Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested Moses Thomas Sule, former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, along with 14 other ex-lawmakers, over allegations of money laundering and abuse of procurement processes. The arrests took place on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, following petitions from concerned citizens. The lawmakers are accused of violating the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. According to EFCC findings, the accused, who served for just six months, allegedly benefited from the purchase of luxury vehicles worth more than N2.5 billion. These vehicles were reportedly acquired without following due process. After leaving office, the former lawmakers failed to return the vehicles, despite requirements to do so. The Plateau State government was then forced to procure another set of vehicles for the current House members, costing about N2 billion. The arrested individuals include Gwottson Fom, Sani Abubakar, Jwe Philip Gwom, Thomas Dantong, Happiness Mathew Akawu, Cornelius Dotyok, Agbalak Ibrahim, Danjuma Azi, Fwangje Bala Ndat, Salome Tanimu Wanglet, Namba Rimuyat, Nimchak Rims, Ishaku Maren, and Paul Datugun. EFCC officials say the former Speaker and other members will be charged in court soon.
SunTrust Bank MD, Executive Director arraigned over $12 million money laundering charges
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Halima Buba, Managing Director and CEO of SunTrust Bank Ltd, alongside Innocent Mbagwu, the bank’s Executive Director and Chief Compliance Officer, on charges of money laundering involving $12 million. The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, heard that the two senior bank officials allegedly facilitated large cash payments without routing them through financial institutions, violating the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. According to the charge sheet, Buba and Mbagwu aided a $3 million cash payment on March 10, 2025, in Abuja to Suleiman Muhammed Chiroma and associates, and conspired to make another $3 million cash payment on March 13, 2025, in Lagos to Mukhtar Miko, an associate of Chiroma, both without proper financial institution involvement. The total amount involved in the alleged laundering activities is $12 million. Both defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read. The EFCC’s lead counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, requested an accelerated hearing, while the defense counsel, J.J. Usman, SAN, sought bail for the accused. Justice Nwite granted bail set at N100 million each, with the condition that each defendant must provide one surety owning landed property in Abuja. The sureties’ documents and residences must be verified before approval. Until bail conditions are met, the defendants remain in custody.
Dismissed soldier arrested for defrauding POS operators in Niger State
Michael Musa, a dismissed Nigerian soldier, was arrested in Niger State for impersonating a serving military officer and defrauding Point-of-Sale (POS) operators of over N470,000 while wearing full military camouflage. The Niger State Police Command apprehended Musa following multiple reports of fraud in Bida, Kataeregi, and along Mandela Road in Minna. The arrest was made after a magistrate court referred the case to the Tudun-Wada Division on May 27, 2025. According to police reports, Musa first defrauded a POS operator near Musa Bello Primary School in Bida on May 12, 2025, taking N120,000. He repeated similar acts on May 23 and May 29, collecting N300,000 in Kataeregi and N50,000 along Mandela Road, respectively. Police detectives, aided by technical intelligence, arrested Musa at his residence on Mandela Road. During interrogation, he admitted to the crimes and revealed he was dismissed from the military in 2022 in Benin, Edo State. The police confirmed the investigation is ongoing as more victims come forward with similar complaints.
Police arrest two suspects in connection with the kidnap and murder of female bank manager in Onitsha
On May 28, 2025, the Anambra State Police Command arrested two suspects, Monday Egbe (32) and Kenneth Nnoga (28), believed to be involved in the kidnapping and subsequent murder of a female bank manager in Onitsha, following the collection of a ransom of N14 million from her family. The victim, who worked at a bank in Onitsha, was abducted and held captive for several days before her family was contacted to pay the ransom. Despite the payment, the victim was tragically found dead on January 13, 2025, along Nnobi Road, with her eyes tied, indicating foul play by the kidnappers. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, diligent investigations led security operatives to the suspects’ hideout in a neighboring state, resulting in their arrest. The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation to uncover the gang’s modus operandi and to facilitate the arrest of other members involved. The Commissioner of Police in Anambra, Mr. Ikioye Orutugu, reassured the public of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property. He emphasized that the investigation will be pursued to its logical conclusion to ensure justice is served. The police have called on residents to assist by reporting suspicious activities and supporting law enforcement efforts to prevent further crimes in the state.
NDLEA seizes N3.2 billion worth of opioids at Lagos and Port Harcourt ports
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted opioids valued at over N3.2 billion in separate raids at Apapa seaport in Lagos and Port Harcourt port in Rivers state. The seizures include 3 million pills of tapentadol and carisoprodol royal 225mg worth N2.1 billion, discovered in a watch-listed container at the Port Harcourt Port complex on May 14, 2025. This operation was conducted jointly with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies following intelligence leads. At Apapa port on May 13, NDLEA officers uncovered 169,800 bottles of codeine syrup concealed in a shipment declared as new car parts from India. The street value of this consignment is estimated at over N1.1 billion. In addition to these major busts, NDLEA also intercepted 250 grams of cocaine concealed in female headgear destined for Australia, and made several arrests across different states involving various controlled substances such as skunk, tramadol, and loud. Brigadier-General Buba Marwa (Retired), NDLEA Chairman, praised the officers involved for their dedication to balancing efforts between reducing drug supply and demand nationwide. “These operations demonstrate our unwavering commitment to combating drug trafficking and protecting our communities,” Marwa said. The agency continues to collaborate with other security bodies to stem the flow of illicit drugs through Nigeria’s ports and borders.