"… You the members of the NBF…are the best breed Nigeria can boast of” – Alhaji Nuhu Ribadu, ESQ, EFCC Executive Chairman

 

 

 

Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Executive Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ade Famoti, President, Nigerian Business Forum.

 

June, 2005

Hand picked by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Olusegun Obasanjo to lead the Nigerian anti-graft war, and spear head the Economic and Financial Crimes

Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu’s campaign has been unprecedented in Nigeria.

The EFCC chairman is one of many “new age technocrats leading economic reform

efforts in Nigeria. , The EFCC (www.efccnigeria.org) was established in 2002,

 

About the Chairman

 

Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Executive Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was an Assistant Commissioner of Police and Head Legal and Prosecution Department of the Nigeria Police Force before his appointment by President Olusegun Obasanjo in April 2003.

He was born in Yola, Adamawa State on November 11, 1960. He attended Mustapha Primary School (1966-1973), Yelwa Government Secondary School, Yola (1973-1978), College of Preliminary Studies (1978-1980) and the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1980-1983). He bagged a Bachelor of Laws degree on graduation and proceeded to the Nigerian Law School where he was called to the Bar in 1984.

Mallam Ribadu joined the Nigeria Police on January 1, 1986 as an Assistant Superintendent of Police. He climbed the ladder to become Deputy Superintendent (1992), Superintendent (1995), Chief Superintendent (1998) and Assistant Commissioner (2000). He served in various police formations in Lagos State Police Command as a Divisional Crime Officer in Ajegunle, Mushin and Apapa between 1986-1990. Between 1990-1997, he served at Force CID, Alagbon Close, Lagos. In 1997, he was moved to the Force Headquarters where he headed the Legal and Prosecution Department.

He is a recipient of triple Inspector General of Police's Award in 1997, 1998 and 2000 and Special recommendation by the Accountant General of the Federation for successfully prosecuting some corrupt civil servants in 1999.

Three notable Nigerian Newspapers, ‘This Day', ‘Leadership', and ‘New Age' declared him Nigeria's Man of the year 2004.
He has attended many courses both at home and abroad. He is happily married with Children

 

In an exclusive interview with the Ade Famoti, and Ayodele Adenuga of the Nigerian Business Forum (NBF), Mallam Ribadu speaks on some of the activities of his anti-corruption commission.

Q: Ade Famoti: With regards to the current state of the country right now, all the activities of the EFCC, corrupt practices, money laundering, where does all this stop ? Nigerians are asking… how genuine is the anti-graft war ? are we doing this for our Paris club creditors ? We’re stamping on corruption in the country….where does it stop..

A: Nuhu Ribadu: I understand your question. First of all, its understandable for people to have this pessimism. Its part of coming out of a very difficult period in the history of our country. It is understandable. We’re taking a new direction and leaving the bad road.

Fundamentally, we know what we are doing. We know that we have no alternative. We must go ahead and change. We must continue good governance, transparency, establish law and order in the country. We must have discipline in the way we do things, We must establish law and order in the country. It’s for our own good this home grown economic reform package. We are not taking orders from anybody. We’re all Nigerians. But fundamentally, it is to ensure that future governments will start delivering. We know that what we are doing is to exhibit confidence after all the mismanagement, to fight corruption. So , we started this work well over 2 years ago. At the time when we started, we were confiscating properties of some of the known fraudsters,as far back as two years back from the Ajuduas, the Ade Bendel’s e.t.c. We are doing it because it’s the right thing to do, we believe that Nigeria from now on nobody will be above the law in the country. The rule of law must prevail… Nigeria has suffered unbelievably in terms of past governments.

Really, theres no compromising for us to change. The issue of fighting corruption has nothing to do with impressing anybody It is our own problem. We are the victims of the damage. It’s the reason theres no infrastructure, no security, nothing works,

We know that for us to solve this problem we have to first of all tackle corruption. We know for example people are talking about the debts and Nigeria “trying to impress “anybody. The debt itself is as a product of corruption. We are trying to solve these issues brought about by our past leaders. I don’t think we need to impress anybody. We are doing it for ourselves. We have the capacity, will, courage and resolve to do this for ourselves, for our own good. If the rest of the world sees Nigeria in a different positive light, that is good. Nigerians are one of the most dynamic people you can encounter.

Q: Ayo Adenuga: People have had comments in our discussion forum at the Nigerian Business Forum, about some of these things you mention, and also what happens after 2007

Q:NR :The work we are doing is so nobody can come and reverse it. If what we’re doing today is fruitful, I can give you the assurance, that we will not have a corrupt President of Nigeria again, it will never happen.

If we are going to have past crooks come back, rule us and reverse the work that we’ve done, then we can as well just back our bags and leave the job now. Really, we are busy, President Obasanjo and the team that he’s leading are driving the entire reform package. We are trying to make it impossible for bad governance again in Nigeria. We want to make sure the reform will be sustained. You go into something believing that it will work.

Q: AA: Obviously theres been a lot of corrupt practices in the past in the country, what will happen to these people.

A: NR: We are working…we are working. If theres somebody out there that has stolen money from Nigeria, and is keeping it out there, we are going after him.

Q: AF: People are worried that maybe the EFCC is targetting select individuals in this graft war.

A: NR: When you do things like this in Nigeria, there would always be people that are skeptical. As long as you doing it honestly, prosperity will determine what you have done. When you go after bad people, they will never keep quiet, they will always want to fight you. This time it is over, they will never win. No cheap blackmail will deter us. If they think we are targeting select people, then they have to come out and prove it. For example, since we started working, we deliberately went after people in government We brought to justice, entire leadership of the Nigerian assembly, members of the ruling party of Nigeria, Chief Inspector General of police, and cabinet ministers. We have not touched not one single member of the opposition party. Not a single individual “yet”.

That does not mean if you are in the opposition you will not be touched. It will not be a defense, or a cover for you. Because ultimately, we don’t want people to come and say because you are this, or u want to be that why the EFCC is after you. If you are a thief, we will go after you, and when we go after you, we will bring evidence against you, and when we bring the evidence, it will be open, , and when we make it open, it will be transparent, and we will take u to the court of justice for the world to see. We will never be deterred by the cheap blackmail. We are not politicians, we are doing this for the people.

Q: AF: Does the constitution, give the rightfully needed framework to charge and prosecute some of these cases. It was said somewhere in the papers, that only the police can investigate some of the charges by your commission

A: NR: Lawyers will always use delay tactics. Thats all they’re doing, when there is no defense to what their clients did. They use diversionary tactics. So the issue that we have power to investigate is very clear, the law is there, everybody should go read what the law says. We have all the powers of the Nigerian police hundred percent, and we have sectoral powers. We go to the court of law, not any kangaroo court. So lawyers bring these challenges, and do things to justify the money being paid by they’re client. In our own case, it will not work, because we are serious.

Q: AA: When you said the law was very clear, so if someone should ask where in the law can they refer to…

A: NR: The EFCC establishment act, anti-money laundering act of 2004. Miscellaneous Offences Act, 1985, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act, 1989, the money Laundering Act of 1995 (now repealed by MLPA, 2004, the advance Fee Fraud (otherwise known as 419) and Related Offences Act of 1995. Failed Banks (Recovery of Debts) and Financial Malpractices in Banks Act of 1996, Banks and other Financial Institutions Act of 1991, and the Foreign Exchange (Miscellaneous) Offences Act of 1995. All the laws are quite clear. We have all over 10 people challenge some of these laws, and lost. We have won every single one of them. From Rotimi Williams to every big lawyer in Nigeria, and we have flawed them all.

Q: AF: I have to say, President Obasanjo introducing people like yourself, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo, Mallam El Rufai, Dora Akinyuli, Professor Charles Soludo, Oby Ezekwesili and others to the administration has really boosted the economic reform and anti-corruption campaign.

A: NR: The good thing about it is, they are all professional, technocrats, non-political people. People dedicated professionally.They are also what I consider the angry generation of Nigerians. We are tired of the mess. Just like you guys at the NBF. Its just we now getting the opportunity, saying enough is enough, we are tired, and we will not allow it again. We have the capacity to do what’s right for the country We have to give the President credit for choosing good people. What we are doing is more or less living the President’s dream, basically doing what he has always believed in. We are just implementing his agenda, his vision, his beliefs for the country, and we are carrying in on with all the passion and zeal you can imagine.

Q: AF: … I can tell you, that we the members of the Nigerian Business Forum are inspired by these generation of angry Nigerians.

Q: AA: 2007. I have to ask that. We have heard rumors of former President Ibrahim Babangida campaigning. We have heard rumors of Vice President Abubakar Atiku, …

A: NR: It will not be proper for me to comment of political matters. One, I am not a politician. Secondly, as a law enforcement officer, I have to be independent, and no committal, and non-partisan in the entire process. But what I can tell you is that someone with baggage, or someone with a case to answer will not be the President of Nigeria again. That is what I can say. I wouldn’t want to mention names, but we will do our work.

Q: AF: The world can clearly see all the work the EFCC has been doing, all the lobbying efforts at debt relief by the H.E minister of Finance, convincing our creditors about our fight against corrupt practices and our attitude now promoting good governance….we know our Paris club creditors will probably announce a debt relief package for us at the G8 summit in Gleneagles next month, but what is the EFCC doing to recover all the funds stashed in Switzerland , in western Europe, What is the EFCC doing to lobby these foreign banks to repatriate these funds back home

A: NR: That’s what we’re doing. That’s why I’m in here today I’ve been going round the capitals of the world. First and foremost, working towards some of these things. They are are criminal activities. These monies were stolen in Nigeria, and we have to investigate in Nigeria, and indeed establish that the money was stolen. Then we go out to look for the money. We have not been doing this , but we are doing it now. We go to any part of the world. We have had very negative experience in the past, but I think things are changing now. The world is taking us serious, and the world is recognizing that Nigeria is not what it used to be , and that there are serious people out there who are doing their work, and they deserve better attention. That is what is happening now, doors are opening for us right, left and center. Things are going to improve, I believe so. But it’ll have to start from our own end, from Nigeria itself. If we make a case, and tell them that this money is stolen, and state clearly that these stolen funds are being used in their financial centers, I tell you that if we push hard, definitely they will let go and we are doing just that now. Definitely, it will become more difficult for anyone to steal money and find a place to keep it anywhere, Particularly in the western world, and very soon we are talking about the entire world. The world is becoming like a global village. Wherever you take anything, it wont be hidden anywhere anymore, and we are going to pursue you. Most importantly, we are going to block the loop holes back home. Those who are stealing will find it very hard. Let it be very clear to them, that today if are brought to justice, tomorrow, we will bring you to justice, it’s a matter of time, and you’ll leave evidence behind.

Q: AF: As members of the NBF, we are probably an angrier generation of Nigerians, we are young professionals in the Diapsora. We are tired of the negative publicity, the reports of TI (Transparency International), we want to reclaim our country back, and we support the economic reforms in Nigeria. What advise can you give to the younger generation of Nigerians that want to reclaim our country back Secondly, what can we do to possibly assist in the economic reform as Nigerians abroad.

Q: NR: Excellent, first of all if I can tell you. You, the members of the NBF are the best breed Nigeria can boast of. Because of education, in terms of exposure , experience you are the best. You are in the best position to help the country get back on track. You find that all over the world citizens of countries abroad do help in building their home countries. Look at what Jews are doing to Israel. They are more or less responsible for the survival of the country and its influence all over the world. Same thing with Italians, and Irish people all over. Why not Nigerians helping in building Nigeria. Wherever you are, and it can be done.

Two, don’t allow the few bad ones amongst you to destroy the image of Nigeria. There are lots of people who are outside, who are always getting themselves involved in criminal activities and giving us a bad name. It pains me when I go to law enforcement agencies all over the world, and they tell me the activities of some Nigerians. It makes me mad really to go to a prison and see a Nigerian sitting there. Really, these are part of the problems, and we will have to fight it, and address this problem.

You can also, help identify with the policies, and those who are involved with the reform package back home. Give them support. The support they are doing matters a lot, because we are facing difficulties back home. We know that we are fighting a formidable enemy. If you say that you are fighting corrupt people. Those people who are powerful individuals. We are fighting institutional corruption . So we need support of you outside the country to stand by us. Never again, make it impossible, for the bad people to ever have an advantage again in the country. Whatever you can do in terms of direct assistance, please continue to organize yourselves and do it. I earlier told you about nationals of different countries, and what they do in their country. This is a reality. I’m taking about foreign investments, even investing back in the Nigerian economy and areas like this will greatly improve our economy back home. Look at Doctors, Professors, there has to be a way to give back home, like what you are doing with the NBF, it is going to make a big difference, Organize yourself, come out courageously, make sacrifices, and it’ll help us back home. You are the only who can truly and genuinely help, and carry others along. You can do it by letting the world to know who we are , advancing our own cause, and always standing by the country. Help in building patriotism, the need for us to be one, and lead towards a better future for all of us.

WHAT IS NEW AND DIFFERENT ABOUT EFCC IN THE PAST

YEAR AND HALF – www.efccnigeria.org

 

  • . Strong will and determination to bring all culprits to justice.
  • . The Commis ion between May 2003 and June 2004recovered money and assets
  • derived from crimeworth over $700 million. It also recovered another £ 3 million
  • from the British Government.
  • . It arrested virtually all the nctarious Advance fee fraud kingpins. It has over 500 suspects in custody and most of them are standing trial in the various courts in the country.
  • . It is presently prosecuting over 100 cases in court and investigating over 500 cases at various stages.
  • . It is presently prosecuting one of the biggest world fraud cases involving about
  • $242 million arising from a bank fraud in Brazil.
  • . It has increased the revenue profile of the nation by about 20% due to its activities
  • in the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Seaports.
  • . Recovered revenue of over N20 billion naira for government.
  • . Played a key in the government reform programmes, e.g restructuring of the Nigeria Customs Service.
  • . Recovered billions to government in respect of failed government contracts.
  • . It has curbed oil bunkering in the Niger Delta Region. The initial daily illegal bunkerngo of about 300,000 - 500,000 barrels has now substantially reduced to anything less than 50 thousand barrels. It is presently prosecuting over 20 persons involved in vandalization of oil pipelines.

 

Download the transcripts of this interview in adobe PDF

 

www.efccnigeria.org

www.nbfonline.org