Court Jails 18 Foreigners For Cybercrime, Orders Deportation

Two judges of the Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday, in separate judgments, convicted and sentenced 18 foreigners to one year in prison each for their involvement in cybercrime, fraud, impersonation, and attempts to destabilise Nigeria’s constitutional structure.

The judges, Justices Chukwujekwu Aneke and Yellim Bogoro jailed the foreigners after they changed their initial not-guilty pleas to guilty as part of a plea bargain agreement they entered into with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Under the plea agreement, the convicts were sentenced to one year in prison retroactive to their arrest on December 10, 2024.

The court also ordered the convicts to pay a fine of N1 million each. Upon completing their sentences and paying their fines, they will be deported within seven days.

The judges also ordered the final forfeiture of all their mobile phones, laptops, and routers used to commit crimes to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The convicts were among 193 foreign nationals arrested by some operatives of the EFCC in December 2024 at a seven-storey building on Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The anti-graft agency had arrested 792 suspects during the operation, which was described as the biggest in its history in connection with a global cybercrime and cryptocurrency fraud syndicate.

For his part, Justice Aneke sentenced six defendants—Eliza Gapparova, Diana Kadyrbekova, Nasrine Chouaieb, Jiang Han Hua, Liao Zhang, and Genting International Co. Limited—on charges of cyberterrorism, identity theft, and enlisting Nigerian youths to impersonate foreign nationals for financial gain.

These verdicts were handed down following the plea bargain agreement between the prosecution, led by Zeinat Atiku, and defence lawyers Osuala Nwafbara, Z.S. Makinde, and Peter Taiwo.

Justice Bogoro similarly sentenced 12 Philippine nationals—Jean Calatar Maunfo, Donne Reges, Roseann Gonzales, Mary Grace Dela Piazza Camara, Lari Jane Tayae, Jonilyn Agulto, Jonalyn Mendoza, Anjeannet Topacio, and Arramef Topacio—under the same terms.

The judge jailed the convicts after listening to arguments presented by the prosecutors Hanatu Kofanaisa and Temitope Banjo, while Bridget Omateno represented the defence.

According to the EFCC, the convicts were part of an international syndicate operating a fraudulent network known as “HK.”

The operation reportedly utilised over 1,500 laptops and 4,000 phones, training both Nigerian and foreign youths in romance and investment scams targeting victims in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Europe.

Genting International Company Limited, allegedly controlled by the syndicate’s leaders, was incorporated in mid-2024 and employed 200 Chinese nationals to recruit and supervise Nigerian youths involved in the scams.

The EFCC had informed the court that the suspects operated from the Victoria Island facility, disguised as a corporate financial headquarters, and used Nigerian VPNs to mask their activities.

The scams were executed through platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Telegram, and a fake investment website, which charged victims fees starting from $35.

One defendant’s account allegedly received over N3.4 billion in fraudulent proceeds.

Read More »

Civic Society Calls For Tinubu's Government Secretary George Akume's Suspension Over Alleged N80billion Fraud Involving Aide

 

The group insisted that Akume’s suspension is necessary to ensure an impartial and thorough investigation into the scandal. It cited the EFCC’s reported uncovering of substantial evidence linked to the alleged N80 billion money laundering case.

 

A civil society group, Voice of the Voiceless Nigerian, has called for the immediate suspension of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, over allegations of his aide's involvement in an N80 billion fraud.

In a statement released in Abuja  and signed by the group's National Secretary, Oba Adewole Oluwatosin, the organisation expressed deep concerns over the silence of authorities despite ongoing investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). 

 

The group noted that Mr. Torhile Uchi, an aide to Senator Akume, had already been arrested and interrogated, yet no action had been taken against the SGF himself.

 

"It is unacceptable that verifiable allegations of corruption are being swept under the carpet under an administration that campaigned on anti-corruption," the statement read.

 

The group insisted that Akume’s suspension is necessary to ensure an impartial and thorough investigation into the scandal. It cited the EFCC’s reported uncovering of substantial evidence linked to the alleged N80 billion money laundering case.

 

Drawing comparisons with former SGF Babachir Lawal, who was removed from office over less severe allegations, the group questioned the perceived double standard and called for equal treatment under the law.

 

Voice of the Voiceless Nigerian issued a seven-day ultimatum to both the EFCC and President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action. It warned that failure to suspend Senator Akume and make public updates on the investigation would lead to nationwide protests.

 

The group warned that protecting allegedly corrupt officials could severely damage the credibility of the government's anti-corruption efforts.

 

"We urge the President to act now. Nigerians are watching and will not remain silent in the face of injustice and selective accountability," the statement concluded.

 

Earlier, SaharaReporters reported that Afenifere, Yoruba socio-political organisation, called on President Tinubu to immediately suspend the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Akume, over the allegation of corruption coordinated by his aide.

 

It will be recalled that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arrested and interrogated one Mr. Torhile Uchi, a Senior Special Assistant to the President attached to the office of the SGF.

 

However, the case has not progressed well, and no punitive measures have been meted out to the suspect — a development many attributed to the interference and influence of Akume in an attempt to cover up his involvement.

Read More »

NGO Accuses SGF, George Akume, of Contract Fraud, Abuse of Office, and Massive Diversion of Public Funds

 

 The Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT) has accused the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, of awarding contracts to unqualified and non-existent companies. The group also alleged violations of procurement laws and misappropriation of public funds.

In a petition set to be submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), NACAT outlined a pattern of financial irregularities, contract fraud, and abuse of office linked to the Office of the SGF (OSGF). The petition, obtained by West Africa Weekly, was supported by a press briefing and documents detailing several questionable transactions.

Akume, who took office as SGF in June 2023, is accused of breaching the Public Procurement Act by overseeing contract awards to entities that are ineligible. Some companies cited are reportedly not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

Non-existent  Companies and Questionable Payments

One company, Eagle Construction Ltd, received ₦223.3 million as part of a ₦830 million contract for constructing an SGF annexe office in Abuja. According to NACAT, new directors were recently appointed in January 2023, suggesting an in-house corruption pattern. Though incorporated in 1981, the group described the directors’ onboarding as a “special purpose vehicle” solely to access the contract.

Vent Force Ltd and Total Facilities Management Ltd were paid over ₦10 million combined for cleaning and fumigation services in December and September 2024, respectively. However, the CAC registration status of the companies was inactive at the time of payment, rendering them ineligible for public contracts under Nigerian law.

Other questionable payments were also facilitated with Maurice Mbakwe, the Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office in the Office of the SGF. According to NACAT, the General Service Office functions as the “engine room” for the movement of funds and the detection of questionable transactions within the SGF’s office.

Breach of Procurement Laws

NACAT noted that the Public Procurement Act requires all contracts exceeding ₦200,000 to undergo open competitive bidding, which includes advertisements in multiple newspapers and procurement journals. The petition alleged that the OSGF bypassed these requirements and awarded multimillion-naira contracts without transparency.

The group also pointed to Treasury circulars issued in 2009 and 2013, which prohibit payments exceeding ₦200,000 into the personal accounts of government officials. Despite this, the SGF’s office allegedly approved several such payments.

Funds Paid into Individual Accounts

The petition listed instances where large sums were paid directly into the accounts of civil servants:

• Mr Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary, received ₦15.5 million for estacode and air tickets to attend a programme in Rwanda. There is no evidence that he attended the event.
• Mr Auta Nathaniel received ₦5.2 million for monitoring visits to state NACA offices, even though the SGF’s office is not mandated to conduct field monitoring.
• Mr Tahir Rabiu was paid ₦46.7 million for a trip to Germany, allegedly involving the SGF and his aides. NACAT noted that the trip never took place.
• Mr David Ezeh, a project accountant in the OSGF, was paid over ₦74 million between August and October 2024. The payments were reportedly for stakeholder engagements with media executives. NACAT highlights that such funds should have been routed through the appropriate agencies and paid directly to media organisations, not through a civil servant’s personal account.

NACAT has urged the EFCC and ICPC to launch a full investigation into the SGF’s office, as this pattern of financial transactions indicates “a deliberate and systemic looting of public funds.

“….those entrusted with public office must be reminded that power is not a license to loot—it is a duty to serve. President Bola Tinubu must, therefore, test the waters as a man who claims to be committed to ridding Nigeria of corruption by removing Senator George Akume from office without delay. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!”, the group stated.

These alleged actions are particularly troubling given the country’s ongoing economic hardship. Recall that the House of Representatives raised an alarm that over 60 per cent of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have breached financial regulations.

SOURCE

Read More »

FLASHBACK: In 2021, Tinubu’s SGF Akume Was Accused of N4.6bn Fraud

 

On Monday, George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), distanced himself from the ongoing fraud investigation of Andrew Uchi, his personal assistant, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Uchi is currently being detained and questioned by the anti-graft agency over allegations of corruption, bribery and money laundering amounting to N10 billion.

Among other things, Akume’s PA has been accused of acquiring properties worth over N6 billion in Abuja, Plateau State and Benue State.

Two Bureau de Change operators are also being investigated for their involvement in Uchi’s money laundering scheme.

“The attention of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation has been drawn to the ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission involving Hon. Andrew Torhile Uchi, Personal Assistant to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, regarding allegations of corruption, bribery and money laundering,” a Monday statement issued by the SGF’s office reads in part.

“It is imperative to state categorically that the office’s leadership is not in any way involved in the alleged misconduct, as it has always maintained a strong commitment to transparency, accountability and integrity. We recognise the efforts of the EFCC to ensure that those found culpable are held accountable.”

Interestingly, the Benue State Government in 2021 petitioned the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), accusing Akume himself of misappropriating N4.6 billion while he was governor of the state between 1999 and 2007.

The letter of complaint which was generated from an audit report for the period 1999 – 2007 said Akume unilaterally approved the sum of N117 million for consultancy and feasibility study for Mbatiav Cement, a state-owned cement manufacturing company that was supposed to be situated in Gboko.

The amount Akume was accused of approving was above his approval limit and Mbatiav Cement also turned out to be a white elephant project that never saw the light of the day.

The petition also accused Akume of misappropriating funds for various other contracts that amounted to N3.13 billion.

The state government, led by former governor Samuel Ortom, also accused Akume of claiming to have executed “many projects worth N1.074 billion”, but there was no evidence of their execution anywhere within the state.

There was no proof either anti-graft agencies invited Akume for questioning at the time the petition was sent to them.

SOURCE

Read More »

Alleged corruption: Group calls for Akume’s suspension

 

A Non Governmental Organization, Voice of the Voiceless Nigerian has demanded the immediate suspension of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume over allegations of N80 billion fraud.

The group said the SGF’s involvement in such a large-scale financial scandal undermines the current administration’s anti-corruption efforts.

The organization while reaffirming its support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration cautioned that shielding corrupt officials would undermine the anti-corruption drive.

In a statement signed by the National Secretary, Omooba Adewole Oluwatosin, the group urged the President to take decisive action against Akume.

The group also gave a 7-day ultimatum for a decision to be taken, else it will take to the streets to protest and join others in demanding accountability and transparency from the government.

The group expressed disappointment that despite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigating the matter, no action has been taken against Akume or his aide, Mr. Torhile Uchi, who was arrested and interrogated.

The statement noted that it is unacceptable for verifiable cases of corruption to be swept under the carpet, especially during an administration that has pledged to fight corruption. The group emphasized that Akume’s suspension is necessary to allow for a thorough investigation into the allegations.

The group pointed out that the EFCC had uncovered evidence of an N80 billion money laundering case, which cannot be ignored, demanding accountability and transparency in the investigation and prosecution of the case.

Comparing Senator Akume’s situation to that of former SGF Babachir Lawal, who was removed from office over a relatively minor offense, the group questioned why the former has not been held accountable for his alleged actions.

The group warned the EFCC to provide a public update on the case within seven days or face nationwide protests, warning that Nigerians are watching the case closely and expect the EFCC to demonstrate its commitment to fighting corruption.

Read More »