Nigeria’s anti-graft agency has reported a record-breaking 4,111 successful prosecutions as part of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) 2024 Convictions and Recoveries. This is contained in EFCC’s 2024 statistical report, made available to journalists in Abuja, the country’s capital. According to the agency, the record marks the highest number of convictions and the largest single-year asset recovery in the agency’s history since its establishment in 2003. The report said that the anti-graft agency received 15,724 petitions and investigated 12,928 cases across all zonal directorates in Nigeria. Of these, 5,083 cases were filed before various courts. The statistics of EFCC 2024 Convictions and Recoveries revealed that advanced fee fraud, money laundering, and cybercrime were the most prevalent offences. Meanwhile, the report attributed the high number of cases to rising unemployment, the quest for quick wealth among youths, a large informal economy, and weak regulatory frameworks. Again, it revealed that the 4,111 secured convictions were recorded across 15 states, including the EFCC headquarters in Abuja. While the Lagos Zone had the highest number of convictions at 685, Enugu followed with 516. Maiduguri recorded the lowest number of convictions, at 95. You May Also Like- Transparency International’s CPI 2024: Reactions Trail Nigeria’s Marginal Improvement EFCC 2024 Monetary Recoveries and Asset Forfeiture The EFCC said it also recovered significant sums during the year under review “Such monetary recoveries include N364.6 billion; 214. 51 million dollars; 54,319 euro; 31,265 euro; CAD$2,990 and AUD $740.00. ” Others are CFA7,821,375, UAE Dirham 170, Riyals 5,115, W73,000, 105 Yen, GH¢225 and Rand 50.” the report stated. Again, the EFCC said it secured the forfeiture of over 750 duplexes and apartments to the Federal Government, marking the largest single asset recovery in its history. “Other forfeited assets included: 173 vehicles, ₦9.478 billion, $2,605,858.30 million and £1,600.” Also forfeited to the anti-graft agency were 378 electronics, one factory, one hotel, 14 parcels of land, petroleum products, two gold chains, and 70 tons of unidentified solid minerals. Furthermore, the EFCC’s 2024 report showed that the source of the ₦50 billion Federal Government grant to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) was the Commission’s monetary recoveries.
FRSC Boss Condemns Use of Worn-Out Tyre on Patrol Vehicle, Orders Sanctions
The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has condemned the use of a worn-out tyre on one of the corps’ patrol vehicles, calling it unacceptable and a clear violation of safety standards. In response to the incident in Ondo State, South-West, Nigeria, Mohammed ordered immediate sanctions against the Sector Commander responsible for the jurisdiction where the breach occurred. A statement by the Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, emphasized the corps’ zero tolerance for compromise on its core values and safety protocols. “The FRSC has been inundated with a very disturbing video that has gone viral on social media, showing one of our patrol vehicles in Ondo State operating with a worn-out tyre,” the statement read. The sanction for the use of worn-out tyre on a patrol vehicle also includes a directive that the officer personally pay the fine for the violation. “In addition to the sanctions, Corps Marshal also ordered that the vehicle be booked for the infraction and the Sector Commander made to pay the fines for negligence.” the statement issued in Abuja added. Worn-Out Tyre Sanction: FRSC Re-Commits to Safety and Standards Following the incident, Mohammed praised the public for holding the corps accountable. He also assured the public that the management would intensify supervision of field commands to prevent such lapses. Moreover, the FRSC Corps Marshal reaffirmed FRSC’s commitment to ensuring high safety standards, particularly in vehicle maintenance. The worn-out tyre sanction is believed to serve as a deterrent for officers and the public.
AI Can Help Spread Faith – Lagos Deputy Gov Tells Religious Leader
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, has urged religious leaders to utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) to propagate their faith. Hamzat gave the advice at the Fourth Annual Ramadan Lecture/Iftar and Special Prayer in Memory of the Late Oba Mufutau Hamzat at Mushin, Lagos State, South-West Nigeria. Hamzat emphasised the need for clerics to understand the influence of AI on humanity. As technology advances, Artificial Intelligence has left some individuals uncertain about what to do, particularly in ways that align with their religious beliefs and practices. There are concerns about the use and misuse of technology and its influence on the value system. Lagos State Deputy Governor urged religious leaders to help their members understand AI’s influence on humanity and how to live with technology while remaining religious and godly. He said that AI had advanced significantly and religious leaders must find ways to utilise it to spread their messages. Embracing AI While Keeping Faith in God Even though AI helps spread the faith and offers many benefits, the Lagos State Deputy Governor explained that people should remember that their ultimate allegiance belongs to God. According to him, although AI helps spread Faith, humans are controlled by God, not machines. Read Also: Shehu of Borno on Inclusive Educational Environment Hamzat also emphasised the importance of honouring one’s parents even in death, saying that it helped to preserve their legacies. In a lecture entitled “Justice”, Sheikh Almudeen Mubarak implored Nigerians to treat one another equally and fairly.
Women’s History Month: Growing Outcry for Leah Sharibu’s Release
It is women’s history month, and various freedom campaigners and human rights activists are intensying calls for the release of Leah Sharibu from her abductors. Leah was among the 110 girls abducted from the Government Girls’ Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, North East Nigeria, in February 2018. Seven years have passed since then, and many children born around that time are now in primary school. Leah, abducted as a girl, is now in her twenties. While many mothers are warming up to celebrate International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day, Rebecca Sharibu’s story differs. She is the mother of Leah Sharibu. Their daughter’s continued stay in captivity after all these years is weighing down Rebecca and her husband, Nathan Sharibu. Leah’s parents have, over and over again, cried to the Nigerian government to put in more effort to ensure the release of their daughter from her abductors. Recently, in February 2025, during the anniversary of her seventh year in captivity, different individuals, organisations, and advocates continued to call on the Nigerian government and relevant organisations to intensify efforts to secure Leah’s release. Not just that, but also to attend to issues that led to the abduction of the girls. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) was among the groups which many media organisations carried their message of hope to the family: “CAN stands in solidarity with her family and all who continue to bear the pain of her absence….We remain hopeful that Leah will soon return to her loved ones, and we assure her family of our unrelenting support“, a press release signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of CAN said. Women Radio Urges Collective Action to Release Leah Sharibu Adding their voices to this, many advocacy organisations, women of goodwill, and women-focused organisations want the government to step up its efforts to bring Leah home Women Radio 91,7 in Southwest Nigeria, led by CEO Toun Okewale Sonaiya, is actively campaigning for the release of Leah Sharibu. A coalition of various civil society organizations, alongside concerned citizens in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria, also organized a procession in the state capital, Jos, to advocate for Leah Sharibu’s release. This Women’s History Month, and International Women’s Day on March 8, is another opportunity for all concerned to take action to release Leah Sharibu, who has endured over seven years in captivity.
WAMAC Investigative Co-Production Sparks Landmark Tax Reform in Enugu State
Wadata Media and Advocacy Centre (WAMAC) and Dream 92.5 FM have identified as a breakthrough in the fight against corruption, the Enugu tax reform – the State Government’s new tax consolidation law. Furthermore, the reform comes with a one-stop shop for payment of all taxes due to the government in the state. The two organisations had in a co-produced investigative radio programme, Korokoro Eye exposed massive corruption in the taxation system of Enugu State. A statement signed by the Executive Director of WAMAC, Zubair Abdurra’uf Idris, disclosed this. Additionally, how some episodes of the programme investigated allegations of tax fraud, and failure to remit all the paid funds by agents claiming to work for the state government.
Nigeria Records 16.3% Drop in Kidnapping for Ransom in 2024 – NSA Office
Nigeria recorded a 16.3% decrease in kidnapping for ransom incidents in 2024. Major-General Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Laka noted that while kidnapping for ransom remained a significant security threat, the federal government’s intensified efforts had led to notable improvements. He revealed that despite the overall decline, the total number of incidents increased slightly by 0.27%, with Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara accounting for the highest prevalence—13.8% of total incidents and 61.1% of victims. “Kidnappings occurred in both rural and urban areas, targeting villages, schools, highways, and residential communities,” Laka said. He acknowledged that mass abductions continued to disrupt agrarian communities, drive up food prices, and undermine national security. The persistent payment of ransoms, he added, had further fueled the crime, as kidnappers exploited families’ desperation to demand exorbitant sums. The federal government, he said, had adopted both kinetic and non-kinetic measures, leading to the rescue of hostages and the arrest or neutralization of kidnapping kingpins. He added that Efforts have also expanded nationwide, with increased collaboration between the federal and state governments to improve security and reduce ransom payments.
Plateau Cracks Down on Illegal Mining, Over 100 Arrested
The Plateau State Government has intensified efforts to curb illegal mining, leading to the arrest of over 100 miners in Jos. Yabilsu Dogo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Mineral Development, disclosed this in Jos, stating that the ministry is working closely with the police to clamp down on illegal activities. Dogo warned that illegal mining poses severe threats to human settlements and the environment, with land degradation being a major consequence. He explained that indiscriminate excavation weakens the soil structure, increasing the risk of land subsidence, sinkholes, and infrastructure collapse. He further noted that many illegal miners have lost their lives after being buried in collapsed pits, while unregulated mineral extraction continues to drain government revenue, depriving the state of much-needed development funds.
Tinubu Shakes Up Federal Universities, Sacks Uni Abuja VC
President Bola Tinubu has announced sweeping leadership changes across several federal universities, including renaming the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University. A statement from presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga on Thursday confirmed that the changes take effect immediately. At Yakubu Gowon University, Tinubu dissolved the governing council and removed Prof. Aisha Maikudi as Vice-Chancellor. Senator Lanre Tejuoso, previously Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, was appointed to the same position at the newly renamed institution. Prof. Lar Patricia Manko takes over from Maikudi as Acting Vice-Chancellor for a six-month term, with the condition that she will not be eligible to apply for the permanent role. Similarly, the President removed Prof. Polycarp Chigbu as Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), ahead of his tenure official end on February 14. Prof. Oguejiofu Ujam has been appointed in his place under the same six-month, non-renewable arrangement. Additionally, Senator Sani Stores has been named the new Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, succeeding Sen. Joy Emordi, while also taking up a council membership position at UNN.
WAMAC Commends Ebonyi Government’s Crackdown on Fake Revenue Agents, Calls for Dedicated Taskforce
The Wadata Media and Advocacy Centre (WAMAC), a prominent anti-corruption organization, has applauded the Ebonyi State Government for its strong enforcement of the ban on toll and levy collections from petty traders in local markets. This comes in the wake of the recent arrest of five fraudulent revenue agents, a move WAMAC hails as a significant step in the fight against extortion. The organization is now urging the government to ensure the swift prosecution of those involved to deter similar illegal activities. The ban, first announced by Governor Francis Nwifuru on January 30, 2024, was intended to reduce the financial strain on petty traders by putting an end to unauthorized collections. These tolls and levies, often extracted by illegal revenue agents, have long been a source of hardship for traders, many of whom struggle to make ends meet. WAMAC, with the support of the MacArthur Foundation, has been a key player in Nigeria’s push for good governance and anti-corruption reforms. Through its work, the organization has trained journalists and co-produced investigative radio programs aimed at exposing corruption across the country’s six geopolitical zones. Two of these programs, “Nnyopu” (in Igbo) and “Eagle Eye” (in Pidgin), have been airing on Radio Nigeria Unity FM in Abakaliki and are credited with shedding light on the toll collection scandal in Ebonyi State. In February 2024, investigative reports produced by these programs revealed how unscrupulous agents continued to defy the governor’s directive, illegally collecting levies from petty traders in the state capital, Abakaliki. These revelations prompted the Ebonyi State Board of Internal Revenue to act swiftly. By March 2024, officials had launched a series of crackdowns, targeting markets such as Kpirikpiri and the International Market in Abakaliki. The raids brought much-needed relief to traders, as several illegal agents abandoned their posts and fled. In a more recent raid at the International Market, the state revenue officials arrested five fake revenue agents who had been terrorizing traders by extorting them under the guise of toll collection. This latest success has been widely celebrated by traders and advocates for market reform. In a Press Release signed by the Executive Director, Zubair Abdurra’uf Idris, WAMAC acclaimed the government’s efforts to alleviate the burdens faced by petty traders but stressed the need for sustained action. “While we commend the Ebonyi State Government for its efforts to protect vulnerable traders, there is a need for a more permanent solution,” Idris said. “We urge the government to establish a dedicated taskforce that will patrol the markets daily. This will prevent illegal toll collections and ensure that offenders are held accountable.” WAMAC argues that the creation of a dedicated taskforce, rather than relying on periodic raids, would offer more consistent protection for traders and curb the illegal activities of fraudulent agents. As the situation unfolds, many are hopeful that the government will continue to take decisive action to safeguard the livelihoods of Ebonyi’s traders, who have long suffered at the hands of corrupt individuals posing as legitimate revenue collectors.
Town Hall Urges Greater Community Participation to Safeguard Public Infrastructures
Anti-corruption crusader, Wadata Media and Advocacy Centre (WAMAC) has stepped up its ongoing initiatives to engage local communities in Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive, fostering the values of transparency and integrity at the grassroots level. As part of its activities for the third quarter of 2024, WAMAC organized a Townhall Meeting in Yola, the capital of Adamawa State, North East of Nigeria. The programme with support from the MacArthur Foundation paid attention to “Safeguarding Public Infrastructure Against Corrupt Practices: The Role of the Community”. The event drew participants from various sectors, including media professionals, civil society organizations, community-based organizations, religious and community leaders, and representatives from anti-corruption other government agencies. Zubair Abdurra’uf, Executive Director of WAMAC raised concerns about the severe consequences of corruption in public infrastructure which could lead to wasted resources, safety hazards, and eroding public trust in the government. According to Idris, corrupt practices such as embezzlement, bribery, nepotism, and cronyism often result in poorly constructed projects, inadequate maintenance, and inefficient services. He, however, encouraged a community-driven approach to protecting public infrastructure from corruption. “By working together, we can prevent corruption and ensure that our public infrastructure serves the public interest. “To achieve this, we must prioritize transparency and accountability, engage in active citizenship, support whistleblowers and reporting mechanisms, promote ethical leadership and governance, and build a culture of integrity,” Idris said The call for greater community participation in safeguarding infrastructure reflects a growing consensus that tackling corruption at the grassroots level is essential for Nigeria’s continued development. Prof. Bashir Aliyu in his speech as the guest speaker acknowledged the part played by public infrastructure towards facilitating economic development of the country. The Director, Health, Safety, and Environment, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board/Modibbo Adama University of Technology Yola, advised that community involvement should include tracking threats to the community and coordinating with local law enforcement agents to supervise and secure the infrastructure. “The already provided infrastructure needs to be safeguarded and looked after to allow new development take place. “Government expenditure on infrastructure is huge. Budgetary provisions for expansion, maintenance and upgrade are also high. Therefore, safeguarding them against any form of corruption will help in extending their lifespan, Safety etc. it will also free up additional revenues generated for other public good.” Prof. Aliyu explained. The Town Hall participants gave a strong commitment to stepping up the fight against corruption through collaborative efforts between the government, community members, and institutions. The meeting, which aimed to strengthen the fight against corruption at the grassroots level, concluded with several key resolutions aimed at fostering community involvement in safeguarding public resources. Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) The Town Hall solicited for the inclusion of PWDs in the fight against corruption, recognizing that their participation would help achieve greater societal development. Accountability, Good Governance and Collective Responsibility in Fighting Corruption Participants expressed strong disapproval of community complicity in aiding and abetting corruption. They urged citizens to take a stand and actively prevent corruption to secure a brighter future for coming generations. The Town Hall emphasized the need for citizens to demand accountability from leaders and shun the glorification of individuals exposed for corrupt practices. Attendees called for a shift in public attitudes towards corruption, urging effective management of public resources for the greater good. Landlords and property agents were also encouraged to contribute to reducing “social corruption” by protecting tenants’ rights. The participants reaffirmed that promoting good governance is the collective responsibility of all Nigerians and urged communities to collaborate with security agencies by providing credible intelligence and forming community watch groups to help protect public infrastructure. They also called for thorough scrutiny of budget allocations and their implementation, particularly in infrastructure maintenance, expansion, and upgrade to reduce the financial burden on governments. Speedy Trials and Whistleblowing The meeting advocated for faster prosecution of corruption cases in Nigeria. They encouraged communities to monitor and report wrongdoings in project execution using whistleblowing mechanisms provided by anti-corruption agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and ICPC. Also, participants talked about the need to strengthen institutional capacity, foster greater cooperation among stakeholders, and utilize the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) to hold public officials accountable. Local Language Advocacy WAMAC partners with Radio Nigeria Fombina FM Radio in the state to co-produce an investigative anti-corruption programme in Fulfude, and this earned them a commendation, with the funder, the MacArthur Foundation also. The Centre co-produces programmes with twelve radio stations in the six geo-political zones of Nigeria in seven local languages, but the Town Hall participants called for the expansion of anti-corruption campaigns into other Nigerian languages to reach a wider audience.