Crime
Many abandoned estates in Abuja owned by civil servants who stole public funds – EFCC boss, Ola Olukoyede
The chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, says many abandoned estates in the federal capital territory (FCT) are owned by civil servants who have stolen money.
The boss of the anti-graft agency said this at a policy dialogue organised by Law Corridor with the theme, “Critical Issues Affecting Nigeria’s Real Estate Ecosystem.”on Wednesday, August 6.
While noting that some of the estates have been abandoned for over 10 years, the EFCC chairman said the anti-graft agency has set up a special team that would start visiting such properties.
“I have set up the team. We will start visiting all the estates, not only in Abuja but across Nigeria. We want to know who owns what. It will shock you that some of these estates have been abandoned for 10 to 20 years. They just take it to a level, and they abandon it.
Nobody knows what is going on. What we have been able to gather is that most of these estates were funded by civil servants who have stolen money.
The moment they leave public service, and the money is no longer coming, they abandon the estate. Then, the developer will start looking for investors to support them to complete the project.”
Olukoyede said the agency has had cause to file for forfeiture for about 15 estates in recent times.
“We have gotten more intelligence, too. Some of you sitting in this room, probably some of those estates belong to you. But very soon, we expect to meet you in court because there is no way we will develop this sector if we continue with that attitude. I know some of you have your genuine source of capital.”
He warned lawyers and real estate developers not to lend themselves as willing tools in the hands of those who engage in money laundering.
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Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested fifty-five (55) suspected internet fraudsters in a sting operation.
According to the commission, the suspects were arrested at K Hotel in Itori, Ewekoro area of Ogun State on Wednesday, July 6, 2025 following credible and actionable intelligence available to the Commission regarding their suspected fraudulent internet activities.
The commission named the suspects arrested as Ogunniyi Oluwaseun, Babalola Ibrahim, Dada Qowiyu, Kunle Ajayi, Rufai Suleman, Babajide Shedrack, Oloyede Toheeb, Monday Joseph, Akinbode Babatunde, Oyedipe Micheal, Adekunle Jeremiah, Mustapha Muyideen, Mike Opeyemi, Bale Abayomi, Odukoya Samuel, Joseph Oyegunle, Bakole Abayomi, Babalola Micheal, Tajudeen Adeyemi, Ogunsola Habeeb, Amao Samson, Amuleya Matthew, Aroleyun Ifeoluwa, Babalola Ayomide, Popoola Oluwaloseyin, Mayowa Fasola, Muhammed Bahil, Asiru Qoyim and Babatunde Qudus.
Others are: Akande Ibrahim, Ojerinola Tumininu, Adedokun Hassan, Ogundele David, Opakunle Ayomide, Adeniyi Isreal, Yusuf Sikiru, Jimoh Olamilekan, Tosin Abiodun, Bamiduro Afeez, Lamina Usman, Bakare Farouq, Ilori Michael, Segun Titiloye, Anifowose Musa, Idowu Peter, Laisi Ibrahim, Olaofe Emmanuel, Akeem Obabunmi, Afolabi Micheal, Afolabi Idris, Bamidele Ibrahim, Godwin Joshua, Adeeko Ayoola, Owoeye Kolawole and Mutiu Olude.
Items recovered from the suspects include six exotic cars, two locally- made pistols, one motorcycle, several mobile phones and laptops, incriminating documents, eighty-nine unclaimed phones among others.
They have given useful information to the Commission and will be charged to court soon.
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Crime
Police arrest Osun chief who forced young man to drink poison for allegedly stealing two ears of corn
Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a chieftaincy title holder identified as Chief Ajibade Gbenga, the Ejimo of Ipetu-Ijesa, for allegedly forcing a young man to drink a poisonous substance over alleged theft.
LIB reported that the incident occurred in the Ireti Ayo area of Ilesa a week ago after the 25-year-old man identified as Ebenezer, allegedly stole two ears of corn from Ajibade’s farm. Read here
The spokesperson of the command, Abiodun Ojelabi, who confirmed the arrest in a statement on Thursday, August 7, said investigation had commenced into the matter.
Ojelabi also disclosed that the victim’s father d!ed of shock after some people informed him that his son had d!ed of poisoning after being caught stealing.
In a short video posted by Osun journalist Isaac Haastrup, the chief was seen holding a cutlass and later forcing the young man to drink from a cup containing the poisonous substance.
“After he was forced to drink the substance, Chief Ajibade left him to go. We quickly rushed the boy to Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa where doctors eventually neutralise the effect of the poison,” a source told the punch.
“But when all that was going on, someone went to the house of the father of the victim and told him that his son had been poisoned for stealing corn and died. The man was seized by shock.
“He eventually d!ed. But the boy that drank poison is alive and stable. Police have arrested the suspect in his hometown in Ipetu Ijesa and moved him to Osogbo for further investigations.”
Giving more clarification about the incident, the PPRO, during a chat with the publication, identified the suspect as Chief Ajibade, aged 62 years.
“The boy allegedly stole two pieces of corn from the man’s farm. The man caught the suspect, beat him up and mixed a substance and forced the boy to drink it,” he said.
“The boy drank it, but with the help of the good people around, they rushed the boy to a hospital. He was rushed to Wesley Guild Hospital.
“Doctors at the hospital sustained him and he did not d!e. The doctors stabilised him. But the news of the incident reached the father of the boy that was caught stealing.
“Some people went to the father and told him that his son had d!ed of poisoning after being caught stealing corn. The father immediately gave up the ghost.
“The boy is alive. But his father d!ed of shock. The matter has been reported and we have the suspect here with us. Investigation will continue into the matter,” Ojelabi said.
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In a well-coordinated offensive aimed at dismantling criminal enclaves, troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army (NA) / Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully rescued seven victims abducted along the Chinkai–Kente–Wukari road on 3 August 2025 by suspected kidnappers.
Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, August 6.
According to the statement, the search and rescue mission, conducted on Tuesday 5 and Wednesday 6 August 2025.
During the operation, troops encountered the kidnappers, who, overwhelmed by superior firepower and sustained pressure, abandoned the victims and fled.
Four victims were found unharmed in Chinkai Forest on 5 August, while the remaining three female victims were rescued on 6 August in Owedi Community, Wukari Local Government Area.
“The safe recovery of all seven victims highlights the Nigerian Army’s commitment and professionalism in combating kidnapping and ensuring the security of Taraba State residents,” the statement read.
“Commander 6 Brigade NA / Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for their dedication, describing the operation as a major success in the fight against criminality.
“He reaffirmed the Brigade’s resolve to sustain aggressive operations to curb kidnapping and safeguard lives and property across the state.”
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