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Lawmakers Push to Free Anti-Graft Agency from Political Control

Phinadon Mag

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Nigeria’s House of Representatives advances a bill to grant EFCC institutional independence, limit presidential powers, and modernize anti-corruption laws.

EFCCIndependenceBill has gained momentum as the House of Representatives advanced a bill seeking to amend the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004, to grant the anti-corruption agency greater institutional independence.

The proposed legislation, sponsored by Yusuf Gagdi, a lawmaker from Plateau State, scaled second reading during Thursday’s plenary session presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

Strengthening EFCC’s Autonomy

The amendment bill aims to insulate the EFCC from political interference and align its operations with global anti-corruption best practices.

Leading the debate, Gagdi explained that the amendment seeks to modernize the EFCC’s legal framework to address the complex and evolving nature of financial crimes in Nigeria.

He noted that since the EFCC Act was enacted in 2004, the scope of financial crimes has expanded to include cybercrime, cryptocurrency manipulation, illicit financial flows, terrorism financing, and real estate-based money laundering.

“The EFCC operates under outdated provisions that do not adequately address these new realities,” Gagdi said. “Furthermore, the existing Act does not provide sufficient guarantees for the independence of the Commission, exposing it to external influence and political interference.”

Limiting Presidential Powers

A key highlight of the proposed amendment is the restriction of the President’s power to remove the EFCC Chairman.

Under the current Section 3(2) of the EFCC Act, 2004, the President can remove the Chairman at will, without legislative approval.

The amendment seeks to change this by requiring a two-thirds majority approval from both the Senate and the House of Representatives before such a removal can take effect.

Gagdi argued that this change would enhance transparency, strengthen institutional independence, and restore public confidence in the Commission’s operations.

A Step Toward Global Standards

“The bill presents a decisive step towards strengthening Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework,” Gagdi said. “It seeks to ensure that the EFCC operates as an independent, professional, and transparent institution that is responsive to modern financial crime realities.”

He added that the amendment would boost Nigeria’s global reputation, promote good governance, and enhance economic stability.

Lawmakers Back the Amendment

Supporting the bill, Ginger Onwusibe, Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Crimes, described the amendment as long overdue.

He emphasized that the principal Act does not adequately capture contemporary financial crimes, making reform essential to ensure the EFCC remains effective in combating corruption.

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Police arrest Bauchi man accused of poisoning motorcyclist and stealing his bike.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested a 27-year-old man, Isiyaka Badamasi, for allegedly poisoning a commercial motorcyclist in an attempt to steal his motorcycle.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, Badamasi and his alleged accomplice, Ma’aruf Sani, reportedly offered a 21-year-old motorcyclist a sweet containing a harmful substance. The victim, who resides in the Yelwa Tudun area of Bauchi, allegedly became intoxicated after consuming it.

The suspects were said to have attempted to dispossess him of his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle. However, the victim raised an alarm after sensing danger, attracting members of the public who apprehended Badamasi. Sani, both of whose residents are reportedly from Na’ibawa in Kano State, escaped and is currently the subject of a police manhunt.

The victim was taken to Gamuwa Primary Health Care Centre, where he remains on admission and is responding to treatment.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

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Lojay: My uncle told me I would never succeed in music.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Nigerian singer Lojay has revealed that he faced significant opposition when he decided to pursue a career in music, including doubts from members of his family.

Speaking during a recent livestream with content creator Gilmore, the “Monalisa” hitmaker recalled that one of his wealthy and influential uncles, who is now involved in politics, told him he would never succeed in the music industry.

“I have an uncle who is now in politics. I won’t mention his name, but he is very rich and popular. When I wanted to start music, he told me I would never blow,” Lojay said.

Despite the discouragement, the singer remained committed to his ambition and used the criticism as motivation. He expressed satisfaction that his perseverance had eventually produced positive results.

Lojay also encouraged his fans to remain confident in their dreams and avoid allowing negative opinions to define their ambitions.

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Benue Police Deny Withdrawal of Mobile Personnel from Ayilamo.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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The Nigeria Police Command in Benue State has dismissed reports alleging that Mobile Police personnel were withdrawn from Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, the report was described as unfounded and baseless. He stated that Mobile Police personnel remained deployed in Ayilamo alongside the Divisional Police team and other tactical units.

Aondogwu also said additional military personnel had been deployed to reinforce security in the area, urging the public to disregard the report.

However, the traditional ruler of Ayilamo, Mue Ter, Chief Torkoer Samuel, contradicted the police account. He claimed that the Mobile Police personnel left the community on Wednesday with their equipment and Armoured Personnel Carriers.

The conflicting accounts have raised questions about the current security situation in Ayilamo and the extent of military presence in the community.

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