EFCC-Linked Case: Facebook Commentator Arrested for Alleged False Claims

Michael Itok, a Facebook user known for his controversial online commentary, has been arrested by security authorities over alleged misinformation and defamatory publications.
According to sources, Itok is currently in custody at the Force Headquarters and is expected to be arraigned on multiple charges linked to recent posts made on his Facebook page.
His arrest follows a series of online publications concerning Victor Thompson, who was recently arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Directorate, on allegations of defrauding American investors of over $525,000 in what the Commission described as a fraudulent mineral and seaport investment scheme. The EFCC had, in a statement published on its official Facebook page on February 2, 2026, disclosed that Thompson was arraigned on an eight-count charge.
In response to the EFCC’s action, Itok allegedly posted claims suggesting that Thompson’s arrest was motivated by personal issues unrelated to the fraud allegations. Authorities, however, consider those claims to be false and capable of misleading the public, particularly as investigations into the fraud case are ongoing.
Investigators maintain that the charges against Thompson relate strictly to alleged financial crimes involving foreign investors. Individuals mentioned in Itok’s posts have denied the claims attributed to them, describing the narrative as fabricated and damaging.
Security sources further indicated that Itok’s recent publications were not limited to the Thompson matter. He reportedly authored additional posts targeting other public figures in Akwa Ibom State, which authorities are reviewing as part of a broader investigation into alleged cyber defamation and blackmail.
Records show that Itok was previously arrested in October 2019 by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged defamatory publications against the then-Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel. Media reports at the time indicated that he was detained for over 60 days before being granted bail in December 2019 by an Akwa Ibom State High Court in the sum of N500,000.
With the current arrest, authorities say the case underscores renewed efforts by law enforcement agencies to address online misinformation, cyber harassment and related offences under Nigeria’s cybercrime laws.
Meanwhile, members of the public have been advised to rely on verified information from credible sources and avoid spreading unconfirmed claims, especially in matters involving ongoing criminal investigations.

Former Acting AGF Admits Release Of Funds For To Private Companies In The Alleged N868.4m Fraud

Former acting AGF admits release of funds for to private companies in the alleged N868.4m fraud. A former Acting Accountant General of the Federation, Chukwunyere Anamekwe Nwabuoku on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 admitted before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, that he confessed in his statements at the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, that funds were transferred to four companies from the Ministry of Defence, where he was formerly the Director of Finance for what he described simply as “classified purposes.”

This admission sharply contradicts his testimony in the previous proceeding in the court where he disputed allegations linking him with any dealings with the said companies, namely, Temeeo Synergy Concept Limited, Turge Global Investment Limited, Laptev Bridge and Arafura Transnational Afro Limited. He had then claimed that he only heard about the companies as they were mentioned in court.

Under cross examination by prosecution counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, on Tuesday, the defendant was shown his statement in ICPC, dated February 2, 2025, where he admitted in writing that funds were transferred to the four companies from the Ministry of Defence, under him as the Director of Finance for classified security purposes which are not to be disclosed.

Fraud

Further in the cross-examination, the prosecution counsel maintained in his submission that evidence before the court showed that the funds paid to these four companies by the Ministry of Defence were not for lawful transactions as there is no proof whatsoever to show that they were used for security purposes.

While claiming that he bought the property he lives in, directly by himself and from legitimate earnings, the defendant/witness curiously identified in the same breath a cheque of N64 million issued by a company, Mdavi Limited in favour of City Gate Homes for the acquisition of the residence.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is prosecuting Nwabuoku on amended nine-count charge, bordering on money laundering to the tune of N868, 465,000 (Eight Hundred and Sixty-eight Million, Four Hundred and Sixty-five Thousand Naira)

Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter till February 27, 2026 for adoption of written addresses.

2026 Budget: ICPC Boss Urges Enhanced Funding Before Senate, Citing Operational Needs, Staff Welfare Concerns

2026 Budget: ICPC Boss urges enhanced funding before senate, citing operational needs, staff welfare concerns. The Chairman of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has made a compelling appeal to the National Assembly for a substantial increase in the Commission’s funding; arguing that without it, the agency’s capacity to fulfil its anti-corruption mandate is critically undermined.

Dr. Aliyu presented his case on Tuesday whilst defending the ICPC’s 2026 budget proposal before the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes. He detailed how severe underfunding and poor disbursement of approved allocations had crippled operations throughout 2025.

“Inadequate funding remains our most significant impediment, directly affecting our manpower, logistics, staff welfare, and overall operational effectiveness,” stated Dr. Aliyu.

The ICPC Chairman provided a stark breakdown of the 2025 financial constraints:

1. Overhead Costs: Of the N7.82 billion approved, only N2.1 billion (approximately 28%) was released.

2. Capital Expenditure: From an approved N7.3 billion, a mere N400.49 million (about 5%) was released—and only on 28 November 2025. This late, minimal disbursement prevented proper project execution and compliant procurement processes.

Despite these “severe limitations,” the Chairman highlighted the Commission’s notable achievements in 2025:

1. Recovered N33.1 billion in cash and $1.8 million, alongside other assets.

2. Filed 72 new cases and secured 36 convictions, with roughly 400 cases ongoing nationwide.

3. Received 1,107 petitions, assigning 700 for investigation and concluding 150.

4. Deployed Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecards in 344 MDAs and inaugurated 131 Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs).

ICPC Boss

Dr. Aliyu expressed profound concern over the low morale among staff, who undertake high-risk investigations with inadequate support. “Their dedication is commendable, but welfare is poor. Without improved funding, we cannot function effectively, and this situation risks damaging Nigeria’s global standing in corruption perception indices,” he warned.

He further noted with dismay that the proposed 2026 budget allocation for the ICPC has been reduced, despite the evident need for enhancement. Dr. Aliyu concluded by assuring the Committee of the Commission’s commitment to fiscal discipline and prudent resource management should funding be improved.

In response, the Chairman of the Senate Committee, Senator Emmanuel Udende, commended the ICPC’s recoveries and successes amidst financial hardship.

He assured Dr. Aliyu that his committee would actively engage the Senate Committee on Appropriations to advocate for an improved financial provision for the Commission.