EFCC Recovers N248bn, Charges Four Ex-Governors and Two Ex-Ministers

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has disclosed significant progress in its anti-corruption campaign, announcing the recovery of N248 billion and the prosecution of four former governors and two former ministers over various corruption charges. The update was shared during a press briefing in Abuja, where the EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, represented the agency’s Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.

According to the EFCC, the four ex-governors facing charges include Yahaya Bello (Kogi State), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara State), Willie Obiano (Anambra State), and Darius Ishaku (Taraba State). The allegations against these former leaders involve substantial amounts of misappropriated state funds, with Yahaya Bello facing charges linked to over N190 billion. Ishaku and a former official stand accused of misusing N27 billion, while Ahmed, along with his former finance commissioner, faces allegations concerning N10 billion in mismanaged funds. Obiano is charged with money laundering and theft totaling N4 billion.

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Additionally, the EFCC has pursued cases against former ministers Saleh Mamman and Olu Agunloye, both alleged to have misappropriated funds designated for the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project. The commission stated that Mamman is implicated in misusing N33.8 billion, while Agunloye faces charges related to $6 billion. Hadi Sirika, another former minister, is also under investigation in two separate cases involving alleged fraud of N5.8 billion.

During the press briefing, Olukoyede highlighted the EFCC’s recent successes in asset recovery and combating financial crimes. He noted that in the past 12 months, the agency has achieved 3,455 convictions across various categories of financial crimes and corruption cases. The agency recovered N248.7 billion in local currency and $105.4 million in foreign assets. Furthermore, $180,300 and 53 vehicles were repatriated to Canada, while €5,100 was returned to Spain. Within Nigeria, 14 properties were restored to the Enugu State government.

The EFCC’s efforts have extended beyond asset recovery to address election-related offenses, with several arrests made for vote-buying in recent elections. Olukoyede also confirmed ongoing investigations into the alleged bribery case involving social media influencer Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, and reaffirmed the agency’s zero tolerance for misconduct within its ranks.

Olukoyede revealed that investigations into former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Betta Edu continue, with 40 bank accounts linked to the case under scrutiny and N30 billion already recovered. This extensive investigation has been supported by the review of numerous accounts and documents, and updates on the progress have been provided to the Presidency.

With a firm commitment to transparency and accountability, the EFCC under Olukoyede’s leadership remains dedicated to upholding its mandate and ensuring that high-profile cases of financial malpractice are thoroughly addressed.

Source: Vanguard News

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