Permits anti-graft agency to arrest six CBEX staff over N1b fraud

Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Lagos has granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) an order for the interim forfeiture of 73 properties suspected to be instruments of computer-related fraud and money laundering.
   
The court also directed the anti-graft agency to publish the order in a national newspaper, inviting interested parties to appear within 14 days to show cause why a final forfeiture order should not be granted in favour of the Federal Government.
   
The forfeited items include, 1,596 computers/laptops; 4,091 mobile phones; 350 foreign SIM cards;  3,399 Nigerian SIM cards (1,122 MTN, 316 9mobile, 1,277 Airtel, 684 Glo);  194 routers;  205 sofas;  501 double-step bunks;  754 mattresses; 40 refrigerators;  10 microwaves, and 2 whiteboards.
   
Also listed are: 16 inverter batteries;  14 inverters;  43 CPUs/monitors;  a ring light;  two fuel tanks;  a transformer; seven vehicles;  411 deep freezers;  13 electric kettles; 21 UPS units;  a toaster;  an air fryer; 558 office tables; two television sets;  a network server;  six gas cylinders;  a blender;  three weight scales;  a spiral dough mixer; two double-burner stoves, and a dining set.
   
The order, granted on April 23, 2025, in suit number FHC/L/MISC/382/2025, followed a motion ex parte filed by the EFCC against a firm, Genting International Co., and argued by its counsel, B.M. Isah.
   
Justice Dipeolu ruled: “I have read the motion and attachments and find sufficient merit in the application. Consequently, the motion succeeds, and is hereby granted.”
   
The plaintiff applied under Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, and the court’s inherent jurisdiction. In an 18-paragraph affidavit, an EFCC investigator, Kaina Garba, said the commission stated that he received intelligence on a syndicate involved in computer fraud, money laundering, and organised crime, allegedly led by Chinese nationals operating under the name Genting International.
 
Preliminary findings revealed that the syndicate was recruiting and training Nigerian youths in romance, dating, and investment scams. Each recruit was assigned a computer system and a specially configured mobile phone line.
 
A sting operation on December 10, 2024, at No. 7 Oyinjolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos -believed to be the syndicate’s headquarters – led to the recovery of the listed assets. Other properties tied to the syndicate were identified at No. 14 Modupe Alakija Crescent, Ikoyi; Plot 1220 Bishop Oluwole Street, Victoria Island, and Plot No. 54A A.J. Marinho Drive, Victoria Island.
   
Garba stated that 761 suspects, both foreign and Nigerian nationals, were arrested. However, the suspected leaders and financiers remain at large but are being hunted by the commission.

IN a similar vein, the Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday,  on Thursday, gave the anti-graft agency the go-ahead to arrest and detain six promoters of Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) over alleged investment fraud to the tune of over N1 billion.
  
Justice Emeka Nwite, who gave the order after EFCC’s lawyer, Fadila Yusuf, moved an ex parte motion to the effect, said the detention would be pending the conclusion of the investigation of the alleged offences and possible prosecution.
 
“I have listened to the submission of the learned counsel for the applicant (EFCC).
 “I have also gone through the affidavit evidence with exhibits thereto, along with the written address.
 “I am of the view and I so hold that the application is meritorious.
  
“Consequently, the application is granted as prayed,” the judge ruled. The six suspects include Adefowora Abiodun Olanipekun, Adefowora Oluwanisola, Emmanuel Uko, and Seyi Oloyede. Others are Avwerosuo Otorudo and Chukwuebuka Ehirim as the 1st to 6th defendants, respectively.
  
In the motion ex parte dated and filed April 23 by Yusuf, the anti-graft agency sought two prayers. The commission sought an order of the court for the issuance of a warrant of arrest for the defendants.
  
It also prayed the court for “an order remanding the defendants in the custody of the complainant/applicant pending the conclusion of the investigation of the alleged offences and possible prosecution.”

Giving four grounds, the lawyer said the EFCC has a statutory duty of prevention and detection of financial crimes through investigation.