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Change Negative Narrative About EFCC Being Used For Settling Political Scores- Reps

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………Ask Anti Graft Agency To Fight Financial Crimes Within Established Laws

.
……My Staff Are Poorly Paid, EFCC

…., States Why Fight Against Yahoo Boys Fierce

 

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The House of Representatives has tasked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to purge itself from the negative impression that its being used to settle political scores and concentrate fighting financial and economic crimes within established laws.

The House handed the advise on Tuesday through the Chairman House Committee on Financial Crimes Honorable Ginger Onwusibe who led members of the committee on the 2024 oversight exercise on the commission.

The oversight covered extensive facility tour of departments and critical operational units of the antigraft agency.

In his terse remarks, Hon. Onwusibe challenged the agency to improve its operational activities in combating economic and financial crimes by complying with its 2004 Establishment Act and other relevant applicable laws like the Money Laundering ( Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022: Terrorism ( Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022: The Proceeds of Crime Act. 2022, as well as other statutes, that compels it to carry out these roles transparently with accountability and show that the negative maxim being peddled in some quarters that the agency is often being used for settling political scores is incorrect .

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The committee assured that it will collaborate with the commission to actualize its mandate by enacting new laws or amending old ones and as well providing budgetary interventions, if it must strive tirelessly to be on top of its challenges

The House urged the agency to collaborate with sister agencies and desist from keeping suspects as- awaiting ‘trial in correctional centres nationwide

“At this point let me add that a recent visit to the Maximun and Minimun Correctional centres in Kirikiri Lagos State, numerous suspects have been awaiting trial for over one year and yet we are all acquainted with the saying that justice delayed is justice denied”

” It is on this note that we call on the EFCC, Attorney General of the Federation and the Judiciary to improve and ensure the administration of justice works and is efficiently delivered to the victims”

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The House warned the agency to purge itself of rotten eggs in order to fight economic and financial crimes frontally, thereby stimulating the Nigerian economy

It also urged EFCC to focus properly on its mandate.

” The issue of appropriate and proper focusing on the mandate of the EFCC must relentlessly be on the front burner:

“Orders from competent courts , arrest and debt recovery must be pursued religiously” the House cautioned

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But on its side, the antigraft agency said it has not deviated from its focus but rather working hard and fighting financial and economic crimes as enunciated in its mandate.

Chairman of the agency , Ola Olukeyede told his guest in his remarks during the oversight visit that the commission was doing much to fight financial and economic crimes and stimulate the Nigerian economy

He said so far that the agency has recovered over N250bn cash, tens of million of Dollars and other foreign currencies, with over 3000 convictions: 17000 petitions while also investigating over 20000,with about 4000 fresh cases , all being handled by a misery number of staff strenght

He noted that its priority is to improve the country’s image and stimulate its economy, such that there could be improvement in foregin direct investments and stimulation of the local economy.
Olukeyede however, argued that the agency needed more staff strenght, funding , better renumeration for staff because they were poorly paid. He also emphasised on modern day technology to fight the ever dynamic cyber criminals

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According to the EFCC boss, it was important to give more salary to EFCC staff and deploy modern technology to fight emerging cyber crime dynamism . He expalined that the agency has increased efforts to fight Yahoo, yahhoo, boys because of their ability to crumble any economy within a twinkle of an eye

According to him, the agency was expanding its drag net to focus on ministries, departments and agencies infrastructural projects. ” “Go to MDAs and see their budget implementstion. It is not up to 20%”

“We want to ensure 50% infrastructural development” the anti graft boss announced, insisting that it would henceforth encourage monitoring of project implementation which was an aspect of preventing financial crimes

He said the agency has dismissed lots of erring staff, and will continue to dismiss and even prosecute them going forward.

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Olukeyede disclosed that it had designed a template on staff integrity, using the Gift- Policy model

.” It is not every thankful gift we should collect” the EFCC boss warned

” I am advocating for more welfare improvement, better welfare, he said.

“We will do more recoveries, more convictions, but we need more resources to do our work, maintaining that, that was his stand on ethics and integrity .

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Olokeyede’s demand for more salary wage for staff of the commission, is seen as an incentive to boost welfare and morale to fight financial crimes to standstill.

He stated that there was the utmost need to increase salaries of staff of the commission

The EFCC boss who spoke on his stewardship in the last one year, further added that it increased the war against Yahoo- Yahoo boys because of the consequences of their nefarious acts which could crumble a nation’s economy in a jiffy.

He argued that more technology was required to fight financial crimes.

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For instance he explained that it was a common scenario then for thieves and armed robbers to attack and break into banks with guns and Dynamites

” But it is the same common and more easier scenario and task now to have Yahoo-Yahoo boys and bank thieves attack banks with technology in the comfort of their homes or hideouts”

“So we need technology and we also need to increase our fight against these Yahoo boys who can dismantle any economy within a twinkle of an eye

He called on the national Assembly to improve and increase its finances because fighting Financial crimes was a herculean task that requires adequate funding

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Olokeyede who apparently was responding to criticisms of the commission’s over concentration on Cyber crimes/ thieves, perpetrated by Yahoo boys, said he has made tremendous impact in enforcement, investigation and conviction with an outstanding record convictions between October 2023 when he was appointed till date

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Divorced Woman Rejects Ex-Husband’s $273m Lottery Win

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In a surprising twist, a newly divorced couple is making headlines after the husband won a massive $273 million in the lottery, just five months after their divorce.

The story has captured the attention of many, particularly because of the way the couple is handling the unexpected windfall.

Mike Murski, who had struggled with maintaining steady employment during his 15-year marriage to Eileen, is now a millionaire. Despite his newfound fortune, Eileen, who was the primary breadwinner during their marriage, says she has no interest in any of the winnings.

When asked if she believed she was entitled to a portion of the lottery jackpot, Eileen firmly responded, “The only thing that I would like to see is, obviously, termination of spousal support.” She explained that while the large sum of money was a life-changing event for Mike, it did not alter her feelings toward him or their past. “Now that you have money, it doesn’t mean that I would want to come back,” she added, making it clear that the lottery win wouldn’t change her decision to divorce.

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Their marriage, which ended five months ago, was far from amicable, and Eileen emphasized that the jackpot wouldn’t affect her stance. Despite the overwhelming amount of money Mike had just come into, she clarified, “$270 million does not make me appealing to her.” This statement came from Mike himself, as he reflected on how the lottery win might influence his ex-wife’s perception of him. When asked if he believed her, Mike remained indifferent, stating, “I don’t care.”

While Eileen seems more focused on the future, with her priority being the end of the alimony payments, Mike’s new wealth has not seemed to change the dynamics of their relationship. It’s clear that the two are moving forward in separate directions, and neither party seems to be interested in revisiting the past.

As Mike embarks on his new life as a multimillionaire, Eileen appears determined to put the past behind her and continue her own journey without the influence of his sudden fortune.

Whether their story will evolve further remains to be seen, but for now, their post-divorce life is marked by the intriguing contrast between Eileen’s financial independence and Mike’s unexpected jackpot.

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Road Safety confirmed 13 People Dead In Edo Road Accidents

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The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has reported that at least 13 people lost their lives in road accidents across Edo State in November 2024. The Sector Commander of the FRSC, Cyril Mathew, confirmed this tragic news during an address to journalists in Benin City on Sunday.

According to Mathew, the fatalities resulted from multiple accidents that occurred throughout the state during that month. In addition to the 13 deaths, he noted that 76 passengers sustained injuries, and 1,524 drivers were apprehended for various traffic violations.

He explained that the primary causes of the accidents were factors such as brake failure, speeding, reckless driving, and the use of mobile phones while driving. Other contributing factors included route violations and failure to adhere to basic traffic regulations. Mathew also outlined that the 1,524 traffic offenders were arrested for a range of violations, including driving without a fire extinguisher, not installing a speed-limiting device, tyre violations, seat belt violations, overloading, driving against traffic, and using phones while driving.

All offenders were arraigned in a mobile court, where they were fined according to the severity of their violations.

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The FRSC official issued a stern warning to motorists, urging them to avoid dangerous practices such as overspeeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving at night, and using phones while driving. He emphasized that these behaviors contribute significantly to road accidents and endanger the lives of everyone on the road.

In a separate incident, barely two weeks ago, a deadly automobile accident occurred near Tage Bridge in the Kafin Hausa Local Government Area of Jigawa State. On the Monday of that week, a passenger vehicle was involved in a crash that resulted in the deaths of at least 14 people. Eyewitnesses described the scene as horrifying, with numerous bodies scattered across the area.

The Jigawa State Police Command confirmed the incident through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Shi’isu Adam, who stated that the driver of the vehicle survived the crash and is currently cooperating with the police to determine the cause of the accident. The incident occurred when a Golf 3 Wagon, with the license plate GML 842 XA, was traveling from Hadejia town to Makera village. The vehicle reportedly overturned and plunged into a river.

Adam further revealed that the identities of the victims have not yet been disclosed, pending notification of their families. The police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

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Nigerian Man Who Rained Curses On President Tinubu Nabbed

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A Nigerian man has been nabbed after he went on social media to rain curses on President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The arrest of the unnamed man who cursed President Bola Tinubu and rained insults on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu followed a recent warning by the Nigerian Police Force, which cautioned against making offensive statements or insults directed at public officials.

The police had followed up with the assertion that such acts were punishable under the law.

In the controversial video, the man unleashed curses at President Tinubu, holding him responsible for Nigeria’s challenges and criticizing his leadership. He also directed scathing remarks at Governor Sanwo-Olu, accusing him and other politicians of contributing to the nation’s plight.

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Some of his statements included:

“The Inspector General of Police said anyone who insults others should be arrested. It won’t be well with Bola Tinubu. He won’t have peace of mind wherever he is.”

“Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Governor with the black eye, it won’t be well with you either. You’ll know no peace wherever you are.”

“You politicians, spoiling this country without accountability, none of you will know peace. You’ve brought Nigeria to this state, and you shall face the consequences.”

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Despite knowing the authorities were after him, the man expressed defiance in the video, claiming he had been declared wanted and daring the police to take action.

“They said they’re looking for me and have declared me wanted on their platform. Senseless set of people,” he said.

“People like Yahaya Bello, who are destroying the country, are free, yet you declare me wanted. Those stealing money are untouched, but you’re after me.”

However, a follow-up clip confirmed that the man had been arrested for his remarks. The police have not disclosed further details about his detention, but his case has reignited debates on freedom of speech and the boundaries of criticism in Nigeria.

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Watch the video below of the man as he cursed President Tinubu

Man was arrested a few hours after insụlting Tinubu and Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo Olu😳🙆 pic.twitter.com/VU47vv52b5

— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) December 21, 2024
The video, which continues to circulate online, has drawn mixed reactions, with some Nigerians condemning the man’s approach in cursing President Tinubu while others see his arrest as an attack on free expression.

See some reactions below:

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@DeeNwuga: “To track dey so easy till e reach time track kidnappers and bandits then everywhere go silent.”

@ourt_destiny: “Abacha regime was not this bad, Tinubu has taken it to a whole new level.”

@GeneralSnow_: “I love his unbothered look. They will only make him a hardened activist.”

@HIBILLIONEAR: “This is just a reminder that e no go better for Tinubu, Sanwa Olu, IG of police and ecery other Nigerian politician. Una go arrest until prison and cells full, no space.”

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@theboyisgreat: “They are afraid of what is coming but it will eventually catch up on them.”

@Chrizkhalifa21: “Na when e reach netizens turn una dey fit track them but track kidnappers and boko Haram una no fit.”

@Victoh: “The tyranny is playing out to our faces but we are still bantering Igbo or Yoruba. Make we dey play 😂Police PRO don first give us update of what is to come.”

@RAZZIEDML: “Na why I no dey do pass myself. Make them no go pick me wey never pick before.”

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