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EFCC Boss Olukoyede Warns NPOs Against Being Used For Terrorism Financing
EFCC Boss Olukoyede Warns NPOs Against Being Used For Terrorism Financing
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has cautioned Non-Profit Organisations, NPOs, across the country to guide against infiltration by terrorist networks that seek to exploit the sector for acts of terrorism against the state.
He gave the warning in Abuja on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at the launch of the National Terrorist Financing Risk Assessment, NTFRA, for NPOs.
Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Mr. Michael Nzekwe, the EFCC’s boss appreciated the crucial roles NPOs are playing in Nigeria’s socio-economic framework, noting that they continue to provide humanitarian aid, support vulnerable populations, promote education and healthcare, and assist the government in delivering essential social services.
He further stressed that, for their sterling roles, NPOs are recognized by the Financial Action Task Force, FATF but cautioned that, without appropriate safeguards, they could be susceptible to exploitation for terrorist financing. While appreciating the contributions of NPOs in helping Nigeria exit the FATF’s grey list in 2025, he pointed out that, “it is therefore crucial to protect the integrity of this significant sector, not only to ensure national security but also to maintain public trust and confidence in the legitimate activities of charitable organizations.”
Olukoyede explained that the initiation of the NTFRA for the NPO sector signifies another essential advancement in solidifying achievements already made, asserting that the current assessment will offer an evidence-based comprehension of the nature, extent, and factors contributing to terrorist financing risks within the sector. He noted that it will inform the creation of appropriate and risk-based regulatory and supervisory measures.
While seeking the buy-in of stakeholders in the NTFRA, he stressed that, “your cooperation, transparency, and contributions will be vital in ensuring that this risk assessment accurately mirrors the realities of the sector and fortifies Nigeria’s overall AML/CFT framework. With that said, it is my honor and privilege to officially launch the National Terrorist Financing Risk Assessment of the Non-Profit Organization Sector in Nigeria,” he said.
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Baguda, expressed gratitude to the EFCC and SCUML for uniting civil society organizations, describing the initiative as crucial in the battle against money laundering and terrorist financing. He urged all attendees to take the event seriously, emphasizing that their efforts and commitment are crucial. He reiterated the necessity for strong collaboration and knowledge sharing, adding that it would create a substantial impact in the fight against economic crimes.
“Your commitment to fostering transparency, accountability, and community involvement is admirable, and it is uplifting to witness civil society and government collaborating closely to enhance financial integrity in our country”, he said.
The Director of the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering, SCUML, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, DCE Harry Erin, appreciated all the stakeholders for their commitment to enhancing the integrity, transparency, and accountability of the NPO sector in Nigeria. While applauding NPOs for their crucial roles in national development, he noted that the NTFRA will allow Nigeria to reassess changes in the terrorism financing risk profile of the NPO sector since the last evaluation in 2023, with the intention of refining the existing risk-based supervisory approach to align with current realities, considering the significant progress made in the sector since the previous assessment.
“At the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML), we are dedicated to collaborating with the NPO sector, government agencies, and development partners to ensure that the regulatory framework is supportive, transparent, and in accordance with international best practices.
I therefore urge all stakeholders present here today to engage actively in this risk assessment process. Your contributions, data, and experiences will be essential in ensuring that the results of this exercise accurately reflect the realities of the sector and facilitate effective policy development” , he said.
EFCC
Director of International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs), Nigeria Forum, Mr. Ndubisi Emeka Anyanwu, commended SCUML for the initiative to review the 2022 NTFRA of the NPOs. According to him, the periodic review of national risk assessments is a vital best practice, adding that it demonstrates institutional commitment to risk-based supervision and reflects Nigeria’s resolve to remain aligned with international standards in combating terrorist financing.
Expressing active support for NTFRA, “we would like to reiterate, on this occasion, the Nigeria INGO Forum’s commitment to ongoing and proactive collaboration with SCUML and the EFCC. As the coordination platform for 55 international NGOs operating in Nigeria, NIF is ideally positioned to act as a reliable intermediary between the regulatory community and the wider non-profit sector”.
KW-IRS, EFCC Sets For Collaboration On Tax Compliance
KW-IRS, EFCC sets for collaboration on tax compliance. The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service, KW-IRS, Folashade Omoniyi, on Thursday, March 12, 2026, led members of her management on a courtesy visit to the Ilorin Acting Zonal Director of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Victoria Ugo, at the Commission’s office in GRA, Ilorin.
Speaking during the visit, Omoniyi said the delegation was at the EFCC to formally welcome the new Acting Director and further strengthen the cordial working relationship between both agencies. According to her, it has always been a tradition for the Service to pay such visits whenever a new head assumes office, noting that the gesture helps to “put a face to the name” and deepen institutional cooperation.
Omoniyi recalled that she was first appointed Executive Chairman of KW-IRS in October 2019 by the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and was reappointed in October 2023 after successfully completing her first tenure. She noted that the Service had enjoyed a productive and mutually beneficial relationship with the EFCC over the years, particularly in promoting accountability and improving revenue generation within the state.
The KW-IRS boss also spoke on the recently enacted tax reform signed into law by the President, highlighting some of its key provisions aimed at strengthening tax administration and enhancing compliance across the country. According to her, “the reform is designed to simplify Nigeria’s tax system, reduce the burden on low-income earners and small businesses, while boosting government revenue through improved compliance.”
She, however, lamented the persistent challenge of tax evasion, stressing the need for sustained public sensitisation on the new tax laws to ensure that citizens understand their civic responsibilities and sought continued collaboration with the EFCC, particularly in the area of enforcement and intelligence sharing.
According to her, stronger synergy between the revenue agency and the anti-graft commission would help curb tax evasion and other financial infractions, ultimately boosting internally generated revenue and supporting development efforts in Kwara State. She also congratulated Ugo on her appointment as the new Ilorin Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC, expressing confidence that her leadership would further strengthen the fight against economic and financial crimes in the zone.
EFCC
In her response, Ugo appreciated the KW-IRS delegation for the visit and the show of goodwill, noting that the anti-corruption drive under the leadership of the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, places strong emphasis on tax compliance as a critical component of financial integrity and national development.
She added that the visit went beyond mere familiarisation, describing it as a valuable opportunity for both institutions to interact, share ideas and deepen collaboration for more effective results in combating financial crimes and promoting accountability in the state.
IGP Asks Court To Dismiss El-Rufai Suit On Abuja Residence Search
IGP asks court to dismiss El-Rufai suit on Abuja residence search. The inspector-general of police (IGP) has asked the federal high court in Abuja to dismiss the enforcement suit filed by Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna state.
El-Rufai had challenged the search of his Abuja residence by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on February 19.
The former governor argued that the search warrant executed by security operatives was invalid.
He sought a court order to rule that any evidence obtained from the search is inadmissible in any proceeding against him, on the grounds that it was procured in breach of constitutional safeguards.
El-Rufai also sought N1 billion as general, exemplary, and aggravated damages for alleged violations of his fundamental rights, including trespass, unlawful seizure, psychological trauma, humiliation, distress and reputational harm.
The former governor joined the chief magistrate who issued the order, the inspector-general of police (IGP), and the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) as respondents in the suit.
But in a counter-affidavit against el-Rufai’s suit, the IGP said the police officers executed a valid search warrant issued by a magistrate court against the residence of the former governor, adding that the officers were only “complying with legal procedures”.
The IGP argued that the police have the legal powers to arrest, investigate, and prosecute offenders, including enforcing search warrants issued by a competent court.
The IGP accused the former governor of attempting to use the enforcement suit as a shield against investigation and possible prosecution.
When the case was called on Wednesday, Ubong Akpan, counsel to el-Rufai, told the court that he had responded to ICPC’s counter affidavit but was yet to respond to that of the IGP.
Abdulsufiano Abubakar, ICPC’s lawyer, and Ezekiel Rimamsomte, police counsel, confirmed Akpan’s submission.
El-Rufai
Joyce Abdulmalik, the presiding judge, adjourned the case to March 25 for hearing.
She ordered that the chief magistrate and AGF, who were not represented in court, be issued and served with hearing notices.
The ex-minister has been in the custody of the ICPC since February 19 after he was released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
NNPC Ltd reduces petrol price to N1,130/litre in Lagos, N1,165/litre in Abuja
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has dropped the price of petrol at its retail outlets to N1,130 per litre in Lagos and N1,165 per litre in Abuja.
On Wednesday, TheCable observed that the price dropped by N100 from N1,230 per litre in Lagos and by N95 from N1,260 per litre in Abuja.
In Lagos, the oil firm reduced the price of petrol to N1,130 per litre at its outlets at Isheri Oshun road, Apple Junction, and Ago Palace Way.
NNPC Ltd reduces petrol price
In Abuja, NNPC reduced the product’s price to N1,165 per litre at its outlets in Jabi and Wuse.
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