General News
EFCC CHAIRMAN ACCUSES STATE GOVERNORS OF TURNING SECURITY VOTES INTO BILLION-NAIRA SLUSH FUNDS
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has levelled a grave accusation against some state governors, alleging they have converted monthly security votes into multi-billion naira slush funds. He stated that these funds are routinely siphoned abroad instead of being used to tackle insecurity.
Olukoyede spoke on Friday during an annual lecture organised by the Honorary Members’ Forum of the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Mess at the Sam Ethnan Air Force Base in Ikeja, Lagos. He declared that corruption remains the “real elephant in the room” behind Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.
The anti-graft boss revealed that stolen funds originally meant for security or poverty alleviation are being used to fuel banditry, insurgency, and extremism. He provided an example from the ongoing prosecution of a former Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, where the EFCC allegedly uncovered the diversion of over N4 billion meant for security votes.
“Billions of naira are collected monthly by state governors as security votes without accountability,” Olukoyede said. “These resources, instead of being invested in enhancing the security architecture, often end up in Bureau De Change where they are converted into forex and moved abroad or dissipated into phony investments unrelated to security. If that fund was expended judiciously, the security landscape of Anambra and adjoining states would have been better than it is today.”
Olukoyede also highlighted corruption within military procurement, referencing the infamous $2.1 billion arms scam. He criticized faulty economic models that perpetuate poverty, particularly in northern Nigeria, and pointed to other major cases. These include the alleged theft of over N109 billion by a former Accountant-General of the Federation and stalled power projects marred by bribery allegations.
On the EFCC’s recent efforts, Olukoyede reported that the agency has recovered N566.3 billion between 2024 and 2025, including a record forfeiture of 753 properties. He said the commission has supported economic stability by cracking down on naira abuse and illicit financial flows.
He called for intensified collaboration between the military, security agencies, and the EFCC, stressing that “the military must embrace greater accountability” to restore national stability.
“While acknowledging the sacrifices of members of the armed forces in the fight against insurgency in parts of the country, we have also found a situation where resources meant for the procurement of equipment in the fight against terrorism find their way into the pockets of some senior officers,” Olukoyede stated. “This reality was exposed by the EFCC investigation into the infamous $2.1billion arms scam. Humongous sums and property were recovered from a number of senior military officers. This resource haemorrhage not only dampens morale within the military establishment but aggravated equipment and logistics challenges that emboldened the adversary.”
Olukoyede concluded by urging all Nigerians to support the fights against corruption and insecurity. “The EFCC cannot win this fight against corruption alone; neither can the military defeat insecurity alone,” he said. “What is required is the support and cooperation of all Nigerians and greater collaboration and synergy among the military, security and law enforcement agencies. Financial intelligence is critical to the success of activities in the various theatres of operation of the military and there must be constant engagement at the highest levels of the different agencies to consolidate the gains already recorded. The military must embrace greater accountability in all its operations to ensure that the national objective of restoring order and stability in our country is achieved.”
The monarch of Ozoro Kingdom in Delta State has denied any prior knowledge of a controversial festival linked to the alleged abuse of women and girls, as outrage continues to trail the incident across Nigeria.
The traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty Anthony Ogbogbo, made the clarification when a delegation from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) visited his palace following reports of harassment during the ‘Alue-Do’ festival.
According to the monarch, he had never encountered such practices in his over two decades on the throne. He stated that he had “never heard that a festival is celebrated with girls being harassed or molested” in the community, distancing the palace from the widely condemned incident.
The controversy stems from viral videos showing women being chased, stripped, and assaulted by youths during the cultural event held in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area. The disturbing footage sparked nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over gender-based violence.
During the palace visit, the NANS delegation; alongside student leaders from Southern Delta University, confirmed that some of the victims were students who had since received medical attention. While reports indicated no confirmed cases of rape, the students described the incidents as serious molestation and a violation of human dignity.
NANS condemned the attacks, describing them as a gross violation of human rights and a threat to the safety of students in the community. The association called on security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation and bring perpetrators to justice.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Government has also condemned the incident, describing it as “barbaric” and unacceptable, stressing that no cultural practice should justify violence against women. Authorities have launched investigations, with police confirming the arrest of suspects linked to the incident.
Civil society organisations, including ActionAid Nigeria, have also demanded immediate prosecution of those responsible, insisting that cultural traditions must not be used to excuse abuse or undermine the rights and dignity of women and girls.
The incident has intensified calls for stricter enforcement of laws protecting women and for a review of traditional practices that may expose individuals to harm.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has confirmed that one of its officials has been taken into custody following the death of a corps member, Miss Victoria Ariyo, in Abeokuta South.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the NYSC described the incident as “tragic and deeply disturbing,” noting that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
The statement, signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, disclosed that the staff member allegedly linked to the incident is currently in custody while relevant authorities continue their probe.
According to the scheme, it is working closely with security agencies to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation without interference.
“The management of the NYSC is deeply saddened by the loss of a corps member in Abeokuta, Ogun State, under circumstances currently being investigated,” the statement read.
The organisation extended condolences to the family of the deceased, praying for strength and comfort during the difficult period.
It also reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, stressing that the scheme maintains strict standards for both staff and corps members.
“We assure the public that we are cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities to ensure the truth is established and justice is served without fear or favour,” the statement added.
The NYSC further urged the public to refrain from speculation and allow due process to take its course, emphasising that the welfare, safety, and dignity of corps members remain a top priority.
The Delta State Police Command has arrested 11 additional suspects in connection with the sexual assault of women in Ozoro, bringing the total number of persons in custody to 15.
Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, disclosed the development in a statement on Saturday, noting that the arrests followed a detailed review of video evidence and intelligence by operatives.
According to him, the suspects include Samson Atukpodo, Steven Ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others.
The Command stated that preliminary investigations, under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, revealed that the acts were carried out by criminal elements who took advantage of the situation to perpetrate sexual violence.
Police authorities emphasised that the actions were in no way reflective of any legitimate cultural practice.
“The Command condemns these acts in totality and remains committed to ensuring that all perpetrators are identified, arrested, and prosecuted,” the statement added, while urging victims and witnesses to come forward with useful information.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage following the circulation of a viral video showing young women being sexually harassed during a local festival in the community.
The footage was linked to the Alue-Do Festival held in Ozoro, a cultural event associated with traditional rites.
Reacting to the development, the Nigerian Bar Association described the incident as a “national disgrace,” calling for swift justice for the victims.
Similarly, the Delta State Government condemned the act, with the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, describing it as “barbaric and unacceptable.”
However, the leadership of Ozoro Kingdom refuted claims circulating online, stating that the incident was a misapplication of certain symbolic aspects of the Alue-Do Festival by some youths.
Earlier, the police had announced the arrest of a community head and four other suspects in connection with the case, as investigations continue.