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Hard Times Await Illegal Miners as EFCC Boss Olukoyede Bags MINILS’ Fellowship Award

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EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede Warned

Hard Times Await Illegal Miners as EFCC Boss Olukoyede Bags MINILS’ Fellowship Award

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has vowed to intensify his crackdown on illegal mining by going after the financiers, mineral buyers, compromised public officials and other collaborators who profit from the illicit exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral resources.
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Olukoyede made this disclosure in Ilorin, Kwara State on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, while delivering a Keynote address at a joint conference on Illegal Mining, Corruption and Climate Implications organised by the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies MINILS, Ilorin, in partnership with the Human and Environmental Development Agenda, HEDA. Beyond the address, the EFCC’s boss was honoured with the Fellowship of the Institute

Speaking on the theme, “Uprooting the Roots of Resource Theft: A Zero-Tolerance Approach to Mining Corruption and Increasing Insecurity in Nigeria,” the anti graft czar observed that despite Nigeria’s abundant mineral resources, including gold, lithium, tin, lead, zinc and other valuable minerals, the country was yet to maximise their economic benefits due to corruption, illegal exploitation and insecurity. He stressed that mineral wealth could only become a national blessing when properly managed and protected from criminal exploitation.

He explained that illegal mining was not merely the handiwork of individuals operating mining pits but involved sophisticated networks of local and international financiers, buyers, compromised officials, transporters and beneficiaries of illicit proceeds. He therefore advocated an enforcement strategy that goes beyond arresting miners to identifying and dismantling the financial networks behind the criminal enterprise. “A serious enforcement strategy must move from the pit to the purse,” he declared, adding that the EFCC would continue to follow the money, investigate financiers and facilitators, trace illicit proceeds and prosecute offenders based on evidence.

Giving an account of the Commission’s efforts, Olukoyede disclosed that between October 2023 and July 2026, the EFCC recorded 52 illegal-mining cases within its specialised enforcement portfolio, resulting in investigations, prosecutions and convictions. He also revealed that the Commission secured the forfeiture of 102 tonnes of solid minerals. He emphasised that illegal mining was not just an economic crime but could fuel extortion, smuggling, violence and other forms of criminality, thereby worsening insecurity in affected communities.

The EFCC Chairman further called for stronger collaboration among mining regulators, law enforcement agencies, financial intelligence institutions, customs authorities, revenue agencies and host communities. He maintained that effective information sharing, joint intelligence and coordinated operations were essential to identifying the financiers and ultimate beneficiaries of illegal mining. He also urged organised labour, traditional institutions, civil society and the media to support efforts aimed at promoting transparency, decent work and accountability in the extractive sector.

EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede Warned

Ola Olukoyede

Earlier, the Director-General of MINILS and Chief Host, Comrade Issa Aremu commended the EFCC under Olukoyede’s leadership for its efforts in curbing illegal activities and promoting accountability in the country. He also underscored the importance of the conference in advancing labour education and addressing contemporary challenges confronting workers and the environment.

In his remarks, the Chairman of HEDA Resource Centre, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, described illegal mining, corruption and climate degradation as interconnected challenges requiring collective action. He stressed that organised labour must be central to Nigeria’s transition to clean energy to ensure that workers are not left behind.

He explained that the three-day engagement was designed to equip labour leaders with advocacy, skills development and collective bargaining tools, while promoting a joint action plan for monitoring suspicious mining activities and a Green Accountability Campaign.

The high point of the event was the conferment of a Fellowship Award on the EFCC Chairman by MINILS in recognition of his contributions to the fight against corruption and related economic crimes.

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Umo Eno Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Employment, Says Ibom International Hotel Will Create More Jobs

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Ibom International Hotel

Umo Eno Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Employment, Says Ibom International Hotel Will Create More Jobs

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating more employment opportunities for youths and other residents of the state, describing job creation as a deliberate process that requires strategic planning and investments.
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The Governor stated this on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, while responding to questions from Government House Correspondents shortly after inspecting the ongoing Ibom International Hotel project in Uyo.
He explained that the hotel project, alongside other developments within the Tropicana area, had already provided direct and indirect employment for several Akwa Ibom indigenes, noting that more opportunities would emerge upon its completion.
Eno described the project as part of his administration’s commitment to fulfilling its promises to the people and laying a solid foundation for sustainable employment generation.

“What we promised Akwa Ibom people, we are delivering. You can imagine for yourself how many people this project is employing now and what it will employ when it is finished,” he said.
The Governor stressed that employment opportunities do not emerge without deliberate efforts, explaining that his administration was making strategic investments and establishing the necessary structures to create sustainable jobs.

“If you don’t create a foundation, you can’t build on it. You don’t create employment in the air. You deliberately and intentionally prepare, put something on the ground and then employ people to work,” he stated.
He further cited the recent recruitment of 4,000 civil servants, who had just undergone an orientation exercise, as evidence of his administration’s commitment to expanding employment opportunities.
According to him, the recruitment process was carefully planned, with the government taking deliberate steps to determine the number of personnel required.

Ibom International Hotel

Ibom International Hotel

“We have just done orientation for 4,000 newly employed civil servants. We didn’t create it in the air. I took time to explain how we arrived at the number. So these things are precept upon precept,” he explained.
The Governor noted that the inspection formed part of his routine visits to ongoing project sites, particularly those within areas receiving attention from his administration.

Eno undertook the inspection shortly after addressing the 4,000 newly recruited public servants at their orientation exercise held at the Ibom Tropicana Event Centre, Uyo.

He was accompanied by the Chief of Staff, Mr Aniefiok Johnson, members of the State Executive Council and other government officials.

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Nigeria Police Vows to Arrest and Prosecutes Anyone Destroying Campaign Posters and Billboards

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Nigeria Police Vows to Arrest and Prosecutes Anyone Destroying Campaign Posters and Billboards

The Nigeria Police Force has observed with serious concern the growing incidents of deliberate tearing, defacement and destruction of political campaign posters, banners and billboards belonging to candidates and political parties across the country ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
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The Force strongly condemns this act of political intolerance and warns political thugs, hoodlums and other mischief-makers involved to desist immediately.

For the avoidance of doubt, destroying, defacing or unlawfully removing another candidate’s campaign posters and billboards may constitute malicious damage, which is a criminal offence under applicable criminal laws (Section 451 of the Criminal Code Act and Sections 326 of the Penal Code Law, which defines the offence of mischief). Political differences or loyalty to a particular party do not give anyone the right to destroy another candidate’s property or infringe on their right to campaign freely.

The Force reiterates that all political parties and candidates, irrespective of their affiliation or status, are entitled to equal protection under the law. No individual or group has the right to determine whose campaign materials should be displayed or destroyed.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has directed Commissioners of Police across the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory to take proactive measures to prevent such acts, investigate reported incidents and ensure that persons found culpable are arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. Political sponsors and individuals who recruit, encourage or facilitate these criminal acts will equally be held accountable where evidence establishes their involvement.

The Force calls on political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully and respect the rights of others. Nigeria’s democratic process must not be undermined by political intolerance, intimidation or criminal conduct.

 Police

Police

The Nigeria Police Force will not allow political thugs and troublemakers to turn the nation’s political environment into a theatre of lawlessness. Those who choose to break the law will face the full consequences of their actions.

BE WARNED. RESPECT THE LAW. LET DEMOCRACY THRIVE.

CSP Ani Iniedu anipr
Force Public Relations Officer
Nigeria Police Force
Force Headquarters, Abuja.
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EFCC, Australian Federal Police Sign MoU to Strengthen Fight Against Cybercrime

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Australian Federal Police

EFCC, Australian Federal Police Sign MoU to Strengthen Fight Against Cybercrime

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Australian Federal Police, AFP, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, to strengthen collaboration in tackling cybercrime and other transnational financial crimes.
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The agreement was signed on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at the EFCC Headquarters, Jabi, Abuja.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Leilani Bin-Juda, commended the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, and officers of the Commission for the cordial relationship and cooperation with the Australian Federal Police over the years.

“Chairman, I want to say a big thank you to you, your leadership, your agency and your amazing officers who have worked closely with the Australian Federal Police,” she said.

She noted that Nigeria and Australia have sustained cooperation on several issues, through exchange of technology, intelligence and professional advice, adding that the partnership had contributed positively to the bilateral relationship between both countries.

According to her, cybercrime remains a global concern requiring concerted efforts, noting that Nigeria plays a significant leadership role in the region.

“This is an area of interest and importance, not only to Australia and Nigeria but also globally. Cyber matters are affecting many countries, and Nigeria is one of those leading countries in the region. Other African countries look to Nigeria for leadership in this aspect. I commend you for your efforts,” she said.

Also speaking, the Assistant Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police, Sandra Booth, described the MoU as an important step towards deepening the existing relationship between both institutions.

She disclosed that the partnership between the EFCC and AFP dated back to 2004 and had produced significant results in several areas, including sensitive investigations, cyber-enabled crimes, business email compromise investigations, financial investigations and scams.

“We are very grateful for this relationship that we have with you. I look forward to the new MoU providing new opportunities for us to work together, open new horizons, strengthen our relationship and promote professional development between our organisations,” she said.

Booth expressed confidence that the agreement would provide a clearer framework for sustained cooperation, mutual support and the continued exchange of expertise between the two agencies.

“We are very excited about today. It takes us to what we believe is the next step in our relationship. Relationships go through evolution, and I am very proud to be able to sign this document with you, Chairman, which articulates what the future looks like,” she said.

In his remarks, EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, thanked the Australian Government and the Australian Federal Police for finding Nigeria and the Commission worthy of the partnership.

He said the Commission had always remained open to international collaboration, particularly in the investigation and prosecution of financial crimes, given the increasingly transnational nature of economic and financial crimes.

“We have discovered that financial crimes take a transnational dimension. What affects Nigeria inevitably affects Australia. That is why countries have to come together because criminals always work together,” he said.

Olukoyede stressed that the interconnected nature of criminal networks made cooperation among law enforcement agencies across jurisdictions imperative.

“There is a network of criminals, and for us to fight this network, we must also network as countries that are serious about the fight against such crimes. That is why we are always open to this kind of collaboration,” he said.

He explained that the MoU was intended to formalise the longstanding relationship between the two agencies and establish a framework for more structured cooperation.

According to him, the framework would cover training and manpower development, mutual support, as well as the exchange of information and intelligence, subject to the domestic laws of both countries.

Australian Federal Police

Australian Federal Police

“We are always willing to do that. It is a bilateral relationship that benefits both countries, irrespective of where the perpetrators are,” he said.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of awards by the Australian Federal Police to four outstanding officers of the Commission in recognition of their exceptional investigative skills, professionalism and dedication demonstrated during a complex and lengthy investigation.

The award recipients were Assistant Commander of the EFCC II, Abba Sambo Usman; Assistant Commander of the EFCC II, Olufemi Olukinni; Assistant Commander of the EFCC II, Omewa Pius Nnaemeka; and Inspector of the EFCC I, Owolabi Jude Oyarekhua.
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