News

EFCC investigates 20 Kwara officials, recovers billions, stolen assets

Published

7 years ago

July 3, 2019

Eric

Twenty officials of the Kwara State Government have been investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ilorin Zone.

The Zone comprises Kwara, Ekiti and Kogi States.

At a news conference in Ilorin, the state capital, Tuesday, head of the zone, Mr Ishaku Shari, said over 15 properties of the affected officials of government in choice Ares of Ilorin metropolis, ranging from hotels, filling stations, residential accommodation and micro-finance, had been uncovered and investigated.

“The affected senior officials ranging in status from assistant directors, accountant, to treasurers among others, and whose monthly salaries are not more than N90,000.”

He added that N10bn stolen by the immediate past government was intercepted and saved for the current administration.

“You will agree with me that official corruption is the greatest killer as those officials who ordinarily are supposed to guard and protect state resources have turned out to misappropriate it.

“To this end, the commission beamed it’s searchlight on the Kwara state officials and on a credible tip of the commission is currently investigating over 15 properties in choice areas within Ilorin metropolis ranging from hotels, filling stations, residential accommodation, micro-finance among others.

“It will shock you to hear that the alleged owners are civil servants whose salary per month is not more than N90,000. Some have confessed and the matter is in court,” Shari hinted.

The Zonal head told newsmen that the commission successfully intercepted billions of naira that the last administration allegedly wanted to pilfer few days to its exit.

He noted that it has always been a tradition in the country except microscopic few that whenever any government is exiting, it will indulge in mass pilferage as the last minute golden opportunity, hence, “our resolve to mount surveillance on all Kwara State government accounts between 24th and 29th May,2019, when the state received FAAC,JAAC,VAT and tax refund from the Federal government to the tune of N10bn.

“I can authoritatively tell you that we saved the state last minute attempted financial misappropriation of those billions.”

Mr. Shari said also that since the commission commenced operations in Ilorin in December 2018, N50m cash had been recovered from fraudsters based on petitions and the money returned to the real owners.

“These include recoveries from some state legislators who allegedly duped some people. The commission also has over N200m on interim forfeiture,” he added.

He said the commission was fighting internet fraudsters in the zone to a standstill as 29 cases had been charged to both state and federal high courts while 15 of the cases in courts had been convicted, with their exotic cars and monies running into millions of naira in their bank accounts forfeited to the Federal government.

News

IGP Disu Removes Benjamin Hundeyin As FPRO

Published

1 hour ago

March 5, 2026

Eric

The Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, has reportedly removed Benjamin Hundeyin as the Force Public Relations Officer (PRO) and replaced him with a new appointee, though the name hasn’t been officially announced.

Hundeyin was previously serving as the Lagos Command PRO before being promoted to the national role.

This move comes as part of Disu’s efforts to revamp the Nigeria Police Force and improve its public image.

As the 23rd IGP, Disu has emphasized professionalism, accountability, and transparency, warning officers that there will be no tolerance for misconduct or abuse of power.

News

Assets Declaration: Court Dismisses NDLEA’s Case Against Abba Kyari

Published

2 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Eric

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, dismissed a case filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), against suspended DCP Abba Kyari on allegations bordering on non-disclosure of assets.

Justice James Omotosho dismissed the suit, filed against Kyari and his younger brothers, Mohammed Kyari and Ali Kyari, for failure of the anti-narcotic agency to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

The judge held that the burden of proving a case beyond reasonable doubt falls in the prosecution which it had failed to do so.

The ruling covers only asset declaration allegations. Other cases including drug related offences are still ongoing.

News

NDLEA Nabs UK-wanted Drug Lord after 15-Year Hunt

Published

8 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Eric

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 58-year-old fugitive drug lord, Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya, who had been on the wanted list of Nigerian and British authorities for over 15 years.

His arrest was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by spokesman of the agency, Mr. Femi Babafemi.

Ilomuanya, according to the agency, was apprehended in Lagos on Monday, February 23, 2026, following what officials described as a high-stakes, well-coordinated operation by officers of the Agency’s Special Operations Unit.

He was first arrested in February 2003 in the United Kingdom and later convicted for drug trafficking.

He was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment but released after serving two years following a successful appeal.

In July 2011, Ilomuanya was again arrested in the UK for drug-related offences.

Though granted administrative bail, he absconded and fled to Nigeria, evading further prosecution.

In November 2018, NDLEA operatives arrested him in Nigeria after uncovering two clandestine methamphetamine laboratories — one at his country home in Obinugwu, Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, and another at his residence in Lagos.

During the operation, officers recovered 77.960 kilograms of methamphetamine and extensive drug production equipment.

He was subsequently charged before a Federal High Court in Lagos but later jumped court bail, remaining on the run until his latest arrest.

Reacting to the development, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), described the arrest as a major breakthrough in the agency’s sustained crackdown on drug trafficking networks.

“This arrest serves as a stern warning to those who think they can hide behind borders to escape justice. Whether you jump bail in London or set up clandestine labs in your village, the long arm of the NDLEA will eventually catch up with those who choose to undermine the health, security, and future of our nation,” Marwa said.

He added that the Agency remains committed to strengthening intelligence-led operations and deepening international collaboration to prevent Nigeria from becoming a safe haven for global drug cartels.

Marwa commended officers of the Special Operations Unit for their professionalism, resilience, and diligence in tracking down the fugitive, stressing that the NDLEA remains unwavering in its resolve to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating within the country.

The agency is expected to proceed with legal action against Ilomuanya in the coming days.