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How To End Economic Crimes, By Rivers AG
Rivers State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Worgu Boms has pegged efficient intelligence gathering as a sure resource to combating economic and financial crimes in the country.
Speaking at the 32nd International Symposium on Economic Crime at the Jesus College, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, Boms said Nigeria will benefit a great deal in global information and intelligence sharing as it battles the scourge of economic crimes if put in proper use.
He said, “Since economic crimes are part of the global transnational crimes committed in or between different countries, without being based on any particular location and facilitated through the use of internet technology and other techniques, the use of intelligence as the raw material for ensuring the detection and investigation of these crimes must correspondingly respond to the sophistication in nature and perpetration of such crimes.
“The extent to which we manage intelligence and protect the integrity of its sources, analyses as well as their proper utilization determines to a large extent the strength or otherwise of any initiative in the fight against economic crime. The positive use of intelligence to improve the efficacy of investigations and to facilitate the distruption of economic crime may constitute both the sword and shield in the arsenal in the fight against economic crime.”
Boms also stated that the Nigerian police which is “the primary agency established under the constitution and charged with the responsibility for the prevention and apprehension of offenders, the preservation of law and order and the protection of lives and property” can make great progress in the fight against economic crime and other corrupt practices in partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) using high intelligence and surveillance techniques as obtainable globally as well as the powers invested on them by the law.
“As part of the statutory functions of the EFCC, its empowered to adopt measures to identify, trace, freeze, confiscate or seize proceeds derived from terrorist activities, economic and financial crime related offences or the properties, the values of which correspond to such proceeds; and the coordinated preventive and regulatory actions; introduction and maintenance of investigative and control techniques on the prevention of economic and financial crimes. The EFCC also has responsibility for receiving, requesting analyzing and disseminating to competent authorities disclosures of financial information concerning suspected proceeds of crime and potential financing of terrorism.
“From the existing legal framework on economic crime in Nigeria, it is evident therefore that the use of intelligence is the most potent weapon in the fight against crime. There is also in Nigeria, the money laundering prohibition act as amended, which contain clear provisions that make the use of intelligence mandatory in the detection, investigation and prevention of economic crime… the act provides under section 6 for special surveillance on transactions which have unjustifiable and unreasonable frequency or surrounded by conditions of unusual complexity or appear to have no economic justification of lawful objective or involve suspected terrorist financing. Transactions involving any of the above circumstances are to be reported to the commission by the financial institution or designated non-financial institution, furnishing all relevant information about the transaction including the identity of the principal and the beneficiaries and take appropriate action to prevent the laundering of the proceeds of the economic crime,” he stated.
The Rivers State Attorney-General however decried the Nigerian financial crime law which pitchs lawyers against their clients by mandating them to report suspicious transactions by their clients to the authorities.
He explained that it would be contradictory of the lawyers’ profession to act as both defender and attacker of their clients at the same time, calling for a review of that aspect of the law that makes Nigerian lawyers police detectors against their clients.
“I was here last year and reported then, that in Nigeria, the law now includes lawyers as non financial institutions and thus are expected to report their clients to the authorities if transactions with which they are concerned for their clients are suspect under the law. This therefore is another source of intelligence gathering, but for me a very uninspiring one at that. As I stated then, ours is the only profession in the whole world, not engineering, not medicine, not even the priesthood, but the legal profession that is charged with the enviable onerous and to me a defying duty of defending even the most scoundrel and despicable of persons accused of crime. To expect these professionals to report the same persons they are ethically and statutorily enjoying to defend to the authorities amounts to enjoining somebody to cry and to laugh at the same time, because as you know, when lawyers have big clients, they laugh, to tell them to report to the authorities, they’ll begin to laugh and that is very contradictory.
“Let the police do their work of investigations and detection, let the lawyer do his work of defending or prosecuting depending on where he is called, that way the coast will be clear for a pure and unpolluted investigation and intelligent gathering process. Some of these irksome provisions which put the lawyer as the defender and attacker, the money laundering act stipulate mandatory disclosure of transactions by financial institutions, the prohibition of anonymous accounts and the surveillance of bank accounts for the purpose of ensuring the detection and prevention of economic crime all by or through banks of financial institutions.
“We do not need to pitch the lawyer against his client to make success. If we remove that, we can still attain some milestone. No efforts therefore should be spared by individuals and groups in strengthening intelligence gathering and sharing between states in the collective fight against the global scourge of economic crime,” Boms noted.
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo