News
EFCC collaborate with Int’l partners in UK to track stolen funds
By Francesca Hangeior.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has teamed up with international partners in the United Kingdom to track and recover stolen funds.
The collaboration was announced at the 41st International Symposium on Economic Crime held at Jesus College, Cambridge, where EFCC officials are participating alongside global experts.
The symposium, themed “Suspect Assets,” focuses on asset tracing, recovery, forfeiture, and associated issues.
According to EFCC’s Secretary, Mohammed Hammajoda, who led the Nigerian delegation, the partnership aims to tackle threats posed by fraudsters and recover proceeds of crime.
He explained that the EFCC’s participation in the symposium highlights Nigeria’s commitment to combating economic crime and recovering stolen funds.
Dr. Umar Bello, Head of the Strategic Intelligence Analysis Unit at EFCC, identified major problems in tracking suspect wealth.
He said, “The major problems are third-party money laundering, trade-based money laundering, concealment of beneficial ownership, and excessive use of cash transactions to obscure illicit sources of funds.
“To break these jinxes, effective case management principles should be adopted to identify suspects’ wealth in the financial system.
“There is an overarching need for multilateral collaboration among agencies involved in asset tracing to strengthen their officials in dealing with the complexities of suspect assets.”
Justice John Tosho, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Nigeria, shared the country’s successes in forfeiture of assets and recovery of stolen funds, highlighting efforts to ensure fraudsters do not retain proceeds of crime.
“We are making considerable efforts to ensure that fraudsters don’t get away with the proceeds of their crime,” he assured.
Meanwhile, Prof. Barry Rider, Founder and Executive Director of Jesus College, Cambridge, emphasized the importance of addressing suspect wealth.
His words, “The symposium focuses on a raft of concerns relating to the identification, interdiction, and control of suspect wealth, whether this constitutes criminal property, unexplained wealth, or wealth possessed by those we don’t like.
“And, perhaps for the stability and security of our economies, rather more importantly, the impact—direct and indirect—of such interventions on the rest of us, and in particular our financial institutions and their advisers.”
The event brought together academics, judges, lawyers, investigators, public affairs experts, government officials, policymakers, and law enforcement officers from around the world.
Topics under discussion include identifying suspect wealth, pursuing suspect wealth in cyberspace, and unexplained wealth.
Other topics being discussed include sanctions and suspect wealth, FATF grey listing, and prosecuting high-profile individuals for corruption.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has initiated a search following the theft of a black Toyota Hilux vehicle belonging to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Nuhu Ribadu, which was stolen during Friday’s Juma’at prayers in Abuja.
It was gathered that the vehicle was parked around 1:05pm opposite the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) complex in Area 10, while the official attended prayers at a nearby mosque.
Security source, Zagazola Makama, disclosed the incident via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, revealing that the ONSA official returned from the mosque only to find the vehicle missing.
According to him, a sources said the theft was immediately reported to the Garki Police Division at approximately 2:00 p.m., leading to a swift response by law enforcement.
Meanwhile, the FCT Police Command promptly activated a stop-and-search operation at various checkpoints and across all entry and exit points in the capital city.
Police authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing and all efforts are being made to apprehend the culprits and recover the vehicle.
The Command said it had intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and recover the stolen Hilux.
In a significant step towards enhancing investment opportunities in Taraba State, Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas on Saturday inaugurated the Committee for the International Investment Summit at the Executive Chamber of the Government House in Jalingo.
Senator Manu Haruna, former deputy governor of Taraba State and a serving Senator, a seasoned administrator who chairs Taraba State Mobilization and development Investment Committee expressed gratitude to Governor Kefas for his visionary leadership in organizing an international summit aimed at attracting investment to the state.
He highlighted the potential this initiative holds for fostering economic growth and development in Taraba State.
Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumedu the Chairman of the Taraba State International Investment Summit Committee, emphasized that such summits are crucial for stimulating economic activities and creating opportunities..
According to him, the summit will play a vital role in showcasing Taraba’s investment potential, thereby attracting both local and international investors.
The committee is expected to work diligently to prepare for the summit, ensuring that it positions Taraba State as a favorable destination for investment and economic collaboration.
Governor Kefas remains committed to promoting policies that support economic diversification and sustainable 
development in the state.
This inauguration marks a positive development in Taraba’s ongoing efforts to enhance its economic landscape and improve the standard of living for its residents.
By Kennedy Atevure
Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation (OERAF) rounded up the remembrance of late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete, Ph.D., with a novelty match at Ughelli Public Field on April 11, 2025.
Speaking shortly after the match, Dr. Olotu Otemu Akpodiete appealed to the Ughelli North Local Government Council Vice Chairman’s representative for the council to upgrade the field to a mini stadium.
Dr. Akpodiete stressed that Ughelli Public Field has been in existence since before the state government built the Ughelli Township Stadium.
The novelty match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, thrilled everyone who watched it.
The team of the children of late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete, Ph.D., scored the first goal, which was equalized by the grandchildren’s team through a penalty kick.
Dignitaries present during the novelty match included Hon. Chief (Mrs.) Meg Atano, Ughelli North Local Government Council Vice Chairman, ably represented by Pst. (Mrs.) Rita Nyewhoema; Evang. Nicolas Evwienure; Mrs Efe Akpodiete -Minabowan Barr. Agboka Akpodiete-Omale; Hon . Felix Uloho, Chief Grace Akpodiete; and Mr. Kennedy Otega (Big Daddy), among others.
Other highlights of the event included the presentation of cash prizes to both teams and a group photograph with light refreshments.
Insecurity: Criminals Cart Away NSA Ribadu’s Office Hilux During Juma’at Prayer In Abuja
Governor Kefas Inaugurates Taraba State Investment International Summit Committee+Photos
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