Father, Son in EFCC’s Net for Internet Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos Zonal Office, have commenced investigation into an alleged case of conspiracy, computer-related fraud, obtaining by false pretense and retention of proceeds of unlawful activities levelled against one Malik Giles Bakare.
He was arrested by officers of the Nigeria Police, Force CID, Alagbon, Lagos on May 31, 2021 and subsequently handed over to the EFCC for further investigation and prosecution.
Investigations revealed that he acts as a middleman, who connects internet fraudsters around the globe with pickers, and receives some percentage on every successful transaction from the proceeds of unlawful activities.
During the investigation, his father, Isa Bola Bakare, appeared at the Commission claiming ownership of a Range Rover car estimated at about N46 Million, which was recovered from his son.
He, however, could not provide a satisfactory account of how he was able to procure the vehicle.
Consequently, he has also been taken into the EFCC custody for further investigation.
Also recovered from the suspects are Iphone 12 Pro Max, Iphone 8 mobile devices as well as some incriminating items.
The suspects will soon be charged to court.
Wilson Uwujaren
Head, Media & Publicity
9 June, 2021
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EFCC, Navy Scale Up Collaboration
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and the Nigerian Navy are to strengthen their partnership in fighting economic sabotage and other financial crimes in the maritime domain.
This resolution was the highpoint of the visit by the Chief of Operations of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral A.O Adaji, to the headquarters of the EFCC in Abuja on Tuesday June 8, 2021.
Admiral Adaji who was received on behalf of the Executive Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, by the Head of Operations, Michael Wetkas, commended the Commission’s diligence in tackling maritime-based crimes and the number of convictions recorded in cases transferred to it by the Navy. He however called for improvement. “There is need for us to improve communication between both institutions because we need the EFCC and the EFCC needs us. We need to be furnished with the updates of our cases and the status of the trials in court,” he said.
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He also urged speedy prosecution of cases and the exploration of options in tackling challenges inherent in the taking over of vessels; and misgivings over plea bargain arrangements where defendants sometimes get punishment not commensurate with their offence.
In his response, Wetkas appreciated the team for the visit, stating that the Commission values its longstanding partnership with the Nigerian Navy.
“We recognize the gaps and we are glad that we are all going to work together to improve communication and share information. We will furnish you with the updates of your cases and we will look into all we discussed here but there are some decisions that are not in ours powers but left in the hands of the courts,” he said.
Wilson Uwujaren
Head, Media & Publicity
9 June, 2021
Bawa Seeks Help of Nigerian Mission in Tackling Cybercrime
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa has called on the Nigerian Permanent Mission to the United Nations to assist the Commission in sensitizing Nigerian youths in Diaspora against cybercrime. The EFCC boss made the appeal when he met with officials of the Mission in company with his chief of staff, Hadiza Gamawa, on the margins of the recently concluded United Nations General Assembly Special Session on corruption, UNGASS, in New York, United States.
The EFCC Chairman expressed concern about the involvement of Nigerian youths in cybercrime both in Nigeria and abroad. He informed that, from January to date, the EFCC had arrested close to 100 young men involved in Advanced Fee Fraud adding that the trend was giving the country a negative image and stifling effective market penetration at the international level by genuine business people as well as the quest for foreign direct investment by would-be investors.
He therefore sought the support of the Nigerian Mission “in amplifying the voice of the Commission to all Nigerians to do the right thing at all times and be good ambassadors of Nigeria”.
Bawa shared his vision for the fight against corruption in Nigeria, while also highlighting some of the challenges confronting the Commission, including delayed adjudication of justice and tracing and recovery of asset.
He further gave an overview of measures so far put in place by the EFCC under his leadership to improve the Commission’s effectiveness
High point of the meeting saw the EFCC boss decorate the Mission officers with the Commission’s lapel, urging them “to be good ambassadors of the EFCC”.
Wilson Uwujaren
Head, Media & Publicity
9 June, 2021
