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Senior EFCC Officer faces allegations of abuse of office and unexplained wealth

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EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede
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Despite the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, championing a zero-tolerance policy on internal corruption, a senior managerial officer in the rank of Assistant Commander (ACE) of the Commission has been accused of extensive corruption, abuse of office, obstruction of justice, and unexplained wealth.

The allegations are contained in a six-page petition submitted to the EFCC Chairman on July 9, 2026, by the Network for Justice Association of Nigeria (NJAN), a copy of which PRNigeria obtained.

The petition comes amid heightened scrutiny of alleged misconduct within the anti-graft agency, including a separate investigation involving a sectional head over a reported $400,000 corruption allegation.

Olukoyede has repeatedly emphasised internal cleansing as essential to the credibility of the Commission’s anti-corruption campaign, with the EFCC sanctioning and dismissing personnel found culpable of fraud, misconduct and other breaches.

However, the latest petition raises serious allegations against a senior officer reportedly close to the Commission’s leadership and whose monthly remuneration is said to be between N800,000 and N900,000.

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The petition, signed by NJAN President, Adedeji Sunday Ajala, was also copied to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

NJAN listed 21 allegations against the officer, ranging from abuse of office and extortion to interference with investigations, unauthorised access to financial intelligence and acquisition of assets allegedly inconsistent with his legitimate income.

PRNigeria has not independently established the allegations, and the petition did not provide evidence of any conviction or formal finding of wrongdoing against the officer.

According to the petition, individuals who supplied some of the information requested anonymity because of alleged fears of victimisation within the Commission. NJAN, however, maintained that the claims were based on what it described as “consistent accounts and observable patterns” capable of being independently verified.

One of the central allegations is that the officer presents himself as the “lifeline” of the EFCC Chairman and allegedly invokes his purported closeness to the leadership to wield influence within the Commission.

The petitioners alleged that the officer sometimes bypasses established operational procedures by obtaining approvals directly from the Chairman without routing matters through relevant supervisory channels, including the Head and Director of Operations.

They further claimed that the officer allegedly demands as much as 10 per cent of sums involved in some petitions before investigations commence and, in certain instances, secures approval for petitions without subjecting them to the Commission’s normal vetting process.

Another allegation concerns the purported acquisition of confidential banking information. NJAN alleged that the officer works with contacts in the financial sector to obtain information on individuals and companies, which is subsequently used for extortion rather than legitimate investigation and prosecution.

The group also accused the officer of holding undisclosed meetings with high-profile suspects inside and outside EFCC premises, where unofficial settlements and “soft landings” were allegedly negotiated.

The petition claimed that some of the alleged encounters were recorded and could be investigated. Among the most serious accusations are claims that the officer received substantial sums in local and foreign currencies through proxies in exchange for favourable treatment of suspects.

The petition also alleged that some individuals were falsely informed they had been placed on security watchlists to extract money from them. It further accused the officer of conspiring with politicians to use EFCC processes against political opponents, including alleged interference with administrative bail in return for financial inducements.

The petitioners also urged scrutiny of the officer’s assets, which they claim are far beyond his legitimate earnings. They cited luxury vehicles, duplexes allegedly acquired through a construction firm, and Dubai properties reportedly purchased through a real estate company.

NJAN alleged that over $1 million in cash was used for some of the overseas acquisitions, including a purported $300,000 transaction in June 2026 — claims PRNigeria has not independently verified.

The petition further questioned the officer’s frequent business-class trips to the United States and alleged ownership of property there, calling for checks on immigration and financial records. A poultry business linked to the officer was also flagged for investigation over suspicions that it may serve as a front for trade-based money laundering, though the petition cited no formal findings by any competent authority.

NJAN also alleged that the officer maintains relationships with influential political and business figures whose interests could intersect with his official duties. In one instance, the petition claimed that a prominent South-East businessman allegedly engaged the officer to influence a case before the Commission, including a reported visit to the businessman’s Abuja residence on June 1, 2026, where an undisclosed sum in USD was allegedly paid to suppress a matter.

The petition similarly alleged contacts with political figures in northern Nigeria, including individuals reportedly linked to cases under the officer’s purview. It warned that, if proven, such relationships could compromise the EFCC’s credibility, weaken public confidence in anti-corruption enforcement and demoralise officers who carry out their duties professionally.

They consequently called on Olukoyede to institute an independent and comprehensive investigation into the allegations, secure relevant documentary and electronic evidence, protect potential witnesses and take appropriate action where wrongdoing is established.

“A thorough investigation and decisive action will reinforce public confidence in the Commission’s commitment to accountability and send a clear message that no officer, regardless of rank or influence, is above the law,” the petition stated.

When contacted, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale told PRNigeria that the Commission maintains a strict zero-tolerance stance on internal corruption. He said over 40 staff members were recently dismissed following thorough, independent investigations.

Oyewale said internal disciplinary reviews are continuous but noted that he was not yet aware of the latest petition specifically targeting the officer. (PRNigeria)

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Tinubu Booed At Abuja Mosque As Worshippers Chant ‘Tinubu Must Go’ After Friday Prayers

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was on Friday reportedly booed by some worshippers and other Nigerians shortly after observing Juma’at prayers at the Shehu Shagari Central Mosque in Abuja.

Several video clips circulating on social media showed groups of youths chanting slogans against the President as his convoy departed the mosque.

A witness who attended the prayers told PREMIUM TIMES that the protest may have been triggered by restrictions imposed on worshippers ahead of the President’s visit.

The witness, who requested anonymity, said Tinubu arrived at the mosque at about 1:49 p.m., by which time access to the premises had reportedly been restricted.

According to the source, security operatives prevented people from entering the mosque after the President’s arrival. Roads leading to the facility were also blocked, while some security personnel reportedly mounted the perimeter fences as part of the security arrangements.

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The restrictions allegedly continued after the prayers, with some worshippers prevented from leaving until the President’s departure.

The witness said the situation angered some of those affected, prompting them to express their frustration through chants directed at the President.

Some were heard chanting, “Ba mayi, ba ma so,” a Hausa expression loosely translated as “We do not support you,” while others shouted, “Tinubu Must Go,” a slogan associated with opposition to the President’s re-election bid.

Another source at the mosque also attributed the incident partly to the security arrangements, which were described as excessive and inconvenient to worshippers.

“People were stopped from entering the mosque after the President had entered. Several people were stuck outside,” the source said.

The source added that some worshippers were also prevented from leaving until Tinubu departed, alleging that the booing started from the area where people had been barricaded.

The incident comes amid growing political activities and opposition mobilisation ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Efforts to obtain comments from the Presidency were unsuccessful, as Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, did not respond to calls seeking his reaction as of the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, during the Friday service, the Chief Imam of the Shehu Shagari Central Mosque, Area 1, Garki, Rabiu Suleiman, delivered a sermon focusing on lessons from Surah Al-Fatihah, the opening chapter of the Quran.

The Imam urged Muslims to uphold the oneness of Allah and seek steadfastness in their faith.

He also prayed for peace, the President’s good health and greater wisdom, asking Allah to guide Tinubu in leading Nigeria towards prosperity.

Suleiman further acknowledged the President’s contributions to the renovation of the mosque.

Tinubu was accompanied by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Ibrahim Masari; Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; and former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje.

The presidential election is scheduled for January 2027, with Tinubu expected to face significant opposition from prominent political figures, including Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

It would be recalled that on the eve of the 2023 general elections, Tinubu, who was then the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), observed Friday prayers at several mosques, including Berger Mosque, the Shehu Shagari Central Mosque in Area 1, and the National Mosque in Abuja.

However, no similar incident of public booing was reported during those visits.

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Archbishop Ibezim Withdraws Lawsuit Against Primate Ndukuba, Dean Enyindah, Signals Move Towards Reconciliation

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The Archbishop of Awka Diocese discontinues legal action against two top Anglican leaders, raising hopes of an amicable settlement and restoration of unity within the Church of Nigeria.

The Archbishop of the Anglican Diocese of Awka, Most Rev. Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, has withdrawn his lawsuit against the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry C. Ndukuba, and the Dean of the Church, Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah, in a development that could pave the way for an amicable resolution of the dispute.

The withdrawal is seen as a significant step towards resolving the disagreement through dialogue and reconciliation rather than prolonged legal confrontation.

The development was conveyed in a Notice of Discontinuance/Withdrawal of Suit filed at the High Court of Anambra State, Awka Judicial Division, in Suit No. A/371/2026.

In the notice dated Friday, November 13, 2026, and signed by the plaintiff’s counsel, Chief B.E.I. Nwofor, SAN, Archbishop Ibezim formally notified the court of his decision to discontinue and withdraw the suit to allow room for an amicable resolution of the dispute.

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The suit was instituted against Ndukuba, who is the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, and Enyindah, who serves as the Dean of the Church of Nigeria and chairman of the visitation team to the Diocese of Awka.

The legal dispute arose from the constitution of a visitation team by the Primate, which Archbishop Ibezim had challenged on grounds of its legality.

Specifically, the Awka diocesan bishop questioned the constitution of the team by the first defendant in a letter dated June 17, 2026.

However, his decision to withdraw the case signals a possible shift towards dialogue and mutual understanding among the senior Church leaders.

The development is expected to create an opportunity for the parties to address their differences through the established structures of the Church and work towards restoring cordial relationships.

It could also help ease tensions within the Anglican Communion, particularly at a time when unity, institutional stability and confidence in the Church’s leadership remain important considerations.

Disagreements involving senior clerics can have wider implications for the Church, its clergy and congregation. Consequently, an amicable resolution would be significant in preserving the unity and spiritual integrity of the institution.

Nevertheless, the Notice of Discontinuance does not disclose the specific terms of any proposed settlement or indicate whether the parties have already reached an agreement.

It also remains unclear whether a formal reconciliation process has commenced or what arrangements may be adopted to resolve the substantive issues that led to the litigation.

The withdrawal, however, marks an important development in the dispute, with attention now shifting to whether the parties can translate the decision into a lasting and mutually acceptable settlement.

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UNN Party Horror: ‘I Woke Up At 9pm To Find My Friends Lying Lifeless’ – Survivor

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The survivor at the hospital
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•  ‘I Thought I Was Going To Die’ – 24-Year-Old Student Narrates How He Survived Mysterious Party Incident That Claimed Four Lives In Nsukka

A 24-year-old student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has recounted his terrifying experience at an off-campus party where four students reportedly died after participants suddenly became unconscious.

The survivor, an Art Education student, said he lost consciousness during the gathering and only regained awareness several hours later, when he discovered his friends lying motionless on the floor.

Recounting the incident in an interview with Vanguard, the student disclosed that the gathering was organised by his friend, identified as David, to celebrate the completion of his final examinations.

According to him, the host purchased two bottles of alcoholic drinks, Magic Moment and Best, which they took to his residence in the Hilltop area of Nsukka, where approximately 10 people gathered for the celebration.

He said the party commenced at about 11:30am, with participants sharing the drinks and engaging in a game of Truth or Dare.

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Narrating how the incident unfolded, the survivor said one of the participants suddenly started vomiting, prompting him to assist the individual to the toilet.

He explained that after helping his friend, he returned to clean the vomit on the floor before suddenly losing consciousness.

“During the party, one of the participants started vomiting. I took him to the toilet and asked him to clean himself up. I then came out to clean the vomit on the floor.

“After that, I suddenly lost consciousness. However, I noticed that my legs had become stiff, and I could no longer walk,” he narrated.

The student said he regained consciousness at approximately 9pm, several hours after the incident began.

He recalled hearing someone making a strange remark before managing to look into the parlour, where he saw the host and other participants lying motionless.

“When I regained consciousness at about 9pm, I heard someone saying that a ghost was shaking. I woke up and managed to look into the parlour, where I saw the host and other participants lying on the floor,” he said.

The survivor disclosed that he immediately contacted a friend, who arrived at the residence, observed the situation and subsequently left.

He expressed disappointment that another individual who reportedly came to the scene allegedly chose to record the victims instead of making efforts to secure emergency assistance.

He said another friend later arrived and helped convey the affected students to Bishop Shanahan Hospital and other medical facilities in Nsukka for treatment.

Generator Was Operating Outside Room

Providing further details about the circumstances surrounding the incident, the survivor said the participants were inside the parlour with the doors and windows shut, while a generator was operating outside in the corridor.

He added that the room’s fan was switched on during the gathering.

The student also dismissed suggestions that the participants might have consumed illicit drugs, insisting that alcohol was the only substance taken at the party.

“We didn’t smoke, and there was no drug there. We took only alcohol. We had just two bottles for about 10 people, so the quantity each person drank was very little, not even up to a quarter of a party cup,” he said.

Police Question Poisoning Allegations

The survivor disclosed that police officers had visited him and questioned him about the possibility of poisoning or deliberate interference with the drinks.

He said investigators asked whether the participants had disagreements with anyone or suspected that somebody might have tampered with the alcoholic beverages.

However, he maintained that he had no reason to suspect the host, whom he described as someone who did not harbour grudges against others.

He added that he also saw the host lying on the floor when he regained consciousness, while the host’s brother later confirmed that he was receiving treatment at Bishop Shanahan Hospital.

The student further disclosed that the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Otuanya, had visited him to assess his condition.

He said representatives of the local government, friends and police officers had also visited him.

Survivor Still Experiencing Leg Stiffness

Despite surviving the incident, the 24-year-old said he was still experiencing stiffness in his legs, although his condition was gradually improving.

Reflecting on the frightening experience, he said the incident had completely changed his attitude towards alcohol consumption.

“This was the first time I took alcohol and experienced such a condition. I think this will be the last time I will ever take alcohol,” he said.

The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain a subject of investigation, with questions about the possible role of the generator, the conditions inside the room and the possibility of drink contamination yet to be conclusively established.

Authorities are expected to determine what led to the sudden loss of consciousness among the participants and establish the precise cause of the deaths.

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