Author: Staff Editor
Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court, Lagos, has convicted and sentenced two Chinese nationals, Zhang Hong Lin and Gao Pei Hai, to 25 years’ imprisonment each for conspiring to illegally export Nigeria’s mineral resources. The judge convicted the two defendants on all five counts preferred against them and sentenced each of them to 25 years’ imprisonment on Counts 1 to 5, with an option of a ₦10 million fine on each count. Counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), H. U. Kofarnaisa, had arraigned the two defendants on Friday on a five-count charge. Justice Aluko further…
Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Thursday, July 30, 2026, convicted and sentenced Sunmonu Olasunkanmi Thaoban to four years’ imprisonment for money laundering. Sunmonu was arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC on a two-count charge bordering on money laundering. One of the counts reads: “That you, Sunmonu Thaoban Olasunkanmi, sometime in 2023, in Lagos and within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst acting as a middleman, indirectly disguised the origin of the sum of ₦16,000,000 (Sixteen Million Naira), being illicit gains accrued from your unlawful act, by converting…
The Akinole-Oshiun Family has rejected the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority’s (OORBDA) claim to an 8,000-square-metre parcel of land along Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos, insisting that the property has already been vested in the family by judgments of the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court. The family made the assertion in a rejoinder dated July 31, 2026, in response to OORBDA’s public disclaimer published on Page 12 of The Punch newspaper of July 29, 2026, in which the authority claimed ownership of the property known as “AY Homes Luxury Court.” Signed by the Head…
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, on Thursday, July 30, 2026, cautioned public officials across the country against fraudulent practices, stressing that public service is a responsibility to protect public resources rather than an opportunity for self-enrichment or compromise. He gave the caution in Abuja on Thursday, July 30, 2026, while speaking at a two-day induction programme organised by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms. The programme, themed “Institutional Governance and Regulatory Compliance,” was organised for the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and members of the Governing Board of the South-South Development…
The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), particularly in the areas of anti-corruption, cybercrime, training, and financial crime investigation and prosecution. EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, stated this in Abuja on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, when he led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the corporate headquarters of the EFCC. Stressing the strategic importance of the EFCC and the basis for the partnership with the Commission, he stated: “The role of the EFCC is so important for us, both for the stability and prosperity of…
Former Ekiti Central Senator, Babafemi Ojudu, has raised concerns over the growing influence of internet fraud on Nigeria’s social and economic landscape, warning that the recent decline in business activities across Ado Ekiti following intensified operations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has exposed the dangers of an economy built around illicit wealth. In a commentary titled “When Crime Becomes an Economy: The Disturbing Lessons from Ado Ekiti’s Near-Empty Hotels,” Ojudu said the near-empty hotels, deserted lounges, quiet supermarkets, and struggling businesses reported across Ekiti State, particularly in the state capital, were linked to the flight of suspected…
A retired High Court judge, Hon. Justice (Prof.) Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye, has paid glowing tribute to former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, OFR, CFR, describing him as “a legal institution,” “a legal colossus,” and “a bridge between generations” as the eminent silk marked the golden jubilee of his call to the Nigerian Bar. Justice Omolaye-Ajileye (Rtd.), in a tribute commemorating Olanipekun’s 50 years at the Bar, said the senior advocate’s remarkable legal career has been defined by uncommon distinction, intellectual excellence, courageous leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the highest ideals of the legal profession.…
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has expressed the resolve of his administration to continuously enhance staff welfare and create opportunities for career progression within the Commission. He gave this assurance at the 20th Anniversary Ceremony of the EFCC Detective Inspector Course One, which took place at the Commission’s Academy in Karu, Abuja. Olukoyede, who spoke through his Chief of Staff, Commander of the EFCC (CE) Michael Nzekwe, stated that the Executive Chairman is always thinking of various ways to improve the lives of staff. “The Executive Chairman is very interested in…
Zenith Bank Plc has been named “Africa’s Best Bank” and “Nigeria’s Best Bank”—the latter for the second consecutive year—at the prestigious Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026, clinching the highest and most coveted continental and national honours in banking. The awards were presented to the Bank on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at The Peninsula London Hotel, London. The dual recognition is a testament to the Bank’s sustained excellence in financial performance, customer service, digital innovation, and its contribution to economic development across Nigeria and the wider African continent. The Euromoney Awards for Excellence are among the most respected honours in the…
The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has approved the conferment of the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on 68 legal practitioners, marking the conclusion of the 2026 selection exercise conducted under the leadership of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, GCON. The successful candidates comprise 67 advocates and one academic, Prof. Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri. Mustapha Olayinka Ajenifuja, Esq., was listed as the 63rd successful advocate in the order of seniority at the Bar released by the committee. The approvals were granted at the LPPC’s 174th Plenary Session held on Thursday in Abuja.…