RismadarVoice Reporters
February 19, 2026
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has organized a three-day capacity development programme for its officers on insurance-related fraud prevention, detection, and investigation.
The training, which held from February 16 to 18, 2026, at the EFCC Kaduna Zonal Directorate, was designed for officers drawn from the Commission’s Northwest and Northeast Directorates. It was aimed at enhancing their professional competence in identifying, preventing, and investigating fraud within the insurance sector.
In his opening remarks, the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede—represented by the Head of Proceeds of Crime Management, Kaduna Zonal Directorate, ACE I Emeka Okonjo—commended the organizers for initiating what he described as a “timely and strategic” programme. He noted that the training underscored the Commission’s commitment to continuous capacity building and proactive responses to emerging financial crime trends.
Olukoyede observed that insurance fraud erodes public trust, weakens financial institutions, and poses significant threats to economic stability. He stressed that addressing the challenge requires well-trained officers equipped with specialized knowledge, modern investigative tools, and a clear understanding of evolving fraud typologies.
Also speaking, the Acting Commandant of the EFCC Academy, Dr. Joseph Ogwiji—represented by Assistant Commander of the EFCC II, ACE II Joy Idoko—said the programme was carefully designed to provide participants with practical knowledge, contemporary investigative techniques, and professional insights necessary to effectively combat insurance-related fraud. He urged participants to actively engage with facilitators and maximize the learning opportunities provided.
On the first day of the training, Professor Michael Ikupolati, an academic and expert in leadership, corporate governance, and insurance, delivered three lectures titled: “Introduction to Insurance Practices in Nigeria”; “Insurance Products, Premiums, and Fraud Prevention in Nigeria”; and “ML/FT/PF Risks in the Industry and Their Detection and Prevention.” He expressed appreciation to EFCC management for the opportunity to contribute to the programme.
Other facilitators included Assistant Commander of the EFCC II, ACE II Sophia Agbo, who lectured on “Legal and Regulatory Frameworks for Insurance Fraud Prevention and Insurance Evidence Analysis and Prosecution”; ACE II Joy-Ochonu Idoko, who spoke on “Strengthening Internal Controls and Compliance”; and Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Stephanie Philip Fitswemila, who delivered a session on “Common Insurance Fraud Schemes, Detection Techniques, and the Insurance Fraud Investigation Process.”
Interactive discussion sessions provided participants with opportunities for in-depth analysis of the topics presented.
At the close of the programme, certificates of participation were presented to attendees by the Acting Director of the EFCC Kaduna Zonal Directorate, ACE I Ahmed Ghali.
