frowns at findings of EFCC operatives and investigators enmeshed in bribery and corruption in carrying out their duties, adding that the craze and quest for gratifications would no longer be tolerated. We, therefore, urge the Economic and Financial Crime Commission Chairman, Mr Olukoyede, to look into the matter of the commission offices all over the nation and, without any further delay, employ modern-day technology and facilities to release people’s funds and properties in their custody without further delay. According to him, the Commission is accorded the responsibility of accountability within governmental and private entities and individuals to further promote progress and economic fortune in Nigeria.
In his words, he says:
The EFCC chairman, “who described the situation as embarrassing for the anti-graft agency, said the Department of Internal Affairs of the agency has been directed to be more active and vigilant to monitor every staff member in all their engagements.
He warned that such conduct would no longer be tolerated under his watch, vowing he would wield the big stick against investigators taking bribes.
Olukoyede said: “At this point, I need to strongly reiterate the issue of discipline, integrity, and a sense of responsibility in our work. Public opinions about the conduct of some of our investigators are adverse. Some of our investigators’ craze and quest for gratification, bribes, and other compromises are becoming too embarrassing, and this must not continue.
“Let me sound a note of warning in this regard. I will not hesitate to wield the big stick against any form of infraction by any staff of the Commission. The Department of Internal Affairs has been directed to be more ardent in its work and monitor every staff in all their engagements. The image of the Commission is too important to be placed on the line by any corrupt officer.”
To take this matter seriously, the EFCC Boss, Mr Olukoyede, must take urgent steps concerning this matter of delaying the release of drafts in which EFCC recovers from fraudsters back to the owner without further delay because many people have been frustrated by this new system, which is not to be.
Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has extended warm felicitations to Muslims in Nigeria and across the globe on the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr.
In a statement to mark the end of Ramadan, Araraume highlighted the significance of the month long period of spiritual reflection, fasting, and devotion. “As Muslims gather with loved ones to share in the festivities, I join in the cheer, wishing everyone a blessed and peaceful Eid,” he said.
The Senator expressed profound appreciation to Muslim Nigerians for their contributions to the nation’s growth, describing their faith, resilience, and patriotism as beacons of hope. “Your unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress is truly commendable,” he stated.
As the country navigates its current challenges, Araraume called for unity, understanding, and collective effort. “Let us embrace the spirit of Eid, forgiveness, generosity, and kindness, to build a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come,” he urged.
Araraume also extended solidarity to President Bola Tinubu, a distinguished Muslim and the leader of APC, praising his visionary leadership and dedication to nation building. “President Tinubu’s commitment to serving Nigeria has been exemplary, and we assure him of our continued support,” he said.
Reaffirming the APC’s commitment to national prosperity, Araraume emphasized that the values of compassion, unity, and progress embodied by Eid align deeply with the party’s ethos. “As we mark this occasion, we reaffirm our dedication to creating a Nigeria where faith and ethnic background are not barriers to success,” he concluded.
President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting with United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a high-level bilateral engagement aimed at strengthening ties between Nigeria and Britain.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, said the meeting will culminate in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, including those on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
The statement said the meeting reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations, attracting foreign investment, and modernising key infrastructure to support economic growth.
It added that a major highlight of the visit was the signing of a £746 million financing agreement between UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Federal Ministry of Finance.
Morning Recap: Nigeria, Britain set for fresh security alliances, Saudi Arabia declares Friday Eid-el-Fitr, other top stories
The statement said the deal will fund the refurbishment of two key maritime infrastructures — the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
The President and the First Lady had earlier been the guests of their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle.
Tinubu was accompanied by a high-profile delegation, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed; and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.
Other members of the delegation include Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa; National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.
Morocco have been officially crowned champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the CAF Appeal Board overturned the result of the final against Senegal. The decision comes after extraordinary scenes in Rabat where the Lions of Teranga walked off the pitch in protest, leading to a retrospective 3-0 forfeit victory for the host nation.
In a detailed statement, the CAF Appeal Board confirmed that the appeal lodged by the FRMF was “declared admissible in form and the appeal is upheld.” This landmark ruling effectively strips Senegal of what would have been their second continental crown, rewarding the hosts for a match that descended into chaos during extra time.
The roots of the controversy lie in a heated moment deep into stoppage time when Morocco’s Brahim Diaz went down in the box. While the referee initially waved play away, a VAR review resulted in a spot-kick for the hosts. This sparked a furious reaction from the Senegalese bench, with head coach Pape Thiaw instructing his players to return to the dressing room in a protest that lasted several minutes.
The CAF Appeal Board found that “the conduct of the Senegal team falls within the scope of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations.” By leaving the field of play, Senegal was deemed to have infringed on the regulations, leading to the administrative 3-0 defeat. The ruling sets aside the previous CAF Disciplinary Board decision and confirms that the protest lodged by Morocco has been fully upheld
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