…As NiMet DG commends Olukoyede’s human-faced anti-corruption drive
From Sola Ojo, Abuja
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced a series of major anti-corruption actions, including the arrest of 12 suspected illegal Bureau de Change (BDC) operators in Lagos, the conviction of three internet fraudsters, and renewed collaboration with the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) to strengthen risk prevention.
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In different statements signed by Head of Media and Publicity Dele Oyewale, the EFCC confirmed that operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 arrested the suspected illegal BDC operators on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
“They were arrested following credible intelligence and thorough surveillance regarding their alleged operation of BDCs without requisite licences.
“Items recovered from them include cash and exotic jewelleries. The suspects are currently undergoing further investigation and will be arraigned in court soon,” one of the statements read.
On the same day, the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 secured the conviction of three internet fraudsters, Shodeinde Taiwo Samuel, Oyetunde Eniola Ayomide, and Akinola Samuel Bolutife before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos.
The convicts were part of 93 suspects arrested in a sting operation at a hotel within the precincts of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State on August 10, 2025.
They were arraigned on a one-count charge each, bordering on impersonation, identity, and internet fraud.
According to Oyewale, Samuel posed as “Andy Dante,” a foreign female national, to defraud unsuspecting victims via Facebook.
Ayomide impersonated “Jessica Brown” on TikTok to defraud an individual identified as Jason Duke, while Bolutife disguised as “Mabella Smith” on Telegram with intent to obtain financial advantage.
The convicts pleaded guilty. The prosecution tendered their statements, recovered devices, and restitution cheques as evidence, all admitted by the court.
Delivering judgment, Justice Dipeolu sentenced Samuel, who admitted to benefitting $200, to three months’ imprisonment with an option of a ₦300,000 fine.
His mobile devices and ₦250,000 manager’s cheque were forfeited to the Federal Government.
Ayomide was ordered to pay a ₦50,000 fine, with his iPhone 11 forfeited, while Bolutife, who confessed to benefitting €25, was sentenced to one month’s imprisonment with an option of a ₦100,000 fine.
His iPhone 6 Pro and ₦45,000 restitution draft were also forfeited.
Meanwhile, in Abuja, the Director-General/CEO of the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, led his management team on a courtesy visit to EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, commending his leadership style.
“One major area that drew my attention and instigated my interest in the new leadership is the human face the Chairman has given the EFCC, calling for a collective action in the anti-corruption fight as a preventive measure to dealing with ethics and strengthening behavioural change,” Anosike said.
He expressed NiMet’s interest in collaborating with the EFCC on risk assessment in the management of weather infrastructure projects.
“The EFCC is uniquely positioned to collaborate with us so that we can prevent these things from onset, rather than being reactive.
“We want to be proactive and nip it in the bud before it happens,” he added.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of Olukoyede, EFCC Secretary Mohammed Hammajoda assured that the Commission remained open to stakeholder partnerships.
“When we come together, we become stronger. We set up our Risk Assessment Department with trained staff, so, anytime you need anything for us to do for you, this is the starting point. We are here 24/7 to collaborate with you,” he said.
Also speaking, EFCC Chief of Staff, Commander Michael Nzekwe, reiterated that prevention is central to the Commission’s work.
“Stakeholders’ collaboration is one of our core values at the EFCC. The Executive Chairman prioritises prevention, that’s why the Department of Fraud Risk Assessment was put together, because no matter how much you recover, you can never entirely recover the full sum when you get into investigation,” he stressed.
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