Former Governors And Ministers Under Fire As Corruption Investigation Escalates

Former Governors And Ministers Under Fire As Corruption Investigation Escalates

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced successful legal proceedings against four former governors and two former ministers in the past year,.…….CONTINUE READING

all under the leadership of Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede. At a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, EFCC Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, highlighted the agency’s key achievements in asset recovery and fraud prevention.

The former governors charged include Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Willie Obiano (Anambra), and Darius Ishaku (Taraba), who are accused of misappropriating substantial sums of state funds. Specifically, Bello’s case involves over N190 billion, while Ishaku, along with a former official, is linked to N27 billion in charges. Ahmed and his finance commissioner face allegations of mismanaging N10 billion, and Obiano is charged with laundering and embezzling N4 billion.

In addition, former ministers Saleh Mamman and Olu Agunloye have been charged with misappropriating funds related to the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project, totaling N33.8 billion and $6 billion, respectively. Hadi Sirika is also under investigation for alleged fraud involving N5.8 billion, and ongoing investigations are focused on Betta Edu, the recently dismissed Minister of Humanitarian Affairs.

The EFCC reported recovering assets worth N248.7 billion and securing over 35 convictions linked to currency hoarding in the last year. Moreover, the agency successfully repatriated $180,300 and 53 vehicles to Canada, as well as €5,100 to Spain. Fourteen properties were also returned to the Enugu State government.

Ola Olukoyede reaffirmed the EFCC’s dedication to transparency, noting that since he took office on October 18, 2023, the commission has achieved 3,455 convictions across various financial crime categories. He emphasized the recovery of significant monetary assets, totaling N248.75 billion and $105.4 million in foreign currency, showcasing a robust commitment to asset recovery.

Addressing challenges in prosecuting electoral offenses, Olukoyede underscored the EFCC’s resolve to uphold electoral integrity despite obstacles. The commission has made strides in preventing vote trading in recent elections, particularly in runoff elections, and is prepared to prosecute offenders when arrests are made.

Olukoyede reminded stakeholders that while the EFCC handles law enforcement, other regulatory agencies have their specific responsibilities within the ICT ecosystem.