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JUST IN: Corruption Trial: EFCC Set To Appeal Oronsaye’s Acquittal In N2bn Fraud

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is ready to appeal the judgment of the Federal High Court Abuja, which on Monday, acquitted a former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Steve Oronsaye of  N2bn money laundering charge brought against him and others by the Commission.

While dismissing the charge, Justice Inyang Ekwo held that the Commission failed to establish the charges against the defendants.

However, in a statement, the EFCC’s spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren said the the trial judge erred by overlooking the evidence of the 21 witnesses called by the prosecution in the course of the trial as well as the confessional statement of one of the defendants, Osarenkhoe Afe.

He said that the Commission has therefore decided to challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal.

Oronsaye’s corruption trial commenced in 2015 when he was arraigned alongside the Managing Director of Fredrick Hamilton Global Services Limited, Osarenkhoe Afe and three companies – Cluster Logistic Limited; Kangolo Dynamic Cleaning Limited, and Drew Investment & Construction Company Limited.

The EFCC alleged that the defendants had between 2010 and 2011 used some firms to divert public funds through procurement fraud.

The EFCC equally accused Orosanye and the others of using inflated biometrics enrolment contracts, collective allowances, and other schemes to siphon money from accounts containing pensioners’ funds.

But Justice Ekwo held that the anti-graft agency failed to supply the court, with ingredients that could establish the alleged corruption charges against Oronsaye.

The judge subsequently dismissed the charges in relation to Oronsaye, discharged and acquitted him.

Crime

JUST IN: Police Find Pastor Adefarasin Innocent in Viral Gun Video Case

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The Lagos State Police Command has cleared Senior Pastor Paul Adefarasin of House on the Rock Church of any wrongdoing after a viral video showed him holding what appeared to be a firearm.

In a statement on Wednesday, police spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi confirmed that Adefarasin voluntarily reported to the Ikeja headquarters for questioning. Investigations revealed that the object in the video was a stun gun—not a lethal weapon.

“After thorough investigation, including interrogation and a cautionary statement from Pastor Adefarasin, it was established that the object was a stun gun and not a firearm. There are no sufficient grounds to proceed, and the case is discontinued,” the statement said.

The police emphasized their commitment to transparency, rule of law, and public safety.

This development contrasts with an earlier statement in June by the Lagos Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, who noted that stun guns fall under prohibited riot control equipment and that pointing one at someone could be a criminal offense. At that time, both Adefarasin and the person allegedly threatened were set to be questioned.

The video showed the pastor in a Range Rover holding the device during an exchange. Adefarasin has maintained that he never brandished a firearm and that the object was non-lethal.

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Crime

EFCC: Yahoo Boys Fuel Stricter Visa Rules for Nigerians

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has cautioned that increasing cases of internet fraud are leading to stricter visa restrictions for innocent Nigerians abroad.

EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, represented by Chief Superintendent Coker Oyegunle, spoke on Monday at a Port Harcourt event organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs. He stressed that fraudulent activities damage Nigeria’s reputation, causing harsher travel conditions for law-abiding citizens.

Olukoyede urged youths to focus on productive sectors like digital innovation, agriculture, and entrepreneurship, warning that “fraud is not success; it is a trap” with lasting consequences.

The EFCC recently intensified efforts against cybercrime, arresting 38 suspected fraudsters in Lagos and securing convictions in Edo State for fraud-related offences.

In July, the US reduced the validity of Nigerian visas, including business, tourism, and student visas, a move linked to the rise in fraud cases.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to combating fraud through enforcement and community collaboration.

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Crime

Gov Alia’s Aide Abducted by Unidentified Gunmen

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The Principal Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor on Youth and Media Mobilization, Mr. Atu Terver, popularly known as Krayzeetee, has reportedly been abducted by unknown individuals.

The incident came to light late Tuesday after his wife shared an emotional post on social media, raising the alarm.

She revealed that her husband called her in a terrified voice saying, “I have been abducted, call mummy,” before his phone went unreachable.

Terver recently made headlines after dismissing one of his aides who took part in a protest against killings in Benue.

Authorities have yet to confirm the abduction or provide updates on any rescue efforts.

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