Banker Nabbed for Theft of Millions from ATM and other EFCC Stories

Banker Nabbed for Theft of Millions from ATM and other EFCC Stories

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Benin Zonal Office on Wednesday November 11, 2020 arraigned Philip Orumade on a Nine counts charge bordering on stealing before Justice Efe I. Ikponmwonba of the Edo State High Court, Benin City.

Orumade was alleged to have, sometime in November 2019 while working as a, banker in charge of Automated Teller Machine, stole a cumulative sum of Eighteen Million Nine Hundred and Three Thousand Naira (N18, 903,000) from the machine at Aduwawa branch of First bank of Nigeria.

One of the counts reads: that you Philip Orumade on or about the 2nd day of November 2019 at Aduwawa within the jurisdiction of this Hounourable Court did steal from ATM machines at Aduwawa branch of First Bank Of Nigeria a cumulative sum of Eighteen Million, Nine Hundred and Three Thousand Naira (N18,903,000) property of First Bank of Nigeria Plc, contrary to Section 383 of Bendel State Criminal Code Law (as applicable to Edo State) and punishable under Section 390(7) of the same Law”.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.
In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, Ibrahim Mohammed, prayed the court to fix a date for trial. However, the defence counsel, Martha Imafu informed the court of a pending motion for bail. She said the offence was bailabĺe and prayed the court to grant her client bail.
Justice Ikponwonba granted the defendant bail in the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira with one surety in like sum. The surety should be resident within the jurisdiction of the court.
The case was adjourned until January 27, 2021 for commencement of trial.

Wilson Uwujaren
Head, Media & Publicity
12 November, 2020
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Fire Service Seeks Synergy with EFCC

The Federal Fire Service has sought for enhanced collaboration and synergy with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, in building and sustaining a safe Nigeria.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Head, Uyo Zonal Office of the EFCC, Edeh Akpa Uchenna (DCDS) on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, the Zonal Commander, Akwa Ibom State, Zone E Command, Ekpah Solomon, a Deputy Controller of Fire (DCF) stated that there was need to strengthen the existing relationship between the EFCC and FFS, noting that both agencies have come a long way in collaborative efforts for the good of the country.

“The relationship between our organisations has come a long way, so when I resumed office last month, I felt I should come here to further strengthen the existing relationship, so that together, we can build a good nation,” Ekpah said.

The FFS Zonal Commander used the occasion to appeal to the Commission to be part of Service’s forthcoming ‘Fire Awareness Week’ in the state, which he said, was necessitated by the approaching harmattan season, which usually records high incidences of fire outbreaks in the country. “We will intimate your office with the date and we hope to have you join us,” Ekpah stated.

The Uyo Zonal Head of the EFCC, who was delighted by the visit, acknowledged that the Commission and FFS have enjoyed a robust relationship and pledged to do his part to keep it going.

Wilson Uwujaren
Head, Media & Publicity
12 November, 2020
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NLRC Seeks EFCC’s Support in Fighting Lottery Scam

The National Lottery Regulatory Commission, NLRC, has expressed gratitude to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for its intervention in the recovery of about N4.1billion owed it by various lottery operators across the country.

The Zonal Coordinator, Ilorin Office of the NLRC, Mr. Olisa Henry Ozobialu gave the commendation on Thursday, November 12, 2020 when he led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Head of the Ilorin Office Zonal of the EFCC, Mr. Kazeem Oseni.

Mr. Ozobialu further sought the support of the EFCC in the area of enforcement of relevant laws in tackling the menace of lottery fraud, while decrying the huge revenue the federal government is losing to illicit lottery operators.

He described the EFCC as a strategic partner in tackling the menace of lottery scam and other unwholesome activities in the sector..

Speaking further, the NLRC boss enumerated the various challenges he met when he assumed duty as Coordinator of the Ilorin Office of the Agency two years ago. He said that aside the fact he was able to overcome the challenges, the Commission under his watch had generated over a N100million as revenue for the government within the period under reference. He solicited the cooperation and support of the EFCC in order to consolidate on the gains already recorded by the NLRC.

Responding, Oseni appreciated the NLRC boss and members of his team, stressing the readiness of the EFCC to build on the existing relationship between the two agencies in fighting lottery scam and all manners of economic and financial crimes for the benefit of the citizenry.

“If the economy of this country must boom, all hands must be on deck to make the system work. That means, federal government agencies must play their constitutional roles diligently with all sense of commitment and patriotism. It is in this spirit that we shall continue to partner with you and ensure that looters and economic saboteurs are dealt with according to the law”, he said.

Wilson Uwujaren
Head, Media & Publicity
12 November, 2020.